Could you become the next Ultimate Fighting Champion?

Evolve MMA demonstrates the art of the take-down at their new gym in Far East Square. YouTube video by skybe077.

Who would win if Bruce Lee took on the Karate Kid? Ok, no-brainer. How about Chuck Norris versus Mike Tyson? These fantastical match-ups might seem like a fight fan's whimsical dreaming, but the concept behind them, to find out which martial art would be most effective in a real-life fight, is exactly why Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become so popular over recent years. 

In MMA, as seen on TV in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, fighters from different martial art disciplines square off in the ring. Or sometimes a cage. Thus boxers take on kung fu fighters, kickboxers take on jiu jitsu-ers, and so on. What tends to happen is the fighters grapple for a few seconds, before falling over and writhing around on the floor for the rest of the fight. So it seems what MMA really proves is that in a serious fighting situation, everyone becomes a mud-wrestler. 

Nevertheless the sport is hugely popular, so we headed out into the gyms and dojos of Singapore to look for the more obscure martial arts that might work within the squared circle.  

Silat

Origin: Sumatra and Java, Indonesia

Disregard the ceremonial dance -- this is a vicious style where the aim is to disable opponents as quickly as possible. It covers techniques such as strikes, joint manipulations, bladed weapons, throws, and even animal-based techniques. According to Sheik Alau’ddin, chief executive officer of Singapore Silat Federation, "Silat is trained as a sport, but it can complement other fighting styles. It just needs to be adapted as it teaches locks such as armbars, chokes, and the ‘konchian lotu’ or the figure-4 leg lock."

Learn it at Singapore Silat Federation, #02-01, 7 Bedok North Street 2, Singapore. tel +65 6741 8837, by appointment only. Each session costs S$60/hr. www.persisi.org.

Kali

Origin: Philippines

The complete Filipino fighting system incorporates boxing, kicking, throws, take downs, and ground fighting, just like most other fighting styles. However its main advantage lies in “training both sides and balancing our brain’s hemispheres” as instructor Ben Boeglin says. "Every technique and concept is taught on the right and left sides. It’ll add depth, coordination, and ambidexterity. That’s why many MMA fighters now train in Kali double sticks."

Learn it at Kali Majapahit, #02-01 43 Carpenter Street, Singapore. tel +65 8428 1160. Check website for opening hours and schedule, free trial classes are available. www.kali-majapahit.com.

Sambo

Origin: Russia

Developed by Russian military, Sambo combines techniques from European wrestling, Japanese and Chinese martial arts along with national martial arts of CIS natives. According to Gerard Lim, principal instructor of Jagsport, "Sambo is not just a ground fighting style with minimal striking techniques ala Brazilian Jujitsu. It’s got everything -- striking, grappling, submission etc. In fact it’s almost like doing MMA."

Learn it at Budo Academy, 340-B King George's Ave, Singapore. tel +65 6297 1202. Check website for opening hours and schedule, free trial classes are available. www.jagsport.com.

Muay Thai & Brazilian Jujitsu

Origin: Thailand (Muay Thai), Brazil (Brazilian Jujitsu)

The popularity of both fighting styles, according to Chatri Sityodtong chairman of Evolve MMA, is that "several martial art forms -- Muay Thai, Brazilian Jujitsu, and wrestling -- were more successful than others during the Ultimate Fighting Championships." And why is this so? Muay Thai is effective in stand-up fights with its arsenal of knees, elbows, and roundhouse kicks, while Brazilian Jujitsu complements it with its ground game of locks and submission techniques.

Learn it at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts, #01-01 Far East Square, 26 China Street Singapore. tel +65 6536 4525. Opens daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm, and complimentary introductory classes are available. evolve-mma.com.

Boxing

Origin: United Kingdom

Do an Anderson Silva and demolish your opponents with well-placed hooks and jabs. Admittedly Silva is versed in other fighting styles, but it’s his stand-up fighting game that takes our breath away. That’s where boxing comes in. It teaches you how to cover up and certain times and strike at certain times, tricking your opponent. It’s great for slipping punches, using distance and developing your timing, and learning how to throw a jab.

Learn it at Kadir’s Boxing School, 1 Guillemard Crescent, Singapore. tel +65 9843 3009, opens daily from 7.30pm to 10pm. www.singapore-boxing.com.

For more MMA action, check out Resorts World Sentosa's new martial arts knock-out competition, Marital Combat, where top level fighters slug it out for the championship belt. It begins in May 11, check www.rwmartialcombat.com for more details.