BENT Collective

Community and liberation through combat sports

We’re more than just a bunch of queers fighting each other*. BENT Collective is a group of queer and trans people dedicated to providing combat sports and pro wrestling classes to the LGBTQIA+ community in Leeds and beyond. We provide empowerment, self-confidence and an inclusive social group for anyone who wants to learn how to protect themselves, become a pro wrestler or just hang out with like-minded people.

*We are still absolutely a bunch of queers fighting each other.

What we do

BENT Collective provides combat sports and pro wrestling classes to LGBTQIA+ people in Leeds. Every week, we provide training in:

  • Self-defence

  • Muay Thai

  • Submission grappling

  • Professional wrestling

  • Strength & conditioning

  • MMA

The fighting world is dominated by straight, cisgender and able-bodied men. We think that’s bullshit. Our sessions are trans-led, queer-centred and built around community and collaboration.

Who we are

We are a bunch of queer, trans people who believe in liberation through sport and the power of building a community. We know how hard it is for LGBTQIA+ people to find inclusive combat sports gyms, and know how difficult it can be to build up the confidence to even try.

We’re changing that by providing safe, inclusive spaces for queers who want to learn how to fight. No prejudice, no intolerance and no cops; just a community of LGBTQIA+ weirdos finding confidence in combat sports.

Get in touch!

If you’re interested in training with us, or have questions about our classes or organisation, then please get in touch! We promise to reply as soon as we can, and there are never any stupid questions so please feel free to ask whatever you need to know.

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY:

"It’s given me new skills, new confidence and lovely new pals, and I’m so glad to be a part of it."

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"Now I have a lovely circle of new friends and confidence in myself.”

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"Queer Self-Defence isn’t just somewhere to learn new techniques, it’s a lovely, caring community."

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"From the first session I felt included and part of a great community of peers."

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"It’s given me new skills, new confidence and lovely new pals, and I’m so glad to be a part of it." • "Now I have a lovely circle of new friends and confidence in myself.” • "Queer Self-Defence isn’t just somewhere to learn new techniques, it’s a lovely, caring community." • "From the first session I felt included and part of a great community of peers." •