Evolve MMA is my go-to MMA school because its lineup of instructors is impressive. They have Drian Francisco, Demetrious Johnson, and Christian Lee, among others, as instructors here. These are world champions! 

Another great thing about this school is that it has several locations in Singapore, so whether you’re in downtown, central, or east Singapore, you can still get your regular dose of MMA fun. I hope there will be more outlets in the future. 

I also have to commend both the environment and the people here. Firstly, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, which is good news for anyone who is conscious about germs (like me). 

Secondly, the instructors here aren’t just highly skilled; they’re also friendly. Sometimes, it feels like I’m just sparring with a friend, which is crazy considering these are world-class athletes. 

The only downside is the pricing; it’s S$349 per month. For me, this price is worth it because they have a wide offering of martial arts (e.g., Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu), and I can get unlimited classes for them!

Highly skilled and patient coaches

“I’ve had an amazing experience at Evolve MMA Kinex. The coaches are highly skilled, patient, and really push you to improve while keeping the classes fun and engaging. The staff are always welcoming and helpful, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Training here has not only helped me build my fitness and technique, but also given me a strong sense of community. Highly recommend to anyone looking to train in Muay Thai, boxing, or MMA!”

• Eddison Chua, Google Review

World-class instructors

“Evolve MMA Kinex overall is a great place to train. They have world-class instructors who are very professional yet friendly and approachable, and the classes are of all levels, starting from beginner-friendly. Highly recommend!”

• Joohi, Google Review

The first thing that students love about New Era MMA is the fact that it’s conveniently located. It’s just a short walk from the Lavender MRT station, so the commute isn’t a problem. Plus, there are also lots of parking areas nearby for people with cars. 

Another great thing about this school is the variety of classes. In addition to MMA, they do boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi Grappling, and Strength and Conditioning. 

They also have a diverse clientele—from young kids to senior citizens. Because of this, people don’t feel self-conscious when attending a class because more likely than not, there’s another student who’s their age. 

The instructors are also great here. They’re very accommodating with newbies; they’ll politely correct your form and explain techniques in clear terms. They can even custom-tailor the session based on your needs if you want. 

Unlike other schools, New Era MMA sells 6-month or 12-month memberships, and that lump sum can be too expensive. Fortunately, they offer special promos from time to time, so you can still save some money. 

Friendly and patient trainers

“I signed up immediately after my trial class at New Era MMA! As a total beginner to martial arts who is working my way back to fitness, I really appreciate how friendly and patient the trainers are. I’ve only been able to attend the weekday lunchtime classes, and they’ve been small enough for the trainers to give plenty of personal attention. The classes are a great mix of cardio and technique, and once a week there’s also a strength & conditioning session. The gym is very clean, smells nice, and has shower facilities too. It’s not intimidating at all, highly recommend for anyone looking to start their martial arts or fitness journey!”

• Juay Wee Liang (Carlos), Google Review

Homely environment

“Joined NEW ERA MMA with my son as they had adult (MMA) and children (Muay Thai) classes running at the same time on Saturday. The environment feels homely and the coaches/classmates are very welcoming to newcomers. As a 40+yo doing MMA for the first time, I’ve found the lessons manageable as Coach Niko breaks down techniques into easily understandable steps and classmates have also been very helpful. Lessons are physically challenging and ensure you go home drenched in sweat! My son says he enjoys his lessons too, and from what I notice during the brief moments of rest I have during class, the coaches are great with kids and lessons have a good balance of both technical and physical aspects. So far, it’s been a great place for us to pick up new skills at the same time!”

• Fane Tan, Google Review

Impact MMA became popular because they produced Royston Wee, Singapore’s first UFC fighter! But more than just that, this school has an impressive lineup of coaches who have decades of experience and have even won titles in competitions.

I also love that this school caters to all ages. They even have programs specifically catering to kids, so you can get your little ones trained in MMA early. 

If you want your sessions to be custom-tailored to your needs, then you’ll be glad to know they offer personal training as well. This is perfect for people who want to reach their fitness goals faster or those who want to become professional martial artists. 

People also love the instructors here. According to them, they’re more than just coaches; they’re also your friends and mentors. One student shared that his coach is present at all his competitions, which he appreciates so much.

The prices here are reasonable; a one-month membership costs S$298, but if you choose the multi-month options, you can save more. Membership lets you enjoy unlimited classes, but you can also opt for the session packages, which are cheaper.

