SBG ( Straight Blast Gym) is a global network of Martial Arts academies built around a simple idea: training should be effective, intelligent and accessible to everyone.

Founded by Matt Thornton in 1992, SBG has grown into a worldwide community of coaches, athletes and everyday people who share a common approach to Martial Arts. SBG is known for its focus on Aliveness- learning through realistic, progressive training rather than simply rehearsing techniques in isolation.

From complete beginners to experienced Martial Artists and professional athletes, SBG provides an environment where people can develop their skills, confidence and character while training alongside a supportive community.

SBG is more than a Martial Arts organisation. It is a tribe, a training philosophy and a global community- and it is for everybody.

At SBG NORTH TYNESIDE, we believe Martial Arts should be more than simply learning techniques. It should develop how you move, think, feel, perform and interact with others.

As part of the SBG global network, we follow a proven training philosophy centred around aliveness, technical excellence and personal development. Our coaching is structured, progressive and suitable for complete beginners through to experienced Martial Artists.

Whether your goal is to learn practical Martial Arts, improve your fitness, enter competitions, build confidence or simply become part of a great community, our approach is designed to meet you where you are and help you progress.

Our FUNDAMENTALS program has been specifically designed to give beginners the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to start training safely and effectively. You will be coached through the fundamentals step-by-step, with plenty of opportunity to learn at your own pace.

You will also be training alongside people with different levels of experience. Our culture is built around helping each other improve, not proving who is the toughest person in the room.

You don’t need to be fit, flexible, strong, confident or experienced before you start. That is what training at SBG NORTH TYNESIDE is for.

If you can move, you can train.

We are proud to welcome students of all ages, from 6 years old and upwards. Martial Arts is a skill that can be studied and developed throughout life and the process can be transformative at any age.

Our role at SBG NORTH TYNESIDE is to facilitate that process- meeting each student where they are and helping them develop in a safe, supportive environment.

We offer separate Kids, Teens and Adult programs, each designed around the needs of that age group.

We recommend comfortable sports apparel such as shorts/leggings and a t-shirt/rashguard. Strictly no apparel with zips, buckles or exposed pockets.

In addition you will need the following for these respective classes:

MMA Class
- MMA sparring gloves
- Shin guards
- Mouthguard
- Groin guard

BJJ / NoGi class
- A BJJ or Judo Gi for Gi BJJ class.
- Tight fitting shirt and shorts with no zips, buckles or pockets.
- Mouthguard (optional but recommended)

Kickboxing class
- Boxing gloves (10-16oz, min 16oz required for sparring)
- Shin guards
- Mouthguard (required for sparring)
- Groin guard (required for sparring)

Wrestling class
- Tight fitting shirt and shorts with no zips, buckles or pockets.
- Mouthguard (optional)

Our competition pathway is open to all members who demonstrate the commitment, consistency and mindset required to compete. We support athletes through the preparation process, from developing their technical ability and physical preparedness, to gaining the experience necessary to perform under pressure.

Our coaching experience includes working with professional athletes on an international level, but competition is never a requirement. Many train simply for the enjoyment, fitness, confidence and personal development that Martial Arts provide.

Whether you want to compete, challenge yourself occasionally or never step into competition at all- there Is a place for you at SBG NORTH TYNESIDE.

Aliveness is the practice of training in a manner that is alive, realistic and adaptive.

Rather than simply rehearsing techniques against a passive and cooperative partner, our training gradually introduces movement, timing, energy and decision making. Your partner is able to respond, adapt and challenge you- meaning you have to learn how to apply what you’re practising in real time.

This doesn’t mean being thrown straight into hard sparring. Aliveness exists on a progressive spectrum, allowing training to become increasingly dynamic as your skill and confidence develop.

Aliveness is a core principle of SBG and a big part of what makes our training effective.

We totally get it. Walking into a Martial Arts gym for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you have zero experience.

The reality however is usually very different to what people imagine.

You won’t be expected to know what you are doing and you certainly won’t be thrown straight into a fight! Your first session is about learning, getting comfortable and seeing if training at SBG NORTH TYNESIDE is a good fit for you.

Our team will guide you through everything. From what to wear, equipment to use, where to get changed to the techniques and drills that you will be participating in. You will train alongside people at different stages of their Martial Arts journey and our culture is built around helping each other improve.

There is no need to prove anything and nobody expects you to be an expert on day one.

There is free street parking available all around SBG NORTH TYNESIDE.

We recommend allowing a few extra minutes when arriving for the first time so you have plenty of time to park, find the gym and get settled before class.

All memberships are monthly rolling memberships.

Freezing requires a 14 day notice period and can be frozen for a maximum of 60 days per calendar year. Members must email info@sbgnorth.co.uk OR send a message through our membership platform in order to initiate the freezing process. Current membership rate will be protected during the freeze phase.

Cancellation requires a 30 day notice period. If your notice period extends into the following billing month, a prorated membership fee will be applied for the additional days covered by your notice period.

Cancellation will also mean that your current membership rate is no longer protected. If you decide to rejoin in the future, you will join at the current membership rate and a £15 reactivation fee will be applied.

Members must email info@sbgnorth.co.uk OR send a message through our membership platform in order to initiate the cancellation process.