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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevant to this selected argument:
- The articles detail many complaints filed against 2 fitness clubs in SG over the past 3 years, mainly arising from disagreements over membership fees. Members who wished to terminate their membership faced issues in doing so or were pressured to extend their package.

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here? '
- Singaporeans tend to be enticed by promotions or something that is perceived to maximise their value for money. Therefore, they could be more likely to fall into the traps of financial scams.

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?
- To combat this, the government could implement stricter regulations on gym corporations to prevent such traps from proliferation. However, this may not be effective as generalised regulations may not be able to cater to the varying specific situations. If such regulations are not properly enforced, gym corporations can easily seek out loopholes in such policies and bypass them.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/two-fitness-clubs-hit-by-complaints

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Singapore's consumer watchdog has flagged two fitness clubs for the high number of complaints filed against them over the past three years. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevant to this selected argument:
Swim for Hope bring people of all ages, races and fitness levels together.  The event for a good cause as the proceeds will go towards helping children with special needs, less fortunate families and servicemen disabled due to service.

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?
Promotes inclusivity not just for the participants but for the recipients of the event as it bring people with a common goal to give back to society. It also gives opportunities to display Singapore’s giving spirit, promoting societal cohesion.

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?
This is effective as it brings people from all different walks of life together to swim for a common good.

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

THE ARTICLE TALKS ABOUT THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF TEAM SPORTS SPECIFICALLY. THESE INCLUDE, BETTER MENTAL HEALTH, BETTER PHYSIQUE, THEY GET TO BUILD HEALTHIER HABITS.

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

SINGAPOREANS OFTEN ENJOY THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT THEY SHARE WITH OTHERS, POSSIBLY STEMMING FROM THE KAMPUNG SPIRIT BEING CARRIED DOWN FROM THE 1960S.

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

WHILE SOME MAY SAY THAT EXERCISE CAN BE DONE ALONE WHILST REAPING SIMILAR BENEFITS, IT IS NOT COMPLETELY TRUE AS IT IS THE ELEMENT OF BEING WITH SIMILAR-MINDED PEOPLE THAT MAKES THE EXPERIENCE MORE ENJOYABLE.

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Participating in team sports means being part of a team which also boosts our social-being and mental health.

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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/hpb-to-increase-capacity-of-physical-activity-programmes-adjust-national-steps-challenge

Summary:
- In support of Singapore's Preventive Care Initiative Programme, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) announced plans on Sunday to progressively raise the capacity of its physical activity programmes from serving 31,000 people every week to about 47,000.
- This is in line with the National Steps Challenge
- These programmes are conducted in community spaces such as sports centres, parks, housing estates and senior activity centres in collaboration with HPB’s public and private sector partners.
- Providing a range of communal exercises such as Zumba, TaiChi

Relevant SG Characteristics:
- Ageing Population in Singapore results in a greater number of elderly who are increasingly isolated from society due to their disconnection from new technology and their inability to venture beyond a certain area. As such, such communal exercises are good opportunities for the elderly to reconnect and come together to break this isolation and to exercise.
- Multiethnic society: such communal exercises allows groups of different races and ethnicities to bond and to overcome differences in order to exercise.

Balance:
While some may say that these events are useless if sign up rates are low, and that they are merely one of events that people go to and then leave-- it is simply a starting point for people in the community to connect with each other. Certain groups within the community may also benefit more from these activities to become healthier and to forge deeper bonds with those in the community as it is free and easily accessible.

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HPB to increase capacity of physical activity programmes, adjust National Steps Challenge

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Residents will be encouraged to clock 10 to 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and at least 5,000 steps daily. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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1. Provide a summary of the article that is relevant to this selected argument

https://web.42race.com/race-bundle/mymelodynkuromispringparty

The Melody and Kuromi running event brings people interested in sanrio characters together to exercise. Furthermore, there are other interesting activities to participate along the walk/run, such as a treasure hunt related to the sanrio characters, which will further entice Singaporeans to participate in this exercise event.

2. What are the relevant SG context that you would like to highlight here?

People in SG are becoming more active recently as they are receptive to the government's efforts in promoting exercise and they the value of exercising as they are more educated. Additionally, our "kiasu" culture makes us inclined to participate in specialised events like this as it is not everyday where you can run/walk and get to take home a sanrio character as a reward for completing the run/walk.

