T.J. Smith's Premier Gym

T.J. Smith's Premier Gym TJSmith’s Premier Boxing Gym A 3rd generation boxing and fitness gym established way back in 1937, making it one of the oldest boxing gyms in Australia.

Nestled deep in the streets of Brompton, an inner western suburb of Adelaide lies a gymnasium more suited to the 19th century London town that to 21st century Adelaide suburbia. Thomas James Smith or T.J. as he became affectionately known by the many lads he trained and helped raise was born in Tasmania in 1897. Orphaned at birth, he was in an orphanage until 13 years of age and then crossed over

onto the mainland. Here he first worked as a drover, learnt to break in horses, nurse sick ones back to health and ultimately boxing. As a boxer he achieved an Australia wide acclaim as one of the last of the “Bare Knuckle” champions. In 1937 T.J. opened “The Premier Gymnasium” at Tenant Creek in the Northern Territory and became the first white man to teach boxing to aboriginal lads. In 1942 he moved to Adelaide, South Australia, where as well as training army and police cadets, he re-opened the Premier Gym in Victoria Street in the city. This would be his and the gyms home over the next 34 years, where he continued to not only teach the science of boxing, transforming keen athletes into competent boxers, but also wayward juveniles into responsible men. In 1976 “The Thomas James Smith Premier Boxing Gym” as it was now known, relocated to its current location at number 35 West Street Brompton. Over 75 years old, it stands apart as the oldest and first boxing gym established in Australia. It is a credit to T.J.’s teachings and the character Premier Gym helped to create and build, long after his passing in 1994 at the age of 97. His gym and legacy continues to thrive, run not only by the lads, now grown men that he trained, but also by the young men they’ve since trained. Further recognition of T.J.’s and Premier Gym’s contribution to their community come in the late 80’s when Tom was awarded “The Order of Australia” medal as part of the Queen’s honour list in recognition to his lifetimes work and services to youth. Today his mottos and logos for life can be seen throughout the gym, on signs and place cards. Phrases such as: “It is nice to be important,
but more important to be nice.”
and
“Think Clean”
“Talk Clean”
“Fight Clean”
“Live Clean” – Play the game straight!

Wishing Roy a very happy 5th birthday with lots of love from everyone at TJS Todd Ley 🥳🎂🥊💙💙💙💙
23/06/2026

Wishing Roy a very happy 5th birthday with lots of love from everyone at TJS
Todd Ley 🥳🎂🥊💙💙💙💙

20/06/2026
Sharla and Todd both boxed tonight and made the gym proud, both giving it 💯% in two hard very close contests at the Boxi...
20/06/2026

Sharla and Todd both boxed tonight and made the gym proud, both giving it 💯% in two hard very close contests at the Boxing SA Inc (Official) event. Sharla was first and got the win in her first contest as an Open (10+ bouts) boxer. Todd was next in his first ever match and boxed beautiful showing poise beyond his experience and while he didn’t get the win he’ll be much better for the experience. Many thanks to their opponents and to BSA for the opportunity and a great event.
TJS FOREVER 🥊💙❤️

Sharla Kilpatrick & Todd Ley are ready to go at tomorrow’s Boxing SA Inc (Official) show at the Dompolski Centre. Sharla...
18/06/2026

Sharla Kilpatrick & Todd Ley are ready to go at tomorrow’s Boxing SA Inc (Official) show at the Dompolski Centre. Sharla is bought 7 and Todd Bought 16. Come and support our TJS Team.🥊💙💪❤️

Todd Ley & Sharla Kilpatrick go through their ritual 9 rounds in preparation for next week’s show TJS FOREVER 🥊
13/06/2026

Todd Ley & Sharla Kilpatrick go through their ritual 9 rounds in preparation for next week’s show
TJS FOREVER 🥊

Choice 🤔🥊💪💙
08/06/2026

Choice 🤔🥊💪💙

Address

35 West Street
Brompton, SA
5007

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 8pm
Tuesday 6am - 8pm
Wednesday 6am - 8pm
Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 12pm

Telephone

0401 288 608

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when T.J. Smith's Premier Gym posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category