SBG South Shields MMA, Kickboxing & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Fantastic experience: SBG has transformed my little girls confidence so much since joining. She loved the idea of attending a club and had tried previous classes at other gyms but didn't stick at it because she didn't feel comfortable. She was initially scared but Alex and the coaches really welcome the children and make them feel like a family and the atmosphere is so welcoming along with the training being exceptional. As a parent I love to see how professional and caring the coaches are with the kids. She loves going and has progressed so much in such a short space of time so for that reason I would definitely recommend SBG to anyone wishing to take up the sport.

Fantastic experience: Brought my 13 year old after months of “shall I do it?” and apprehension. Immediately he was welcomed into the group and encouraged to get involved. Massive thank you to Alex and the other coaches for being so supportive.

Fantastic experience: Incredible hands-on teaching with a very warm and welcome environment. I have not seen a place more beginner friendly with a high skill ceiling than this. Highly recommend to anyone looking to do even just exercise.

Fantastic experience: My son is 6 and has started the classes with growing gorillas with Alex and his team he’s growing massively in confidence and most of all has fun along the way highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Świetni miejsce, idealne warunki do trenowania, nie ważne czy zaczynasz czy jesteś już doświadczonym zawodnikiem znajdziesz coś dla siebie. Profesjonalizm w każdym calu.

Fantastic experience: Friendly, professional + clean. Great coaches who make you feel at ease, and are super patient. Would recommend to anyone. Alex

Fantastic experience: My 6 year old has been attending the Growling Gorillas SBG classes for the past two months and is really enjoying it. There is a great team teaching and supporting the kids in class, with a wealth of knowledge and a great approach when teaching. You can also see that they all have a great time each session. I would absolutely recommend.

Fantastic experience: I semi- recently moved to newcastle and have trained Muay Thai and BJJ at SBG since. I have found the sessions here really good for my learning and development. The coaches are great and very experienced and the gym facility is one of the best in the UK for MMA. Great experience!

Fantastic experience: The best gym for fun, fitness or fighting in the North of England. Great coaches and great lads ( and lasses! ) Although the club is for people of all ages I am 55, been attending for 3 years and have never been fitter!

Fantastic experience: Great

Fantastic experience: My seven and nine year old both love coming to SBG. The coaches are brilliant with younger students. The class timetable is very good value for money.

Fantastic experience: Joining SBG as a complete beginner in MMA was a daunting experience initially, but the support from the coaches and other members at this gym helped me gain confidence in my abilities, and ultimately made me fall in love with the sport.

Fantastic experience: SBG South Shields MMA gym offers exceptional training with top-notch facilities and experienced coaches who provide tailored instruction for all skill levels. With a variety of classes and flexible schedules, it accommodates everyone from beginners to experienced fighters. The supportive community and emphasis on technique, safety, and personal growth make it an excellent place to train and improve MMA skills. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Great gym, great coaches and great community

Fantastic experience: Excellent place to train, learn and make friends, very friendly vibes. Was made to feel welcome from day 1 as a complete beginner. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: So not often or at all can you throw the words 'world class' around In south shields. But I'm going to here. Facility and coaches are just that. The gym is every martial artists dream, huge floor space, ring, cage, weights, some of the best equipment I've seen. Then Coaches, headed up by Alex Enlund are fantastic they know their stuff and push everyone to their best potential. And what stands out is the vibe, everyone just under one roof working away helping eachither improve. Their kids programs are second to non! Classes during the day and the evening, something for everyone. Definitely check it out!

Fantastic experience: I've been training at SBG South Shields for almost a year now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. From day one, the atmosphere has been incredibly welcoming and friendly. The coaches are not only approachable but also extremely enthusiastic, which makes every session enjoyable and motivating. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: The coaches at SBG are faultless, they cater to all levels and teach with an infinite amount of patience. The gym has a very open and friendly atmosphere which is great for anyone who’s nervous about starting MMA and the confidence it gives you can benefit anyone.

Fantastic experience: Unbelievable gym! Never had a bad experience, even when I started out as a beginner. Coaches make sure no bullying happens which is a must for me. Would highly recommend for anyone.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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

Fantastic experience: Amazing facilities and amazing people thanks for having me

Fantastic experience: Brilliant brand new facility that impresses. Professionally run with experienced, quality coaching. Suitable for professionals, amateurs and hobbyists. Great place to train.

Fantastic experience: Thank you for the great training last week. Nice gym good instructors

Fantastic experience: Amazing place to train, improve and keep fit in a welcoming atmosphere

Fantastic experience: Been coming for years Great place to train, welcoming to members of all levels and goals, top tier coaching

Fantastic experience: Quality coaching and classes always ran professionally. All round friendly environment well designed to help improve all areas of your game and as a person !

