Contender Gym

🎬 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗢𝗡-𝗢𝗡-𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗…

If someone had told the kid growing up on a council estate in Stockton-on-Tees that one day he’d be filming a Hollywood action movie alongside Scott Adkins, I’d never have believed them.

Less than 5 days ago, I got a phone call asking if I’d like to be part of the Hollywood action movie 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗟𝗘𝗥, starring Scott Adkins.

There was only one answer…

𝗬𝗘𝗦. 👊

Today I had the incredible opportunity to film a fight scene alongside Scott inside the cage at a real Caged Steel MMA event.

𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗟𝗘𝗥 follows a disgraced MMA champion who must fight his way through a brutal criminal underworld to reclaim his stolen championship belt. If you’re into martial arts action movies, this is definitely one to watch.

If you’re a martial arts movie fan, you’ll know Scott as 𝗬𝘂𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝗸𝗮 – “the most complete fighter in the world” – from the Undisputed movies. He’s also appeared in The Matrix Resurrections, the John Wick movies alongside Keanu Reeves, and has starred alongside action legends including Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jet Li, Jason Statham and Donnie Yen, just to name a few.

Just 2 weeks ago I accidentally sliced my arm open with a Stanley knife and needed 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦. I was also carrying a calf injury, but there was no way I was turning this opportunity down.

I even got kicked by 𝗕𝗢𝗬𝗞𝗔! 😂🥊 I can officially tick that off my bucket list! We took some real shots during the fight scene, and honestly… it was awesome.

A massive thank you to Scott, the stunt team and the whole production crew for making me feel so welcome. You were all first class.

A special thank you to my mate Paul for putting me forward. I genuinely appreciate it, mate. Without that phone call, none of this would have happened.

I’ve spent nearly 40 years dedicated to martial arts, and it’s amazing where hard work, consistency and believing in yourself can take you.

This is only the beginning.

I’m looking forward to landing more roles, learning from the best, and continuing my journey in the movie industry. This experience has only made me hungrier to chase that dream.

Never let where you come from decide where you can go.

Always believe in the power of your dreams.

🎬 From Stockton-on-Tees to Hollywood… I’m just getting started.

Watch this space…

Scott Adkins Paul Barnett UK Martial Arts Show

Contender Gym – The House of Champions.

Every champion was once a contender.

No matter your age, fitness level or experience, everyone starts somewhere. What matters isn’t where you begin—it’s having the courage to take that first step.

Since 2006, we’ve been leading from the front, building confidence, discipline, respect and champions both inside and outside the gym.

Tonight is our FREE taster session.
Kids and adults welcome. Our classes are mixed, friendly and suitable for complete beginners through to experienced martial artists.

If you’ve ever thought about giving it a go, this could be the day you surprise yourself.

📍 Contender Gym
Prince Regent Street, Stockton-on-Tees
🌐 www.contendergym.co.uk

Every Champion Was Once a Contender.

🥋 Massive congratulations to Mikey Woods!

Today, Mikey was awarded his Red & Black Stripe Belt—the grade one step below the Brown & Black Belt—and also received his official Contender Trainee Coach Certificate. Two massive milestones that have been earned through years of hard work and dedication.

Mikey first walked through the doors of Contender at around 8 years old. He had a few years away from training but came back and hasn’t stopped since.

Training in K-1, Dutch-style Kickboxing, Japanese Kickboxing, and Muay Thai, Mikey has developed into an outstanding young martial artist. More importantly, he has proven his loyalty, respect, values, and commitment to Contender since 2006.

He’s now helping coach and mentor the next generation, giving back to the club that helped shape him into the man he is today.

Coach Bell: “I’m proud of the man you’ve become. Keep believing in the power of your dreams, stay loyal to your values, and I truly believe your biggest achievements are still to come.”

Coach Kay: “Keep believing in yourself, keep working hard, stay humble, and good things will happen.”

Congratulations, Mikey. Your Contender family is proud of you. 👊

Contender – House of Champions | Est. 2006

Every champion starts as a beginner.

There are no shortcuts.

Before the wins, the titles and the recognition come the early mornings, the hard sessions, the setbacks and the decision to keep turning up.

For nearly 20 years, we've helped develop champions in K-1 and Muay Thai, but we've always believed that building the person comes before building the fighter.

The strongest foundations are built through discipline, respect, humility, consistency and hard work. When a fighter and coach share those values and commit to the journey together, incredible things can happen.

Now it's the next generation's turn.

Seeing these young athletes coming through our ranks reminds us why we started. The goal has never just been to produce champions—it has been to create an environment where people can become the very best version of themselves, in martial arts and in life.

We don't need to tell people who we are.

We simply keep showing up, keep teaching, keep learning and keep building.

Contender Gym – House of Champions. Since 2006.

"Every Champion Was Once a Contender." 🥊

🥊 CONTENDER HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS 🥊

From complete beginners to professional fighters, everyone trains under the same roof with the same values — hard work, discipline, respect and continuous improvement.

For nearly 20 years we have helped people build confidence, improve fitness, achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.

Some come to get fit. Some come to learn self-defence. Some come to compete. Some become champions.

No matter where you start, the journey begins with taking that first step.

Every Champion Was Once a Contender.

🥊 CONTENDER GYM – HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS 🥊

In a world where kids spend more and more time on phones, tablets, and computer screens, it’s amazing to see young people challenging themselves, learning new skills, building friendships, and growing in confidence through martial arts.

At Contender Gym, we believe martial arts is about far more than fighting. It’s about respect, discipline, self-control, resilience, teamwork, and learning that hard work pays off.

From the age of 5, our students learn Muay Thai, Dutch Style K-1 Kickboxing, Japanese Kickboxing, boxing for kickboxing, self-defence, and our own Contender Style training system. More importantly, they learn life lessons that will stay with them long after they leave the gym.

One thing many people don’t realise is that nobody has to compete. Some of our members simply enjoy training, getting fit, making friends, and becoming more confident. Others choose to test themselves in competition. Both paths are equally respected.

What matters is showing up, giving your best, being coachable, and improving a little every day.

As someone who has been involved in martial arts for nearly four decades, I’ve seen firsthand how martial arts can change lives. The confidence it builds, the friendships it creates, and the positive influence it has on young people is something special.

Keep learning.
Keep growing.
Keep believing in yourself.

Every Champion Was Once a Contender.

HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS • EST. 2006

Some backstage footage of little Eli during his final preparations before stepping into the ring on Saturday night.

At just 6 years old, Eli is already learning the values we believe in every day at Contender Gym — Respect, Discipline, Courage, Resilience, Humility, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement.

Moments like these are what martial arts is really about. Learning to manage nerves, stepping outside your comfort zone, listening to your coaches, showing respect to your teammates and opponents, and having the courage to give your best when it matters most.

In a world full of distractions, martial arts gives young people structure, confidence, self-belief, and a positive environment where they can grow both physically and mentally.

Watching Eli prepare backstage was a reminder that every champion starts somewhere. Before the skills, before the medals, before the victories, there is simply a young person willing to learn, work hard, and keep showing up.

Massive well done, Eli. We are incredibly proud of your attitude and effort. Keep enjoying the journey, keep learning, and keep becoming 1% better every day.

Every Champion Was Once a Contender.

Contender Gym – House of Champions • Est. 2006

MartialArts Respect Discipline Resilience CoachBell