Where to Learn Martial Arts: 5 Schools and Gyms in Metro Manila

Capoeira is a Brazillian martial art that blends the physicality of its acrobatic, flowing movements with the energetic sound of its music. While it combines elements of dance, it is anything but. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil at the turn of the 16th century, Capoeira was disguised as a dance to hide the fact that they were practising fighting techniques. The martial art has been granted a special protected status as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

The Associação Kadara Capoeira was founded on 13 August 2013 by Mestre Cicatriz, with an emphasis on the values of unity, respect, and tradition for the art. The Philippine branch of the school is headed by Instructor Leão, who defines the art of Capoeira as "a conversation, where an attack is a question, and evasion or counter is [the] answer. In capoeira, the goal is to keep a beautiful conversation going."

While Kadara Capoeira has no set gym, the school frequently holds classes for both adults and kids, usually at Sunshine Place on Jupiter Street, Makati City. The schedule for their classes can be inquired about on their Facebook page.

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The words "Krav Maga" translate to "Close Combat" from Hebrew. True to form, Krav Maga is a form of martial art that puts great emphasis on close-quarter combat. Developed by Imi Lichtenfeld (Imi Sde-Or) in the early '50s, Krav Maga was initially meant for the Israeli military to further improve their combat capabilities. Over the years, Krav Maga was further developed for self-defence use by civilians. The IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation) holds true to the words of their founder, "So that one may walk in peace," by providing those who wish to learn this martial art with the tools and techniques so that they may better defend themselves and their loved ones and eliminate danger, so that everyone may walk in peace.

International Krav Maga Federation Philippines is the Philippine arm of this federation and hosts a variety of programs for civilians, kids, military, VIP protection, and even kettlebell training. The school offers classes at several locations around the metro: Planet Infinity Gym, 4th Floor Crossroad 77, Mother Ignacia Avenue corner Scout Reyes Street, Quezon City; Fitness Bee, Capitol Green St., Annex C-2 Capitol Hills Drive Old Balara Quezon City; and Anytime Fitness Gym, El Pueblo, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Kendo, the more modern version of the Japanese swordsmanship kenjutsu, is a martial art and sport that uses bamboo swords known as shinai and protective armour known as bōgu. IGA Kendo Club Philippines is a Kendo club based in Metro Manila, and is a member of the United Kendo Federation of the Philippines. Led by Koji Igarashi sensei, the club's teachings focus heavily on kihon, or the basic movements and techniques. A strong emphasis on the importance of proper form and a strong spirit is impressed on the students, to prioritize those values instead of trying to win matches for winning's sake. The concept of having a good offence will lead to a good defence is important for those under Igarashi-sensei's tutelage. 

The IGA Kendo Club has several branches throughout the Philippines, including Rim Sports Center, 706 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila; Dasma Village Gym, Dasmariñas Village, Makati City; Basketball Court, The City Club, Makati; UP Gym, Diliman, Quezon City.

Karate is a Japanese martial art that prioritizes striking using punches, kicks, and elbow and knee strikes, along with open-handed strikes (known as 'knife hands'). Modern styles of Karate include grappling, throws, joint locks, and restraints. The Kyokushin karate-do Philippines is considered to be one of the strongest Karate organizations in the Philippines based on its training syllabus, organization management, and its number of members.

With strict discipline and rigorous training, students of Kyokushin Karate can expect to be taught the traditions and "true essence" of this martial art.

Kyokushin Karate has several locations across the metro, including Honbu Dojo (Sanjuan Dojo), 36 Veloso st. Brgy Salapan, San Juan City; Kyokushin Fitness Gym, 597 LC Bldg., Quirino Highway, Bagbag, Novaliches Quezon City; and Jica Dojo, 40th RCBC Ayala Avenue corner Valero Street, Makati City.

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