Kairos Academy
Building community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and craftsmanship
By Soo & Muujig — Founders of Kairos Academy
The Journey
Soo and Muujig created Kairos Academy as more than just a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym—it's a space dedicated to learning, growth, and community. What makes their academy unique is how they've integrated their passion for craftsmanship into every aspect of the space, from custom-built training equipment to hand-crafted details throughout the facility.
The Work
Beyond teaching martial arts, Soo and Muujig bring their woodworking expertise to create custom BJJ mats, training equipment, and facility improvements. This hands-on approach to building their space reflects their philosophy that mastery in one discipline—whether it's martial arts or craftsmanship—teaches principles that apply across all areas of life.
The academy has become a gathering place for people who value dedication, continuous improvement, and the satisfaction of building something with their own hands—whether that's a physical skill, a piece of furniture, or a supportive community.
The Philosophy
Soo and Muujig believe in the power of deliberate practice and craftsmanship. Just as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires patience, technique, and consistent refinement, woodworking demands attention to detail and respect for the process. By combining these disciplines, they've created a unique space where physical training and creative craftsmanship reinforce each other.
Soo and Muujig opened Kairos Academy about a month before this conversation took place. What started as a shared vision for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym became something more — a hands-on build project, a test of partnership, and a lesson in solving problems they never saw coming. We sat down with them to talk about the gym, the mats, and what it really takes to build something from scratch.
1.What does the name Kairos Academy mean?
Soo: Kairos has quite a number of meanings. But our main idea is the right moment. That's the heart of it.
2.How would you describe jiu-jitsu to someone who's never tried it?
Muujig: It's a grappling art where you use leverage and technique to control and eventually submit your opponent. It's not about strength — it's about using what you have.
3.The gym has only been open a month. How's it going so far?
Soo: It's going really well. Every day there's something new — but we manage to solve things together as a team.
4.You built a lot of the gym yourselves. Walk us through that.
Soo: We did a lot of the renovation ourselves — cost-wise we actually spent less than we projected. But it took longer because it was mainly the two of us building the space.
Shane: So you were hands-on — actually making things?
Soo: Yes. I have a background in woodworking — I worked in a wood shop after college for a few years. And Muujig... I think he just has natural talent.
Muujig: I had no experience building anything. I just followed the plan we made.
5.What are you most proud of that you built?
Muujig: Most probably the mats.
6.Tell us about the mats. What makes them special?
Soo: Instead of laying mats directly on the floor, we built them on a platform with springs and boards underneath. It was a love-hate process during the build — frustrating at times, but when it was done, super exciting.
Shane: Why did you decide to do it that way?
Muujid: Mainly safety. I started in judo, and I really wanted to be able to do judo throws safely. A spring-loaded mat makes a real difference for that.
Soo: We did research different methods — there are companies in the States like Fuji Mats that offer custom installations. But our space is so irregular in shape that a pre-made package just wasn't going to work. We had to source every component separately and plan it all out ourselves.
Muujid: We did contact some suppliers, but they don't ship to Singapore. So we really had to come up with our own plan. We wanted to maximize the space, flush the mats right to the irregular walls — and that changed everything.
7.Was there a moment where you realized you'd have to do it completely yourselves?
Muujig: I felt nervous, but excited. I didn't know what it would take. But I just kept thinking about what it was going to be at the end.
Soo: I thought — can't be that hard, just get some wood and cut them. And I was excited because it had been a while since I'd actually built something. That feeling of, oh yeah, let's go.
8.Were there points where things went off track?
Soo: We had a couple of fights, some disagreements. Hours that were supposed to be a few turned into many.
Muujig: It was compromise after compromise, adjustment after adjustment. A lot of sketching, drawing, trial and error.
9.Now that it's done, is there anything you'd change?
Soo: Functionally and aesthetically, we're very happy. We had a specific look we wanted the gym to follow. But because we built it ourselves, you can't help but see the tiny details. Little things no one else notices — but you know they're there.
10.How have people responded to the mats?
Soo: Everyone steps on and immediately says — it's bouncy. Kids, adults, everyone jumps on it first. They say they've never felt mats like this before. That part feels really good.
11.Do you see this as something you could share with other gyms?
Soo & Muujig: Jiu-Jitsu is growing in Southeast Asia — and while it's a graceful art, it is a combat sport. Safety matters, especially with more children training now. If other gyms can adopt a spring mat system, I think it helps the whole community. That would be really meaningful.
12.Last one — what makes Kairos Academy special?
Muujig: We give high-level training in a friendly environment. A safe space.
Soo: We all come from different places. We're in this small neighborhood in Singapore that's very family-friendly. Just come and have fun.
