ShiroKuma Health & Fitness

Fantastic experience: I spent years admiring people who did CrossFit before I had the confidence to begin myself, and ShiroKuma is the main reason I had the confidence to do so. There is a vibe of authenticity that I just haven’t found anywhere else - James & Katherine meet you where you are and go from there. I’ve been going to ShiroKuma for nearly two years now and it has had such a positive impact on my life - mentally & physically. HIGHLY RECOMMEND to be clear

Fantastic experience: James and Katherine provide such a supportive and welcoming space for everyone, no matter what level you are at. Their small class allows for high attention to form and technique. They have built a lovely community and I would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: If you’re curious about trying a CrossFit workout or you are already experienced but want to get to your next level, Shirokuma is the right place for you. The workouts are carefully programmed so everyone can adjust them to their own needs without feeling like is falling behind, and before you realise it you will see yourself achieving skills that you have thought far from your possibilities! A truly good vibes gym with good people and the main goal of getting the best out of everyone. Katherine and James are friendly and welcoming and everyone else will just make you feel at home! A win win!

Fantastic experience: Very community-based CrossFit gym. Top facilities and excellent coaching. A pleasingly ego and bellend free place to train.

Fantastic experience: I've had years of injury built up from gyms and sports. ShiroKuma have been brilliant in interviewing me, understanding what I need and keeping an eye on me through each session, making sure I'm not risking further injury but getting me working hard anyway. I'm so grateful - I love this place.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been with the gym for about 18 months now, and this is the most consistent I’ve ever been with exercise. This is mainly due to the attention and care that Katherine and James bring to each member and class. Katherine has always encouraged me to just turn up and to see what happens - even on the bad days. I’ve never regretted listening to this advice! As a result I’ve gained so much strength, as well as feeling more confident. If you’re feeling nervous about giving CrossFit a go, then this is the gym to try it out!

Fantastic experience: I joined ShiroKuma about 8 months ago and it's been brilliant! Both James and Katherine are great trainers who really take the time to ensure you're getting the most from each class. Before joining I'd never set foot in a gym and I'm glad to have made ShiroKuma my gym of choice. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Fantastic experience: Having been a member of Shirokuma for a couple of years now, I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who is looking for a gym which possesses an incredibly supportive and friendly community alongside excellent coaches in James and Katherine. Their guidance and advice has been brilliant whilst the classes are always well structured and both challenging and fun in equal measure! I’ve really appreciated the discipline it has given me to training and I’ve seen real progress both in my strength and fitness inside the gym but also benefits to activities outside the gym such as running and football. If you are looking for a supportive environment to get started or learn new skills with friendly and expert guidance, combined with a gym atmosphere that is not intimidating in the slightest, then look no further than James and Katherine at Shirokuma!

Fantastic experience: Shirokuma is a gem of a gym in London. James and Katherine are so welcoming and know how to meet everyone at different levels of fitness. It's been a gamechanger for me since joining a few months ago, and I can notice week on week that I'm getting stronger. I had known of the gym for a while, but now just wish I had joined sooner!

Fantastic experience: ShiroKuma (polar bear in case not known :) – not just a gym, but a true community! James and Katherine have been outstanding, teaching us how to lift and move safely with proper technique, thanks to the well-structured classes, thoughtful ethos, and ongoing support. It’s genuinely changed the way we see training—making it feel more enjoyable and sustainable. Just worth saying—as someone who sometimes finds it hard to stay motivated, this place has totally changed how we see training. The fact that they honestly care and are so supportive no matter the experience? That alone is a total gem ! Well done guys !

Fantastic experience: Great cross training gym, super friendly with fantastically clear, motivating instruction from James and Katherine - come along, you’ll get strong and fit and really enjoy yourself too!

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Katherine and James for more than 18 months and I can honestly say it has changed my life: I am now not only stronger and fitter than I have ever been but I have learned the importance of consistency, attention to form and technique and, that great gains can be made via small steps. The best part is that while they challenge you and you work very, very hard, training at Shirokuma is always fun. It's a great community of people and I can't recommend their unique and informed approach to CrossFit enough!

