You're probably more than familiar with Mixed Martial Arts thanks to the high-profile UFC fights (who can forget Mayweather VS Pacquiao, and the even more commercially-driven Mayweather VS McGregor), but what is it really a mix of? There are various disciplines in combat sports, many of which originate in Asia, and can be categorised by their primary focus of striking, throwing, and grappling. Though they usually find their roots in self-defence, it's always fun to be able to properly poke someone's eye out get a good workout while training your reflexes. Here are some popular MMA sports and their respective gyms/dojos to try.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
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Despite its central location, the gym has an informal family-club setting to its space. Impact’s grappling programme is helmed by Alexsandro “Leke” Machado, who was the deputy trainer to BJJ legend Ricardo Vieira of Checkmat. The gym has also produced many homegrown fighters including the first Singaporean to sign with UFC.
Impact MMA is located at Shenton House #03-06A, Singapore 068805.
Kali Majapahit
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Chiefly influenced by Filipino martial arts Kali (or Eskrima, or Arnis), the Southeast Asian fusion sport also incorporates Silat, Muay Thai, as well as Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do. Kali Majapahit involves both barehanded sparring and coordination with sticks, and sessions include padwork and conditioning. Curriculum encompasses a grading system with belt levels.
Kali Majapahit is located at 43 Carpenter Street #02-01, Singapore 059922 and 767 Upper Serangoon Road #01-05, Singapore 534635.
Krav Maga
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Try the Israeli military self-defence system to train your body for situations outside the gym. Learn how to deal with an assailant wielding a weapon, how to counter chokes and headlocks, as well as both run cardio and technical drills targeted to practise your moves under duress.
Krav Maga Singapore is located at 33D Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059672.
Kapap
The origins of Krav Maga, Kapap is taught in civilian version in this academy. It relies on gross motor responses and is a highly practical approach tailored to the individual's physique as opposed to a one-size-fits-all technique taught elsewhere. The academy also avails Modern Street Combatives, Bas Rutten MMA, and Catch Wrestling.
Kapap Academy is located at Robinson Square #05-01, Singapore 068908, and 8 Liang Seah Street #02-01, Singapore 189029.
Karate
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Teaching traditional full contact Kyokushin karate, classes entail kihon (basics), kata (form), and kumite (sparring). The school is affiliated with the WKO Shinkyokushinkai organisation, has students of all ages, and best yet, four locations across Singapore to choose from—*Scape, Oxley Bizhub, Tampines Hub, and JTC Summit.
Dojo Wu is located at 2 Orchard Link #05-01 Singapore 237978, amongst other locations islandwide.
Muay Thai
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Essentially Thai kickboxing, the sport remains one of the most prevalent forms of sparring sports worldwide. This gym currently keeps a pretty straightforward schedule divided by weekends and weekdays, and accepts all levels for all classes.
Juggernaut Fight Club is located at 275 Beach Road #01-01, Singapore 199549.
Taekwondo
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Maybe you missed out embarking on this sport when you were a sprite youngin, but it's not too late to start on your black belt dreams with adult classes in this school. Besides both traditional and Taegeuk (modern) forms of strikes and sweeps, you will also get to try the full range of Olympic style sparring.
JH Kim Taekwondo Institute is located at Serangoon Gardens #01-14, Singapore 559022 and Seletar Hills Estate, Singapore 808436.
Bonus: UBX
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Co-founded by four-time world champion Australian boxer Danny Green, this results-based strength training replicates the physical demands of a championship bout; 12 3-minute rounds with 30 seconds rest in between, developed to ensure you exert the right amount of stress without burning out your body. What’s unique is the freedom to cater to your schedule as there are no fixed class times, simply a 45-minute workout that starts when you show up.
UBX is located at 46a Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277696.
