Trial sessions are subject to availability and may not always be free. Drop-ins are not permitted — all new members must complete a trial before joining.
CONTENDER GYM
06
★ Est. 2006 · Stockton-on-Tees · Teesside
HOUSE OF CHAMPIONSWhere Every Champion Was Once a Contender
Teesside's home of elite K-1 Kickboxing and Muay Thai. Champion-built. Champion-led. We don't just build fighters — we build people.
2006.
Founded
6+
Programs
K-1
Kickboxing
100%
Champion Culture
Scroll
Built by a fighter. Run by a coach. Driven by a champion culture.
2006
Founded by Garry Bell Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside
About Contender Gym
Where Champions Are Forged
Contender Gym was founded in 2006 by Garry Bell with one mission: to raise the standard of striking martial arts in the North East.
Our programs develop technically skilled martial artists and the strongest possible version of each individual. We don't just build fighters. We build people.
At Contender Gym, you are not trained like a customer. You are trained like a contender.
Our Values — Non-Negotiable Standards
Respect
Discipline
Courage
Integrity
Humility
Compassion
Respect
Discipline
Meet the Team
Champion-Led. Built From Within.
Every coach at Contender Gym has been developed through years of training, discipline, and champion standards. We don't just deliver classes. We coach people.
Founder & Head Coach
Garry Bell
With nearly 4 decades of martial arts experience, Garry founded Contender Gym in 2006 to raise the standard of striking martial arts in the North East. A Black Belt Martial Artist, British K-1 Kickboxing Champion and former WKO World #1 ranked fighter. His commitment to kickboxing has earned him a spot in the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Cementing his status as a true legend in the sport with coaching philosophy that is built on resilience, respect and technical excellence — developing champions inside and outside the ring.
British K-1 Champion3× European ChampionFormer WKO World #13× Hall of Fame2× World Championship Silver
Black Belt Martial Artist
Coach · Personal Trainer · Fighter
Kai Bell
Raised in the gym environment and immersed in martial arts since birth, Kai has over 15 years of experience and 4 years as a dedicated coach. He works with juniors, beginners, and competitive fighters — known for his technical precision, pressure-based style, and relentless focus on progression. An active World Champion competitor who brings real fight experience into every session.
World Champion – GoldEuropean Champion – GoldBritish ChampionEnglish ChampionRegional Champion
Black Belt (1st Dan)
Head Muay Thai Coach · PT · Fighter
Kay Szoma
With over 13 years of martial arts experience, Kay is the Head Muay Thai Coach at Contender Gym. He works primarily with adult members and competitive fighters, while also mentoring and developing the wider coaching team. A Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion, his philosophy centres on pressure-based fighting, forward movement, and building the mental toughness and discipline that defines elite athletes.
HW Muay Thai World ChampionBritish ChampionEnglish Champion
Black Belt Martial Artist
Coach · Personal Trainer · Fighter
Iain Robinson
An active amateur fighter with 8 years of K-1 Kickboxing and Muay Thai training, Iain works with both youth and adult members at Contender Gym. He brings real competition experience and a supportive, positive coaching style — focused on technical development, consistency, and helping every member grow in skill, confidence, and mindset.
Amateur FighterYouth & Adult Coach8 Years Experience
Brown Belt Martial Artist
Training Programs
Explore Every Program Ask Anything
Tap any program to open its AI guide — ask about times, age groups, what to wear, how to join, and anything else on your mind.
Class Guide
AI ACTIVE
Class Times
AI Program Guide
Member Reviews
What Our Members Say
Real feedback from real members. No filters, no fine print — just the gym's reputation built one session at a time.
FAQs
Got Questions?
Everything you need to know before you book a taster session or join Contender Gym.
Can't find your answer here? Drop us an email and we'll get back to you.
No experience is needed. Complete beginners are welcome across all adult and junior programs. Your taster session is designed to assess your current level and find the right program for you. You just need to show up ready to learn.
What is a taster session and how does it work?+
A taster session is your first step into Contender Gym. It gives you the chance to experience our training, meet the coaches, and for us to assess your level so we can place you in the correct program. All new members must complete a taster session before joining — drop-ins are not permitted. Taster sessions are subject to availability and may not always be free.
How do I book a taster session?+
Click the "Book a Taster" button anywhere on this page. You'll be able to select a date and time that works for you directly from our live booking calendar. Once confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email and a text reminder before your session.
