Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 hrs ago
Singapore gyms report rising demand for children's self-defence classes
Several gyms in Singapore say more parents are enrolling children in self-defence classes.
The lessons include Krav Maga, practical self-defence training and Muay Thai.
At Kravist, the number of classes for children aged six to 12 has grown from about six to 11 since training resumed after the pandemic.
Kapap Academy says children's enrolment has more than doubled to 20, with about 20 more on its waiting list.
Parents want practical ways for children to defend themselves and escape danger, while some also hope the classes will build confidence and help children adjust to new schools.
Coaches say training can also teach discipline and resilience, not just physical fitness.
Kapap Academy plans to expand its classes to meet demand.
Several Singapore gyms report rising demand from parents enrolling children in self-defence classes.
Kravist’s youth division now runs 11 classes, up from about six after training resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children’s enrolment at Kapap Academy has more than doubled to 20 trainees from a year ago, and the gym has a waiting list of about 20.
SixSigma has seen children’s enrolment rise by as much as 50 per cent over the past year.
Parents cited practical self-defence, confidence, discipline and resilience among their reasons for choosing the classes.
- Who
- Singapore parents are enrolling children in self-defence classes; gyms including Kravist, Kapap Academy and SixSigma report rising demand.
- What
- Several gyms say enrolment in children’s classes has increased.
- When
- In recent years; some gyms report increases over the past year.
- Where
- Singapore.
- Why
- Parents seek practical self-defence skills and hope the lessons will build confidence, discipline and resilience.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Brandon Yap has been learning Krav Maga.
Kravist’s youth division ran about six classes.
Children’s enrolment at Kapap Academy more than doubled to 20 trainees.
SixSigma’s children’s enrolment rose by as much as 50 per cent.
- Kravist youth classes
- 11, up from about six after training resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic
- Kapap Academy trainees
- 20, more than double the number from a year ago
- Kapap Academy waiting list
- About 20 students
- SixSigma children’s enrolment
- Up by as much as 50 per cent over the past year
- Brandon Yap
- 12 years old; has learned Krav Maga for six years
What people are saying
We live in a very unpredictable world, you never know when something bad might happen to you
They're going to meet new friends, new teachers. I guess the parents' approach is to hopefully help them get ready for the big change in environment
They don't want something that's just routine or repetitive. They want something … based on real-life situations
Muay Thai teaches you character. We (teach) you how to pick yourself up when you fall