The 10 Best Martial Arts Schools in Singapore

Singapore's top BJJ, karate, taekwondo and MMA schools for serious training, beginners and kids.

Reviewed by our editors · Updated July 2026 · How we rank

Our verdict: Evolve MMA is the best martial arts school in Singapore right now - best all-round martial arts school in singapore. Carpe Diem BJJ Singapore runs it closest.

Singapore has a strong martial arts scene, but the right school depends on what you want from training. BJJ and MMA gyms tend to suit adults who want live sparring, practical self-defence and a clear progression path, while karate and taekwondo schools often appeal to families looking for discipline, structure and grading.

For this ranking, we prioritised schools with real operating locations, specialist coaching, consistent schedules, visible student communities and strong reputations among local practitioners. We also favoured places that are beginner-friendly without watering down the training.

01
Evolve MMA
84/100
Premium martial arts academy with boxing classes alongside Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA and fitness training.
26 China Street, Far East Square, Singapore 049568
+65 6536 4525 info@evolve-mma.com evolve-mma.com
$$$$ price range
“Best all-round martial arts school in Singapore.” - our editors
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
Evolve is the obvious premium choice if you want boxing as part of a wider martial arts education. The facilities, schedule breadth and coaching depth are hard to ignore, and the brand's combat-sports reputation gives it weight. It is particularly useful for members who may start with boxing but later add Muay Thai or grappling. The trade-off is cost and focus: boxing is one part of a large academy, so purists who want a small boxing-only room may prefer Legends, Vanda or The Ring.
Why Evolve MMA made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It earns its place for elite facilities, broad access and serious combat-sports coaching, even though it is not a boxing-only specialist.
Evolve MMA is best known as a major martial arts academy rather than a boxing-only gym, but its boxing programme benefits from the same serious coaching infrastructure as its other disciplines. The brand has multiple Singapore academies and a high-profile instructor roster across combat sports. For members who want boxing alongside Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA or strength and conditioning, Evolve is one of the most complete options in the country. It is especially practical for people who want one membership for several martial arts, though the premium positioning means it is not the cheapest way to learn boxing.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 84/100
Unique Service Proposition17/20
Quality of Service19/20
Accessibility18/20
Value for Money14/20
Innovation16/20
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02
Carpe Diem BJJ Singapore
88/100
Specialist BJJ school with gi, no-gi, judo and kids classes across three branches.
64 Spottiswoode Park Road, #01-01, Singapore 088652
hello@carpediembjj.sg carpediembjj.sg
$$$ price range
“Best choice for dedicated BJJ training.” - our editors
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
Carpe Diem is the pick for students who want a grappling-first culture. The mix of gi, no-gi and judo gives beginners a more complete base, and the coaches have enough competition experience to keep the training technically sharp. It also feels modern and welcoming, which matters for adults starting BJJ later in life. The honest limitation is that it is not the best fit if you want a full striking or MMA pathway, since its strength is clearly ground work.
Why Carpe Diem BJJ Singapore made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It earns a high rank for specialist BJJ instruction, multiple convenient branches, a strong kids programme and a coaching team with visible competition credentials.
Carpe Diem BJJ Singapore is a dedicated grappling academy offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-gi, judo and kids classes. Its branches include Katong, Serangoon and a central location at Spottiswoode Park Road. The coaching team includes active competitors and local standouts, with the school highlighting achievements in IBJJF events, Singapore Open competitions, judo, wrestling and Abu Dhabi competition. The academy is especially attractive to students who want BJJ as their main art rather than as one class inside a general fitness gym.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 88/100
Unique Service Proposition18/20
Quality of Service19/20
Accessibility18/20
Value for Money16/20
Innovation17/20
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03
Onyx MMA
87/100
Accessible MMA gym with BJJ, boxing, Muay Thai, MMA and kids classes in SAFRA locations.
SAFRA Tampines, 1/A Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528882
+65 8341 3188 train@onyxmma.com onyxmma.com
$$ price range
“Best heartland MMA access.” - our editors
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
Onyx stands out because it makes MMA and BJJ much easier to access if you live in the north, east or west. The training mix is broad enough for adults who want to cross-train, and the kids options are useful for families who want one venue for different ages. The SAFRA locations also make the gyms feel convenient and less intimidating. The trade-off is that the experience can vary slightly by outlet and coach, so it is worth trialling the specific branch you will attend.
Why Onyx MMA made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It combines a broad combat sports timetable with practical heartland locations, making quality MMA and BJJ more accessible beyond the city centre.
Onyx MMA operates out of SAFRA clubhouses in Tampines, Yishun and Jurong, giving it unusually good coverage outside the central business district. Its programmes include Muay Thai, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, strength and conditioning, and kids' Muay Thai and BJJ. The school positions itself for all levels, from beginners to professional fighters, and offers a free first class. For many Singapore residents, its biggest practical advantage is location: it brings combat sports training closer to heartland neighbourhoods.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 87/100
