QUICK PICKS: BEST MARTIAL ARTS IN NOVENA 2026

TOP RATED

Fight Zone Velocity — 5.0 stars, MMA & Boxing at Velocity@Novena Square View →

AUTHENTIC MUAY THAI

Royal Thai Fitness — Traditional Thai boxing training at Newton Road View →

WORLD-CLASS

Evolve MMA — Asia's #1 martial arts academy, 10 min from Novena MRT View →

$150-350

Monthly Range

5+

Combat Gyms

4.8/5

Avg Rating

MARTIAL ARTS GYMS IN NOVENA: THE COMPLETE 2026 GUIDE

Novena has quietly become one of Singapore's most compelling destinations for martial arts training. What was once known primarily as a medical hub—with Tan Tock Seng Hospital and numerous specialist clinics dotting the area—has evolved into a diverse fitness corridor where combat sports thrive alongside the healthcare industry.

The strategic location makes perfect sense: Novena MRT sits at the intersection of the North-South and Thomson-East Coast lines, making it accessible from virtually anywhere on the island. Velocity@Novena Square anchors the area's fitness scene, while nearby Balestier and Newton offer additional training options. Whether you're a complete beginner curious about self-defense, a competitive fighter seeking quality sparring partners, or a parent looking for kids' martial arts classes, this guide covers everything you need to know about training in the Novena area.

We've personally researched each gym, analyzed hundreds of member reviews, and considered factors like coaching quality, class variety, facility standards, and value for money. This isn't a generic list—it's a practical guide for finding the right martial arts training for your specific goals.

UNDERSTANDING THE NOVENA MARTIAL ARTS SCENE

The Novena martial arts landscape spans several distinct micro-neighborhoods, each with its own character:

Velocity@Novena Square

The commercial heart of Novena's fitness scene. Connected directly to Novena MRT via underground walkway. Home to Fight Zone Velocity and True Fitness. The mall offers pre and post-workout dining options plus convenient parking.

Newton Road Corridor

The area around 55 Newton Road hosts multiple fitness operations including Royal Thai Fitness, JR Fitness, and Trilogic Fitness. A 10-minute walk from Novena MRT, it's a more budget-friendly zone compared to the mall options.

Balestier Road

Running parallel to Novena, Balestier offers gyms like Dennis Gym, Anytime Fitness, and Atlas Fitness. While not strictly martial arts focused, some facilities here offer boxing fitness classes. The area is known for its traditional shophouses and food scene.

United Square Area

Connected to Novena MRT's other exit, United Square houses Anytime Fitness and is close to Goldhill Plaza where UBX and F45 operate. More family-oriented with kids' enrichment centers nearby.

Transport tip: Novena MRT (NS20/TE11) is now an interchange station on both the North-South and Thomson-East Coast lines. You can reach Orchard in 3 minutes, City Hall in 8 minutes, or Woodlands in 20 minutes.

FIGHT ZONE VELOCITY: NOVENA'S PREMIER COMBAT SPORTS HUB

Fight Zone Velocity stands as Novena's flagship martial arts facility, occupying a prominent space on Level 3 of Velocity@Novena Square. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 235 reviews, it's earned a reputation for quality instruction across multiple combat disciplines.

The gym offers programs in MMA, boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Classes cater to all levels, from absolute beginners to competitive fighters. The facility features a full-size boxing ring, heavy bags, speed bags, and dedicated mat areas for ground work.

Location: 238 Thomson Rd, #03-57 Velocity@Novena Square
Price: $150-250/month depending on package
Rating: 5.0 stars (235 reviews)
Best for: MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ

Why Members Love It

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable coaching staff, clean facilities, and inclusive atmosphere. Multiple reviewers mention the gym's welcoming approach to beginners while still offering challenging training for experienced fighters.

"The coaches really take time to correct your form. I've trained at other places and the attention to detail here is exceptional." — Google Review

"Started with zero martial arts experience. Now I compete in amateur boxing. The transformation happened here." — Google Review

View Fight Zone Velocity →

ROYAL THAI FITNESS: AUTHENTIC MUAY THAI TRAINING

For those seeking authentic Muay Thai training in the traditional Thai style, Royal Thai Fitness delivers. Located in the Newton Road fitness complex at 55 Newton Road, the gym focuses exclusively on Thailand's national sport—the "Art of Eight Limbs."

The training methodology emphasizes proper technique, conditioning, and the cultural aspects of Muay Thai. Classes include pad work, bag work, clinch training, and sparring sessions. The gym maintains connections with trainers from Thailand, ensuring authenticity in teaching methods.

Location: 55 Newton Rd, #05-02
Price: Contact for pricing
Rating: 4.4 stars (43 reviews)
Best for: Traditional Muay Thai, Competition prep

Training Philosophy

Royal Thai Fitness takes a traditional approach to Muay Thai training. Expect to learn proper wai kru (pre-fight ritual), understand the scoring system used in Thailand, and train with equipment and methods consistent with Thai boxing gyms in Bangkok.

