Fitness And Martial Arts (FaMA): Master Your Body Co-Ord Through Combat Fitness At Clarke Quay

Martial arts-inspired fitness classes have seriously been gaining popularity in Singapore lately. If you’re a sucker for some hardcore takedowns or other kick-ass strikes, you’ll not be disappointed with FaMA (Fitness and Martial Arts) Singapore.

Located at Clarke Quay, you can pick up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or train up your combat fitness with the FaMa Fitness classes that take place at this two-storey gym.

The brainchild of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt practitioners, Zoro Moreira and Bruno Amorim, FaMa is the gym where anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, can attain their fitness goals in an enjoyable, and interesting manner.

Having zero experience in any form of martial arts, we took on their suggestion and picked up the signature hour-long FaMa Fitness class. Needless to say, we were “thrilled”.

After ascending the flight of stairs to the second level, we were greeted with a spacious and brightly-lit open training area that comes equipped with floor mats, several punching bags, weights and medicine balls.

FaMA also boasts a pretty magnificent view of the Singapore River, so that you can work out with some inspiration.

Members get to make use of all of the shower facilities post work-out. There is also a lounge and relaxation area where members can chill or grab some coffee after showering.

FaMA Fitness

Like most fitness classes, the FaMA Fitness course began with some simple (but tiring) warm-ups — jogging, skipping, a few hip and core exercises, and some other animal-inspired exercises, such as the Donkey Jumps, Chicken Walk, and the Gorilla Walk.

The warm-ups were conducted in sets and each set was spaced out with a water break.

We later learnt that the particular warm-ups chosen were aimed to improve body coordination.

Despite mustering up every iota of physical dexterity, my natural dearth of psychomotor skills meant the inevitable humiliating stumble and tumble on the rubber mat. (#fitspo)

After the warm-ups, we proceeded with circuit training. Our session was focused on developing our lower body muscular definitions and the exercises we did comprised of wall squats, body weighted squats, side-to-side weighted squats, and modified steps.

It didn’t take long before we started panting and working out an indecent pool of perspiration. Fortunately, we spent only 30 seconds at each station and a short 15 seconds rest after.

It was also quite different that FaMA incorporated some form of partner work in its classes. I guess that’s what tided us through – the constant motivation from the affable instructor and regular members.

If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t even have completed the training.

Time flew by quickly when we were busy getting our muscles (and fats) wrecked. Our class eventually ended with a cool down consisting of simple stretches.

Meet The Instructor

Having appeared in a couple of Youtuber Eden Ang’s videos, some of you may find our gorgeous and affable instructor, Cheryl Loh, familiar. She started coaching freelance after attaining her Diploma in Sports and Wellness Management and eventually joined FaMA in April 2016.

We hung out after our session where she shared with us some additional insights of life at FaMA Singapore.

What do you find most gratifying as a fitness instructor?

“My students. The first lesson, you see them trying to cope with the exercises they haven’t done before. To see them improve over time, and have their body coordination and mobility get better. That’s satisfying. That’s my sense of accomplishment.”

What would you tell people to encourage them to start taking up FaMA fitness classes?

“Body coordination is quite often overlooked; some people are not even aware of this term as well. I’ve been trying to educate people that with good body coordination, you can pick up skills and techniques much faster than the rest. 

The fitness classes over here incorporate all of the physical strength conditioning, body coordination, and mobility. It can complement their usual training regime. If they are doing other sports outside, like rugby, these classes are going to help. They may not see it immediately, but they will feel it after a while.”

It goes without saying that we left FaMA feeling sore and drained. But if you ever ask me if I would do it all again, I’d say, “Sign me up.”

If you’ve been on the fence about shedding a few pounds, toning up, or wanting to try out martial arts in a fun and engaging manner, take a leap of faith and give FaMA Singapore a shot. Who knows? You may find yourself starting to enjoy the hurt.

Dates & Times: 11.15am & 5pm (Mon, Wed & Fri), 7pm (Tues & Thurs), 10am (Sat & Sun)

Prices: Only disclosed onsite

FaMA Singapore: 3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay,  #02-03, Singapore 179020 | Tel: +65 6352 0992 | Website | Facebook