- Feel Good
- 29th Jul 2026
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- 0 minute
Inside Box & Build’s new Gosforth gym isn’t your typical boxing club
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Box & Build is a new boxing and strength training gym in Gosforth, founded by head coach Matt McKenna, offering small-group coaching, 1:1 personal training and a beginner-friendly route into boxing.
It’s arrived with state-of-the-art facilities, industry-leading coaching and a promise that’s rare in the gym world – zero intimidation.
The gym blends the heritage of traditional boxing with the structure and support of personal training, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to competitive fighters. Members can train in small groups, join the growing fight team, or work one-to-one with Matt himself.
We sat down with him to find out what’s made Box & Build such a talking point in Gosforth already.
QUICK GLANCE FACTS
Location: Gosforth, Newcastle.
What it is: a boxing and strength training gym, split into two coaching spaces – Box & Build.
Founder: head coach Matt McKenna.
Coaching styles: small-group personal training, 1:1 coaching, and sparring for those ready to progress.
Good for: complete beginners as well as competitive boxers.
Opening offer: free Learning the Ropes taster sessions, 1st August.
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 6.30am – 7pm, Saturday, 6.30am – 1pm and Sunday, closed.
“I genuinely believe people make faster progress when they feel supported rather than intimidated.”
Matt McKenna, Founder & Head Coach
BOXING, WITHOUT THE EGO
There’s no shortage of gyms in and around Gosforth, so we asked Matt what actually sets Box & Build apart. He’s quick to point out that this isn’t a gym built purely for people chasing a fight.
“There are plenty of gyms in Newcastle, but what makes Box & Build different is how we introduce people to boxing.”
While the gym does coach competitive boxers, and has a growing fight team behind it, most members have never boxed before. They’re professionals, parents, and people who’ve always been curious but didn’t know where to start. Small group sizes and personal coaching mean confidence gets built before anyone’s pushed outside their comfort zone.
“Everything is earned step by step, with good coaching and safety at the centre of the process.”
A BOUTIQUE FEEL, NOT A BOXING CLICHÉ
Walk through the door and it doesn’t feel like a typical gym. Members are welcomed into a warm, beautifully designed space with traditional wall panelling, leather Chesterfield sofas, and fresh coffee waiting for them.
“It feels more like a boutique members’ club than somewhere people simply come to work out.”
The gym itself is split into two dedicated spaces. The Box room celebrates the heritage of the sport, with a full-sized ring, matching leather heavy bags, and warm lighting inspired by old-school boxing gyms. Next door, the Build room is dedicated to strength training, with deliberately small coaching groups so every member gets individual attention and regular feedback. Box & Build has also partnered with sports massage therapists and physiotherapists, giving members access to recovery support whenever they need it.
“We take the time to understand what someone wants to achieve before recommending the right approach for them.”
COACHING BUILT AROUND YOU
Membership at Box & Build isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some members want to lose weight, others want to build confidence, improve their fitness, or eventually step into the ring – and Matt tailors the coaching accordingly.
Whether that’s small group sessions, added one-to-one coaching, or a more structured programme, members get genuine accountability and a clear plan, rather than being left to work through equipment alone.
NO PRESSURE TO SPAR
For members who want to test their skills under pressure or move toward competing, Box & Build offers sparring – but only when it’s right for the individual.
“This is only offered if it’s right for the members, and we ease into it safely.”
Nobody is thrown in before they’re ready. Everything is built on structure and safety, whether someone’s working toward their first fight or simply learning to throw a better jab.
FROM A BLACK EYE TO BUILDING A GYM
Matt McKenna came to boxing relatively late, starting with one-to-one personal training at 20 years old, before walking into a traditional amateur boxing gym for the first time.
“I left with a black eye, a concussion and the feeling that boxing gyms are rough.”
That experience shaped everything that followed. With over 60 fights in the team’s portfolio (now cornering semi-pro boxers), Box & Build still teaches real boxing and develops real fighters, just with far more structure and support built in.
COME AND TRY IT FOR YOURSELF
Rather than asking people to commit straightaway, Box & Build is hosting Learning the Ropes sessions on 1st August, giving complete beginners the chance to meet the coaches, learn the basics, and get a feel for the community first.
Message Matt directly if you’d like to book on for a free session. If people leave thinking they actually enjoyed it, the gym’s done its job.
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 6.30am – 7pm, Saturday, 6.30am – 1pm and Sunday, closed.
FAQs
Do I need boxing experience to join Box & Build?
No experience needed at all. Most members join with none, and the coaches guide you step by step until you feel comfortable hitting pads and lifting weights.
Do I need to be fit before I start?
Not at all. Training is built around your current level and progresses gradually from there.
How does Box & Build membership work?
Membership starts with a call or a tour, so the coaches can recommend the right package for your goals, whether that’s small-group sessions, 1:1 coaching, or both.
What classes does Box & Build run?
Classes range from beginner-friendly boxing and weight training to technical boxing and sparring, alongside small-group and 1:1 coaching.
Will I have to spar or fight?
Only if that’s your own goal. Nobody is put into sparring before they’re ready, and every session happens in a controlled, safe environment.
What should I bring to a session?
Comfortable sports clothes, a water bottle, and a towel. Beginners are given gloves to use, though you’re welcome to bring your own.
Make sure you’re following Box & Build to stay up to date with opening news and sneak peeks inside.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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