Fantastic experience: Amazing CrossFit gym in Camberwell! I was new to CrossFit before joining Shiro Kuma and in a year have made a load of progress (including managing my first pull up)! James and Katherine are super supportive coaches and have built a great community around the gym.

Fantastic experience: Going to CrossFit here is amazing! The programme adapts over time and enables you to perform your best, be it at health, strength or skill. I have learnt so many new weightlifting techniques and calisthetics over the year, and super grateful for their coaching. Everyone who goes are super friendly and is a cute little community

Fantastic experience: James & Katherine are the best! Such great people and personal trainers

Fantastic experience: Katherine and James are by far the best coaches I could have asked for! When I started, I had never lifted weights before, and I thought learning Olympic lifting would take much longer. But thanks to their guidance, my progress was much quicker than I expected. They provide close attention in every session, offering not only great advice for improving in class but also tips that improves our overall well-being outside the gym. Their coaching has made me feel stronger, more energised, and more confident in my abilities. I always look forward to the next class, and I can genuinely see the positive impact it has on my daily life. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to learn, improve, and feel amazing!

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend ShiroKuma enough. As well as being a great community James and Katherine have taught me how to enjoy exercise and strength training. It has been the most consistent I have ever been with exercise in my adult life. From weekly emails to constant support whilst training I have learnt lots of new skills. The world of CrossFit always seemed intimidating before but they make the workouts approachable for any level, in a safe & friendly space.

Fantastic experience: Great crossfit gym with good vibes. James and Katherine are great coaches who take a close focus on form to boost power and avoid injuries

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member at ShiroKuma for almost a year now, and I’d recommend it to anyone in Camberwell looking for a gym that’s more than just a place to work out. Before joining, I’d barely set foot in a gym and CrossFit felt completely out of my comfort zone, but James and Katherine made the whole experience approachable with their patience, expertise, and top-notch coaching. The best thing about ShiroKuma is the good vibes. It’s a real community - friendly, social, and always encouraging. No matter your level, you’ll feel at home here. If you want expert coaching, a great atmosphere, and a gym where you actually look forward to training, this is the one!

Fantastic experience: I have been a member with Shirokuma for over a year and couldn't be happier with the experience! James and Katherine have created an incredibly welcoming environment which is the best thing about the gym. Even though I had done crossfit before, the induction process helped refine my movements and set me up for seamlessly integrating into class. What sets this gym apart in my opinion is the personalised attention. James and Katherine actively engage with members and genuinely care about each participant's progress which makes such a difference - knowing my sticking points, difficulties and challenges and helping me overcome them in a very supportive and friendly way has really helped my progress! Regular events (Like partner workouts, parkruns, open workouts, socials) add to the sense of community, making every workout a shared achievement. If you're looking for fitness with a positive atmosphere, expert guidance, great members and a strong sense of community, this is the place. Joining this gym was a fantastic decision, and I highly recommend it to anyone ready for a healthier, happier journey!

