SBG South Shields - MMA, Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu

Reviews

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  Nathan

  I joined this gym for many reasons but as a complete novice, it was daunting. After finding the courage to get out of my car I met Alex who immediately put my mind to ease. Then, after only 2 sessions, I felt confident in light sparring with a fairly advanced group. Alex & Stu bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and emotional maturity to help progress your skill; whether your goal is to fight worldwide or simply be able to defend yourself. I can’t speak highly enough of the people and facilities at SBG South Shields. Join the tribe!

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 4 months ago
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  Jason

  As a complete beginner with no experience who gets gassed walking up the stairs I was very nervous about starting kickboxing but I thought I'd give the beginner class a go. Everyone at SBG made me feel welcome right from the start, not just the coaches but also the training group too. That first session was tough. I didn't know it was physically possible to sweat that much, but now I'm hooked! I joined up straight after and now the kickboxing classes are the highlight of my week. The gym is super clean, there is also a well stocked strength and conditioning area for those days in between where you want to work on what you've learned in class and practice on the bags which is nice for beginners like me. If you're looking for a new place to train, or if you're a complete beginner like me looking to push themselves and start something new I can't recommend SBG enough. Google needs to add an extra star for places like this!

  Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 5 months ago
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  Abigail Quinn

  Fantastic establishment, Coach Alex is absolutely wonderful with our son (Micro monkeys, age 3) as we had struggled to find something that he enjoyed and also was lacking in confidence. As a mother, I cannot thank Alex and SBG for the progress my son is currently making. The establishment is also very clean, tidy and all the staff are extremely welcoming so much so I am now betting starting the beginners class to up my fitness. Thank you Alex & SBG.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 5 months ago
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  lee wheeler

  Welcoming family friendly gym. Alex is an absolute superstar when teaching the kids and somehow manages to keep them engaged throughout the whole session with his extensive knowledge of the sport. Would highly recommend SBG and Alex to anyone with kids that need some confidence boosting, my lad has come on leaps and bounds so cheers Alex 👌🏻

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 5 months ago
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  Ross Macfarlane

  I've regularly dropped in at SBG South Shields whilst on visits to the area for work. The club's atmosphere and culture has always been extremely welcoming, with expert instruction in all of the classes. The facilities themselves are impressive and well maintained, with sizeable mat space, strength and conditioning and welfare. The gym caters to all levels, ages, abilities and backgrounds - with classes available to suit every need and a mixture of abilities all working together to improve in every class. I'd highly recommend this gym to anyone who has the chance to train there.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 6 months ago
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  Anthony Thorpe

  Started at SBG on March 1st after seeing they offered beginners course and decided to take the plunge, great decision! Alex and the coaches are brilliant, really knowledgeable, patient, and explain everything clearly. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, but still pushes you to train your best. Only a few sessions in and already learning new skills and building confidence. Facilities are also top class, clean and modern. If you’re thinking about it, just go for it. Highly recommend 👍

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 6 months ago
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  Charles Little

  I have wanted to start BJJ for many years, but never had the confidence. When I saw that a beginners course was available around the corner from me, I couldn’t say no anymore. I saw coach Alex win the cage warriors title in Newcastle many years ago, so I knew the coaching would be the best around. I am so glad I took the leap as I feel a million dollars after each class. Techniques are explained so well and putting them into practice is so much fun. Live drills at the end are my favourite part as it really puts you to the test in an environment I would never have put myself in a few years ago. My confidence is up and I am feeling stronger and fitter after each session. I look forward to every Sunday session, and will be continuing my BJJ journey after the 10 weeks is over!

  Instructors Classes Location

  Posted 6 months ago
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  Billy Williams

  After taking my son to SBG for the first time, Alex came over, introduced himself, and took the time to ask about his previous BJJ and kickboxing experience to get a feel for where he was at. At no point did the conversation feel rushed or rehearsed—it was genuine and welcoming from the start. We also spoke about my younger son, who has ASD. Normally, that kind of conversation can be met with uncertainty or awkward reactions, but not with Alex. He was understanding and immediately talked me through the Growing Gorillas program, encouraging us to bring him along to try it out—which has turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made for him. When we brought him down for his first session, the rules were explained in such a fun and engaging way (the “floor is lava” was a big hit), which made a huge difference. I then decided to try the adult beginners course myself. At 40, I was full of self-doubt and quite apprehensive about what to expect—but from the moment I walked in, Alex put everyone at ease by clearly explaining how the course would work. During sessions, his coaching is top quality. He explains techniques clearly and never rushes ahead until everyone understands what’s been demonstrated. After that first session, I was completely hooked on BJJ and now genuinely look forward to Sunday mornings, learning new skills with like-minded people. My only regret is not starting 20+ years ago. Even the other members—both new and experienced—are incredibly welcoming, which says a lot about the culture Alex and the team have built. I can’t thank Alex and the team enough for what they provide.