3. How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

Singaporeans are making attempts to be more active and are  open to interacting with strangers in social events, and hence are able to bond with people of similar interests while getting fit together. However, this does not apply to all Singaporeans as they are unwilling to compromise their work to exercise, and thus do not see the value of exercising and are unwilling to interact with strangers with similar interests

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42Race — Explore & Register for Virtual & In-person Race, Events & Activities to Do

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Singapore’s first running app to organise virtual runs for runners all around the world. Simply sign up and participate in our events, share your results with our community and earn attractive rewards.

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[Sample] Copy this template and answer the following questions based on your selected example (article/video etc.)

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[Sample] Copy this template and answer the following questions based on your selected example (article/video etc.)

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

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1) Health Promoting Malls by Health Promotion Board host free exercise sessions every week and are led by professional instructors and accessible to the masses. These malls are mostly in the heartland.

2) “Working out in a big group is more fun than in a small class. When you are surrounded by people, the atmosphere is very lively and you can feel the adrenaline.”  (quoted from someone interviewed in the article) [COUNTER AGAINST INDIVIDUALISTIC TENDENCIES OF SINGAPOREANS]

3) Although this may be dependent on the receptiveness of the community towards such programs (as seen from the substantially lower sign up rate of men), it would definitely be able to gain traction as it is easily accessible and free for the average price-sensitive, busy Singaporean.

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On Monday, Ms Evelyn Lee, 77, goes for a pulsating kickboxing session at The Star Vista in Buona Vista.

On Tuesday, the retiree heads to either Lot One Shoppers' Mall in Choa Chu Kang or IMM Building in Jurong for KpopX fitness, aerobics incorporating K-pop moves.

And on Friday, the fitness enthusiast, who lives in Choa Chu Kang, busts out more K-pop moves at JCube in Jurong or Junction 8 in Bishan.

And these exercise classes do not cost her a cent.

She says: "I don't need a gym membership and seldom attend classes at the community club. I can exercise at the mall for free."

Yes, these days, it is possible to get workouts at the malls every day of the week.

Since 2010, the Health Promotion Board has been working with shopping centres to organise exercise sessions.

These activities, aimed at making exercise more accessible to the masses, are led by professional instructors.

Most are paid for by the board or the malls, but they declined to reveal cost figures.

At least 12 malls, mostly in the heartland, now offer such activities regularly, and more than 13,000 people have participated in them.

The sessions, which are mostly an hour long, include mall walks and aerobic activities such as zumba, kickboxing and KpopX fitness.

For example, a KpopX fitness session at Lot One on the first and last Tuesday of the month typically consists of 14 songs - a warm-up song, 12 songs for an intense workout and a cool-down song.

Says freelance instructor Suzanne Kuo, 25, who was engaged by interior design and events company Cityneon: "These exercises can benefit one's health, such as improve energy levels and mental alertness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases."

There are also yoga sessions, such as the ones held on Thursday at The Star Vista, organised by the mall in collaboration with yoga studio Meraki Yoga.

At the studio itself, a similar session could cost $17 to $43.

Says yoga instructor Jacqueline Soon, 29: "When doing yoga, it's important for each participant to focus internally.

"There might be music playing from the shops or people staring at you. But if you focus on your breathing and poses, it's easy to block out all the surrounding noise."

Yoga participant Jolin Liu, 23, a student, agrees: "It's sometimes easy to get distracted when doing yoga in a mall. But I remind myself to concentrate.

"After all, it's just for one hour and I can do what I want afterwards."

Those who prefer less rigorous exercises can go for mall walks, during which an instructor leads participants to walk briskly around a mall before the shops open for business.

These typically start with 10 minutes of stretching, a 1km walk around the mall, and then 10 minutes of cool down.

Says instructor Stephanie Tan, 26, who conducts mall walks: "The exercise is of moderate intensity. It should increase your heart rate and make you breathe deeply. You should still be able to talk, but not sing."

The Health Promotion Board recommends that adults and seniors engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.

