Looking for a martial arts class for the kids but not sure of the difference between BJJ and Capoeira, Aikido and Muay Thai? Read on for 11 types of martial arts your kids will love here in Singapore!
If you have a kid who is full of energy and is looking for an exciting indoor activity to let off some steam, then it could be time to enrol them in a martial arts class for kids in Singapore! From toddler Brazilian jiu-jitsu lessons to Capoeira martial arts (perfect for kids who also love to dance), here are the martial arts classes that will bring out your little warrior’s inner Karate Kid in Singapore.
Taekwondo classes for kids in Singapore
JH Kim Taekwondo Singapore
Visit any community centre in your neighbourhood, and you’ll be sure to find kids of all ages and sizes adopting strong, confident stances in white martial arts uniforms. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art form that combines combat and self-defence moves to develop speed, strength and balance. It’s sure to help boost your child’s self-confidence, too.
JH Kim Taekwondo Singapore, locations in River Valley, Katong, Siglap, Millenia Walk, Pasir Panjang and Tampines
KyungHee Taekwondo
KyungHee Taekwondo offers kids’ taekwondo classes for kids from three years old all the way up to teens. As an affiliate of Singapore Taekwondo Federation and World Taekwondo, the trainers here know their stuff! The martial arts school teaches in-house curriculum that’s specially developed by their very own Grandmaster Eom. You can rest assured that there is very minimal person-to-person contact while practicing Taekwondo, as only students who choose to go to competitions and compete in sparring are allowed to make contact.
KyungHee Taekwondo, locations in Bukit Timah, Jurong East, Orchard and Woodlands
KTMA Singapore Taekwondo
KTMA Singapore Taekwondo is one of the best Taekwondo schools in Singapore, specialising in teaching Taekwondo self-defence techniques, taekwondo sparring/Poomsae techniques and taekwondo demonstration techniques. Students under their wing (or should we say…belt?) have won numerous awards at local and international Taekwondo competitions. Look forward to nurturing instructors who can help kickstart your kiddos’ martial arts journey!
KTMA Singapore Taekwondo, locations in Novena, West Coast and Yishun
Aikido classes for kids in Singapore
aikiForest
Dubbed the “way of unifying with life energy”, Aikido seeks to teach moves that defend but also protect the attacker from minimum injury. This is a non-aggressive martial arts form (we like it already!) and helps calm down wannabe Power Rangers from scrapes! Aikido is a great way for your kids to develop patience and teach them to defend themselves safely should the need arise. aikiForest offers daily Aikido classes at three gyms across Singapore. Children four to 15 years old can join.
aikiForest, locations in Rivervale Mall, Alexandra Retail Centre, and SAFRA Toa Payoh
Aikido Shinju-Kai
Aikido Shinju-Kai offers Aikido classes all over Singapore (check your nearby community centre!) for kids and adults alike. Started in 1988, it’s arguably the oldest Aikido school in Singapore! They have recently opened their headquarters in Bishan, with lessons taught daily.
Aikido Shinju-Kai, 9 Sin Ming Road, #B1-02, Singapore 575630 with various classes held islandwide
Muay Thai classes for kids in Singapore
ELITE Coach Sports Academy
Looking for a Muay Thai kids’ class that teaches kids self defence and increase their confidence? ELITE’s Muay Thai classes for kids are suitable for children aged three to 11 years old, taught by expert trainers who will teach children the right techniques to protect themselves. Classes are taught in a safe and fun environment in their Novena gym. Kids will have the opportunity to graduate and get promoted by their coaches with the Muay Thai Boxing & Self Defence academy programme!
ELITE Coach Sports Academy, 191 Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Centre, #03-191B, Singapore 307632
JR Muay Thai
JR Muay Thai aims to equip kids seven to 11 years old with the tools they need to ‘bully-proof’ themselves in this day and age. The gym believes that Muay Thai increases self-confidence in kids and can subsequently minimise the chances that kids will be picked on by bullies. Can’t argue with that! On top of learning essential self defence skills, children will also hone their discipline, focus, mental strength and more. Kids’ Muay Thai classes are conducted at the Jurong West branch.