Fantastic experience: Going to classes here are some of my favourite moments in the week. James and Katherine have done an incredible job curating a safe, inclusive and quite frankly, fun space to train. It is evident that a lot of attention, commitment and expertise goes into their roles as gym owners and coaches. I had done CrossFit many moons ago for two+ years and though it felt like I probably knew my form well, I was grateful for the introduction sessions - it was clear movement capabilities in my body had changed despite being an active runner / cyclist. These sessions were a great way to make sure that Shirokuma was also the right fit for me. James and Katherine offer feedback which genuinely result in improvement - I am stronger (evident in my new personal bests) in the six-seven months I have been here at Shirokuma than I was in my previous CrossFit gym of two+ years. One thing I have noticed too is that I feel incredibly safe talking about menstrual cycles or just navigating fitness as a woman - as this ultimately does mean some weeks can feel tougher than others - and they both know what they're talking about when it comes to this. I would highly recommend this gym for the Thursday throwback playlist alone - but James, Katherine and everyone you train with are a lovely bonus.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym! James & Katherine bring a really holistic approach, focusing on moving well, living well, learning and progressing. The equipment is all in great condition, and well taken care of. The individual coaching with Katherine has really helped to improve and refine my movement patterns following a previous back injury. The group classes are just brilliant, never the same, always interesting and always challenging. The class sizes are relatively small so even in a group setting they are able to really pay individual attention, ensuring that everyone is moving well and pushing themselves when good to do so. Having a female lead coach makes a difference to the feel of the gym, and I like that that both equipment and training programmes are tailored for male and female athletes. I also really value Katherine’s particular expertise in training through menopause. After almost 2 years, I continue to look forward each week to my sessions, the vibe in the gym is really welcoming and genuinely supportive of everyone’s progress, wherever they may be in their fitness journey and whatever their size or age. A really great and varied group of people!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to different gyms over the years and never I got the feeling the way I moved really mattered. Until I joined Shirokuma Fitness where not only I learned technique so that I could move, lift safely and efficiently but also the structure of the classes and the ethos behind them have made my relationship with training so much healthier and sustainable. Still a hidden gem under the railway arches, a short walk from Camberwell, run by some super knowledgable and passionate coaches (Katherine and James) who as well as excelling in their jobs have also built a great community. I can’t recommend Shirokuma enough. You will never be shouted at , you will always be empowered to be your best self.

Fantastic experience: I can't say enough positive things about this CrossFit gym—it truly stands out from the previous experiences I have had. From the moment I joined, James and Katherine demonstrated thoughtfulness, presence, and genuine care for their clients' journeys. Even though I had prior experience with other CrossFit gyms, I was asked to attend a couple of private sessions to assess my form. Despite initially wanting to jump straight into classes, these sessions turned out to be really helpful as Katherine made several adjustments to my form, which has ultimately unlocked new progress. James and Katherine's constant engagement during sessions is really noticeable. They move around the class, offering tailored feedback, encouragement, and take the time for friendly chats. Their dedication to their clients and their results is clear, they even take the time to send monthly emails delving into various aspects of health and fitness. The classes feature a diverse group of people, with a warm atmosphere. Class sizes are kept small with a max of 12 people (often ends up being less) so it always feels quite personal. The cleanliness of the equipment and space adds to the overall positive experience. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, I would highly recommend this gym for a supportive and fulfilling fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: James and Katherine have created a really special gym here. Professional, driven by attention to detail and focused on excellent results but critically with an inclusive and no ego approach. I actively look forward to classes and have seen huge improvements in my fitness, strength and mobility since joining. I can not recommend this gym enough! :)

Negative experience: Disappointing. This gym appears cute, and it's clear the owners put effort in. Yet, they've made it needlessly exclusive. The owner comes off as egotistical, condescending, and frankly, a bit rude. Insisting on multiple (paid) 1-2-1 sessions before joining, regardless of experience. Its exclusivity hidden behind the mask of 'coaching'. I sought a local, community-driven gym for meeting people and group training vibes. Externally, this place seemed perfect, but expressing my preference for group coaching over solo sessions was met with disdain. Their inflexibility to meet people halfway with extensive training history seems money-focused and shows a clear inability to cater to diverse experience and preferences. The owner's disparaging remarks about other gyms (gyms I previously attended) added insult to injury. In conclusion, despite the external appeal, this place’s rigid and profit-driven approach overshadows any promised community atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: As someone who suffered with gym anxiety but wanted to get into lifting and CrossFit training, I feel so fortunate to have found this amazing, inclusive gym. James & Katherine are incredible, attentive coaches who help push you outside of your comfort zone (in the best way!) I feel like I’m part of an amazing community at this gym. There is a strong sense of camaraderie and trust. Joining this gym has been one of the best life-changing decisions I’ve made.