Indeed, part-time library assistant Tan Thor Kee, 58, lost 2kg in two months when she started going for the walks three years ago.

"After the walks, I sleep better, feel more energetic and don't feel as tired when climbing stairs," she says.

"I've participated in other walking activities in the park or around my neighbourhood. But whenever it rains, everyone will dash for shelter. This doesn't happen during mall walks as they are conducted in a sheltered area."

As malls are usually near MRT stations, they are easily accessible to many of the participants.

Says IT officer Wendy Goh, 37, who attends about four exercise sessions every week: "After work, before each session, I'll change into my sports shoes and outfit in the mall toilet.

"After the session, I'll go home in my workout attire. It doesn't feel uncomfortable since the mall and trains are air-conditioned."

The activities have been well received by participants and attendance has been very encouraging, notes Dr Shyamala Thilagaratnam, director of the Health Promotion Board's preventive health programmes and regional and community health divisions.

Since the activities were introduced in 2010, the number of participants has increased by 40 per cent each month on average.

At some venues, up to 60 people - including working adults, seniors and youth - show up regularly.

Dr Thilagaratnam notes that people were attracted to the malls' facilities and their locations near homes and offices.

The Health Promotion Board says it is looking to partner more malls in the future.

Of all the participating malls, The Star Vista seems to organise the most number of regular exercise sessions - four a week - including kickboxing, yoga, zumba as well as a zumba and gym session for parents and kids.

These take place at its open-air Star Plaza, which has a 33m-high ceiling.

Ms Sherry Lee, 29, whose workplace is just one MRT station away, attends zumba sessions there every Tuesday evening.

After the sessions, it takes her just 30 minutes to get home, which is three MRT stations away.

Says the health-care worker: "It's more convenient than going to a big gym in town.

"Working out in a big group is more fun than in a small class. When you are surrounded by people, the atmosphere is very lively and you can really feel the adrenaline.

"Before you know it, one hour has breezed by."

About 90 per cent of the participants are women. But that is not stopping men such as Mr Tan Jun Ren, 24, from joining the free exercise sessions.

The student, who lives along Holland Road, has been attending kickboxing and zumba sessions at The Star Vista for the last three months.

"Many of my male friends don't want to come because they think that the exercises such as yoga and zumba are for women," he says.

"But the sessions are good exercise, free and just a 15-minute walk from my flat. It'd be silly of me not to go."
bang@sph.com.sg

"I may be 77 years old, but I can still do zumba and kickboxing. I love to stay active. The only session I won't go for is yoga, because my body is not flexible anymore."
RETIREE EVELYN LEE, who attends classes at malls about three times a week

"I love that the exercises take place on the mall's premises. Before the session, I can window-shop with my friends. After the session, I buy groceries at the supermarket."
HOUSEWIFE RUBY ABDUL KADIR, 48, who has been going for KpopX fitness classes for the last month

"I don't care if strangers stare at me. Korean singer Psy's Gangnam Style and Gentleman are so catchy. I just focus on the steps and let the music carry me away."
BEAUTICIAN PEGGY TAN, 46, who attends zumba and KpopX fitness sessions at malls regularly

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Go shopping and get a free workout too with free fitness classes held at malls

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On Monday, Ms Evelyn Lee, 77, goes for a pulsating kickboxing session at The Star Vista in Buona Vista. On Tuesday, the retiree heads to either Lot One Shoppers' Mall in Choa Chu Kang or IMM Building in Jurong for KpopX fitness, aerobics incorporating K-pop moves. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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At the same time, the author acknowledges that not everyone reaps these benefits. She argues that the modern cult of fitness can ironically alienate those who need it the most and create divisions in society between the fat and the fit.  (Para 7)

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At the same time, the author acknowledges that not everyone reaps these benefits. She argues that the modern cult of fitness can ironically alienate those who need it the most and create divisions in society between the fat and the fit.  (Para 7)

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The author argues that exercise allows us to meet like-minded people who share our interests. For the urban-dweller, it energises and rejuvenates both the physical body and the mind. The mind is free of all thought as the focus is on completing the exercise routine. (Para 4 and 5)