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 6 months ago
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  Kels

  Id highly recommend SBG for anyone interested in martial arts, training, fitness or competition.. at any level. I have trained off and on for many years and can say this space is an ego free, friendly and super clean/well kept environment to learn. I've never done Jiu Jitsu before and enrolled on the beginners programme which has been fantastic, ive looked forward to it every week. As a woman, its welcoming and not uncomfortable at all. A good middle ground between professional and laid back. Alex and all of the teachers are super approachable and give thorough explanations and demonstrations in realistic scenarios. Learning a new skill and improving fitness is great, but the mental health benefits are really what sell it for me.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 6 months ago
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  Laura Green

  Our Year 1 children took part in a jujitsu session at SBG, and it was a fantastic experience. The session was run exceptionally well, with instructors who were friendly, encouraging, and highly professional. They worked wonderfully with the children, helping to build their confidence and resilience. Even our more sensitive pupils felt comfortable and thrived in the supportive environment.

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Tom Wignall

  I have visited the club while away with work a couple of times now and am always blown away by the club. The facilities are huge and very clean, whilst Alex's coaching incredibly detailed with tonnes of enthusiasm. The atmosphere is great and everyone is very welcoming!

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Ibrahim Fakhroo

  Spoke to Coach Alex regarding setting up PT lessons. All the coaches at SBG are extremely welcoming and it honestly made me feel like I’m home from the first lesson. Coach Alex possess a wealth of knowledge and go above and beyond just training you for combat sports. There are life lessons to be learned from time spent with him as well. The open mat area is HUGE and very clean before and after the classes. One thing I really like about SBG is how affordable classes and memberships are and how there is a parking area right in front of it.

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Amanda Burch

  My son (who was 16 at the time) started SBG in 2023, walking through the doors on his own, (not knowing anyone or having any experience in MMA) I can hands down say it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. After a few weeks of consistent training every night he could, I started see a real passion starting to take hold of him and a love for MMA starting to grow. Months past and he stayed consistent and dedicated himself to wanting to learn, develop and strive to take in all he could from his brilliant coaches as well as other people of all ages who were also training at SBG South Shields (either to get fit, learn/develop a new skill or training for fights) After less than a year and some inter-clubs he was then given the opportunity to fight and won his first K1 and then followed by his first MMA debut which he also won. Now as a parent of a teenager I can not express how happy and proud I am that not only has my son developed and learnt so many amazing skills, but he is building confidence and tactical skills he will take with him through into adulthood. All of the fantastic coaches at SBG have not only trained and developed my sons ability to learn MMA from a beginner (and continue to do so) but they have helped him gain that amazing feeling of becoming a winner and he’s gained a second family. A safe place to go and learn to channel a passion and love for MMA that he’s developed through simply walking through those doors at SBG South Shields, and that just continues to grow with the support of his coaches and his dedication to want to keep learning and get better. I honestly could not recommend SBG South Shields enough, not only for the skills, development and fitness, but for a safe place to build confidence and a passion for something in a safe sensible way. I can’t thank Alex, Mitch and all of the coaches at SBG enough for the amazing journey my son has started and is on with them and can’t wait to see where it goes! Honestly the Best decision you will ever make is to send your child to SBG South Shields, or even walk through the doors yourself as an adult! 🦍One tribe, one vibe 🦍

  Posted 2 years ago
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  Wayne Vermij

  SBG South Shields is the epitome of an environment where you are surrounded by a team of super capable and caring coaches. They offer a range of physical activities like MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, striking, wrestling and functional fitness. They are able to transfer the knowledge in simple but stimulating ways. Classes are convenient, consistent and engaging. The members are really great people and everyone has their own goals but want the overall level to be of a high standard. There is a good mix of different activities for everyone to attempt and commit to. Alex and his team care about people. The facility is welcoming, world class and brings out the best from everyone that comes through the doors. Highly recommended it; whether you are a parent wanting to have coaching for the kids or teenagers wanting to learn life skills. There is a class structure for young adults who want a healthy outlet for their energy and everyone that trains across the various age groups can take the path to work towards being a pinnacle competitor. More mature adults also can participate at whatever level suits your fitness goals or transformation. Best mat to be on in the North East any day of the week.💪🙏👍

  Posted 2 years ago