Big punching bags are hanging around and fighters are grappling with each other, practising grips and holds on a training mat.

What is noteworthy is that these fighters are not much taller than an adult's waist. They run and skip around, some screaming in excitement.

It is 4pm at the Evolve Mixed Martial Arts gym in PoMo mall along Selegie Road.

A class of 10 children are working with four instructors, playing games and practising simple martial arts grasping techniques .

The people behind this initiative - the Little Samurai Children's Program - bill it as a way to make children "bully-proof".

From a single class three years ago, there are now four classes per week with 20 to 25 children per class, the gym says.

The youngest participant is four years old.

Mr Chatri Sityodtong, who designed the programme and is also the gym's founder, tells The New Paper on Sunday: "Bullying can really affect a child's confidence and self-esteem during their formative years."

He adds that the programme will instil in children qualities like confidence, discipline, mental strength, courage and focus - qualities which would help them in major aspects of their lives, including studies, relationships and work.

In the beginners' classes, children aged between four and seven usually take part in games which involve learning how to control and coordinate their movements. Intermediate classes see them learning basic stances and grappling skills.

But the instructors are quick to say that their programme does not encourage violence.

Instead, martial arts knowledge and practice give children the self-confidence that would come in handy when someone gives them a hard time at school, says Mr Eddie Ng, 27, one of the instructors.

The British citizen, who was born and raised just outside of Newcastle in the UK, recalls his schoolmates attacking and calling him names in secondary school.

Mr Ng first took classes in Chinese martial arts at a community centre, picking up mixed martial arts later. He says: "Initially, I thought I could use the techniques against bullies to defend myself.

"But later, I realised that martial arts should only be used as a last resort. You can't use it against someone just to prove a point."

When faced with a bully, Mr Ng tells his charges, one should immediately tell a teacher, coach or parent who is in a better position to handle the situation.

"Even if you do use martial arts moves on a bully, most of them are meant to control your attacker, giving you time to talk to him and calm him down.

"We are not saying all the kids will become immune to bullying after participating (in our programme).

"We just hope the course will help them cope better with bullying situations."

Mr Chatri says that the children are "taught how to defend themselves against bullies in non-violent ways".

One parent who is happy with the progress her daughter is making is Mrs Clarissa Teo, 38, a business woman.

She says: "While Zelle (her daughter) hasn't been bullied so far, I'm sure most children will have some experience with bullying in the school environment.

"I just want her to be strong and mentally tough in case she encounters a bullying situation."

"If someone tries to bully her, I'm confident that she would be able to wriggle her way out."

She adds: "I don't think there's a programme that can completely 'bully-proof' a child.

"You can't control what others do to you. You can only control how you react to bullies, and that's what I hope my daughter will learn here."

Nonetheless, since attending classes, Zelle's parents have observed that she has become more disciplined and obedient.

Says Mrs Teo: "She finishes her meals on time and takes her bowl and cup to the sink without me having to remind her.

"I think it's because the classes have given her a sense of structure - she has gotten better at listening and following instructions."

Impossible to make someone completely 'bully-proof': Expert

Mixed martial arts, with its reputation of being a hard-hitting and fullcontact combat sport, shouldn't be mixed with children, say some parents.

Says a mother, Madam Chen Li Ping, 48: "When I hear about using martial arts to stop bullying, I immediately think the children are being taught to fight bullies."

Says another parent, Madam Sa'airah Abdul Rashid, 35: "What if the children use the martial arts to fight with their siblings? And what if the kids become over-confident and think they can tackle a bully who is much stronger than they are?"

Experts who work with children feel that it takes a lot more than just learning martial arts to combat bullying.

Says Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of youth services at the Singapore Children's Society: "There seems to be some clever marketing here. The one thing parents fear is their children being bullied, so the tagline is certainly attractive to the gym's customers.

"But if the course is marketed as a way to 'bully-proof' a child, it should also aim to develop other skills such as managing conflict and getting support from friends and family, which are crucial in a bullying situation."

Adds child psychiatrist Brian Yeo: "Learning martial arts on its own is not a solution to bullying, but can work as a component of a wider package."

He says there are many other activities - like music, art or public speaking - that have the same effect of boosting a child's confidence and self-esteem.

"In any case, it's impossible to make someone completely 'bully-proof' because one's environment and circumstances change.

"Someone might not be bullied in one environment, but could end up being bullied in a different environment.

"Some people may still be bullied even when they become adults."

Other martial arts instructors point out that they also train their pupils to become stronger and more confident.

Says a director at the Singapore Taekwon-Do Academy, Ms Anjanette Huan: "Most martial arts can help pupils become more confident.

"Traditional taekwondo, for example, helps them get a better sense of balance and hand-eye coordination.

"By learning the techniques, pupils will also become more confident of defending themselves in times of danger."

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