World Nam Wah Pai Association is a pretty popular Chinese martial arts school in Singapore, and it’s also getting recognition abroad. It has branches in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, and even New Zealand!

The instructors here are the main reason why I love this school. All of them have years of experience in tai chi and qigong, and some are martial arts grandmasters!

The principal, Sim Poh Huat, even won a Guinness World Record for demonstrating the vehicle over stomach feat in 1991! He drove a truck that weighed over 1,000 kg and rolled it over the stomach of 26 of his students without anyone getting hurt! 

The class variety here is pretty decent as well. Their tai chi for self-defence is their most popular class, but you can also learn traditional tai chi for wellness, qigong for healing, and even Chinese internal martial arts (xingyi quan, ba gua zhang, and shaolin). 

Because of their popularity, the school has taught students of all ages. Yes, even senior citizens! 

I also really like that even though they have their own studio, they also hold classes on the rooftop. The atmosphere on the rooftop is peaceful, and seeing the blue sky helps me get into the mood. 

Unfortunately, their classes aren’t always available; they only have limited availability every month. If you want to book a spot, you need to register first via their website, and they’ll reach out to you when there’s an opening. 

Really detailed training

“I have been training at Nam Wah Pai for about 6 months. I started with the basic Qi Gong package and now half way through my Tai Chi 108 course. The training is really detailed unlike the usual CC kind of courses. Grandmaster Sim and the other instructors really spend time correcting our moves so that the Qi can flow freely. Classmates are all like-minded people who want to improve our health through the practice of Qi Gong and Tai Chi. Thus the environment and atmosphere are really conducive for learning. The flexible training hours also make it easier for me to plan my schedule. I highly recommend those who want to try Qi Gong or Tai Chi to give Nam Wah Pai a visit.”

• Lawrence Sng, Google Review

Passionate and experienced instructors

“I was looking for an authentic organisation to learn Qigong and Tai Chi. My search on the internet led me to the World Nam Wah Pai association. I am so glad to have taken that step to learn with them. The classes are led by very passionate and experienced teachers and masters. They take time to ensure that every student learns the correct techniques and sequences and understands the philosophy and benefits for the body and mind. Everything is explained in both English and Mandarin, which makes it easy to follow and very inclusive. Over time, I’ve also made some wonderful friends in my group — it really feels like a supportive community. Most classes are held on a beautiful spacious rooftop, in view of the moon, creating a calm but energizing atmosphere (we move indoors when it rains). I always leave feeling relaxed, energized, and positive. I highly recommend this association to anyone wanting to learn Qigong and Tai Chi in depth in a truly welcoming environment.”

• Ann Carmichael, Google Review

Shaolin Club Pte. Ltd. is a martial arts school that I recommend to beginners because it’s pretty accessible. You can book a free trial class here, which lets you see if you like the experience and also lets the master check your capability. 

Once you’re ready to commit, you can enrol by sending a message via WhatsApp or email ([email protected]). Just wait for their response, which doesn’t take a long time. 

This school is also perfect for young enthusiasts; the instructors here have experience in teaching children as young as five years old! Since they’re used to children, the instructors are flexible, so logistics planning is a breeze for them. 

They also have classes for adults. You can even book classes for the whole family! Alternatively, if you prefer to be the only student, private classes are available as well. 

Do keep in mind that this school only accepts cash, PayNow, PayLah, check, or bank transfer. Unfortunately, you can’t pay for a class using a credit card. 

Experienced and organized teacher

“Master Guo is an experienced and organised teacher who can bring out the best in the kids with a mixture of humour and discipline. He has passion and patience, and would organise learning journeys to Shaolin (pre-covid) to enhance the training experience for his students. My boy has been with the Shaolin Club for close to 5 years now.”

• Betty Nerissa K, Google Review

Strict and flexible teacher

“Master Guo is very strict and flexible with his teaching. He adapts his teaching style with our current skills and techniques, and teaches you on what to focus practicing during your own time!”

• Ethan Kuai, Google Review

Xinying Wushu Training Center may only specialise in wushu and taiji, but they do teach different variations of these martial arts! For example, with taiji, you can choose to learn either the Chen-style Hunyuan taiji, the Yang-style taiji, or Jian Sheng Gong Fa. 

Not only that, but the classes here can be taken by both kids and adults. And though most students come here to learn for fun, you can choose to pursue competitive wushu by taking their Competition Wushu/Taiji Elite Program. 