Fantastic experience: My kids love the growing gorillas class. They’ve got so much out of it. They are becoming more confident and they are learning new techniques. The instructors are absolutely brilliant. They really bring the kids on. Always helping them where they need it and super patient. It’s a cracking place, the atmosphere is brilliant. It’s like one big family. Would 100% recommend if you want your kids to learn a bit of kids kick boxing and jui jitsu. Excellent.

Fantastic experience: Alex was a fantastic martial artist and has created a fantastic faciltiy which caters for all levels, from hobbyist to full time fighter. You will be looked after, you will learn and most of all you will ENJOY. all the other coaches are great, knowledge and will look after you. The facility is spotless and the other people that train there are relaxed and friendly. No ego's

Fantastic experience: Iv been training here for just over a year and not once have I walked out feeling anything but amazing and even more motivated to keep coming back! It’s a privilege to train here. Thanks to all the coaches!! :)

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training here for the past year and I really love it. I train in the kickboxing, Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu classes. It’s a place I can say, “I feel really relaxed and comfortable. This is my safe space.” The teaching is at a high standard. The trainers are so dedicated and supportive at SBG South Shields. The new premises is extremely well equipped and inviting. It’s a nice atmosphere. People here are very friendly and welcoming. You’ll find the classes are mixed levels. Beginners, intermediate and advanced. So, there’s many new faces, as well the regulars. Give us a try. I guarantee you’ll love this place.

Fantastic experience: If you are thinking of starting training in BJJ, Kickboxing or MMA, do not hesitate to train at SBG South Shields. The new facility is world class with large Mat space, boxing ring and MMA cage as well as strength and conditioning area. More importantly the team and coaches are fantastic, they’re all welcoming, encouraging, patient and accommodate for people just starting or those looking to compete at the highest levels. They’ve created a great culture and team spirit as well.

Fantastic experience: Best gym around 5/5

Fantastic experience: Fantastic facility

Fantastic experience: Great job

Fantastic experience: I am happy with them. They do great job.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this place and so does my son the lads are amazing with the kids and my sons extremely proud to be part of the sbg family

Fantastic experience: My 7 year old absolutely loves training here, all coaches are great with the kids!

Fantastic experience: Very welcoming and friendly gym and the instructors clearly know what they’re talking about. I did the kickboxing and jiu jitsu class and enjoyed them both.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant gym very good standard, I attended when I was was working away for a few weeks and if this was my local gym I would be there everyday. Thanks to the coaches Alex and Mitch

Fantastic experience: Incredible gym with world class fighters and coaches. Everyone who trains there WILL make you feel welcome no matter what your skill level or ability. Elite coaches, elite people, elite team.

Fantastic experience: Came back to my hometown a couple months back as a Muay Thai fighter and joined the kickboxing class the gym was very welcoming with a great level of fighters as well as beginners, great coach with a good class structure. Would recommend to anyone from 1st timer to pro fighter

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym and facilities. The head coach Alex, is extremely knowledgeable with a true understanding of the fight game, dropping details and knowledge throughout the class, making a point to guide and coach each student individually. Would highly recommend to all levels of martial artist.

Fantastic experience: Myself and my two sons (5 & 7) attend classes at SBG South Shields. The coaches are brilliant, full of knowledge and experience. My boys are thriving in Growing Gorillas, fun for younger children but still achieving full potential. Would recommend to anyone!

Fantastic experience: We have 3 children ranging from 6 to 14 years old training at SBG South Shields and they love it. Amazing atmosphere. Alex, Mitch and Joe are very helpful and caring. My husband also trains there and he enjoys a lot.

Fantastic experience: My son attends the classes here and can not speak highly enough of the coaches , they represent everything about high standards and bringing the best out of each individual tailored to their needs . My son has thrived and also struggled but has always been confident to return with the coaches understanding how to develop his needs correctly . At 7 year old this is a great challenge as I would imagine but they seem to get it right . Absolute credit to Alex , Mitch and joe

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere and a great bunch of people, this is SBG and you will be okay!

Fantastic experience: Amazing fasilities. Excellent coaching and really great environment. Can't recommend highly enough

Fantastic experience: Really friendly environment every class I’ve been in, unbelievable coaches who are always helpful and the classes are really enjoyable

Fantastic experience: Friendly club, with a wealth of experienced fighters giving well structured training sessions. Nice variety of people, and a good atmosphere around the place.

Fantastic experience: Can't recommend this place enough, came as a complete novice and been training here for a year now. Top level coaching with a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a gym full of good people.

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend this gym enough. The gym itself is extremely clean and well equipped. Where it really excels though is the professionalism, dedication and preparation of its trainers/teachers. It won't disappoint!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely incredible experience,my first time there today, felt very welcome.First class instructors. I had the privilege of watching an iron man event and promotions to purple belt. Recommended for anyone from beginner to experienced.

