While Singapore is known to the world equally a foodie paradise, buzzing economical hub and gateway to Asian civilisation, fewer people know of its reputation as one of the world's nearly vibrant martial arts capitals. Our land is home to dozens of global pugilistic traditions, ranging from Brazilian and Israeli to Thai and Japanese.

Whether you're an activity seeker looking to have your first steps into the world of gainsay sports, or hoping to elevate your skills to the adjacent level, Singapore is the platonic place for martial arts enthusiasts. With a multitude of expert instructors, established gyms and dedicated peers, adrenaline lovers are bound to detect a gainsay discipline that speaks to their passions.

Strap on your gear, gird your loins, and enter the rings, gyms and dojos of the Lion Metropolis.

Boxing

Two men practicing boxing with a pair of foam sticks

Ane of the oldest martial arts in the world, boxing dates back thousands of years, as early on equally 3000 BC Sumeria.

While throwing a punch may sound pretty intuitive, at that place're tons of subtle variations beyond making a fist. Most beginner classes teach the fundamentals of boxing footwork and how to throw a jab, cross and hook. Sessions tend to be cardio-intensive diplomacy, and earnest participants are bound to push their limits.

While there are several gyms around the island that offer boxing classes, Spartans Battle Club at Joo Chiat/Katong boasts a dedicated battle ring, comprehensive range of equipment and veteran instructors. The gym prides itself on having a family-friendly temper, also as collaborative training sessions that incorporate exercises like Zumba and strength training. It'southward a great option for those looking to ease themselves into the learning process.

Spartans Boxing Club . 393 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427625. +65 9457 7910.
Monday-Fri 7am-9.30pm; Sat & Sun 9am-4pm.
For a list of Spartans Battle Social club gyms, click here. Call or visit their website to book a complimentary trial form.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Students in gi practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the floor mats

Arguably i of the virtually formidable forms of martial arts in the world, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all nearly taking the fight to the basis and subduing your assailant through a series of chokes, holds and locks.

A truly cosmopolitan martial art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its roots in Nihon. Upon migrating to Brazil, Japanese exponent Mitsuya Maede taught traditional Jiu-Jitsu to the Gracie family unit, who refined the art into its modern state.

The family's proper name has become synonymous with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the Lion Urban center boasts several instructors trained in the Gracie tradition. We recommend visiting Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Singapore, where head instructor Cam Sobey takes a rigorous, hands-on approach to teaching the fine art class.

Your first lesson will teach yous several fundamentals of self-defence, including basic chokes, uncomplicated takedowns and techniques to break a hard fall. The practicality of this form volition evidence useful for action seekers exploring roads less travelled.

Rex George'due south Building . 326C King George's Avenue, Singapore 208567. +65 8869 9042.
Call to volume a seven-day free trial class.

Capoeira

An Afro-Brazilian tradition that combines fight, music and dance, capoeira is a truly unique martial art: African slaves brought to Brazil disguised their sparring sessions beneath the façade of song and trip the light fantastic toe, in a bid to deceive their masters.

While capoeira has since evolved into a globally-recognised art form, the fluid strikes, dance-like acrobatics and rich heritage of its origins remain. First-time participants tin expect to learn a range of bones kicks, cartwheels and dodges; it's a corking selection for adrenaline seekers hoping to hone their agility and wits, while learning a smattering of Portuguese.

To acquire more most this martial fine art, pay a visit to Saudação Capoeira. Formerly known every bit Bantus Capoeira Singapore, the academy is helmed by Mestre Claudinho Soares, a veteran trainer whose lineage dates dorsum to Mestre Pastinha, one of capoeira'southward original pioneers.

Saudação Capoeira . 44C North Canal Road, Singapore 059300. +65 9060 2648.
Mon-Friday ten.30am-8pm; Sat 10.30am-4pm.
Call to book a gratis trial form.

Kali Majapahit

Since 1998, Kali Majapahit has been building sharpness and resilience in participants all over the world.

Founded by lifelong martial arts practitioner Fred Evrad, Kali Majapahit is based in Filipino martial tradition, only also incorporates other forms, such as Muay Thai.

Rather than focusing purely on the concrete aspects of self-defense force, the school'southward curriculum also encompasses the realms of health and personal growth, including animate techniques, posture and self-confidence.

Beginner classes focus on fundamental strikes and traditional stick fighting, while intermediate classes may include more difficult techniques like knife defence.

Kali Majapahit River Valley. 405 River Valley Route, Singapore 248303. +65 6534 5254.

Kali Majapahit Upper Serangoon. 767 Upper Serangoon Road #01-05, Singapore 534635. +65 6534 5254.

Click here to book a free trial class.

Karate

Evolving from indigenous Ryukyuan (at present known as Okinawan) martial arts for centuries, Karate was beginning formally recognized equally a Japanese martial art in 1933.