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The author argues that exercise allows us to meet like-minded people who share our interests. For the urban-dweller, it energises and rejuvenates both the physical body and the mind. The mind is free of all thought as the focus is on completing the exercise routine. (Para 4 and 5)

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The author argues that exercise offers not only physical benefits, but also spiritual comforts. She argues that the intensity of the experience is a gateway to a higher plane of existence, allowing one to find a more significant and sustained state of fulfilment. (Para 2 and 6)

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The author argues that exercise offers not only physical benefits, but also spiritual comforts. She argues that the intensity of the experience is a gateway to a higher plane of existence, allowing one to find a more significant and sustained state of fulfilment. (Para 2 and 6)

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Romanoff even ventures that despite the purported health benefits of exercise, there are many modern gyms which cut corners on staffing and are under-regulated, leading to customers’ being in danger of injury from underqualified and unscrupulous instructors. (Para 8)

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Romanoff even ventures that despite the purported health benefits of exercise, there are many modern gyms which cut corners on staffing and are under-regulated, leading to customers’ being in danger of injury from underqualified and unscrupulous instructors. (Para 8)

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A deeper issue raised by Romanoff with the cult of modern fitness is that it thrives on a deeply unhealthy, almost pathological pattern of self-punishment. People are driven to obsessive exercise by harmful feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, spurred by the unrealistic images of perfection on social media. She argues that this appearance of being ‘better versions of ourselves', ultimately undermines the benefits exercise is meant to endow, as people are trapped in unending cycles of negativity. (Para 9 and 10)

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A deeper issue raised by Romanoff with the cult of modern fitness is that it thrives on a deeply unhealthy, almost pathological pattern of self-punishment. People are driven to obsessive exercise by harmful feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, spurred by the unrealistic images of perfection on social media. She argues that this appearance of being ‘better versions of ourselves', ultimately undermines the benefits exercise is meant to endow, as people are trapped in unending cycles of negativity. (Para 9 and 10)

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

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[Sample] Copy this template and answer the following questions based on your selected example (article/video etc.)

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

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The author also extolls the communal value of exercise, particularly group exercise. She argues that it facilitates the coming together of individuals who are typically segregated and isolated by modern living, and allows for the creation of diverse and inclusive groups. (Para 3) 

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The author also extolls the communal value of exercise, particularly group exercise. She argues that it facilitates the coming together of individuals who are typically segregated and isolated by modern living, and allows for the creation of diverse and inclusive groups. (Para 3) 

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[Sample] Copy this template and answer the following questions based on your selected example (article/video etc.)

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

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[Sample] Copy this template and answer the following questions based on your selected example (article/video etc.)

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

Nearly 6,800 people participated in the 11th OCBC Cycle's community rides - The ST Ride (23km) and The Sportive Ride (42km) - at the Singapore Sports Hub, including families at the Mighty Savers Family Ride.

Participation of families in this event

Participation of participants with different disabilities: One participant was hand cyclist Prashant Arkal, 33, from the Para Cycling Federation of Singapore, who spent about three months preparing for the event. While others focused on speed, he focused on the technical aspects of riding in such a big group. Still, this shows how diverse and inclusive the event is.

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

- Fast-paced hectic liefstyle in SG, need for work-life-family balance: such activities encourages people to practise healthy living and gets the community to exercise together.
- Rich, diverse SG society: Exercise/ sporting activities cater to the rich diversity of SG and seeks to promote causes and well as participation by indi to promote inclusivity (as seen in this example).

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

- While some may feel that such events are one-off events that are not regular, the increasing popularity as seen from the increased sign-up rates is a testament to the interest and willingness of Singaporeans to commit both time and money (there is usually a sign-up fee) to this.
- Some may also feel that the social bonding and appreciation of diversity in SG through such one-off events may be superficial. While I do agree that there could be more regular events such as those hosted more consistently at our community centres, these large-scale events do collectively bring our society together and create a celebratory spirit for the nation. Even hosting such events would have allowed various organisations and individuals to collaborate and work together for a common social cause.

