Royal Navy and Gym King partner to help tackle knife crime through combat sports in Leeds

Image credit: Royal Navy

The Royal Navy's Combat Sports Initiative (CSI) has partnered with Gym King to deliver a special community event in Leeds aimed at helping tackle knife crime and youth violence through the power of combat sports.

Taking place at Bad Company Gym, one of the UK's most respected combat sports facilities, home to Muay Thai world champions including Liam Harrison, and a gym supported through Gym King's Building Foundations partnership initiative, the event will bring together Royal Navy personnel, coaches and young people aged 5-16 for a day focused on discipline, resilience, respect and personal development.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 25 July 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Bad Company Gym, Leeds

The session forms part of the Royal Navy's Combat Sports Initiative, a programme designed to engage young people through boxing, Muay Thai and fitness-based activities, providing positive role models and alternatives to violence, gang culture and criminal activity. Gym King’s Building Foundations initiative supports grassroots organisations and local communities by investing in and supporting health and fitness facilities that create positive environments, bring people together, and help build stronger, more resilient communities.

With youth violence and knife crime continuing to impact communities across the UK and beyond, the partnership demonstrates how organisations can work together to provide young people with positive influences, mentorship and opportunities, while helping them build confidence, purpose and skills that extend far beyond the gym.

Dennis Harrison, Warrant Officer, Royal Navy, said:

"The Royal Navy Combat Sports Initiative is proud to partner with Gym King in supporting the next generation. Together, we are taking the fight to knife crime and youth violence, using combat sports to instil discipline, build character, and provide a positive alternative to violence."

Jay Parker, CEO of Gym King, added:

“The answer to youth violence isn't one organisation working alone. It takes positive role models, opportunities and communities coming together. The work being done by the Royal Navy's Combat Sports Initiative is making a real difference, and we're proud to support it through our Building Foundations partnership initiative. Gyms like Bad Company show the positive impact sport can have on young people's lives every day.”

The event will see participants take part in a series of combat sports sessions and workshops led by experienced coaches and Royal Navy personnel, with a focus on teamwork, confidence-building and personal development.

Bad Company Gym has earned an international reputation for producing elite-level athletes and champions, making it an ideal setting to showcase the positive impact combat sports can have on young people's lives.