JR Muay Thai Jurong West, Blk 5, Site No. 2, Jurong West Ave 5, Singapore 649483
Neue Fit
Muay Thai is an ancient martial art that helps kids develop quick reflexes and self-defence techniques. There’s a range of places that teach Muay Thai to kids in Singapore, including Neue Fit over at Kallang Wave Mall. Open for four to 11-year-olds; kids will learn the basic techniques of Muay Thai through movement, drills, pad work and games. Not only will they be developing physical skills like fitness and coordination, but they will also be working on social skills such as discipline, respect and control.
Neue Fit, 1 Stadium Place #02-07, Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628
Silat classes for kids in Singapore
Singapore Silat Federation
Silat is a graceful, traditional martial arts form originating from the Nusantara. In Silat, nifty footwork is combined with mighty kicks, and the use of weapons like the keris (small dagger) and parang (machete) are also taught to adults. At the Singapore Silat Federation, kids’ silat classes are recommended for kids aged three years old and up. Check out their annual National Registration call-outs for the latest class fees!
Singapore Silat Federation, Heartbeat@Bedok, NSA Office, 11 Bedok North Street 1 #04-02, Singapore 469662
Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for kids in Singapore
FaMA
FaMA offers a kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) programme that’s specially designed for children of all skill levels. Accepting kids from as young as age two (too cute!) their martial arts classes are age-appropriate with fun games, easy-to-follow exercises and suitable training that will help children improve balance, speed, agility and mental readiness.
FaMA, 30 Prinsep Street, #03-01, Rochor Singapore 188647
Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is based on grappling and ground fighting as a whole – but Evolve MMA’s BJJ for Kids program takes it up a notch by focusing on teaching children how to protect themselves while staying safe in an advantageous position. Kids will be learning from its World Champion instructors, who ensure that safety and fun are the cornerstones of this kids’ martial arts program. While self-defence is a large component of the program, kids will also pick up valuable life skills such as perseverance, discipline, learning from failure, and teamwork, among many others. Evolve MMA also offers kids’ MMA classes!
Evolve Mixed Martial Arts, locations in Far East Square, KINEX, Clarke Quay Central, and Orchard Central
Other martial arts classes for kids in Singapore
Capoeira
A dance, music and martial arts lesson all rolled into one, only at Capoeira Kids Singapore! This martial arts class for kids in Singapore hails from carnival-loving Brazil, incorporating Brazilian dance moves and natural body movements. Kids from age five will love the cool rhythms of Capoeira and will get to play the berimbau too!
Capoeira Kids Singapore, Brazilian Cultural Center, 100 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287992
Judo
This modern martial arts form from Japan teaches its pupils to execute swift moves in a no-nonsense way! Subduing an opponent is the name of the game in Judo, and whether it’s grappling, tossing or throwing, you’ll find your little ones rather keen to execute a joint lock on you!
Dojo Singapore, 865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-35/36/37, Singapore 437844
Krav Maga
Do your kids love turning your living room into a battleground? Let your little warriors take the skirmish elsewhere by heading to a Krav Maga class. These Israeli combat techniques are used by military and law enforcement, so we’re talking serious fighting skills here!
International Krav Maga Federation Singapore, locations in Hillview, Geylang, and City Hall
Tai Chi
Looking for a parent-child bonding activity that both of you will enjoy? Then try Tai Chi to kick-start your morning, or practise in the evening to wind up your day on a relaxing note. Often seen as a philosophy of life, Tai Chi’s slow, measured movements will certainly promise you and your tot a good night’s sleep!
NewAgeTaichi, 1 Choa Chu Kang Grove, ITE College West, Blk 1 #02-07, Singapore 688238
Wing Chun
Wing Chun, which means “spring chant” in Chinese, is all about close-contact sparring. Discipline and focus are the names of the game here, and little ones (and parents!) will benefit from finding inner peace and improved concentration. The cool factor of this sport is taken up a notch thanks to Bruce Lee (surely the greatest Kung Fu legend of all time), who used to practise it.
Wing Chun Kuen Training Centre, Blk 18 Midview City, Sin Ming Lane #06-29, Singapore 573960
Love these martial arts classes for kids in Singapore? Check out these football clubs too!