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During the OCBC Cycle Mighty Savers Family Ride on Saturday, she had to watch her two children have fun from the sidelines as her family car could transport only two bicycles at once. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/football-devt-centre-foundation-national-youth-squads-2122841

1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:

- Singapore is building a new youth football academy. Talented footballers aged 13 to 17 will be drawn together to form national squads.
- Also a new 100 dollar ActiveSG credit for children aged 4 to 12.

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

- Government is active in promoting a culture of exercise and in fact is overertly concerned with football and qualifying for football competitions.

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

- On one hand, a new dedicated facility, specifically aimed at the young is great! But on the other hand, it is very selective and also requires young individuals to basically decide if they wish to pursue such a path at a very early age in order to qualify
- The provision of credits under the ActiveSG might promote children to exercise, via activites or programmes, but care must be taken to ensure these kids only do so within their ability and range.

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"We are putting in place a system to expand the pool of young players at the base level. They will play and compete regularly, both locally and overseas. Over time, this should provide a steady pipeline of players to choose the best from."

In providing support for young footballers with National Service (NS) obligations, Mr Tong said that early enlistment is a possible avenue to allow these players to get on with their football careers.

He cited the example of footballer Irfan Fandi, who enlisted into NS early before going on to be talent-spotted overseas.

Mr Tong added that eligible footballers can tap existing support avenues to continue training and competing while fulfilling their NS obligations.

TODAY has asked the ministry for details on where the national football development centre will be located.

WHY IT MATTERS

In 2021, Singapore launched a national football project called Unleash the Roar!, in line with the goal set by the Football Association of Singapore to qualify for the 2034 Fifa World Cup, which garnered both praise and criticism from the football fraternity. Some pointed to the failed Goal 2010 project that was first mooted in 1998.

Since the start of the project, a total of 12 school football academies have been established, of which two have dedicated programmes for girls.

There are also international competitions on the horizon, such as the 2029 Southeast Asian Games, which Singapore will host.

But just this year, the national team was off to a shaky start, when it was thrashed 4-1 by Causeway rivals Malaysia at the Asean Football Federation Mitsubishi Electric Cup in January.

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK

To systematically select and develop the best players from various existing academies, Mr Tong said the Government is putting in place a national framework.

It will comprise, firstly, the setting up of the national football development centre as the main training centre for all national youth squads, made up of promising footballers aged 13 to 17.

"This centre will be our primary pathway for selection to our national team," said Mr Tong.

He added that within the centre, players will be selected into core and reserve teams and they will be reviewed periodically to ensure their competitiveness.

The players will train and compete regularly as a team and travel as a squad to compete overseas for exposure.

The national framework will also comprise training on talent identification for coaches and increasing scouts' capabilities to identify the best young footballers.

"We have a small population with a small base and we need to ensure that we have our eyes at all available talent all the time," said Mr Tong.

He added that the authorities want to tap on the experience of ex-national players and all ex-national coaches, who have "an eye for talent" and have been taking part at the game's highest level. They could be trained to be part of the scouting network, he said.

Mr Tong added that promising footballers can also look forward to a scholarship programme which will provide them with the best environment to train and compete.

"Our best young footballers will be sent to overseas academies that offer good quality education alongside the best football training in a competitive environment," he said.

"Throughout this stint in the scholarship, they will come back with academic qualifications that will allow them to continue future studies at a tertiary level in Singapore or overseas even as they train and compete with the best among the overseas talents."

The first batch of scholarships is expected to be awarded by the end of this year and more details on the scholarship and eligibility criteria will be announced in the coming months.

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Singapore's top footballers aged 13 to 17 to form national youth squads that will train at new national football development centre

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SINGAPORE - The nation's top young footballers aged 13 to 17 will soon be drawn from various football academies and private clubs to form national youth squads, which will train at an upcoming national football development centre and travel to compete overseas.

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1) Provide a summary of the article that is relevamt to this selected argument:
On sept 21 2019, the director of operation at Singapore Brazilian jiu jitsu open highlighted a complain of UFC hiring a  scammer who faked having a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. Many people members of the gym felt disappointed and angry at the lack of responsibility shown by the UFC gym, which was highlighted respected and had a closely knit community. However, the fact that the director of operations had the integrity to expose such scamming shows that there is little corruption in the industry and they choose to stick to their own values.

