Contender Gym

03/09/2026

🥊 CONTENDER GYM — THE HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS
EST. 2006

“Every Champion Was Once a Contender.”

Our 20-year anniversary is coming up, and I’ve been thinking about making a documentary telling the real story of Contender Gym.

How it started, where it all began, the ups and downs, the fighters, the people, the setbacks, the successes and everything we’ve had to overcome to still be standing here 20 years later.

It would be a lot of work and planning, but I think it would be amazing to look back and tell the full story properly.

What a journey it’s been… and still is.

20 YEARS OF CONTENDER 🥊
2006 — 2026

The story isn’t finished yet.

03/09/2026

CONTENDER GYM YOUTH PROGRAMS

Train to become a martial artist. Train to become a fighter. Build skills for life.

Our Youth Programs are about more than learning how to fight. We help young people develop confidence, discipline, focus, respect, fitness and self-belief, while learning real martial arts skills in a positive training environment.

Whether the goal is to learn martial arts, get fitter, build confidence or progress towards competition, there’s a pathway at Contender Gym.

The House of Champions — Est. 2006 🏆

More Youth Program classes are being added soon, giving young people the opportunity to train up to 6 days a week.

Every Champion Was Once a Contender.

Visit www.contendergym.co.uk

02/09/2026

www.contendergym.co.uk

31/08/2026

CONTENDER FIGHT TEAM — RING CLASH 19!

This Saturday, 5th September, four of our fighters step into the ring at Ring Clash 19!

Representing Contender Gym – House of Champions:

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The team have put the work in — now it’s time to go out there, perform and represent! 👊

🎟️ TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
Please support our fighters by getting your tickets through them. Scan the QR code on their individual poster to book and support your fighter.

📍 MA4U Thorp Arch School, LS23 7AU
📅 Saturday 5th September 2026

28/08/2026

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT – NEW CLASSES COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

We’re pleased to announce that 4 new classes will be added to the Contender Gym timetable this September for kids, juniors and adults.

🥊 Youth programmes – up to 6 classes per week
🥊 Adults – up to 8 classes per week

More classes means more choice and more flexibility, making it easier to fit training around school, work, family and everyday life.

But for us, more training is about much more than just getting fitter or becoming a better fighter.

We are a fight gym, but that doesn’t mean you need to fight.

At Contender, we train everyone as if they were a fighter because the values of martial arts go far beyond the ring.

Respect. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Resilience. Self-control. Hard work. Humility.

A fighter isn’t just someone who competes. It’s about developing a warrior mindset — learning how to face challenges, control your emotions, respect others, believe in yourself, get back up when things don’t go your way and never give up when life gets difficult.

Those are the values we want our kids, juniors and adults to take from the gym and carry into everyday life.

Whether you ever compete or never step into a ring, our goal remains the same:

To use martial arts to help you become the best version of yourself you can be. 🥊

Members will receive the new timetable through our Members App, with updates also coming to our website and social media.

CONTENDER GYM – THE HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS 🏆
Every Champion Was Once a Contender.

06/08/2026

🚨 PRO DEBUT ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

TEAM CONTENDER’S KAI BELL IS READY.

After years of hard work, dedication, and championship success, Kai Bell is taking the next step in his journey as he makes his professional debut for 8IGHT Strikes.

📅 Saturday 24th October 2026
📍 Sunderland Live Arena

Competing under the explosive 8IGHT Strikes Elite Ruleset – 3 x 3 minute rounds in 4oz MMA gloves, with punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Pure stand-up action with no ground fighting. Built for fighters who come to finish.

This is the biggest opportunity of Kai’s career so far, and we’re incredibly proud to have him representing Contender Gym on one of the fastest-growing combat sports promotions in the UK.

📺 LIVE on DAZN and talkSPORT

A massive thank you to all of Kai’s sponsors for believing in him and supporting him on this journey. Your backing, loyalty, and belief have helped make this moment possible, and it’s hugely appreciated.

🎟 TICKETS ON SALE NOW – £50

To secure your ticket and support Kai on fight night, contact:

📩 Kai Bell
📩 Contender Gym

Let’s fill the Sunderland Live Arena with Team Contender and show everyone what we’re about.

The future starts now. 👊🔥

02/08/2026

23/07/2026

Success isn’t built on luck. It’s built on the days you don’t feel like showing up but do anyway.

Keep learning.
Keep improving.
Keep moving forward.

The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.