Frequently asked questions

At The PIT, we proudly teach six distinct martial arts, each with its own unique identity and heritage: 🥋 Tae Kwon Do 🥋 Korean Karate (Kwon Bop Do) 🥋 Japanese Ju Jitsu 🥋 Kobu Jutsu 🧘 Yang-style Tai Chi 🥊 Thai Boxing / International Kickboxing & Boxing Each discipline offers its own path to strength, skill, and self-mastery — all taught with tradition, precision, and passion.

Kwon Bop Do is Tae Kwon Do which is a Korean style of Martial Arts used for defence, under the lineage of Grandmaster Joe Onopa (1942 - 2010) 10th degree Black belt.

What you see in the Olympics is only one style of Sport Tae Kwon Do W.T.F. (World Tae Kwon Do Federation 1973). The name Tae Kwon Do came into existence in 1955 in an attempt to unify all the different styles of Korean Karate under one common name. Not all joined the W.T.F. or I.T.F. (International Tae Kwon Do Federation 1966) but the various arts are from a 1500 year old fighting tradition used for defence of the country.

We teach traditional Japanese style Ju Jitsu which is one of the oldest and complete Martial Arts in the world used by Samurai Warriors.

Many people believe that earning a Black Belt means you’ve mastered the art — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, a Black Belt marks the beginning of a deeper journey. It’s like completing an apprenticeship: you’ve built a solid foundation, but now the real work begins. A Black Belt is a student who has become a tradesperson — and from there, the goal is to grow into a skilled, wise, and well-rounded master. In true martial arts, learning never stops. There’s always room to improve, refine, and elevate your understanding — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

We are not sports Martial Art but we do compete in various all style tournaments with great success over the past 30 years of competition.

At our full-time centre, we offer dedicated children’s classes in selected martial arts. Across all of our locations, we also run mixed-age classes, where students of all ages and ranks train together. This inclusive environment allows children to develop valuable skills by learning alongside others of different ages, sizes, and experience levels — enhancing their adaptability, confidence, and overall growth.

You can start training with us at any age! Children aged 6–7 tend to get the most out of martial arts training, as their focus and coordination are developing well at this stage. However, we also offer two special 30-minute classes designed specifically for 4–5-year-olds, giving them a fun and structured introduction to the fundamentals. As for adults — age is no barrier! We currently have students training well into their 70s, and many families enjoy training together across all our martial arts programs. Whether you're 4 or 74, it's never too early — or too late — to start your martial arts journey.

This is a common misconception. While martial arts involves physical techniques like punching, kicking, and blocking, these are primarily used to develop fitness, coordination, self-defence, and confidence — not aggression. True martial arts training goes far beyond the physical. Its deeper purpose is to shape disciplined, respectful, and humble individuals who understand that avoiding conflict is far more powerful than engaging in it. Every student comes to martial arts for different reasons — some seek confidence, others need structure or emotional balance. Whether it’s building self-esteem, learning self-control, or managing ego, we guide and support each student on their individual journey. Martial arts is not about fighting — it’s about becoming your best self.

Absolutely! You don’t need to be fit, flexible, or have any martial arts experience to get started — that’s our job to help you build those skills. All you need to do is take the first step: walk through the door, and let us guide and support you from there. We welcome students of all ages and backgrounds — from energetic 4-year-olds to adults in their 70s and even 80s (especially in Tai Chi). Everyone trains at their own pace, with respect for individual abilities and life experiences. You’re never too old, too unfit, or too inexperienced to begin — just start. We’ve got you.

At The PIT, we offer five specialised martial arts, each with its own unique focus, benefits, and training style — so there’s something to suit every individual. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve fitness, learn self-defence, or dive deeply into the philosophy and discipline of martial arts, we’re here to guide you. We’ll happily offer suggestions based on your goals, but ultimately, the choice is yours. You're welcome to try a trial class to experience the art—or combination of arts—that suits you best. Whether your goal is to master a specific discipline or enjoy the benefits of cross-training, you’ll find a path that supports your fitness, strength, flexibility, stamina, and overall well-being — all while belonging to a supportive and inclusive community.

Getting started is simple! Just complete a quick health questionnaire, let us know your goals, and you’re ready to begin your martial arts journey. We accept enrolments year-round, and offer a range of flexible options to suit your lifestyle and budget — including casual passes, unlimited class memberships, family discounts, multi-class combos, and more. Whatever your goals, we’ll help you find the right path and support you every step of the way.

Yes — We Absolutely Offer Personal Training! At The PIT, our goal is simple: to help you achieve your personal goals and dreams, while equipping you with the tools and knowledge to continue progressing independently and confidently. Whether you're looking to improve fitness, lose weight, manage stress, recover from injury, or push your mental and physical limits, our personal training services are tailored to your individual needs. We offer focused support in: • Fitness & Weight Management • Injury Rehabilitation & Recovery • Stress Relief & Mental Wellness • Self-Defence & Situational Awareness • Advanced Sport-Specific Conditioning (Aerobic & Anaerobic) • Flexibility, Mobility & Stretching • Martial Arts Technical Mastery in All Styles You’ll train under the guidance of two fully graded, tested, and qualified Professional Master Instructors, available five days a week, alongside a team of 15 experienced Black Belt instructors from multiple disciplines. Our strength lies in our community: over 40 active Black Belts regularly train and teach across our locations, creating a strong, supportive, and skill-driven environment. You’ll be part of one of the most established and consistent martial arts schools in South-West Sydney — led by Master Chief Instructor Mr. Nick Donato, with over 50 years of experience, including 35+ years as a professional martial artist. Training Options to Suit You • Private One-on-One PT Sessions • Small Group Training • Regular Classes & Group Workouts • Train With Friends or Family • High-Energy 6–8 Week Programs • Unlimited Training Memberships Looking to Compete? If competition is your goal, you’ll be in excellent hands. Our students have achieved outstanding results across State, National, and World Championships in the past 30+ years. From interclub events to open martial arts circuits, we offer pathways in: • Kickboxing & Thai Boxing • Point Sparring & Full Contact Karate • Ring Karate & Koshiki • Ju Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Karate • Weapons, Kata, and more A System That’s Both Powerful and Personal We’re proud to be large enough to run our own interclub competitions, yet humble enough to come together as a community — with annual camping trips, family days, and social events that make The PIT more than just a training centre. It’s a family. Real-World Self-Defence, Real-World Preparedness We teach practical self-defence that balances awareness and avoidance with the confidence and ability to act when it matters most. Because in life, there are no rules when it comes to protecting yourself and those you love.