Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has started to dominate the martial arts scene in recent years, offering not only an effective workout but a powerful martial art to hone skills for situations involving one-on-one self-defence.

In Singapore alone, BJJ has taken the island by storm. The martial art based on grappling and ground fighting focuses on the tactful skill of applying techniques of control, balance, and timing on your opponent that forces him or her to submit. Most of the techniques learned in BJJ concentrate on taking your opponent down to the ground and keeping him or her there, enabling you to attack for submissions. These techniques focus on the use of leverage, grip, and positions to control larger opponents regardless of their strength, enabling smaller, weaker practitioners to develop skills that empower them regardless of their size. 

Studies show that 95% of street fights end up on the ground, making BJJ one of the most effective, self-defense programs to study on the planet. It is a highly technical martial art that not only provides its students with a deeper understanding of the workings and limits of the human body but also equips them with problem-solving skills and greater body awareness, all while getting a full-body workout!

If you want to develop the skills of a master martial artist, here are the 5 best BJJ schools in Singapore.

#1 Evolve MMA

Home to the largest team of World Champions on Earth, Evolve MMA is home to BJJ World Champions Teco Shinzato, Alex Silva, Jucimar Eller, and many more. Evolve MMA caters to everyone, with classes tailored for beginners, that emphasizes the mastery of the fundamentals, to programs focused on developing advanced competitors. Led by a diverse and highly-accomplished team of BJJ black belts, students benefit from a diverse pool of knowledge to master various techniques and skill sets. Evolve MMA prides itself on a family-oriented community that provides complete facilities and curated programs to obtain completely master the martial art. Classes run 7 days a week from 6 am to 11 pm every day. With the largest class schedules in Asia, Evolve MMA has over 700 classes per week for adults and children of all ages. So if you want to kickstart your BJJ journey off right, head down to any of their 4 locations.

#2 Fight G

Homegrown BJJ brown belt Kelvin Yeo is the prodigy behind Fight G’s BJJ program. Yeo leads and curates his classes with deep understanding and skilled technical knowledge to empower his students, pushing them to achieve their full potential. Centrally located between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, Fight G’s not only convenient but classes run 6 days a week and its schedule caters to everyone. The school welcomes all students, training curious beginners and developing its fast-growing team of regional competitors. Whilst developing local talent, this school remains affordable without comprising quality. 

#3 Impact MMA

Led by BJJ black belt Alexsandro “Leke” Machado, Impact MMA offers one of the best BJJ programs in Singapore. Machado hails from Brazil and has years of experience, having trained directly under BJJ champion Ricardo Vieira. This is reflected in his intense passion and knowledge of the martial art. The school has gained recognition by producing strong competitors in the local scene, holding BJJ national champion titles and more. The dedication and rigorous training provided by the team at Impact MMA is reflected in the talent and community it has managed to cultivate. Situated in the Central Business District, Impact MMA has excellent facilities and a convenient schedule for working professionals.

#4 BJJ Singapore

The first Singaporean BJJ black belt, Jason Quek, has spent years mastering his craft. Launching Singapore’s first BJJ school, Quek has produced many medalists and competitors from the school since its establishment in 2006. This has made BJJ Singapore a well recognized and one of the top schools in Singapore. Offering a wide range of classes, Gi and No-Gi programs, that cater to various skill sets throughout multiple times in the week. Classes run 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday, with evening classes perfect for those clocking out of the office. If you are looking for an equipped training facility with a great atmosphere, check out BJJ Singapore. 

#5 Equilibrium MMA

Equilibrium may be one of the smaller schools on this list, but this is no reflection of the talent and authenticity of the programs taught here, led by the respected BJJ black belt Takeo Tani. Tani has been a BJJ pioneer in Asia since 1994 and his experience is highly reflected in his diverse classes. Catering to a large prospect of university students, Equilibrium holds the majority of its class in the evenings. Open 7 days a week, although a limited schedule in the weekends, this school is nothing short of passion and spirit to make every training sessions worth the intense workout.