Classes typically run 60-90 minutes and include warm-up, technique drilling, pad rounds with trainers, and conditioning work. The gym atmosphere is serious but supportive—perfect for those who want authentic training without the tourist-friendly dilution found at some commercial operations.

View Royal Thai Fitness →

EVOLVE MMA: WORLD-CLASS TRAINING NEAR NOVENA

Location note: Evolve MMA Orchard is located 2 MRT stops from Novena (10 minutes door-to-door). We include it because it's the closest world-class martial arts academy and a serious option for Novena residents.

Evolve MMA needs little introduction in Singapore's martial arts community. As Asia's #1 martial arts organization, they've assembled an unprecedented roster of World Champions as instructors—over 1,000 World Championship titles among their coaching staff.

Programs cover MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling, and WarriorFit (combat-based fitness). The Orchard Central location offers state-of-the-art facilities including competition-size cages, multiple mat areas, and comprehensive strength training equipment.

Location: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #06-01
Price: $350-500/month
Rating: 4.8 stars (789 reviews)
Best for: MMA, BJJ, Competitive fighters, Premium training

Why Consider Evolve

If you're serious about martial arts—whether for competition or simply want the best instruction available—Evolve represents the pinnacle of what's available in Singapore. The premium pricing reflects the quality of instruction and facilities.

Classes run throughout the day from early morning to late evening. The schedule accommodates working professionals, with popular evening classes filling up quickly. They also offer kids' programs, women-only classes, and private training.

From Novena MRT, take the North-South line one stop to Orchard, then a 5-minute walk to Orchard Central.

View Evolve MMA →

HOW TO CHOOSE: FIND YOUR PERFECT MARTIAL ARTS GYM

Different goals require different gyms. Here's our recommendation based on what you're looking to achieve:

BEGINNER SEEKING SELF-DEFENSE

You want practical skills for real-world situations. No interest in competition—just confidence and capability.

Our pick: Fight Zone Velocity

Why: Their beginner programs combine striking (boxing/Muay Thai) with grappling basics (BJJ). You'll learn to defend yourself standing or if taken to the ground. The coaches are known for patience with newcomers, and the atmosphere is welcoming rather than intimidating.

Expect to invest: $150-180/month | 2-3 classes per week | 6 months to basic competency

SERIOUS COMPETITOR

You want to fight. Amateur or professional, you need quality sparring partners, experienced cornermen, and competition preparation.

Our pick: Evolve MMA or Royal Thai Fitness

Why: Evolve offers the most comprehensive competition preparation with World Champion coaches and active fighters training alongside you. If you're specifically focused on Muay Thai competition, Royal Thai Fitness's traditional approach and Thai connections can prepare you for Thailand-rules bouts.

Expect to invest: $350-500/month | 5-6 training days | Ongoing commitment

FITNESS-FOCUSED ADULT

You want the cardio benefits and full-body workout of combat sports without necessarily learning to fight. Boxing fitness, kickboxing cardio—the workout without the contact.

Our pick: UBX Novena

Why: UBX (formerly 12RND Fitness) specializes in boxing-inspired fitness without the sparring. Workouts are structured in 3-minute rounds mirroring actual boxing, but you're hitting bags and pads, not people. Perfect 5.0 rating, convenient Goldhill Plaza location, and a supportive community atmosphere.

Expect to invest: $168-250/month | Unlimited classes | Immediate results

PARENTS SEEKING KIDS CLASSES

You want your child to build discipline, confidence, and fitness through martial arts. Safety and age-appropriate instruction are paramount.

Our pick: Evolve MMA Kids

Why: Evolve's kids' programs are specifically designed by child development experts and martial arts masters. They offer structured progression, age-appropriate classes (Little Samurai for 4-8, Youth for 9-13), and emphasize character development alongside technique. The premium price includes access to holiday camps and special events.

Expect to invest: $250-350/month | 2-3 classes per week | Long-term development focus

CROSS-TRAINING OPTIONS IN NOVENA

Serious martial artists know that supplementary training makes a difference. Here are Novena facilities that complement combat sports training:

Trilogic Fitness

5.0 stars | 1,400+ reviews | Newton Road

Strength and conditioning focus. Excellent for building the power and endurance that translates to better martial arts performance. Their trainers understand athletic development.

BFT Balestier

5.0 stars | 32 reviews | Kim Keat Road

Body Fit Training's science-backed group fitness. High-intensity functional training that builds the cardiovascular base fighters need. Heart rate monitoring keeps you in optimal zones.

Yoga Movement Novena

4.4 stars | 40 reviews | Sinaran Drive

Recovery and flexibility work that prevents injuries. Many fighters incorporate yoga to maintain mobility and aid recovery between hard training sessions.

