Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about us, our classes or how to start training, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve answered some of our most-asked questions here. If there’s anything that you’d still like to know after reading this page, feel free to get in touch with us here.
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That’s easy: head to our contact us page and fill in the form. Alternatively, you can message us on Instagram at @bent_collective or email us at bentcollectiveuk@gmail.com.
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Our exact location is private, as we want to keep our space as safe as possible and can’t do that if anyone can just show up! However, we will provide our location to you when you sign up for a class. We are roughly based in Leeds city centre, around 5-10 minutes walk from both the bus and train stations. There is parking available nearby and bikes can be safely stored inside the venue.
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You don’t need any special equipment to train with us. All you need is some clothes that are safe for exercise. That means please don’t wear anything with zips, buckles etc that could catch on someone’s skin (similarly, if you can remove jewellery beforehand then please do), and make sure you can move around freely. A t-shirt and shorts are absolutely fine.
We ask that you bring water along to training, although we do have some available. If any gear is needed for sessions, we will provide it, although if you have things like e.g. boxing gloves for a Muay Thai class then please bring them along.
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Absolutely! All of our classes are completely beginner-friendly. We might build off things we’ve learned in previous sessions, but we always make sure to bring everyone up to speed first. It never hurts to go over the basics!
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Your first session is always free! We want you to be able to try things out before you pay.
After that, the classes are £5 per session, and we have packages and monthly memberships available. You can find out more on our pricing page.
Nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds! We have discount codes (including 100% off) available for anyone who wants to train with us but can’t afford our prices.
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Most of them are. Our timetable shows which classes are queer-only, and which allow select cis/het comrades. We’re a queer and trans-first gym, so LGBTQIA+ people are always going to be our priority and who we centre.
We don’t care how you identify as queer, nobody is going to police your identity. No LGBTQIA+ person will be turned away or made to feel unwelcome for not being “queer enough”.
Our classes are 100% inclusive and we want everyone to feel completely welcome. This means we have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of prejudice, so please don’t come if you’re going to spout some racist, sexist, ableist, terf or swerf nonsense.
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It depends on the class, but generally there will be a warm-up, some exercises to ease into training, then the instructor(s) will go over specific techniques for you to learn. In martial arts classes, there might be optional sparring at the end, but it is absolutely fine not to participate in this!
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Most of our classes are taught by the directors, who you can find out all about here.
In addition, our pro wrestling classes are taught by Ash, who wrestles under the ring names Rich Tea and Little Dick. They have been wrestling for 7 years, and are part of the world’s only drag king tag team, Big Dick Energy. Ash has created a training space for people who aren’t comfortable in mainstream wrestling spaces, and focuses on centring queer and trans people who have traditionally been excluded.
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Yes, absolutely! Our venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets, and we welcome all body types. We are always happy to chat about access needs and will do our absolute best to ensure you can train with us. We can also adapt the classes and exercises to match whatever you’re able to do. We want everyone to be able to get the most out of our sessions, whatever their body type or ability level.
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There’s never any pressure to participate in any of the classes. We encourage our members to sit out of anything they’re not comfortable with, even if it’s just so they can take a break. We know that some of what we train - particularly in self-defence - can be triggering, and we’re always happy for members to either skip an exercise or do an alternative technique they’re more comfortable with.