Fantastic experience: Superb gym, with quality teaching and classes from owners James and Katherine. A great space, and great people. Pros: Focused, ability specific coaching and workouts that are easy to work into your routine. Excellent results and motivation. Cons: My back is now too muscular, broke one of my dining chairs :(

Fantastic experience: As someone who used to struggle with motivation and consistency in my fitness routine, this place has completely transformed my outlook. Katherine & James' focus on health and individual targets keeps me engaged and motivated to push my limits. It has helped me build more resilient joints, which is a blessing for someone who has always suffered from nagging discomfort during workouts. The uplifting and inspiring environment in every session is just one more of many reason to come back over and over again.

Fantastic experience: I am new to CrossFit and, several months in, I am sticking with it; that's all thanks to James, Katherine and the gang at ShiroKuma, where the workouts are intense, the camaraderie is sincere and the individual instruction is focused and effective, and where the music is always great. I've never been hugely athletic (surprise, James!) but in just a few months I both feel and see wonderful and impressive results. CrossFit may sound intense or extreme to novices but the technical stuff comes at its own speed and, in the meantime, there's nothing stopping you from surprising yourself with how well you can do an amrap of a clean-and-jerk and how quickly you will progress. And you will soon get the hang of the hang power snatch...

Fantastic experience: Having spent a long time at another gym, I was a little apprehensive when joining, but I soon settled in and can’t rate it highly enough. The quality of training is excellent and the coaches, Katherine and James, have a real personal touch in how they approach the programming and individual needs. The gym has quality equipment and there is a great atmosphere in the classes. Would definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: This place really cares about getting you in shape. The trainers care about you as a person, want you to achieve your goals, and it's great fun. Best CrossFit gym in Camberwell. Best Fitness Classes I've been to!

Fantastic experience: If you are thinking of trying this Crossfit centre... do not think further, go for it! It's such a life-changing experience, you will find yourself immersed from week 1, enjoying exercising and also with such personalised and welcoming approach that results come sooner than you expect. I could not recommend this enough, the only issue I found with it is; why I didn't start sooner?

Fantastic experience: Excellent coaching. Always a pleasure to come to classes ☀️

Fantastic experience: Such a great place to train - both Katherine and James are exceptional coaches and the programming is very thoughtful and suitable to all levels. You’ll find more than just a place to workout - it’s already a real Camberwell treasure!

Fantastic experience: This is an awesome gym. Extremely professional coaching, great facilities, and super welcoming and inclusive whether you're a pro athlete or completely new to it all.

Fantastic experience: Great CrossFit gym in Camberwell.

Fantastic experience: An absolute stunning box with the best setups you can possibly dream of. Community and people you train with make you just feel home and constantly supported and motivated (no heroes culture). Last but not least... coaching! Every single move or skills whether is a basic or a super complex one will always been explained down to the lower level of details, with great attention to scaling options, benefits and next steps. Joining this community is helping me going back to my pre lockdown fitness level and I feel absolutely supported on this journey by both coaches and community!

Fantastic experience: Love this place! James and Katherine have created an incredible inclusive health and fitness community. The training programming is for all skill levels. As a newbie to crossfit I feel like I am getting possibly the best coaching and education there is. James has great intuition and I love his holistic approach to training. He is simply the best teacher and coach, he brings a lot of love and passion to this box. There is always lots of laughter with the blood and sweat.

Fantastic experience: A brilliant gym, a fantastic coaching team and a great community. This is still a relatively untouched gem in South London with amazing facilities. A very positive environment has been cultivated by James with all members being very supportive of each other. With constant guidance and advice, I have seen constant improvements in my technique which includes being able to climb a rope for the first time! I can't wait to return to the Shirokuma box after lockdown and get back to having fun in the classes.

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym! Very supportive, attentive & professional owners. Welcoming for any level of fitness. The space & location is also brilliant. Can't wait to get back into it soon!

Fantastic experience: This gym is excellent - James and Katherine run the best box in London. James is a world class coach. Can't wait for lockdown to be over to get back in!

Fantastic experience: Outstanding Gym!! Excellent coaching, really great chilled atmosphere. Fun group of people and truly welcoming mentality. The best place I've ever worked out at!!