Sport has the power to bring people and communities together which is where local gym Royal Resistance comes in.  

Located a few minutes walk from the heart of Kidbrooke Village, Royal Resistance is a boxing club and gym for both children and adults, also providing classes on Brazilian Jujitsu, Muay Thai, as well as strength and endurance training. Originally at Woolwich, gym owner Steven Nodwell saw the opportunity of the new development at Kidbrooke  to reach an emerging community and make an impact.  

“We’ve become well-known in the area as a place to come for fun, to keep young people busy in the evenings, and for training promising local fighters. Berkeley’s support has been massive for us, helping us get set-up here and providing things like our toilets and electrical system.” Steven has a policy of never turning young people away, and is always looking to support those who may be troubled and in need.  

As well as functioning like any other gym with members, Royal Resistance undertakes local outreach work, providing coaches and facilities to local schools like the SEN Woodside Academy.  Mandy Avery, Leader of Pastoral Care at Woodside, was extremely complimentary of the impact this work has on her students; “It means so much for the children to come here. They don’t get out much due to their learning difficulties and it can often be the highlight of their week. The gym lets them express themselves in public.”  

Away from this outreach work, around 100 young people attend the gym every week, with a similar number of adults, and there is a strong feeling that Royal Resistance has a genuinely transformational impact on the community, increasing both physical and mental health as well as confidence. Amechi is a regular at the gym and said; “It gives people an escape, when it’s not always easy being a young person in South London. People come here and learn something new and it means a lot to them.” 

Royal Resistance can be found at Moorehead Way, SE3 9GD.