Martial arts to ninja courses: 7 fitness classes to enrol active kids in

If your kids are full of energy and constantly getting up to all sorts of antics, then you’d want to consider enrolling them in a martial arts or fitness class. Not only do they get an outlet to let off some steam, but these classes are also beneficial in the long run, too, be it giving them self-defense skills or improving their psychomotor skills.

1. MMA: Evolve MMA

Known for its top-notch MMA fighters (like siblings Angela and Christian Lee), Evolve MMA also has a Little Samurai Children’s Program that combines physical education, self-defense techniques, and cardiovascular conditioning.

Not only does it promise to improve your kid’s coordination, motor skills, and agility, it also aims to build confidence and life skills through martial arts.

It’s designed by a Harvard University graduate, and instructors include world champions like MMA fighters Angela Lee and Alex Silva as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Joao Teco Shinzato.

Visit its website for more information.

2. Boxing: Spartans Boxing Club

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CFZgbuinIzh/[/embed]

Want to get your children acquainted with the sweet science of boxing? Check out Spartans Boxing Club. It currently has various gyms at Joo Chiat, Serangoon Gardens, Balestier, and Downtown East, and runs classes for kids across all its gyms. However, class timings and structures vary across its outlets, with lessons for kids from four years old. Trial classes are available as well.

For now, its Serangoon Gardens outlet is running a bootcamp for kids from eight to 13 years old, on Dec 17 and 18 (10am to 12pm). It’s priced at $120 for both sessions. Text 8921 2600 or e-mail thegardens@spartansboxing.com.

Membership rates for kids start from $180 for one month. To find out more, visit its website.

3. Capoeira: Capoeira Kids Singapore

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CEgDhevnRpX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again[/embed]

This Brazilian martial art combines martial arts, acrobatics, music and dance, making it a fun and dynamic way for kids to stay healthy.

It’s founded by former Olympian and MMA champion May Ooi, who’s also a medical doctor and motivational speaker. Check out its Facebook page for updates on holiday camps, which also includes other sports activities like rugby, football, horse riding and games.

Capoeira For Kids is located at the Brazilian Cultural Center, 100 Turf Club Road (Horse City) Singapore, Singapore 287992. Visit its Facebook page for more info or e-mail capoeirakidsrock@gmail.com.

4. Yoga: Kate Porter Yoga

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CGhnHS1Hbi7/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]

If you’re a yoga fan yourself, you’d know the benefits of yoga on your mental and physical wellbeing. And the kiddos could benefit from it, too.

Boutique studio Kate Porter Yoga’s kids classes ($25 per class), recommended for children between four to eight years old, start in January 2021, from 3pm to 3.45pm at its East Coast studio. Yoga instructor Sophie Spoor and mum-of-three will be conducting the class.

It also conducts Mums and Bubs sessions (available on request), so you can grab friends with kids to join in the fun.

Kate Porter Yoga’s two outlets are located at#01-27 Laguna Park, 5000G Marine Parade Road Singapore 449290 and 468 River Valley Road Singapore 248353. Visit its website for more information.

5. Gymnastics and ninja classes: The Yard

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CIiEcbpnQL7/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]

The Yard offers recreational and competitive gymnastics, parkour, trampoline, freestyle, and ninja classes and camps in Singapore to all ages and abilities — yes, even programs for three-year-olds — which means both you and the kids can participate in its classes.

Non-competitive classes run on an eight-week term basis, including gymnastics, tumbling and even classes for aspiring ninjas. Half and full-day camps are available as well (check its website for dates).

The Yard’s two outlets are located at 72 Loewen Road, #01-07, Singapore 248848, and 10 Science Centre Road, Jurong East, 609079. Visit its website for more information. 

6. Tennis: SITA Tennis Academy

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B_4GOx0AtVi/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]

Maybe you’ve got a future Roger Federer or Maria Sharapova on your hands.

At SITA Tennis Academy, there is a range of courses for both adults and young ones. Junior players from four to seven can start with mini tennis lessons and progress up the ranks to playing in a full court, and to advanced or elite programs. The training is conducted by professionals with experience in both coaching and playing.

It holds lessons at various venues including the SITA Tennis Academy Centre, Orchid Country club, Singapore Island Country Club, and Keppel Club. Visit its website for more information.

7. Swimming: Marsden Swim School

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CG4ijyMnr5Q/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]

Kids who love frolicking in the water will enjoy swimming lessons. Plus, it’s an essential life skill.

Help him or her to cultivate a love of swimming with Marsden Swim School’s Learn to Swim programme. It’ll run your kid (yes even infants!) through the basics, from the AUSTSWIM-endorsed Learn to Swim program to the option of progressing to the Stroke Development programme. Later on, kids may join the mini, junior and senior swim squads.

It holds lessons at various venues including The Grandstand at Bukit Timah, Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex and the German European School Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

This article was first published in the The Singapore Women's Weekly.