Anytime Fitness Novena

4.4 stars | 123 reviews | United Square

24-hour access for early morning or late-night training sessions. Useful for additional cardio or strength work around your martial arts schedule. $70-100/month.

MARTIAL ARTS PRICING IN NOVENA

Understanding the investment required for quality martial arts training:

Gym	Monthly Price	Disciplines	Best For
Fight Zone Velocity	$150-250	MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ	All-round training
Royal Thai Fitness	Contact	Muay Thai	Traditional Thai boxing
UBX Novena	$168-250	Boxing Fitness	Cardio-focused
Evolve MMA	$350-500	MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ, Boxing, Wrestling	Premium/Competition

Note: Most gyms offer trial classes ($20-50) or intro packages. Never commit to a long-term contract before trying at least 2-3 sessions. Pricing may have changed since publication—always confirm directly with the gym.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What martial art should a complete beginner start with?

For self-defense purposes, we recommend starting with either boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Boxing teaches you the fundamentals of striking, distance management, and defensive movement—skills that transfer to other martial arts. BJJ focuses on ground fighting and submissions, which is crucial since many real confrontations end up on the ground. Fight Zone Velocity in Novena offers beginner programs in both disciplines. If you're purely fitness-focused, boxing fitness at UBX provides an excellent full-body workout without the learning curve of technical sparring.

How long does it take to get good at martial arts?

Expect 6-12 months of consistent training (2-3 times per week) to develop basic competency in any martial art. You'll be able to defend yourself in common situations and understand the fundamentals. Reaching an intermediate level where you can spar effectively typically takes 2-3 years. Mastery—if such a thing exists—is a lifelong pursuit. The timeline varies significantly based on natural athleticism, training frequency, and quality of instruction. Gyms like Evolve MMA offer structured belt/level systems that provide clear progression markers.

Is martial arts training safe? What about injuries?

Quality gyms prioritize safety. Injuries do happen—this is combat sports—but reputable facilities like Fight Zone Velocity and Evolve MMA implement protocols to minimize risk: proper warm-ups, technical instruction before live sparring, protective gear requirements, and experienced supervision. Beginners typically don't engage in hard sparring until they've developed defensive skills. The most common injuries are minor: bruises, jammed fingers, and muscle soreness. Serious injuries are rare at well-run gyms. If a gym throws beginners into hard sparring immediately, that's a red flag.

What should I bring to my first martial arts class?

For your first class, bring: comfortable workout clothes (t-shirt and shorts or leggings), a water bottle, a small towel, and an open mind. Most gyms provide basic equipment for trial classes. If you continue, you'll eventually need your own gear: boxing gloves ($50-150), hand wraps ($10-20), shin guards for Muay Thai ($40-80), and a gi for BJJ ($80-200). Don't buy expensive gear upfront—wait until you're committed and can ask your coaches for specific recommendations. Gyms near Novena like Velocity Mall have sports shops if you need quick purchases.

Can I train martial arts if I'm overweight or out of shape?

Absolutely. Many people start martial arts precisely because they want to get in shape, and it's one of the most effective ways to do so. Combat sports training burns significant calories, builds functional strength, and improves cardiovascular fitness. Good gyms scale workouts to your current fitness level. At places like UBX Novena (boxing fitness) or Fight Zone Velocity's beginner classes, you'll work hard but within your capabilities. Many members report losing 10-20kg in their first year of consistent training. The key is starting—your fitness will improve rapidly once you begin.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

After researching every martial arts option in and around Novena, here's our bottom-line advice:

Best Overall: Fight Zone Velocity offers the best combination of quality instruction, variety of disciplines, location convenience, and value. It's our top pick for most people.
Best for Serious Training: Evolve MMA at Orchard is worth the commute if you're serious about martial arts. World-class instruction comes at a premium price, but the quality is unmatched in Singapore.
Best for Fitness: UBX Novena delivers the cardio benefits of boxing without the combat. Perfect for those who want the workout, not the fighting.
Best for Authentic Muay Thai: Royal Thai Fitness brings traditional Thai boxing training methods to Newton Road.

Whatever your goals—self-defense, competition, fitness, or personal development—Novena and its surrounding areas offer legitimate martial arts training. Start with a trial class, find the right fit, and commit to the journey. The discipline, fitness, and confidence you'll gain extend far beyond the gym.

EXPLORE MORE NOVENA FITNESS OPTIONS

Looking beyond martial arts? Novena offers excellent options for all fitness styles:

24-Hour Access

Anytime Fitness has multiple Novena locations for round-the-clock training.

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HIIT Training

F45 Novena and BFT Balestier offer high-intensity group fitness.

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Strength Training

Trilogic Fitness and Storm Athletic Club for serious lifting.

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