K1 Fitness and Fight Factory - Saigon (Highly Recommended)

Owned and run by MMA / Kickboxing / Hardnut Frenchman David 'Serial Striker' Minetti, the K1 Fight Factory combines cardio classes with kickboxing to make a well rounded workout. Whether you are looking mainly to stay fit while travelling or improving your skills in martial arts, the K1 Fight Factory offers everything from Circuit Traininig, Kickboxing, MMA, the deadly Krav Maga and even the Vietnamese martial art Vovinam.

You can do either group or private sessions at various times. I think it is also somewhere that you can quite easily stay for a long term stint.

During my time there I trained mainly with Fx (pictured), who is David's younger brother and only other trainer. A charismatic, handsome guy - he might be a hit with the ladies but taking a hit from him is not such a pleasant experience. He is a black belt in Vovinam.

What to expect -

The headquarters is in District 4, in front of the river that is nicely located just outside the main part of the city. The equipment is new and well maintained and they have some weight equipment upstairs. It has a feel like you are going over to a asian friend's place to train, due in part to the older Vietnamese ladies who live there and do cooking in the kitchen next to the weights room.

Training times -

Group Sessions

9am - 10am Monday, Wednesday and Friday

6.45pm - 8.15pm Monday to Friday (Kick Boxing)

Speak to David or Fx to set up private sessions Monday - Friday between 7am and 6.30pm

Cost -

$20 USD for a casual group class

$40 USD for a casual private class

Again, speak to David to work out how many times you are coming during your stay in Saigon and a price for training.

Look here to convert into your own currency http://www.xe.com/

Address -

346 Ben Van Don, P1,

District 4, Ho Chi Minh City

There is also a gym in District 2 offering Kickboxing classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Website -

http://www.teamminetti.com/