CADRE Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Defence & Jiu-Jitsu in Singapore

Have questions about starting martial arts or self-defence training? CADRE Academy offers Integrated Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for children and adults in Upper Thomson, Singapore. Find out what to expect, who can participate and how to get started.

Getting Started at CADRE Academy

Can I join CADRE Academy without any martial arts experiece?

Yes. CADRE Academy welcomes complete beginners. Our Integrated Jiu-Jitsu classes use progressive instruction to help students develop movement, positioning, control and practical self-defence skills. Beginners train alongside more experienced students, with guidance and expectations adapted to their level.

Do I need to be physically fit before starting self defence training?

No. You do not need to achieve a particular fitness level before joining CADRE Academy. Training activities can be adapted to different physical abilities, allowing students to develop strength, coordination, mobility and fitness progressively.

Is Self Defense training and Jiujitsu training safe for beginners?

Safety is central to training at CADRE Academy. Qualified coaches supervise activities, introduce skills progressively and adjust training intensity according to experience and readiness. As with any physical activity, some risk of injury remains.

Can I train if I have a previous injury or medical condition?

Participation depends on your individual circumstances and any medical restrictions. Inform our coaches about relevant limitations before training and seek medical advice where appropriate. Activities may be modified when safe and practical.

Am I too old to begin self defence or Jiu-Jitsu training?

There is no fixed upper age limit for starting at CADRE Academy. Suitability depends on your health, physical capabilities and individual needs rather than age alone. Our coaches can discuss appropriate training options with you.

Self-Defence & Martial Arts Training

What is Integrated Jiu-jitsu (IJJ)?

Integrated Jiu-Jitsu is a martial arts approach developed from the foundations of Israeli Jiu-Jitsu under Avi Nardia. It brings together striking, grappling, positional control, weapons awareness and practical self-defence applications, using progressive training methods to develop adaptable skills.

What is difference between Integrated Jiu-jitsu (IJJ) & Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ)?

Integrated Jiu-Jitsu addresses a broad range of martial arts and self-defence situations, including standing and ground interactions. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu concentrates primarily on grappling, positional control, submissions and ground-based problem-solving. CADRE Academy offers both disciplines as complementary training pathways.

Is Integrated Jiu-jitsu (IJJ) the same as KAPAP or Krav Maga?

Integrated Jiu-Jitsu shares historical roots with Israeli martial arts and KAPAP through Avi Nardia. However, IJJ represents a broader approach to martial arts development and practical application. CADRE's regular classes are taught as Integrated Jiu-Jitsu, while its KAPAP heritage continues through founder Leon Koh.

Does CADRE training offer Competition opportunities?

CADRE Academy's primary focus is practical self-defence. Students develop skills through progressive drills, partner interaction, resistance and problem-solving. Sport-oriented Jiu-Jitsu and competition opportunities provide complementary ways for interested students to develop and test their skills.

Children's Self-Defence Classes

At what age can children start self defence classes at CADRE Academy??

Children can begin training at CADRE Academy from age four through our Cubs programme. Our children's classes are designed around age-appropriate learning, physical development, safety awareness and character development. Individual readiness is also considered.

What will my child learn in CADRE Academy's self defence classes?

Children learn fundamental martial arts movements, positioning, balance, coordination and age-appropriate self-defence skills. Training also develops awareness, self-control, responsibility and decision-making through structured activities and guided practice.

Do children earn belts and progress through ranks?

Yes. CADRE Academy uses a structured belt progression system. Children are assessed on both technical competence and behaviour across three learning milestones. They must achieve three red milestone stripes before becoming eligible for belt testing.

How much do kids' martial arts classes cost at CADRE Academy?

CADRE Academy offers children's Integrated Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence classes in Singapore, with flexible training options for different schedules.

New students can begin with our Kids Starter Pack at S$99, which includes four training sessions and a training uniform.

For regular training, we offer two 12-week membership options:

S$537 — 12 sessions over 12 weeks (once weekly)S$717 — 24 sessions over 12 weeks (twice weekly)

Both options provide structured, age-appropriate training that develops practical self-defence skills, physical coordination and character development.

Classes, Membership & Progression

How long are the Jiu-jitsu classes at CADRE Academy?

Adult Integrated Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sessions are 90 minutes long. Children's Cubs and Tigers classes are 60 minutes long. Class activities are structured to accommodate different learning and experience levels.

How much do Adult Jiujitsu Classes cost at CADRE Academy?

The Adult Training Membership costs S$717 for 12 weeks of unlimited eligible classes. Adult Flex costs S$570 for 10 sessions valid over four months. New adult students can begin with a S$177 Starter Pack, including six sessions over four weeks and a training uniform.

Can Youth and Adults Train in Both Integrated Jiujitsu and Brazilian Jiujitsu?

Yes. CADRE Academy's Adult Training Membership includes eligible Integrated Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. This allows students to develop broader self-defence capabilities alongside more specialised grappling skills.

How do I start training at CADRE Academy?

Getting started at CADRE Academy is straightforward. Whether you're an adult exploring self-defence or a parent looking for martial arts classes for your child, our Starter Packs provide an opportunity to experience our training before committing to regular membership.

For Adults (Ages 14 and Above)

Begin with our Adult Starter Pack at S$177, which includes six 90-minute training sessions over four weeks and a training uniform. You'll train alongside other students with guidance from our coaches, progressively developing your skills and confidence.

For Children (Ages 4–13)

Start with our Kids Starter Pack at S$99, which includes four training sessions. Children join age-appropriate Cubs or Tigers classes, where they develop fundamental self-defence skills, coordination and positive learning habits.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut elementum elit. Nulla pharetra sem id nisi ornare, eget porta eros vehicula. Morbi vel nisl finibus, porta lacus eget, lobortis enim. Vivamus laoreet ligula ut ipsum sagittis lobortis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam vitae enim vitae augue pretium rutrum non eget ex. Vestibulum a tellus a turpis condimentum sodales et et odio. Nam iaculis dignissim nunc ut fermentum.

Ready to Start Training?

Whether you're learning self-defence for yourself or exploring martial arts for your child, take the first step with a CADRE Academy Starter Pack.

Adult Training

6 sessions over 4 weeks,
with uniform included.

S$177

Start Adult Training

KidsTraining

4 age-appropriate training sessions,
over 4 weeks with training uniform included.

S$99

Start Kids Training