The Best Self-Defence Classes in Singapore to Become a Badass Like Your Favorite Action Star
As a woman, my security is always a concern. Singapore is a relatively safe country (that’s one of the advantages of living here), but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
That’s why I decided to start learning self-defense. I don’t plan to stick to just one form of martial arts. I want to try as many as possible to broaden my skills.
Here are the top schools I’ve gone to for self-defense classes, and I recommend them for all genders!
Evolve MMA
Address: 11 Tanjong Katong Rd, #02-52, KINEX 437157
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—6:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—7 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6562882293
Evolve MMA is probably one of the most recommended places for martial arts training, so understandably, it’s the first one I checked out. And now, it’s one of my favorite places to practice my martial arts skills.
This martial arts academy has a lot of locations, but since I reside on the East Coast, my go-to is the one in KINEX, one of the shopping malls near me.
What I love about it is that there are many classes available. There’s a separate self-defense class, which is what I took, and I loved how the instructors broke down the lessons and initiated the practice sessions.
Aside from the self-defense class, the academy has programs for various martial arts, such as boxing, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. I haven’t tried them myself, but I’m considering going back in the future to try some of these classes.
Pro Tip:
- Not sure if you want to commit to a class yet? You can book a trial class by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Singapore
Address: 326C King George’s Ave, King George’s Building
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday—12:30 to 9:30 pm
- Tuesday—6:30 to 9 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 4 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 2 pm
Contact Number: +6587375923
If you want to learn more about jiu-jitsu specifically, you should check out Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) Singapore since it’s one of the most popular institutions in this field.
Here, I learned about how timing and levering are important not just in martial arts, but also in self-defense. I actually found it tricky to master these two techniques, but when I did, I started to feel much more confident in myself.
Another thing I like about this martial arts school is that there are classes for all ages! I managed to convince my sister to bring her daughters here because it’s never too early to learn about self-defense.
Pro Tips:
- While booking class passes is common here, you can also become a member of GJJ Singapore. Membership lets you enjoy perks, such as access to all their classes and more.
- If you don’t like attending a class with lots of people, you can book a private class instead. This class has a maximum of five people only.
Kapap Academy
Address: 144 Robinson Road #05-01, Robinson Square
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6590276996
Kapap Academy is passionate about self-defense, which is what made me drawn to them in the first place. Plus, I love how friendly and approachable the instructors are because you won’t feel self-conscious about your lack of martial arts skills.
There are different classes available, so whether you’re an adult looking to learn new skills or you have a child who’s interested in martial arts, you’ll find something that works for you. For me, I booked the Ladies/Youth Personal Protection Program.
This particular program focuses on non-aggressive defensive postures and de-escalation techniques, but it also teaches you knife defense and how to use random objects like umbrellas and pens as weapons. It’s loaded with so much information!
Other classes that you might like to take are Ladies’ Muay Thai, catch wrestling, and jiu-jitsu.
Pro Tip:
- Kapap Academy often holds seminars about self-defense and courses for tactical shooting. Check their events page to see when these are happening.
KRAVIST Singapore
— From: kravist.sg and kmgsingapore
Address: 11 Irving Pl, #02-04 Tai Seng Point
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—6:30 to 10:15 pm
- Friday—7 to 8:30 pm
- Saturday—11:30 am to 3:40 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 3:40 pm
If you want to be skilled in Krav Maga, then KRAVIST Singapore is the place to go. It’s a martial art that blends self-defense, fighting, and combat. Plus it’s widely adopted by military and security agencies worldwide!
I love how the classes are structured here. We usually start with warm-up exercises, but sometimes, we begin with fun games. Then, the instructor introduces a certain technique for the day, and we have to practice it until the session ends.
Even though there’s a clear structure, the classes still have an element of surprise. I’m always on the edge of my seat (or floor since there are no chairs in the room), anticipating the lesson for the day!
Pro Tips:
- For men, be sure to wear a groin guard. If you’re not sure yet, you can book a trial class. The best part is that both adults and children are entitled to this perk.
CADRE Academy
Address: 200 Upper Thomson Rd
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—7 to 10 pm
- Wednesday to Friday—3 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6569745779
The great thing about CADRE Academy is that they don’t just provide martial arts and self-defense education; they also offer life-skills training! That’s why I always recommend this place to people who want to gain self-defense skills.
The classes here take on a behavioral approach. So, you’ll learn how to detect danger and even develop a tactical mindset. The exercises are scenario-based, so you have to be aware of the situation and make use of your problem-solving skills.
CADRE also offers classes for children. From what I hear, these classes teach children verbal skills, decision-making skills, and self-management—on top of combat moves—so you can expect your little one to become confident and responsible.
Pro Tip:
- You can book a corporate workshop for you and your co-workers. Contact the team via phone or email ([email protected]) for more information.
Fight Academy Singapore
Address: 95 Joo Chiat Rd, Levels 3 & 4
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—12:30 to 1:30 pm, 6:30 to 8:45 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday—7 to 8 am, 5:30 to 9:30 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 2:30 pm, 3:30 to 6 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Contact Number: +6597818839
Fight Academy Singapore covers a wide variety of martial arts, such as kickboxing, karate, Krav Maga, and wrestling. There’s even a yoga session here if you want to work on your meditation and flexibility.
They also offer classes for all difficulty levels, so you don’t have to worry if you’re new to martial arts. I enjoy attending the Krav Maga class because the lessons are designed around real-world situations. The karate class is pretty fun as well.
My favorite perk is that they offer personal, one-on-one training. The price is steeper than the usual one, but I always feel self-conscious in a group, so I prefer booking private sessions whenever possible.
Pro Tips:
- If you’re not sure about this school, you can book a free trial. If you’re a student or a National Serviceman, you’re eligible for a 25% discount on all adult packages.
Aikido Shinjukai
Address: 9 Sin Ming Rd, B1-02 Thomson V One
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday—7 am to 10 pm
- Wednesday—10 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6596813111
Aikido is another wonderful martial art that can help you with self-defense because it teaches you throwing, joint-locking, and pinning techniques. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, book a class at Aikido Shinjukai!
I love that this school has a mixed adults and kids class. I know some people might find it humbling because what if the children are better at this martial art than you? But for me, the experience is fun! It’s also a great way to bond with your relatives.
If you’re serious about Aikido, then you might like the Shinjukai Academy. With this program, you’ll be able to earn a certificate after finishing the course. You’ll also become eligible for international Aikido grading examinations!
Pro Tip:
- Do you prefer learning on your own? You can book a private class instead.
Kali Majapahit Martial Arts
Address: 405 River Valley Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6565345254
What I like about Kali Majapahit Martial Arts is that their training focuses not just on physical skills but also on self-confidence. For me, that helps with self-defense because I don’t have to second-guess myself whenever I sense I’m in danger.
The classes here mostly teach you the art of Kali, a Filipino martial art that focuses on fighting empty-handed. It also educates you on using sticks as a weapon, which is such a fun experience to do (though getting hit by the stick is pretty painful).
Adults aren’t the only ones who get to have fun here. There are also programs for children—even as young as three years old!
Pro Tip:
- Don’t have time to go to the school for training? You can book an online course and train in the comfort of your home!