Students have wonderful things to say about the instructors here. One told me that she had prior experience with wushu but not taiji, and her instructor, May, was very patient in assessing her skills and giving tips on how to learn the choreography efficiently. 

Another great thing about this school is that it’s conveniently located. It’s right in the Central Business District, so it’s easily accessible via public transportation. 

That said, classes here don’t happen regularly. They have openings for a few months and then nothing for the rest of the year. I recommend sending a message via WhatsApp or email ([email protected]) so that you’d remain updated.

Fun sessions

“I was passing through Singapore and wanted to take lessons. I found May through Google and was able to connect via Whatsapp. We were able to lock down a date and time and I really enjoyed my session. I really wanted to learn how to use the fan prop and May was able to accommodate. I do have minimal prior experience with wushu but not Taiji and May was very patient at assessing my level and helping me figure out the best way to learn the choreography. If you’re staying in the downtown area this was very convenient to get to and easy to coordinate. The session was so much fun! Definitely don’t forget to bring water!”

• Adrienne, Google Review

Amazing teachers

“Sifu Tan is a fantastic Taiji Coach with a weatlh of knowledge and patience. I had the pleasure of spending three days training for 8 hours with her this summer when I had a few days free on a business trip. I was able to learn the entire Yang 40 form in just a few days. I can’t wait to return and continue to improve my technique and abilities, as I was amazed at how quickly I was able to learn under her tutelage.”

• Alan Hirahara, Google Review

Chu Sau Lei Wing Chun Singapore only offers classes in Wing Chun Kuen (a practical, combat-oriented Chinese martial art). Unfortunately, they don’t have classes for children; you have to be at least 14 years old if you want to get trained here. 

That said, this school is still worth considering for many reasons. Firstly, the classes here are well-structured. 

You start with the core elements, followed by the basic striking methods. Then, as you progress, you learn more about power concepts and more complex positions and striking methods. 

The teachers are also passionate about the martial art, which inspires students to try their best in mastering the techniques. The sessions here are rigorous and long (around two hours), but students don’t mind it because they find the lessons engaging. 

People also really like that you can have a make-up class if you miss a session. This is such a convenient option, especially for students with busy schedules. 

Speaking of convenience, this school is also located in downtown Singapore, near the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and Bugis Street Market. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about getting lost!

Passionate and patient tutors

“As an international student, I feel truly fortunate to have Wang Sifu as my Wing Chun teacher. He is a passionate, respectful, and patient tutor who makes every lesson inspiring. His teaching not only enables me to practice the techniques effectively, but also helps me to understand the deeper logic and meaning behind them. This has been an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. Thank you, Wang Sifu!”

• Paul G, Google Review

Excellent teaching style

“I have studied some martial arts before but always felt that many places just did it for fitness or to make money. My experience with Chu Sau Lei Wing Chun Singapore and Wang Sifu has been completely different. Wang Sifu really takes the time to explain and demonstrate the small details and philosophies that really make a difference. His knowledge and teaching style are excelllent and he clearly shows how traditional aspects can be applied to modern day situations. To anyone inspired by Wing Chun and people like Ip Man, I absolutely recommend this school and teacher.”

• Simon Long, Google Review

Martial House 武术之家 offers wushu and taiji classes for all levels. Beginner classes are their most popular, but they also have classes for intermediate students and even for people pursuing competitive wushu.

This school also offers classes for children as young as four years old. So, if you want to instil discipline into your kids as early as possible, you should enrol them in a class here.

People commend the coaches because they’re friendly. The environment here is also warm and accommodating. One student shared that they were initially nervous because they were older than their classmates, but eventually, they felt welcomed by everyone. 

This school may not be in downtown Singapore, but it’s still conveniently located along MacPherson Road. There are several bus stops nearby, and if you prefer to take the MRT, the nearest station is Mattar, which is just a short walk away. 

I also like that there’s a trial class here. Unfortunately, it isn’t free (it costs S$30). The session is also a bit expensive, at S$60, but for most people, the price is worth it. 

Great coaches and environment

“Great coaches and environment. Was completely new to wushu and decided to give it a try together with my wife and son. Both of them also enjoy it. Coach Timothy was very friendly and able to bring up the class atmosphere. This school also helps to train up kids discipline. Beside being an older age to learn wushu, they are still able to cater different course path for different individuals.”

• Goh Chin Leng, Google Review

Caring coaches

“Coaches are caring, always go extra mile to make sure students are not just competent in wushu but also learn moral values like perseverance and diligence. I love to see my children cheering for their friends when training is tough. The team spirit is simply awesome!”

• Ellen Tay, Google Review