KIDS SELF-DEFENCE EDUCATION
Kids Self-Defence Training in Singapore
Help your child develop practical self-defence skills, awareness, confidence and better decision-making through age-appropriate training for real situations.
MORE THAN PHYSICAL SKILLS
Knowing What to Do Starts With Understanding What Is Happening
Children may encounter situations that are confusing, uncomfortable or difficult to read. Someone may ignore a boundary. Play may become too rough. A disagreement may escalate. A child may feel pressured, frightened or unsure whether to walk away, seek help or act.
Learning physical techniques is important. But children also need to recognise what is happening, understand their options and make appropriate decisions.
That is why self-defence education at CADRE develops awareness, judgement and physical skills together — helping children learn not only what they can do, but when and why a response may be appropriate.
Self-defence is more than learning how to fight. Children need to learn how to notice, think and act safely.
BUILDING CAPABILITY
Skills for More Than One Kind of Situation
Children do not encounter every problem in the same way. CADRE training develops different capabilities together so they can learn to recognise what is happening, respond appropriately and adapt when circumstances change.
Awareness & Boundaries
Learn to notice what is happening, recognise potential problems and understand personal boundaries.
Decisions & Responses
Learn when to disengage, communicate, seek help or use physical skills when necessary.
Practical Physical Skills
Develop age-appropriate striking, grappling, movement and control skills for standing and grounded situations.
Confidence & Adaptability
Build confidence through practice, resistance and changing situations — learning to keep thinking when the first response does not work.
HOW CHILDREN TRAIN
Learning Skills Through Practice, Interaction and Adaptation
Kids training at CADRE is delivered through Integrated Jiujitsu, a practical martial art that brings together striking, grappling, movement and control with awareness and decision-making.
Children develop these abilities progressively through partner interaction, appropriate resistance and changing situations. As their experience grows, they learn to apply what they know rather than relying only on predetermined responses.
Striking & Movement
Children develop age-appropriate striking, kicking, movement and distance-management skills.
Grappling & Control
They learn how to manage physical contact, balance, positioning and control when situations become close.
Standing & Ground Situations
Training develops the ability to move, protect themselves and recover whether they remain standing or end up on the ground.
Decisions Under Changing Conditions
Skills are practised with partners, appropriate resistance and changing situations so children learn to recognise what is happening and adapt their responses.
BEYOND PHYSICAL SKILLS
Character Is Taught Intentionally at CADRE
Children face challenges beyond physical self-defence. They need to manage frustration, stay focused, take responsibility for their actions and make good choices when things are difficult.
At CADRE, character development is intentionally built into the Kids programme. Children explore age-appropriate themes through mat chats, training activities, reflection and dedicated character journals.
Rather than simply telling children to be confident, respectful or disciplined, we help them understand what these qualities mean, recognise what they look like in their behaviour and apply them during training and beyond the academy.
Character development is not left to chance.
We teach it intentionally as part of their training.
WORKING WITH PARENTS
Character Development Continues Beyond the Mat
Parents play an important role in reinforcing what children are learning. We keep parents connected to the character themes being explored so the same ideas can be discussed and reinforced at home.
Mat Chats & Training
Children explore each theme through age-appropriate discussions and activities that connect character with their choices and behaviour.
Character Journals
Cubs and Tigers use age-appropriate journals to reflect on each theme and how it applies in training and everyday life.
Parents as Partners
Parents can reinforce the same ideas at home, helping children connect what they learn at CADRE with situations beyond the academy.
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE TRAINING
Classes That Fit Different Stages of Development
Age provides a useful guide, but class placement is not determined by age alone. We consider each child’s developmental readiness and their ability to participate safely and benefit from the class. We will always discuss the most appropriate placement with parents.
Cubs — Typically Ages 4 to 8
Younger children develop movement, coordination, awareness, listening and foundational self-defence skills through structured, age-appropriate training.
The emphasis is on learning how to participate, recognise problems, make simple decisions and develop confidence through practice.
