The best martial arts classes in Singapore for kids

For mixed martial arts

The MMA gym isn’t just for adults to practice their fancy footwork and throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. Kids as young as four can throw some punches here too. Evolve MMA’s Little Samurai Children’s Program introduces energetic kiddos to the world of martial arts, combining physical education, self-defense techniques, and cardiovascular conditioning. It’s also a great way to school the little ones about different martial arts including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai.

For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Unlike your usual Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes, The Gentle Art incorporates the Olympic-level Suples Bulgarian Bag training programme to improve cardio, strength, endurance and coordination. And this includes its BJJ Kids programme which is dedicated to helping children as young as three to develop good motor skills, as well as confidence with a form of self-defence that does not involve striking or kicking. Classes are split according to age and ability, so you don’t have to worry about your tiny tot taking on the big kids.

For Muay Thai

Channel your kids’ energy to building stronger minds and bodies through Muay Thai. Ideal for children aged six and above, JR Muay Thai’s classes help develop discipline, focus, and mental strength in your child as they learn the basic boxing and kicking as well as self-defense techniques, physical education, and cardiovascular conditioning. If it’s your kid’s dream to contend in local or international Muay Thai contests, you have JR Muay Thai’s word in preparing them to be championship-ready.

For silat

While it mirrors the precise and slow moves of traditional Malay dance forms, silat’s nothing like the fight-dance choreography of West Side Story. Recognised as a piece of Intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, the indigenous martial arts from the Nusantara focus on defense rather than attack. And at Sports Silat Academy, kids over the age of three are taught self-defense skills as well as various ways to improve their mental and emotional strengths in a fun-filled learning environment.

For judo

Traditionally, a Japanese martial arts practice that has roots in the ancient samurai culture, Judo, which means ‘gentle way’, is now one of the world’s most popular combat sports. Start your kids young by signing them up at Singapore Judo Club, one of the oldest and most established Judo dojos in the country. The non-profit organisation has been promoting the sport since 1954 and is completely managed by volunteers, including passionate and certified instructors who lead both the adults and kids’ classes.

For mixed martial arts

If you think martial art gyms are intimidating, FaMA (Fitness and Martial Arts) will have your expectations thrown out of the window. Bright and airy, this open-concept studio facing the Singapore River is more like a yoga studio than an MMA gym. But don’t be fooled into thinking that the instructors will go easy on you – founder Zoro Moeira is a BJJ black belt holder and is passionate about using martial arts as a base to improve overall functional strength, coordination and flexibility in a safe environment. FaMA’s family-friendly atmosphere includes classes that run concurrently with kids’ sessions so the whole brood can get in a workout at the same time.