About
A proper Muay Thai gym, run by a coach who still trains.
Proper Muay Thai, taught with respect, for anyone willing to keep turning up.
Gary Rowley started training in martial arts at 16, in Spain, and went on to fight professionally. In 2021 he launched the Noble Combat Championship to give local fighters a proper platform, and the club is built on the same idea: good coaching, for every level.
What we stand for
Three things the club is built on
Respect
For the coach, for your training partner and for the art. You look after the person holding pads for you, whatever their level, and they look after you.
Technique
Real Muay Thai, taught properly and repeated until it's yours. Clean basics matter more than flashy combinations, for beginners and fighters alike.
Always improving
Everyone in the room is working on something, from their first jab to their next fight. You're measured against who you were last month, not against anyone else.
Your first class
What you'll notice on day one
The same three things, as they look when you walk in for the first time.
Someone looks after you
Gary introduces himself, and an experienced member partners you and holds pads. Nobody's showing off at your expense.
You learn a few things well
Stance, guard and a couple of strikes, done properly, rather than a blur of moves you won't remember.
You leave with something to work on
At the end, Gary tells you one thing to practise next time. That's how everyone in the room started.
Your coach
Gary Rowley
One coach, every class. Gary started training at 16, in Spain, has fought as a professional, and is a Level 4 Strength and Conditioning Coach, so the fitness side is coached as carefully as the technique. He also runs the Noble Combat Championship, the fight nights where members get their chance to compete.
“Martial arts took me from a weak, skinny kid to someone with real confidence, and that's what I love passing on. Whether it's a five-year-old finding the fun in the fundamentals or an adult getting fitter than they thought they could, watching people grow is the best bit of my week.”
- Level 4 Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Former professional fighter
- Founder of the Noble Combat Championship
I've never done any martial arts. Is that OK?
Yes. Most people who walk in have never trained. There is no separate beginners class: you join the Mixed Adults class and Gary scales the drills to you.
I've never held pads. Is that a problem?
Not at all. You'll be shown how, step by step. We go slowly and at a pace that suits you, so you learn it properly and feel comfortable before anything speeds up.
What do I need to bring?
Shorts or leggings you can move in, and a t-shirt or vest that isn't restrictive. If you've got gloves and shin pads, bring them. If you're new, don't worry, we've got kit at the gym. Bring a bottle of water. Leave your ego at the door.
Do I have to spar?
No. Sparring is never compulsory and nobody is made to spar. We encourage it because it's where the drills turn into skills you can actually use, in a calm, safe setting. It's always light and controlled, and Gary watches every round. This isn't a hard-sparring gym. You might see fighters going a bit harder on our socials when they're preparing for a bout, but that's fight prep, not the normal class.
How fit do I need to be?
Any level. You work at your own pace, and the drills are scaled to you. Most people start martial arts or fitness training unfit. It's completely normal.
What ages are the kids classes?
Kids 5 to 7 on Thursday at 4:15pm. Juniors 8 to 15 on Monday and Wednesday, with a younger juniors group (8 to 9) on Thursday at 5:15pm.
Where we are
Inside CrossFit Bristol North
Unit 8 Long Down AveStoke Gifford, Bristol
BS16 1GU
Walk in and go straight up the stairs, you can't miss it.
- Phone
- 07788 262397
- Message Gary
- Parking
- Free parking opposite the gym and behind Pepenero's Pizza, maximum stay 2 hours. Please don't use the residents-only car park behind the gym.
- Bus
- Two stops close by: The Square, practically outside, and Wallshut Wood, a two or three minute walk.