Pursuing your lifelong dream of becoming a fighter, or looking for a fun sport to burn those calories? Either way, martial arts offers both mental and physical benefits, making it a great form of exercise for adults and kids alike. We round up our top five schools and gyms that specialise in different types of martial arts.
#1 INDUK Taekwondo
This taekwondo school offers specially designed programs that cater to students of all ages. Instructors here are experienced and passionate, and classes are conducted in two dojangs (training studios) that are fully equipped, spacious and lined with safety mats. Starting from the Supertots classes for ages three and four years – designed to engage them in play that improves motor sensory development – to Induk Toddlers for four- to six-year-olds, and Induk Kidz for those up to 15 years, every lesson is fun and engaging. Adults can pick up the sport, too; adult classes are combined with full-body cardio and physical conditioning, thus giving you a complete workout.
Hear from a parent:
Erica Hugh, American, mother of Brandon (8), Junior Black Belt, and Nathan (6), Blue Belt.
“With a background in taekwondo, it was important for me to find a dojang for my children that fosters both athletic quality and compassion. Through these five years, INDUK has helped my kids understand that taekwondo is not just a cool sport, but it’s also a way of life. Thank you, INDUK!”
231 Mountbatten Road (via Guillemard Crescent) Block G, #01-03
6241 8005 | induk.com.sg
#2 Muse Fitness Club
Launched last October, this fitness club specialises in Muay Thai. On offer are group classes, personal training, competitive training, and kids’ classes. Boxing lessons will be available next month, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will launch in May. If you’re new to the gym, you can enjoy a free three-day trial, alongside professional body assessments. Heads up, ladies – you get complimentary training every Wednesday at 8pm, where you can sweat it out with blood-pumping music from live DJs!
Hear from a trainer:
Chris Wong Lei Biao, Chief Trainer (Muay Thai)
“Muay Thai has shaped me as an individual and has pulled me out of the most difficult times in my life. I love to see the progress of my students, in both their mental and physical conditions. I absolutely love the overall quality of the gym. The huge space, top-notch equipment, service, showers and great co-workers make coming to work every day enjoyable. Muse has an amazing vibe, too – everyone seems to be truly happy when they are there! In my 20 years of experience with the sport, I’ve never come across a gym like this.”
298 Jalan Besar #04-01, Allenby House
6291 6161 | musefitnessclub.com
#3 JH Kim Taekwondo Singapore
Since its opening in 2003, JH Kim Taekwondo Singapore has been the leading school under Master Santos Rivas’ guidance. Established internationally in Malaysia, Korea, China, the US and Ireland, this school is also part of the World Taekwondo Federation, alongside being affiliated to Singapore Taekwondo Federation. The Taekwon Tots (three to five years old) program is focused at enhancing the kids’ motor skills, cognitive development and social skills, while the T-Kids (five to 15 years old) program introduces the children to the fundamentals of the sport. Want to pick up self-defence skills? Adults can also participate in various classes, from fitness and flexibility classes to self-defence for both men and women.
Hear from a trainer:
Beatrice Anne Ventura, Senior Instructor
“I consider this school a gem when I first started teaching here a few years ago. I enjoy teaching taekwondo as it’s a great chance for me to impart my knowledge to my students and share my passion with them. I like how the JH Kim Taekwondo system offers different classes for our students. I would strongly recommend this school to any parents or students who want to learn taekwondo. ”
Five outlets islandwide: Millenia Walk, Katong, Siglap, Tampines and West Coast
6299 0495 | jhkim-singapore.com
#4 Jagsport
Established since 1997, this training centre offers judo classes for both children and adults. Here you’ll get to learn from the pros; coaches and trainers are top local athletes who work closely with the Singapore Judo Federation (SJF) and Sport Singapore. Children learn to roll safely on the mat, and escape from grabs and holds. Upon mastering these critical skills, students learn how to apply techniques to disable an opponent. The programmes are also designed to provide your child with the necessary skills to defend or escape from dangerous situations. Regular competitions and grading provide opportunities for application and demonstration of skills, and the motivation to do better.
Hear from a parent:
Elisabeth, mother of Max (8) and Charlotte (6).
“Judo is fantastic in building mental and physical discipline, and a great way to channel a child’s energy! It develops focus, strength, coordination and motivation. Jagsport is outstanding – there’s a real sense of family, and the instructors are top-class athletes who are dedicated to getting your children to do their very best.”
340-B King George’s Avenue
9173 3793 | jagsport.com
#5 Impact Mixed Martial Arts
Located in the heart of the CBD, this gym offers a variety of programs to choose from, including Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), boxing and wrestling. Not sure which to choose? Try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), renowned for being the most effective martial art for situations where a fight has gone to the ground. Psst… There are also 45-minute lunchtime slots (cardio Muay Thai and MMA conditioning) on weekdays, perfect for a quick workout sesh before heading back to the office!
Hear from a student:
Wong Thian Boon, Malaysian
“I’ve been training at Impact MMA since 2011. Back then I was recovering from a slipped disc, so I was a bit intimidated to start BJJ training. But with the dedicated team of instructors in Impact, I was hooked on it and subsequently cross trained in Muay Thai, wrestling, boxing and MMA. What makes Impact different from other gyms are their reasonable and flexible fee structures, as well as the variety of disciplines offered.”
3 Shenton Way
#03-06A Shenton House
6223 8275 | impactmma.com.sg
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