Kosta Skrapis, owner/head instructor at ADAPT Martial Arts & Boxing Academy in Wollongong, took the time to answer questions about martial arts, boxing and its benefits for locals.

Tell me about Adapt Academy.

Adapt Martial Arts and Boxing Academy’s been in business for over 15 years and we’re a family-oriented school. Our mission is to create a welcoming martial arts and boxing community that encourages growth and personal success. We focus on self-defence classes for people of all ages and abilities. Our Martial Arts Classes run in age-appropriate groups, suitable for 3 years to adults and boxing classes for teens to adults.

We were also the winner of the Most Outstanding Martial Arts School in the Illawarra and South Coast at the Local Business Awards 2022.

What is the age range for your classes?

Our Little Rangers class (preschool aged) is the perfect balance of fun and education of self-defence foundations. Whilst improving gross motor skills, practising counting, colours and following verbal instructions and more.

Junior Martial Arts classes (primary school aged) focuses on discipline, respect, and learning from the basics to advanced self-defence skills in preparation for their Junior Black Belt and beyond. Each class is divided into 3 belt groups to ensure our teacher to student ratio is less than 1:8. Having between 3-5 trainers available for each class.

Martial Arts for Teen to Adults classes are all about real self-defence. Focusing on Hapkido primarily, but combining the best techniques from other styles such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo. This combination of styles is ideal for teaching you what you need to know if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Boxing classes include Ladies Only morning classes for an inclusive and safe workout and boxing fundamentals; Boxing fitness for teen to adults; and Fight Club, for those serious about their training or wanting to get in the ring.

What are the fees involved and what does this entail? 

We accept Service NSW’s Active Kids vouchers for children. Upon enrolment, the voucher covers the full cost of the uniform. The subsequent vouchers can be used towards the fees or holiday programs.

Fees are $31p/w for 2 classes and discounts are available for multiple students of the same household, e.g. 2 students is $51, 3 students $68 etc.

How often are the training sessions?

The school runs classes Monday to Thursday. Little rangers-Preschool class is 30 minutes, Junior-Primary school aged is 40 minutes. Teens and adults are 45 minutes.

What capabilities would you expect from kids?

Little Rangers – preschool class, the child needs to be out of nappies. Other than that, there are no prerequisites.

We run classes in age-appropriate groups with only 3 belt groups in each junior class to ensure all children receive appropriate attention and are all at the same level.

Why would you recommend people join Adapt Academy? 

Besides learning how to defend yourself and keeping fit, there are many benefits you can take advantage of when you enrol. At these classes, you’ll make new friends who are like-minded.

A few key areas we focus on include:

• Confidence. Martial arts include dozens of different movements that need to be performed in a specific way. Learning these routines over a period improves your confidence in learning and mastering something new.

• Self-control. Attention and discipline are essential when it comes to learning martial arts. You’ll learn to be more disciplined in other aspects of your life, and this is a trait you’ll implement throughout your life.

• Improvement of motor skills. As the various movements use all your different body parts, your fine and gross motor skills will develop.

At Adapt Martial Arts & Boxing Academy, you can train all year-round and fine-tune your martial arts skills and level up. We are a group of highly trained and qualified trainers who provide various types of martial arts classes for you to choose from. We teach kids as young as three years old in a fun and safe environment and in a way that holds their concentration. 

For more information, visit the website, Instagram or Facebook page.