What age groups do you cater for?+
We train members from age 5 upwards across structured programs:
Monkey Mayhem — Ages 5–7
Cobra Kai — Ages 8–12
Contender Junior — Ages 13–16
Contender Adult — Ages 16+
Fighter Development — Invite only (competitive athletes)
Age groups are a guide only. Final placement is determined by ability, maturity, and technical standard.
What should I bring to my taster session?+
Wear comfortable, flexible training clothing — joggers or shorts and a t-shirt are fine. Bring a water bottle and arrive 15 minutes before your session starts. If you have your own boxing gloves or hand wraps you're welcome to bring them, but you don't need to for a taster.
Can I just drop in without booking?+
No. Drop-ins are not permitted. Contender Gym is a private, members-only training academy. All new students must complete a booked taster session before joining, and members must book into classes via the members app. Unbooked attendance is not accepted.
Is this suitable for kids with no martial arts background?+
Absolutely. Our kids programs — Monkey Mayhem (5–7) and Cobra Kai (8–12) — are specifically designed to welcome children with no prior experience. The focus is on building coordination, confidence, discipline, and respect in a structured, safe environment. Our coaches are experienced in working with young beginners.
What's the difference between K-1 Kickboxing and Muay Thai?+
K-1 Kickboxing allows punches and kicks but not elbows, knees or clinch work. It's fast, technical, and high-output. Muay Thai — the art of eight limbs — adds elbows, knees, and the clinch, making it one of the most complete striking arts in the world. At Contender Gym we coach both disciplines to a high technical standard, and many members train in both.
Do I have to compete to train here?+
Not at all. The majority of our members train for fitness, self-improvement, discipline, and the challenge — not competition. Competition is available for those who want it, and Fighter Development exists for serious competitors. But developing the strongest version of yourself — physically and mentally — is the core purpose of Contender Gym for every member.
How do I book Personal Training or a private group session?+
Personal Training (1-to-1) and Private Group sessions are booked directly by email only. Contact us at info@contendergym.co.uk to discuss availability, rates, and your training goals.
What are your values and what behaviour do you expect from members?+
Our six values are Respect, Discipline, Courage, Integrity, Humility, and Compassion. These are not slogans — they are enforced standards. All staff, coaches, and members must be treated with respect at all times. Foul or abusive behaviour, aggression, intimidation, or harassment will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or permanent ban. Contender Gym reserves the right to refuse or terminate membership where behaviour conflicts with our values.
CONTENDER
Get in Touch
Your Journey Starts Here.
Contender Gym is a private, members-only academy. All new students complete a trial before joining. Drop-ins are not permitted.
📍
LocationStockton-on-Tees, Teesside, North East England
ℹ️This is the members timetable — not the taster timetable. Not a member yet? Book a taster below.
Juniors
Kids (Monkey Mayhem / Cobra Kai)
Taster Sessions
PT Available
Time
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
9:30am
Adult Class 15+
9:30–10:30am
PT Available
PT Available
Adult Class 15+
9:30–10:30am
PT Available
PT Available
PT Available
4:30pm
PT Available
Taster Sessions
PT Available
Taster Sessions
Monkey Mayhem & Cobra Kai
4:30–5:15pm
PT Available
PT Available
5:15pm
Monkey Mayhem
5:15–5:45pm
PT Available
Monkey Mayhem
5:15–5:45pm
PT Available
Juniors & Adults
5:20–6:20pm
PT Available
PT Available
6:00pm
Cobra Kai
6:00–6:45pm
Juniors
6:00–6:50pm
Cobra Kai
6:00–6:45pm
Juniors ★
6:00–6:50pm
PT Available
PT Available
7:00pm
Adults
7:00–8:00pm
Adults
7:00–8:00pm
Adults
7:00–8:00pm
Adults — SPARRING ⚠
7:00–8:00pm
PT Available
PT Available
PT Available
8:00pm
PT Available
PT Available
PT Available
PT Available
PT Available
PT Available
⚠ Sparring Equipment Required (Thu 7pm)
14oz Gloves · Shin Guards · Groin Guard · Gum Shield · Head Guard — all required to participate in sparring sessions.
★ Juniors Thu — Additional Session
Thursday Juniors is an additional session for Contender Junior members. Check with your coach for eligibility.
* Timetable correct as of March 2026 and subject to change. Members will be notified of any updates via the members app. Personal Training sessions are available in all unmarked slots — book by email.
Next Steps
Already a Member?
Book Your Class
Access the members app to book into your next session and manage your membership.