Fantastic experience: My 11 year old son who is quite shy and lacking in confidence started SBG about a month ago. He was warmly welcomed immediately by Alex, his staff and fellow pupils. He was made to feel comfortable in his surroundings and with others training alongside him. He is loving every minute and can't wait to do his next sessions. His confidence is growing and his x box marathon days are a thing of the past. Thank you SBG.

Fantastic experience: I currently train at SBG and it is one of the best decisions I ever made. The coaches are friendly knowledgable and always happy to go through things again until you get it right. They offer a huge variety of classes which works brilliant for me around my shifts at work but it also does not matter if you are a beginner or been doing MMA a long time there is something for everyone . For me personally it has made a difference in my everyday life and at my work I feel so much more confident and I think everyone should have a little knowledge of self defence. I was so nervous going into my first class but the coaches put me at ease and made sure I felt comfortable.Highly recommend. One tribe, one vibe.

Fantastic experience: Started my involvement with Martial Arts in 1972 and i’ve worked with some top class coaches over the years and been part of some great Clubs. SBG South Shields is though; hands down, the best club I have ever experienced…The coaches are top class and they will get the best out of anyone and everyone…my advice is go along and see for yourself, you will soon feel part of something a bit special.I guarantee that…

Fantastic experience: I was quite worried about joining an MMA gym as I’d never previously practiced striking/stand up (only sport BJJ). I’m annoyed that I waited so long- all the coaching staff are super helpful and approachable. Absolutely top-tier coaching and equipment available in the gym. The gym itself is always clean and this is respected by each member of the gym. Whether you’re there to learn to fight competitively, take up a hobby or look to get fitter, then this is the place for you. The coaches always push you to do and be better. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Fantastic experience: I have trained at many places around the world and this is one of the gyms I would gladly return to and I would recommend to anyone. Super friendly folks - Alex kindly let me train there for a few days while I was visiting family in the area. Great technical detail in the lessons and Alex took the time to speak with me to give me advice on further developing my ground game. Look forward to visiting again.

Fantastic experience: Started the BJJ beginners course and loving every minute. Alex and his team are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and everyone is made to feel welcome no matter your level. The gym is spacious, clean and well maintained, with modern up-to-date equipment. Extremely glad I chose SBG, and I would definitely recommend them to others.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been in South Shields for 5 weeks and needed somewhere to train while I was away, from the minute I entered the gym Alex was so helpful and welcoming and allowed me to train as a guest, I was trained by Alex, Mitch and Shaun in my time here and they were all outstanding coaches. Their knowledge and attention to detail was incredible, they all took the time to watch everything and stop and correct any mistakes I was making, they all helped me make the minor adjustments I needed and have given me some really good pointers to take home and work on, the people I’ve trained alongside have clearly benefitted from the work their coaches have put in to them and all around a sound bunch of lads. They’re building true warriors at SBG South Shields and the standard of training I received was absolute top level. Whether you’re a beginner or a competitor you will not regret training here and I recommend it to anyone. SBG I thank you all, it was a pleasure to train along side you all and I hope to come back in the future

Fantastic experience: Great club, Alex is a superb coach. Was visiting Newcastle for a couple of days, asked if I could come and train. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Great guys in the gym, felt like home. Wasn't left out, just being a one time visitor, Alex listened to all questions I had, showed and explained me everything in details. It felt like I'm part3od family, not a stranger.

Fantastic experience: Really looking forward to joining

Fantastic experience: Excellent facility, with world class coaching and support. No better skill to learn, and no better place to learn it.

Fantastic experience: Great facilities and great coaching staff. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: World class training in a fantastic atmosphere along with a great bunch of people.

Fantastic experience: An incredible gym with amazing facilities and coaches who genuinely care about improving your skills and fitness. Couldn’t recommend this place enough!

Fantastic experience: Great place to train. Welcoming environment wether it's your first day or you've been training for years

Fantastic experience: Best place to learn MMA in the north east. Great Coaches and classes. 100% recommend to anyone

Fantastic experience: The early apprehension was easy to overcome once getting going with SBG South Shields. World class facility and staff.

Fantastic experience: 100% recommend SBG. Great set of coaches who go out of their way to help you, always good vibes

Fantastic experience: Outstanding training and facilities from world class coaches with years of experience with martial arts. Best place to go in the North East

Fantastic experience: Cannot recommend a better gym to attend, whether it be to fight or for fitness, Alex and the guys will suit to your needs with world class coaching!

Fantastic experience: From the instant you walk in you feel apart of a community a family even, the instructors are patent and accomplished in the sport as well as accommodating to people of different backgrounds and abilities or disabilitys as well as the fellow students all nice people who are all there to work towards one goal to learn and improve.

Fantastic experience: Could not recommend this gym enough. I started just to lose weight, now jiu jitsu is the only sport I thoroughly enjoy. Everyone there is friendly and helpful. Brilliant

Fantastic experience: There’s no better gym in all of the north east for MMA, BJJ and kickboxing. The best coaches available with incredible attention to fundamentals and fine details!