2) What are the relevant SG context/ SG characteristics that you would like to highlight here?

Morally upright - do not let incidents like this slide easily
Rare to see such cases in SG so when it does happen there is large publicity

3) How would you evaluate and attempt to provide balance here?

Although there are some cases of scamming in Singapore gym contexts, ultimately, SG’s culture of strict rule abiding and integrity ensures that such instances remain few and far between.

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*Editors note: Article updated with Barnabus Huang's statement*

On Sept. 21, 2019 Alvin Ang, Director of Operations at Singapore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open, wrote a Facebook post highlighting an alleged "scammer" hired by UFC Gym Singapore who has been masquerading as a certified brown belt practitioner in the discipline.

The post was accompanied by a screenshot of an Instagram post that showed the man, Iskandar, seemingly coaching a Brazilian JiuJitsu class with a brown belt on.

Here's the belt in question.

Brown.

Ang claimed that Iskandar was "not a brown belt, never been, never will"

He also implored the gym to vet their "staff properly".

General discontent

Ang's post was soon full of commenters decrying not only the possibility of an unqualified BJJ instructor, but other qualms they had with the establishment, such as constantly changing instructors or issues of what they deemed inadequate, or late payment.

Others brought up their own apparent tangles with Iskandar in the past.

Here's one from April 2019.

One Screenshot of an Instagram post from 2017 showed Iskandar wearing a blue belt.

In case some of you are lost, here's the progression system for BJJ, according to Wikipedia.

White belt - blue belt - (Recommended 2 years as blue belt) - Purple belt - (recommended 18 months as a purple belt) - brown belt

The seemingly quick transition from blue to brown caused some to doubt Iskandar's brown belt status.

Initial reply

To UFC Gym Singapore's credit, Barnabus Huang, who heads UFC Gym Singapore, tried to clarify the situation on the same day the post went up.

Which some considered inadequate reasoning for Iskandar's choice of belt.

When pressed further, Huang doubled down on his earlier comment.

While some commented after the first few days, attention towards the post appeared, for all intents and purposes, to have faded.

Then this happened on Oct. 16.

This

Whoa.

And they weren't done.

Many in the comments section took offence with the gym's comments, which some felt were rather unprofessional.

But what appears to be a staff member from the gym explained their actions.

That is very much their official stance as well.

According to a gym spokesperson Mothership spoke to, they consider the post defamatory as Iskandar was a Muay Thai trainer, not a BJJ coach as was apparently insinuated in Ang's post.

The spokesperson also claimed that upon further investigation, Iskandar was proven to have been "awarded a brown belt for BJJ, rectified by its Master Anassiel Kin who is affiliated with Bitetti Team BJJ/MMA".

They will also be moving ahead with legal means to "protect the brand" and ensure members can train safely.

"The allegation made is defamatory and libel towards our organisation and will not be tolerated. Thus said, we will proceed with legal means to protect the brand and also to ensure that our members can train safely within our club."

We have reached out to Ang for further comment.

Here's a statement by Huang, the Managing Director of UFC Gym Singapore:

"We have never hired any coaches without the proper qualifications. We have a very strict process in place when it comes to hiring our coaches.

We have strict checks in place to ensure that all our coaches are certified and possess the necessary qualifications. If we discover that any of our employees have in any way lied about their qualifications, we will take the necessary action against them.

We will also encourage any of our members to file the necessary reports with the authorities if they do discover that any of our coaches have lied about their qualifications, and we will also co-operate with the authorities if there are such reports filed against any of our trainers.

In saying that, we will also do whatever is necessary to protect the integrity of the brand and the company if there are allegations which are untrue which are levelled against any of our employees or coaches."

Image from Ang's Facebook and Getty South_Agency

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Do yourself a favour and have a quickie please.

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Man claims UFC Gym S'pore allegedly hired 'fake' brown belt BJJ coach, gym says he'll be hearing from "lawyer soon"

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Editors note: Article updated with Barnabus Huang's statement* On Sept. 21, 2019 Alvin Ang, Director of Operations at Singapore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open, wrote a Facebook post highlighting an alleged "scammer" hired by UFC Gym Singapore who has been masquerading as a certified brown belt practitioner in the discipline.