That said, keep in mind that if you choose the one-month membership, you’ll have to pay a S$20 fee if you decide to pause said membership. I find this to be unnecessary, and many others agree.

Close-knit community

“Best MMA gym in SG! Coach Aloy & Coach Aaqil are fantastic teachers and their lessons are so enjoyable. The community is close-knit & legit. Very fun people to train with, yet still serious about their growth. Perfect environment to train combat sports.”

• Raphael Soriano, Google Review

Chill environment and beginner-friendly classes

“I had a month trip to Singapore and wanted to make sure I still trained in between. Did so much research on training gyms in the city — as you know many of which would be so much pricier than what you can expect in Thailand or Indonesia. So glad I came across Impact MMA. If you’re a striker, highly recommend the classes by Kushal (killer pads) and Bruce (awesome fight drills)! Chill environment, beginner friendly and great facilities. Saw great drills in their grappling classes as well. Can’t wait to come back.”

• Yasmin Dwi Larasati, Google Review

Unlike other MMA schools on this list, Pineapple MMA only specialises in Muay Thai and boxing. The lack of options can be a bummer, but their classes are still pretty good. 

I do like that they offer core classes for beginners. These classes are already all-inclusive, so you can learn the fundamentals and practice them until you perfect them. And if you’re experienced, don’t worry, because they also have classes for you. 

There are programs for kids here as well. They can even host a special event for you! This option is perfect for people who want a unique theme for a birthday or those who want a memorable bonding moment with their loved ones. 

Another thing that people like about Pineapple MMA is the fact that they’re open to tourists as well. You can book a single class, a day pass, or even a week pass. Just send them a message via WhatsApp, and they’ll give you the tourist rates. 

However, take note that the prices can be expensive here, and worse, they’re per week instead of per month. At least, the membership grants you access to all classes with no limits, and you can also use the shower facilities and fresh towels. 

Great attention to detail, patient coaches

“The coaches are very patient and pay great attention to detail. You can feel the passion and dedication from the coaches. They corrected my technique and helped me improve a lot. The community is also great. The training environment is clean, energetic and motivating. If you are looking for a place to learn Muay Thai or boxing, whether you are local or tourist, Pineapple MMA is definitely the place to go!”

• Jolene Wee, Google Review

Engaging sessions

“Fantastic place to train, with some of the best trainers and striking coaches around. The sessions are always engaging. The trainers know how to motivate and challenge you to do better, while the friendly vibe around the gym makes every class fun and entertaining.”

• Andrew Ang, Google Review

Lionheart MMA Singapore is conveniently located in Singapore’s CBD area. It’s right on South Bridge Road, which is pretty easy to get to via public transportation (especially the bus). 

I also really like the facilities here. They have a boxing ring, five showers, several lockers, and a weight area, and everything is clean and well-maintained. As such, the atmosphere is inviting. The moment I step inside, I’m ready to get down to business!  

The trainers are amazing, too. They’re knowledgeable, but they’re also supportive. They might come across as a bit pushy, and some people might not like that, but personally, I do because it motivates me.

The downside to this school, though, is that it only offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. But at least, they can cater to students of all ages and all difficulty levels. 

The prices can be high, too. The monthly rate is S$328, but you can save more if you choose the 12-month membership and pay upfront. 

If you don’t like the membership, you can purchase class credits instead. A single class is S$45, which isn’t too bad, but you can buy more (even 100 classes, if you want). 

Reasonably priced

“Tried the MMA classes here and it did not disappoint. The classes were reasonably priced and could go as low as $25 per class. I did the $36 per class. The wrestling class was intense, even for someone who works out frequently, it definitely pushed me. The coach was professional and knew how to manage the pace and intensity for me. Overall, a very good experience, especially for a beginner like myself. You might miss it as there’s a huge F45 sign in front of the gym. Just note it’s above it on the 2nd floor.”

• Benjamin Teo, Google Review

Comprehensive training

“Hands down, the best martial arts gym in Singapore and one of the very few genuinely offering comprehensive Mixed Martial Arts training. What makes Lionheart exceptional is its top-notch coaches. Each brings decades of martial arts experience and is dedicated to helping you improve, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter. Don’t worry if you’re new; Lionheart offers classes for all skill levels. The atmosfeer at the gym is relaxed and welcoming.”

• E Huizenga, Google Review