Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day by being on the front lines. They ensure that we live a safe and comfortable life without having to worry about danger. To be able to provide safety and security to the general public, law enforcement officers have to be in peak physical condition and be able to handle themselves to neutralise any threat.
Although officers are given adequate training to help them in various scenarios, there are those who go above and beyond by investing in their own training. FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts has become the place for several law enforcement officers from Singapore to stay in shape all year long and develop their martial art skills.
All-Year-Long Training
Law enforcement officers are taught self-defense and restraining techniques while they are in the academy but to be continuously proficient in these techniques, officers have to keep training all the time. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority SGT2 Mohammad Khairil Saad, who has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for several years said martial arts has helped keep him in shape and allows him to train in a safe manner.
“I started training BJJ about four years ago and at first it was confusing. I saw someone small controlling a much larger person by using technique and leverage, these techniques would definitely be helpful if I have to restrain someone in a safe manner,” said Khairil.
BJJ is one of the most sought after training tools among military personnel around the world. Its effectiveness as a self-defence system and its power to instil self-confidence makes it perfect for law enforcement and military officers. On top of that, BJJ also embodies the traditional bushido principles of honour and loyalty which goes hand in hand with any law enforcement agency.
BJJ’s popularity among military members has even sparked a series of tournaments for those in uniform. For example, the British Army holds several BJJ competitions a year for their rank and file. Other militaries around the world do the same every year.
Peak Physical Condition
For Singapore Police Coast Guard SSGT Mohammad Isa Abdul Ghafar, training martial arts has allowed him to stay fit all year long. Besides the self-defense training that he receives from learning Muay Thai and BJJ, Isa says training martial arts has helped him keep up with the physical demands of his job.
“Muay Thai and BJJ are physically demanding. It is a combination of strength, cardio, mobility and flexibility. It is a total body workout,” said Isa who trains regularly at FaMA on his off days. A one hour Muay Thai session is said to burn almost 1000 calories and with all the pad work, it tones the arms and legs. Muay Thai helps those who train move better and run faster as they are always bouncing on the balls of their feet in training. There’s also plenty of core strengthening exercises to go with the kicking, punching and elbowing.
For The Family
Law enforcement officers sometimes have to spend days or even weeks without seeing their family and this can take a toll on anyone.
Martial arts can develop a connection between family. For Singapore’s Emergency Response Team SSGT Muhammad Dafir, martial arts provided a platform for him to connect with his son.
“I started training martial arts because I wanted to do something with my son where I can teach him. I did my research and I found BJJ. I saw the benefits of BJJ and I wanted to try immediately,” said Dafir, who currently holds a blue belt in BJJ. His son is also a member at FaMA.
Law enforcement officers who train martial arts are investing their own money and time to add relevant skills that will only help them do their jobs better. FaMA thanks you for your service.
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.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or The Art of Eight Limbs, is a martial art developed in Thailand thousands of years ago to help the Kingdom protect itself against invaders. Using the human body as a weapon, Muay Thai practitioners are well-versed in punching, elbowing, kicking, kneeing, and clinching with their opponents. What was once only used for self-defence and protection of the Kingdom, Muay Thai has grown to become one of the most popular sports not only in Thailand but in the world. Muay Thai is known to provide a complete total-body workout that will help build lean muscle, core strength, and help with weight loss. At FaMA, Muay Thai classes are taught daily by Tanaphong Khunhankaew, or better known as Kru Ping, and Kru Jerel Louie.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ as it is commonly known around the world, is a self-defence martial art that enables a smaller, weaker person to protect themselves against a much larger attacker using leverage and pressure. Formed from Kodokan Judo in Japan, Jiu Jitsu found its way to Brazil in the 1910s through Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and no-holds-barred prize fighter. During his time in Brazil, Maeda accepted a young Carlos Gracie as his student. Carlos would later pass on his knowledge to his brothers, most notably Helio Gracie - the father of modern Brazilian Jiujitsu. The Gracie family would go on to spread BJJ through The Gracie Challenge and eventually the creation of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Today, BJJ has grown to be more than just an effective unarmed fighting system. It helps young children deal with bullies and adults live a healthy lifestyle. BJJ classes are offered daily at FaMA under the tutelage of Black Belts Zoro Moreira, Robyn Goudy and Thiago Gaspary.