Popping by FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts for a free-week trial of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or Muay Thai classes? If you have never taken a martial arts class before, you might be filled with mixed emotions of suspense, excitement, and curiosity over the unknown. Will you pass out from lack of stamina? Will you have to spar? Are your teachers and classmates helpful or intimidating? Oh, the possibilities are endless.
Well, let our FaMA Kids tell you (based on their personal experience) how to prepare for your first class at our academy. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, we reckon these insights should help!
Q: What should I bring for class?
Come in the right attire, but also come with the right mindset.
Thaddeus: Bring your gi*, your water bottle, and a good attitude.
Teanne: And your discipline!
*If you are taking a BJJ class, a gi will be loaned to you during your trial period.
Q: What sort of activities will we be doing in class?
1. Warm up
Parson: You will do exercises like break falls and push ups.
2. Work out
Renata: Prepare to have fun, exercise, and sweat a lot!
3. Get out of your comfort zone
Noa and Ava Cukierman: Be prepared to be smashed by someone (but also, enjoy yourself)!
Q: I have never done this before. Will I be able to catch up with the rest?
Everyone starts somewhere, and not everyone gets it right on their first day or week. Fortunately, we have experienced coaches to help us along our journey.
Lucas: The coaches are really encouraging! They will get you prepared. Definitely get ready to have fun in the process.
Audrey: Try your best, because it’s always good to give as much as you can. Don’t feel upset if you are not better than the others. You have to train a lot to get better.
Q: What else do I need to know?
As most of the kids have said, you’re going to have lots of fun. So relax and don’t worry too much! If you eventually decide to embark on this martial arts journey, you’ll get the hang of things in the long run. And oh, consistency does have its benefits. Just hear it from our FaMA BJJ Kid Parson.
Parson: Pay attention in class. Then, you will get your first stripe*.
*Stripes are given by the instructors to indicate a student’s progression, as they continue on the programme with us. Stripes are awarded according to instructors’ discretion, and will be added to the belt or prajiad (Muay Thai armband) whenever awarded.
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts training facility located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from the Clarke Quay MRT station, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Each program is led by experts in their respective fields. Whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for everyone.
Kids Martial Arts
Our Kids Martial Arts classes offer a choice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and/or Muay Thai programmes which have been specially designed for Children of all skills levels. Several studies have suggested that Children who participate in a sport experience positive development in their self-esteem and confidence, which supports our belief that the skills Children learn through our Martial Arts programmes here in Singapore will benefit them beyond their time in the academy.
Little Warriors (Ages 4-7)
Fun through martial arts with FaMA’s Little Warriors BJJ class. Little warriors will spend their time learning about BJJ through games such as sumo-wrestling and belt tag in a safe and clean environment. These games will complement any existing exercise or training to help improve balance, speed, coordination and alertness. Self confidence and discipline is also key in this class.
Junior Champions (Ages 7-12)
Future world champions will get a head start through FaMA’s Junior Champions BJJ class. Students will gain insights into techniques and tournament rules from experienced BJJ competitors of the highest level and how to apply them in a competitive setting. Good sportsmanship and respect is constantly advocated by instructors to help these next generation of medal winners.
Little Tigers (Ages 4-12)
In the Little Tigers Muay Thai class at FaMA, students are encouraged to learn through play, with attributes being honed by mini-games such as dodgeball for developing evasive footwork, fastest punch contests to train retractions, and kicking a ball off a stick to refine kicking techniques. There is minimal contact between students and no sparring, for safety reasons.