Martial arts are defined as systems of fighting that are practiced for self-defense, spiritual growth, and physical training. These disciplines can be categorized into striking, grappling, take-down, and hybrid martial arts.
While some martial arts are practiced with weapons, such as Kali, others, like Tai-Chi, are practiced for meditation.
Although this ancient discipline has been practiced for thousands of years, its popularity continues to grow, with almost 4 million people aged six and older practicing martial arts in 2016 alone.
Singapore hosts hundreds of studios, ensuring that visitors or long-term residents can find an academy to suit their specific requirements.
Here are 10 of the best martial arts schools in Singapore:
1. Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
Evolve Mixed Martial Arts is widely recognized in Singapore, offering the highest possible standard of martial arts instruction.
This academy is the largest martial arts school in the country, boasting multiple, easily-accessible locations, and caters to thousands of students, ranging from young children up to top-level executives.
Classes are led by seasoned world champions, who represent the pinnacle of various disciplines, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and numerous others.
The founder is a Harvard MBA with nearly three decades of martial arts experience, providing assurance that the gym maintains world-class business practices.
Evolve has multiple locations, including their flagship academy at Evolve Far East Square, Evolve Pomo, and Evolve Orchard Central.
2. Fight G
Fight G holds the distinction of being the oldest MMA academy operating in Singapore. Leading this well-established institution is Darren da Silva, a certified instructor in many disciplines and a local fighting legend.
The curriculum at Fight G features comprehensive courses in disciplines such as MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
For students who aim for competitive success, there is a dedicated option available to train specifically for competitions.
In addition to the standard group classes, the academy offers personal training, catering to those who prefer a more individualized and exclusive martial arts experience. Fight G is located at 41C North Canal Road.
3. Singapore Taekwon-do Academy
The Singapore Taekwon-do Academy (STA) focuses on teaching Traditional Taekwon-do and Self Defence, with Senior Instructor Adrian Huan heading the academy.
Huan is a dedicated, full-time instructor who brings over 30 years of experience to his teaching. Classes are known for being active and fun-loving, covering essential skills like Taekwon-do patterns and sparring techniques required for quarterly grading.
Students, both adults and children, also learn jump kicks, board breaking, high kicks training, and close contact self-defence and awareness.
While the Orchard Central class is held at the Ten Square studio, basic lessons are accessible at all other STA Training Centres.
4. Wing Chun Kuen Training Centre
This training center finds its foundation in the legacy of Bruce Lee, who began his martial arts journey training in Wing Chun under the guidance of Ip Man.
The authenticity of instruction is guaranteed, as the head trainer, Sifu Chua Kah Joo, holds a direct lineage in the ancient art from the legendary Ip Man himself.
Students at this school are immersed in learning all the traditional style martial arts. The academy successfully cultivates a strong sense of family unity among its students, creating a close-knit training group.
The Wing Chun Kuen Training Centre is situated in the Midview City area, at Block 18, Sin Ming Lane.
5. The Jungle MMA & Fitness
The Jungle MMA & Fitness is recognized as one of the most highly recommended martial arts schools in Singapore, conveniently located in Raffles Place.
Established in 2017, the gym operates with a mission to enhance physical strength and developmental progress through the practice of martial arts.
The gym provides flexible and competitive training options, including personal training alongside indoor and outdoor group classes in disciplines such as Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, HIIT, and boxing.
The trainers are acknowledged for their friendly nature and high level of patience. Notably, beginners are well-supported, receiving time to learn the basics during the popular and well-structured Muay Thai classes.
6. JR Muay Thai
JR Muay Thai was established with the specific goal of delivering quality Muay Thai training programs to anyone eager to learn martial arts skills.
The academy is committed to providing qualified Muay Thai trainers and services aimed at enhancing one’s self-defence abilities, well-being, and overall lifestyle.
The trainers acknowledge the critical importance of having a conveniently located place to train. Consequently, JR Muay Thai has partnered with several top gyms across Singapore to offer multiple training locations.
Regardless of whether students book through JR Muay Thai or its partner gyms, the pricing and packages remain consistent, offering both traditional and fitness Muay Thai experiences.
7. Juggernaut Fight Club
Juggernaut Fight Club is a popular choice for students interested in learning several combat disciplines, including wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and MMA.
The fight club is led by Arvind Lalwani, an accomplished ex-national boxer. The academy also features other trainers who are highly successful combatants and capable of offering quality instruction, such as Championship athlete Tiffany Teo.
Given its central location in Singapore, Juggernaut is an excellent training venue, especially for professionals who work in the Central Business District (CBD).
The fight club is located at 33D Hong Kong Street and maintains operating hours into the evening on weekdays.
8. Z Fencing
Z Fencing specializes in fencing, a Western martial art that is highly respected as a sport internationally. Fencing has a presence in Singapore dating back over two decades.
This gym is home to some of Singapore’s best fencers, who are dedicated to developing the sport and actively molding the character of their students.
Z Fencing has successfully expanded its reach beyond Singapore, establishing branches in international cities such as Los Angeles, Kuala Lumpur, and Shanghai.
The academy operates two main locations in Singapore: Z Fencing Elite Fencers Academy situated at SAFRA Toa Payoh, and Z Fencing Goldhill Centre on Thomson Road.
9. Korean Taekwondo Martial Art
At the Korean Taekwondo Martial Art (KTMA) Academy, the training methodology focuses on helping every student develop to their fullest potential.
The curriculum emphasizes cultivating self-defense techniques through the fundamental art of punching and kicking. KTMA believes that Taekwondo lessons should incorporate a blend of serious learning, engagement, and fun.
Beyond physical techniques, the academy’s Taekwondo instructors actively strive to instill all the right values in their students.
The training includes Taekwondo Demonstration techniques, Taekwondo Sparring/Poomsae techniques, and Taekwondo Self-Defence techniques. Students who have trained here have secured numerous awards at both the local and international levels.
10. Singapore Silat Federation
The Singapore Silat Federation works to uphold the established history, values, and traditions of Silat in modern-day Singapore. Silat is a robust, full-body fighting style that integrates strikes, throwing, grappling, and even weaponry.
The federation was founded by Sheik Alauddin, who achieved recognition as a former silat world champion and currently serves as the head of the organization.
This academy has a proven history of producing Singapore’s best fighters and champions. The Silat Centre of Excellence is located at 7 Bedok North Street 2, and class times and schedules at the federation vary depending on the location.
Alicia Richards