This post will provide an overview of my two visits and training at Evolve MMA and my experiences and some helpful tips for those wishing to visit and train at Evolve MMA in Singapore.
In July of 2019 I was fortunate enough to visit Singapore and train at Evolve MMA. This was my second training visit to Evolve MMA. I first visited Evolve MMA back in October 2016.
There is a strong connection between Evolve MMA, ONE Fighting Championship.
And the common thread tying them together is Sityotong muay thai from Thailand.
But apart from the former and current Lumpinee, Thai national and world muay thai champions who teach at Evolve MMA, Chatri Sityodtong has brought together a very impressive roster of instructors and BJJ, boxing and MMA world champions who train at and teach at Evolve.
What Can You Train at Evolve MMA?
On my first visit to Evolve back in 2016 I trained only muay thai but on my recent July 2019 visit I decided to take my gi and do some BJJ classes as well.
In addition to muay thai and BJJ, Evolve offers boxing, wrestling, submission grappling, self defense and MMA classes as well as Warrior fitness classes offered at their three locations across Singapore.
The BJJ classes I attended were taught by Gamal Hassan and I also attended sessions taught by Alex Silva both of whom are BJJ World Champions.
You can check out the classes offered at Evolve MMA through this link, https://evolve-mma.com/classes/
How Much Does it Cost To Train at Evolve
Vacation Pass
For the vacation pass which is a 7 day pass that allows you to train at any location and attend any Level I class the cost is US$199 and you get a 10% discount if you book and pay online. If you are only in Singapore for a short time this works well for most people.
A one month pass costs US$499 and three month packages cost US$1299, and you and you get 10% discount if you book and pay online.
Given that you can attend just about any session at any location I would say these prices are pretty good and especially for the access you get to high level instructors.
Check out the packages here : https://evolve-vacation.com/packages/
Acceleration Program
The one to one private one hour sessions are Singapore $250 per session and if you book five sessions you can get a discounted price of SGD $200 each for the five sessions.
Helpful Tips for Training at Evolve
1. Attend the early morning sessions if you want to avoid large group classes and be able to get some quality time with the trainers. I was able to attend the 6:45am sessions and they are generally much less crowded and also the climate is cooler at this time. The afternoon sessions especially for muay thai at Orchard Road can get very crowded.
If you are used to getting at least three rounds of pads with a trainer then you probably will be disappointed and its only because of the number of students in the group classes.
2. If you can why not train twice a day! It helps by getting in an early session like the 6:45am session and since the gyms close late at night you will have more than enough time to sight see, shop and also rest and recover before getting in more work late at night.
3. Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated! Singapore is a very hot and humid country even without training martial arts. You will sweat a lot so keep hydrated.
4. If you can, get some private lessons with the high level instructors at Evolve MMA. This will allow quality one to one time with Evolves instructors and if you are only in Singapore for a short time why not take advantage of the high level instruction available. See more here https://evolve-mma.com/classes/the-evolve-acceleration-program/
5. Plan your budget well. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia and globally. While food and public transport is relatively cheap its important that you budget wisely for the classes you wish to attend and also for private classes that you wish to take.
Private Classes with World Champions
I would highly recommend the one to one training available through the TEAP or the Evolve Acceleration Program. Its not cheap but if your in town for a short time in Singapore you can get instruction from.the best muay thai fighters and trainers in the world.
I did the Acceleration program in 2016 with private classes with Sam A so when i went back to Evolve again 3 years later in 2019 i decided to book sessions with Kru Sam-A again and i wasn’t disappointed.
Below is a video of some light sparring with Sam-A after pad work from July 2019 at Far East Square Evolve MMA.
Each session is an hour long and with this one to one time expect to get quality instruction from those who have achieved the highest levels in their chosen martial art.
Personal Thoughts on Training at Evolve
In my opinion, Evolve MMA is very unique in the high level quality trainers that are available, especially with regards to muay thai but also with BJJ, boxing and MMA.
Of the three locations in Singapore I was able to visit and train at two, Orchard Road and Far East Square. Both facilities are top class, very clean with helpful and professional staff.
Each of the instructors despite being world champions are very humble and easy going and take the time to really help you learn.
Overall I would highly recommend anyone visiting Singapore to train martial arts that Evolve MMA is a must on your to do list and I would say it is definitely a 5 Star muay thai and martial arts academy.
