4.9 ★ (27 reviews)
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About The Gentle Art Academy (Novena)
The Gentle Art Academy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Novena that has earned a reputation for combining technical excellence with a genuinely welcoming, family-friendly culture. Founded in 2014, the academy is led by an experienced team of black belts who place equal weight on skill development and personal growth, particularly for children.
Families consistently describe the academy as a warm, supportive and safe environment, praising coaches for their patience, attentiveness and care for each student's development. Beyond the techniques of BJJ, parents credit the school with building confidence, resilience and character in their children, while adults benefit from structured fundamentals taught with a strong emphasis on safety.
With programmes spanning kids' classes, adult Gi and No Gi training, wrestling and strength conditioning, The Gentle Art Academy caters to complete beginners and committed grapplers alike. The deep coaching bench, multiple specialisations and clear focus on respect for the art make it a standout choice for anyone in the Novena area looking to start or continue their jiu-jitsu journey in a positive, professional setting.
Classes & Programs
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi)Kids BJJNo Gi grapplingWrestling for Jiu-JitsuSuples Bulgarian Bag strength & conditioning
Trainers & Coaches
Brendan Foong Programme Director +
Founder of the academy (2014) and a black belt since 2017, with a passion for teaching kids and building their self-confidence through BJJ.
Arthur Gomes Barbosa Head Coach +
A black belt since 2008 with a competitive background and gold medals in the Brazilian circuit, who also trains in complementary disciplines such as judo and gymnastics.
Jose "Jar" Arboleda Coach +
A black belt under Atos Jiu-Jitsu since 2009 with multiple competition podium finishes, described as especially good with kids and beginners.
Kris Leverton Coach +
A jiu-jitsu black belt and multidisciplinary martial artist across MMA, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling, specialising in No Gi submission grappling.
Ashley Chong Coach +
A black belt since 2023 who has been training since 2008, with a strong No Gi focus and Suples Pro Instructor certification.
Facilities & Amenities
Sprung mats (Novena location) Two locations (United Square / Novena and Katong Square)
Who It's For
Kids aged 4-5 and upTeensAdult beginnersExperienced grapplers
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer a trial? +
Yes. Trial packages are available for kids (ages 4-5+), teens and adults, bookable online.
Is it suitable for beginners? +
Yes. Classes place a strong focus on safety and fundamentals, and several coaches are noted for working well with beginners.
Do you have kids' classes? +
Yes. Dedicated Kids BJJ classes are offered, with coaches praised by parents for building children's confidence and character.
What styles are taught? +
Programmes include Gi and No Gi BJJ, wrestling for jiu-jitsu and Suples Bulgarian Bag strength and conditioning.
Pricing Information
Contact for pricing
Contact for pricing
Estimated starting price
• Pricing varies by plan and commitment
• Casual day passes often available
• Ask about free trials and student rates
Gym Information
Location Type
N/A
Style
jiu jitsu
Google Rating
4.9 ★
Location
What to Know
- Arrive 10–15 min early on your first visit
- Bring a towel, water bottle and clean shoes
- Check timetables and book classes ahead
Nearby Gyms
Gyms in Novena
The Gentle Art Academy (Novena) is one of Singapore's fitness studios, offering professional training services for all fitness levels. Located in Thomson Rd, #01-39, Singapore 307591, this studio provides high-quality training and fitness services for both beginners and experienced athletes.
As part of the Novena fitness community, The Gentle Art Academy (Novena) contributes to the local fitness scene. Whether you're looking for personal training, group classes, or specialist coaching, this studio offers a professional and welcoming environment for your next workout.