The smell of sweat hits you before the sounds of fists on bags that constantly sway from left to right as the impacts they have suffered linger. The floor hosts various pools of sweat; fans hum in the background – the serenity abruptly interrupted by eeeyah! Ooost oots! Haymakers and wheel kicks drown out the Rocky soundtrack proudly playing over the speakers. Chatter and laughing adds to the orchestration of the gym, and smiles beam from the faces of people enjoying the physicality and challenge. For them, this arena of controlled violence is a safe place to let off some steam, chat with friends and learn a thing or two along the way. 

Fighting something that can’t be seen is never easy. It takes courage to speak up and be open about struggles, and Singaporeans are turning to punching bags for help when it comes to dealing with their mental health.

Physical benefits aside, martial arts is giving people a second home, a community to feel part of, and the framework for building resilience. 

People are discovering passion in every punch, and finding release in a managed rage. For the people who practice, martial arts is more than a discipline—it’s a path to peace.

Mind over muscle. Video: Jake Walsh.

This story was produced as part of a federal government New Colombo Plan funded Curtin Journalism Singapore Study Tour.

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