Unique Service Proposition18/20
Quality of Service17/20
Accessibility19/20
Value for Money17/20
Innovation16/20
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04
Impact MMA
80/100
Martial arts gym offering boxing alongside MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ and conditioning classes.
impactmma.com.sg
$$ price range
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
Impact MMA is the kind of gym that suits members who want function over polish. The appeal is variety: boxing does not sit alone, so you can build striking fitness while exploring other combat sports. That is useful for beginners who are not yet sure whether boxing, Muay Thai or MMA will stick. The trade-off is specialisation. Because the gym covers several disciplines, the boxing experience may not feel as deep as a dedicated boxing club. Still, it is a solid, reputable choice for cross-training.
Why Impact MMA made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It rounds out the ranking as a dependable combat-sports gym for members who want boxing access together with broader martial arts training.
Impact MMA is a practical martial arts gym for people who want boxing within a broader combat-sports setting. While it is not a boxing-only specialist, its class mix gives members exposure to striking, conditioning and martial arts fundamentals in one place. This makes it suitable for learners who may want to start with boxing but keep the option to explore Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or MMA later. The gym is best for members who value cross-training and a less boutique atmosphere. Pure boxing purists may prefer a dedicated boxing club, but Impact MMA remains a credible and useful option.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 80/100
Unique Service Proposition16/20
Quality of Service17/20
Accessibility15/20
Value for Money16/20
Innovation16/20
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05
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts
85/100
Family-friendly martial arts school known for BJJ, Muay Thai and structured kids classes.
3A River Valley Road, Singapore 179020
famafit.com
$$$ price range
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
FaMA is a strong option for families and adults who want BJJ or Muay Thai in a polished, approachable setting. The school is known for being organised, friendly and serious enough for steady progress without feeling overly aggressive. That makes it especially useful for parents signing up children or beginners who are nervous about starting. The trade-off is that competitive fighters may prefer a gym with a more visibly fight-heavy identity and a wider MMA-specific programme.
Why FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It balances credible BJJ and Muay Thai training with a family-friendly environment, making it one of the better central options for adults and children.
FaMA, short for Fitness and Martial Arts, is a central Singapore school focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and fitness training. It is particularly well known among families and working adults who want serious classes in a cleaner, more service-oriented environment. Its Clarke Quay location is convenient for CBD and city-fringe students, and the school has built a strong reputation for kids' martial arts alongside adult training. FaMA is best suited to learners who want technical martial arts without a rough fight-gym feel.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 85/100
Unique Service Proposition16/20
Quality of Service18/20
Accessibility17/20
Value for Money16/20
Innovation18/20
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06
Field Assembly
84/100
Clarke Quay strength, HIIT and combat sports gym with all-round programming.
39 Carpenter Street, Levels 1, 3, 4 and The Roof, Singapore 059918
contact@fieldassembly.co fieldassembly.co
$$ price range
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
Field Assembly is best for people who want functional fitness but do not want their entire week to revolve around WODs. The mix of strength, HIIT, combat sports and run club gives it genuine variety, and the Carpenter Street setup has more personality than many polished boutique studios. It is especially useful for people who cross-train for general athleticism. The trade-off is specificity: CrossFit athletes wanting regular barbell cycling, gymnastics progressions and benchmark workouts may prefer an affiliate box.
Why Field Assembly made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It brings together strength, conditioning, combat sports and race-prep training in a central location, with enough variety to suit broad functional fitness goals.
Field Assembly is a multi-level gym at Carpenter Street offering personal training, strength classes, HIIT, run club, yoga, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and kids' jiu-jitsu. It is not a CrossFit affiliate, but its strength and conditioning mix, rooftop and multi-floor setup, and trial-friendly membership structure make it relevant for functional fitness seekers. The gym positions itself around athlete fitness, race prep, weight loss and muscle gain, while its FAQ notes unlimited group-class memberships and personal training options. Its Clarke Quay location makes it highly accessible for central workers.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 84/100
Unique Service Proposition17/20
Quality of Service17/20
Accessibility17/20
Value for Money16/20
Innovation17/20
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07
Gracie Barra Singapore
83/100
Singapore branch of the global Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu network.
graciebarrasg.com
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
Gracie Barra Singapore is a dependable pick for students who like structure. The global curriculum, uniform standards and beginner pathways make it easier to start BJJ without feeling lost. It is also a good option for families because the broader organisation has a mature kids programme model. The trade-off is that some advanced students prefer smaller independent academies with more flexible training styles, especially if they want a less standardised approach to no-gi or competition preparation.