Fantastic experience: Can’t recommend this place enough! The best gym in the North East and one of the best in the country. Strongly recommend Alex’s classes for getting fitter or getting into competition.

Fantastic experience: SBG South Shields is a great club with world class coaches and top facilities ,everyone has a helpful attitude no matter of level or ability

Fantastic experience: SBG is a very welcoming place to train, everybody is incredibly supportive and more than happy to help regardless of skill level

Fantastic experience: Both my sons attend the growing gorillas bjj and kickboxing classes and absolutely love it. The coaches have been great with them and my older sons confidence has grown massively. Thank you guys for your hard work.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with both great coaches and great equipment. The people in the gym are very welcoming and always there to lend a hand. The trading you get there is second to none where everything is explained in detail but also the attention to detail is also great.

Fantastic experience: Always feel welcome here. Head coach Alex Enlund and pro-fighter/coach Mitch Dobbins have nurtured some serious athletes over the years, but more impressive is the community of the everyday person that turns up to learn martial arts. If you’re in the north east this is the place to be!

Fantastic experience: I cant recommend SBC in South Shields highly enough - Alex and his coaches are fantastic at what they do and my son is always asking when his next class is. They engage with the kids and make it so enjoyable for them to learn.

Fantastic experience: What a great bunch of people. Just spent 6hrs teaching a first aid course to some of the staff and members . (Back next week for part 2 of the training course) staff and members are well respectable and the venue is well looked after. Good effort from all participants on today's course. Keep up the good work

Fantastic experience: Fantastic environment to learn and keep fit. Precise/advanced coaching techniques. Massive range of martial arts disciplines covered and good for all levels. Where else can you go and roll BJJ with someone through the week, then watch them compete on TV on the world stage the next weekend?

Fantastic experience: Great Gym! Very friendly team who make everyone welcome. Head Coach - Alex has unbelievable knowledge in all aspects of MMA, along with the patience to pass that knowledge on. I would highly recommend this gym for all ages and levels, from beginner to professional.

Fantastic experience: Excellent place to train. Brilliant coaches and a good team feel at this gym. The facilities are improving constantly and they also offer strength and conditioning classes with a great coach. They make you feel welcome even if you are a beginner or new to the club. They cater for all abilities and the coaching techniques and sytle is great. You also, get to learn from some amazing athletes. Can't wait to get back!!

Fantastic experience: SBG have provided our son with a superb opportunity for physical and mental development through first class coaching in MMA with an emphasis on respect and discipline. During the covid-19 situation they have continued to provide classes, support and a sense of community and togetherness. Top club, top people. Happy parents and a happy lad!

Fantastic experience: Great place to train. Facility is clean, well maintained and has top quality equipment available to use. Atmosphere from coaches and other members is very welcoming to new people of all skill levels. All of the coaches are very knowledgeable and supportive providing safe and enjoyable classes while getting to know each member individually and supporting their personal needs and goals.

Fantastic experience: I’ve trained with Alex & the team at SBG for the past 10 years. I’ve seen the growth from a hand full of people in a small matted out room, to the unbelievable place to train it is today. Aside from the first class training and coaching, SBG has picked me up when I was down, helped me when I didn’t know I needed help, and improved me as a person on and off the mat. I’d recommend this place to absolutely anyone and everyone.

Fantastic experience: SBG South Shields is simply a level above when it comes to both training and preparing for competition. No matter how experienced you are (or aren’t!), your level of fitness or your own personal goals, you can be confident you’ll fit right in. Alex’s coaching and philosophy towards Martial Arts is very practical and logical. There’s a reason I drive 70+ miles everytime I want to train, and SBG South Shields is that reason!

Fantastic experience: Brilliant gym, great people & instructors

Fantastic experience: Top class gym . Still gobsmacked to this day the levels of class from young kids to older men. Felt at home instantly

Fantastic experience: Great environment, great coaches. Could only wish I joined sooner.

Fantastic experience: Extremely friendly and welcoming environment with professional standards, would definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: World class coaching, friendly environment & amazing facility.

Fantastic experience: This is a great facility with a great environment! Coaches are very friendly and welcoming.

Fantastic experience: Joining SBG has been life changing for me, made some great friends and constantly getting word championship level training is amazing.

Fantastic experience: By far the best MMA and BJJ gym around. The coaches are all fantastic and there is a real sense of community between all members

Fantastic experience: Great facility with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Alex is extremely knowledgeable and very technical in his instruction. Make sure you head over if you are in the area!

Fantastic experience: The atmosphere created by the coaches makes it a perfect environment to learn MMA. Definitely the best place I have/will train at. Its more than a gym its a community #OneTribeOneVibe