Tigers — Typically Ages 9 to 13
As children mature, training introduces greater technical complexity, resistance and decision-making.
Students develop more advanced striking, grappling and control skills while learning to take greater responsibility for their choices and adapt when situations change.
Teens — Typically Ages 13+
From age 13, students may continue training with Tigers or transition into Adult classes depending on their physical, psychological and emotional readiness.
Placement is considered together with parents and coaches so that each student trains in an environment appropriate to their development.
GETTING STARTED
Your Child’s First Four Weeks at CADRE
New students join our regular Kids classes through a 4-week Starter Pack. They train alongside existing students while receiving additional guidance as they become familiar with the coaches, class environment and way we train.
Four weeks gives your child time to settle in, participate and begin developing skills. It also gives our coaches and you a more meaningful opportunity to understand how your child responds to the training than a single class can provide.
Experience Real Classes
Your child joins the regular Kids programme from their first session, rather than a separate introductory class.
Time to Settle In
Every child responds differently to a new environment. Some settle in quickly, while others need several sessions to become comfortable with the coaches, training partners and class structure.
Support as They Learn
Coaches provide additional guidance as your child becomes familiar with the class, training partners and the skills being taught.
Finding the Right Fit
Four weeks gives you and your child time to experience CADRE's training culture, while allowing our coaches to understand how your child engages with the class. It helps both you and us determine whether CADRE is the right environment for your child.
Kids Starter Pack
$99/-
Training Sessions
over 4 weeks
Training Uniform Included
Everything your child needs to begin training.
Join Regular Kids Classes
Your child trains alongside existing students and experiences how training actually works at CADRE.
Guidance & Support
Coaches provide additional guidance as your child becomes familiar with the class and training environment.
What Parents say
Our daughter really enjoys the classes here. Very kind and passionate team leaders. The classes are well taught. It goes beyond just martial arts but also teaches pragmatic self defence and good values - excellent! The place is clean, has change rooms for kids to make it convenient. I highly recommend this place to anyone. As a parent and observer, I too was learning good tips for self defence! Well done Cadre and Master Leon!
Carolyn,
Parent
This is a very safe environment to learn self defence and martial arts. After being to a few other martial arts schools, we immediately felt good about the vibe we got at CADRE, even before we visited the school.
Not only do they teach self defence and martial arts, they take time out of each class to teach the students about managing their anger and emotions, about respect and how to descalate tense situations and remain calm
Kerry,
Parent
If you are looking for a martial arts school that teaches beyond just the strength and practical self defence for your child - that chooses to partner with you to guide your child through the years and learn about commitment, determination and grit, confidence in their ability as well as self control ( including your emotions), look no further and you will see how much your little one and their friends can mature under the guidance of Master Leon and his team.
Melissa
Parent
FAQ
-
How are classes grouped?
Age provides a guide, but placement also considers your child's developmental readiness and ability to participate safely. We will discuss the most appropriate class with you.
-
What if my child is shy?
Many children take time to become comfortable in a new environment. The 4-week Starter Pack gives your child several sessions to become familiar with the coaches, other students and class structure.
-
Does my child need experience?
No. Children can start without previous martial arts experience. Coaches adapt the drills and skills to meet each child at an appropriate level.
-
Is it safe?
Training is structured with age-appropriate drills, close supervision and established safety and hygiene practices. Skills and levels of resistance are introduced progressively.
READY TO BEGIN?
Give Your Child Time to Experience CADRE
Your child joins our regular Kids classes for four weeks, with guidance and support as they become familiar with the training environment.
Kids Starter Pack — $99
4 training sessions over 4 weeks • Training uniform included
Train For Life.
Prepare For Reality
Contact
Tel: +65 6974 5844
© 2026 CADRE Self Defense & Martial Arts Academy. All Rights Reserved.
CADRE Self Defense & Martial Arts Academy
200 Upper Thomson Road,
Thomson Imperial Court
#01-08 Singapore 574424
#019-