Why Gracie Barra Singapore made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It brings a recognised global BJJ system to Singapore, with structured teaching that suits beginners, families and students who value clear progression.
Gracie Barra Singapore gives local students access to one of the world's most established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu systems. The wider Gracie Barra organisation is known for a structured curriculum, belt progression, kids programmes and a consistent academy culture across countries. For beginners, that structure can be reassuring because classes typically follow a clear fundamentals pathway instead of leaving new students to figure things out in open sparring. It is a natural choice for students who want a traditional BJJ academy with international lineage.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 83/100
Unique Service Proposition17/20
Quality of Service17/20
Accessibility16/20
Value for Money16/20
Innovation17/20
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08
ILDO Taekwondo
81/100
Taekwondo school focused on structured classes for children, teens and adults.
ildotaekwondo.com
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
ILDO is strongest as a structured taekwondo option for families. The appeal is not cage-fighting realism, but disciplined instruction, confidence building and a clear pathway through grades. That makes it especially relevant for younger students who benefit from routine and visible milestones. Adults looking for fitness and kicking technique may also find it useful. The limitation is obvious: if self-defence grappling or full MMA sparring is the priority, a BJJ or MMA school will be a better match.
Why ILDO Taekwondo made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It represents the taekwondo category well, with a structured format that suits children, families and students who want disciplined kicking-based martial arts.
ILDO Taekwondo is a Singapore taekwondo school serving children, teens and adults. It is best suited to students who want a disciplined Korean martial art with grading, forms, kicking technique and clear class structure. Compared with MMA or BJJ gyms, taekwondo places more emphasis on coordination, flexibility, confidence and progression through belts, which makes it popular with parents. ILDO is a good shortlist option for families looking for regular martial arts training that feels organised and age-appropriate.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 81/100
Unique Service Proposition16/20
Quality of Service16/20
Accessibility17/20
Value for Money17/20
Innovation15/20
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09
JH Kim Taekwondo Institute Singapore
80/100
Established taekwondo school for students seeking belt progression and disciplined training.
jhkim-singapore.com
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
JH Kim Taekwondo Institute is a sensible option for students who want traditional taekwondo rather than a mixed combat sports gym. Its format should appeal to parents who value etiquette, grading and a clear learning ladder. The training is likely to feel more formal than casual fitness kickboxing, which is a plus for students who need structure. The trade-off is that taekwondo's sport and forms focus will not suit everyone, especially adults looking for grappling or MMA-style sparring.
Why JH Kim Taekwondo Institute Singapore made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It earns its place for offering a recognised, structured taekwondo pathway in Singapore, particularly for children and students who value formal progression.
JH Kim Taekwondo Institute Singapore is part of a recognisable taekwondo teaching tradition and offers a structured route into the Korean martial art. The school is aimed at students who want formal taekwondo training with regular practice, belt progression and emphasis on discipline, respect and kicking fundamentals. It is especially relevant for parents comparing enrichment activities because taekwondo classes can support coordination, confidence and focus. For adults, it offers a more traditional alternative to modern combat sports gyms.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 80/100
Unique Service Proposition15/20
Quality of Service16/20
Accessibility16/20
Value for Money16/20
Innovation17/20
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10
Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkaikan
79/100
Kyokushin karate lineage linked to Singapore full-contact karate pioneer Peter Chong.
ikak.net
THEBESTSG STAFF REVIEW
This is the most historically significant karate inclusion on the list. Kyokushin has a serious reputation for conditioning and contact, and Peter Chong's role in bringing the style to Singapore gives the school real local heritage. It will appeal to students who want karate to feel demanding and practical. The trade-off is that full-contact karate is not for everyone, and families with very young children may prefer a gentler, more recreational karate or taekwondo class first.
Why Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkaikan made TheBest SG · full scorecardLess
WHY THEY MADE THEBEST SG
It rounds out the ranking with a respected full-contact karate lineage and a meaningful place in Singapore's martial arts history.
Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkaikan is tied to the Kyokushin karate tradition in Singapore and the legacy of Peter Chong, who is widely recognised as a pioneer of Kyokushin locally. Kyokushin is a full-contact karate style known for hard conditioning, discipline and knockdown sparring rather than light point fighting. This makes it a distinctive option for students who want karate with a tougher combat emphasis. It is best for learners who appreciate traditional etiquette but also want physical, contact-based training.
THE EDITORS' SCORECARD - 79/100
Unique Service Proposition16/20
Quality of Service16/20
Accessibility14/20
Value for Money17/20
Innovation16/20
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Best Martial Arts Schools in Singapore compared