Primarily a striking form of martial arts, Karate is notable for its low stance, powerful kicks and plethora of mitt strikes, from punches to palm strikes. Chuck Norris—the famous Hollywood histrion—was trained in this style, and a famous karate exponent.

With its deep roots in tradition, karate practitioners also emphasize principles of respect, etiquette and self-subject, which are just as important as concrete techniques.

Experience a paid trial class at Ashihara Karate for sessions that focus on practical employ in the modern world. The arrangement here emphasizes natural torso move and straightforward techniques over fauna forcefulness and needlessly circuitous moves.

Ashihara Karate at Lionheart University Clubhouse, JK Building. Jalan Jurong Kechil, Singapore 598582. +65 9635 7835.

Ashihara Karate at Buona Vista CC Dojo, Buona Vista Customs Lodge. 36 Holland Drive, Singapore 270036. +65 6778 5163.

Visit their website to volume a class.

Muay Thai

Two men practicing Muay Thai with punching pads

Popularly known as the 'Art of Eight Limbs', Muay Thai is a martial art that focuses on hitting with i's fists, elbows, knees and shin. While this combat sport traces its roots back to the 18th century, information technology remains highly relevant in the modernistic 24-hour interval, and is oft employed by professional mixed martial artists.

To learn from some of the best Muay Thai exponents in the globe, drib by Evolve MMA. This chain of martial arts academies was founded by sometime Muay Thai fighter Chatri Sityodtong, who also prepare massive martial arts promoter I Championship. Chatri—whose proper noun means 'warrior' in Thai—overcame family hardship and poverty to create companies whose names have become synonymous with combat sports.

New practitioners volition be in capable hands, equally Evolve MMA's stable of Muay Thai instructors includes an impressive gallery of earth champs and renowned trainers. Beginners will learn bones roundhouse kicks, jabs and elbow strikes during their beginning session, and engage in some intense cardiovascular workouts, making this ideal for those looking to push button their limits.

Evolve MMA at Far East Square . 26 Mainland china Street #01-01, Singapore 049568. +65 6536 4525.
Click hither  for class schedule.
For a listing of Evolve MMA gyms, click hither.
Call or visit their website to volume a free trial form.

Silat

A pugilistic tradition that has been practiced across Southeast Asia for centuries, Silat bears diverse influences, incorporating moves from both aboriginal Chinese and Indian martial arts.

Practitioners of this martial art emphasize footwork, intricate hand motility, and attacks on pressure points, and are besides trained to use the kris (dagger) and parang (machete).

Singapore is home to earth champions who've brought dwelling house accolades on numerous occasions, including seven gilded medals at the 18th World Pencak Silat Title.

If you're looking to selection up the fundamentals from a globe champ, consider joining the classes at the Sport Silat Academy. Helmed past three-time Globe Silat Championship winner Muhammad Imran, the schoolhouse is abode to a range of masterful instructors.

Sport Silat Academy at Kaki Bukit Recreation Centre. vii Kaki Bukit Avenue 3, Singapore 415814. +65 6297 5659.
Visit their website to book your classes.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo was practiced in Korea for centuries, but only made its debut on the international phase at the 1988 Summer Olympics, equally the state'southward designated national martial fine art.

A sport that'south both grueling and graceful, Taekwondo is famous for its armory of blindingly-fast boot combinations and aerial kicks, from flying roundhouses to jumping sidekicks.

Needless to say, beginners will have to ground themselves with the basics of footwork and more simple strikes before learning these flashier techniques.

Taekwondo is i of the most popular martial arts in Singapore, with a whole range of different studios to pick from. If you're looking for top-notch instructors, Taeseong Taekwondo SG is helmed by globe champions Ji Ho-Yong and Ji-Ho-Chul and their team of elite instructors.

Taeseong Taekwondo SG at Kingdom of the netherlands Village. 245A Holland Avenue, Singapore 278978. +65 8876 5013.
 For a list of their Dojang locations, click hither.
Visit their website to volume a trial course.

Wing Chun

If you've watched the striking film Ip Homo, chances are that you're already familiar with this martial fine art.

Founded over 3 centuries agone, Wing Chun Kuen emphasizes finesse over brute strength, focusing on close quarter combat, core defence and economy of move. The legendary Bruce Lee trained at the prestigious Yip Man school of Wing Chun in his early years.

If you're looking to learn this martial arts style yourself, Chu Say Lei Wing Chun may exist a smashing place to outset, with founder Robert Chu having studied Yip Man Wing Chun for many decades.

Beginners will learn Fly Chun fundamentals of coordinating body, heed and breath, with the curriculum involving low kicks, the Wing Chun open stance and how to deflect strikes with your hands.

Training with the trademark Wing Chun dummy is reserved for more advanced students, so you're going to have to commit if y'all desire to be like Bruce Lee!

Chu Say Lei Wing Chun at Midland Business firm. 112 Center Road #07-03, Singapore 188970. +65 9046 9616.
Visit their website to book a grade.