Put up your dukes – boxing is great for working out
SINGAPORE (Feb 14): Although the first rule of Fight Club is to not talk about it, Options is about to break that rule and reveal some places in Singapore to learn how to throw a proper punch. Apart from martial arts being a good form of self-defence, it is also becoming more popular as a form of exercise as you get a solid full-body workout from every session.
Main image: Learn martial arts and know how to defend yourself while getting a great full-body workout
Recently, I had the chance to try out a boxing class at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Singapore. They are touted as Asia’s premier championship brand for martial arts. Evolve also prides itself on its champion instructors, all of whom have scored wins in many competitions. In fact, I was told the company also has the most number of world champions out of any martial arts school in the world. Apart from boxing, they also offer other martial art classes such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA, wrestling, self-defence classes and more.
I was impressed. And I knew I was in good hands. The boxing instructor that led the boxing class I was in was Drian Francisco. The man had a string of wins under his belt – a WBA Boxing World Champion, WBO Asia Pacific Champion, WBA International Champion, IBF Pan Pacific Champion and more. The Filipino is known for his powerful punches and aggressive style, not surprising for someone who came up and trained alongside Filipino world champions Manny Pacquiao and Jerwin Ancajas.
Despite his rather scary resume, Francisco turned out to be a very patient teacher who taught me the in and outs of the sport in just one lesson. When I arrived, the first thing Francisco did was teach me the “boxing stance” and how to move around the ring. Having never tried it before, it felt foreign but having an encouraging coach helps. The trainer wrapped my hands up and then put them into a pair of boxing gloves. It was time to box. In that one session alone, I learnt three types of boxing moves – jab, hook and uppercut. Finally, I had to incorporate my footwork and boxing techniques together in a sparring session with Francisco. The end result was a good full-body workout that especially works the muscles in the arms, shoulders and thighs.
Whether or not you lead an active lifestyle, it is recommended that first-timers join a one-on-one course to familiarise themselves with the basics before joining Evolve’s group sessions. Here are some places we recommend you try.
Bashing away your work stress
There are plenty of martial arts gyms in the city but here are some places we recommend you try.