Rank	Name	Known for	Price
#1	Evolve MMA	mma academy · premium gym	$$$$
#2	Carpe Diem BJJ Singapore	bjj · no-gi	$$$
#3	Onyx MMA	mma · bjj	$$
#4	Impact MMA	mma gym · cross training	$$
#5	FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts	bjj · muay thai	$$$
#6	Field Assembly	strength · hiit	$$
#7	Gracie Barra Singapore	bjj · kids	-
#8	ILDO Taekwondo	taekwondo · kids	-
#9	JH Kim Taekwondo Institute Singapore	taekwondo · kids	-
#10	Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkaikan	karate · kyokushin	-

Martial Arts Schools in Singapore - your questions

Which martial art is best for beginners in Singapore?

BJJ, taekwondo and karate are all beginner-friendly when taught well. BJJ is strong for practical grappling, taekwondo is structured for kids and fitness, while karate gives a disciplined striking base. MMA is best if you want a mix of striking, wrestling and grappling.

How much do martial arts classes cost in Singapore?

Expect anything from about $150 to over $350 a month depending on the school, class frequency, location and programme. Premium MMA gyms in central areas usually cost more, while neighbourhood taekwondo and karate schools may be more affordable.

Should kids start with karate, taekwondo or BJJ?

Taekwondo and karate are popular for younger children because the classes are structured around discipline, coordination and grading. BJJ is also excellent for confidence and body awareness, especially for kids who enjoy problem-solving and close-contact sport.

Is MMA safe for beginners?

Yes, if the gym separates beginners from advanced sparring and has coaches who control intensity. New students should look for fundamentals classes, clear safety rules and a culture where sparring is optional until they are ready.

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