Belong
A supportive academy where students, families and coaches know they are part of one team.
Energize Apex · Est. 2005
Confidence.
Community.
Champions.
A kickboxing academy built for the whole journey — from a four-year-old's first class to the world stage.
20+years building people, not just fighters
The Energize experience
More than a place to train.
Coach Carl Thomas founded Energize in 2005 with a simple ambition: build the very best kickboxing academy in the UK — and make it feel like family.
The academy has grown around confidence, friendship and excellence. Every student is welcomed into a positive team, encouraged to set meaningful goals and supported as they learn to meet challenges inside and outside the gym.
Our mission remains the same: create a hub of confidence and sporting excellence, keep pushing what is possible and positively influence more lives every year.
Founder & academy owner
Carl Thomas
6th Dan · Two-time world champion · Youth-development coach
Build
Structured coaching develops focus, discipline, resilience and genuine self-belief.
Perform
A proven pathway for students who want to test themselves in competition and beyond.
PROUDLY CONNECTED WITHStockport CouncilKickboxing GBSport EnglandWAKOWAKO Europe
A session for every stage
Start where you are.
Grow from there.
Friendly first steps, focused development, competition training and fitness without sparring — every class has a clear purpose.
Ages 4–7
Tiny Titans
Playful, structured sessions that build listening, balance, confidence and coordination.
Ages 7–10
Little Dragons
Positive coaching, strong foundations and achievable goals for growing students.
Ages 10–13
Juniors
Technical development, discipline and confidence as students take greater ownership.
Ages 13+
Teens & Adults
Progressive kickboxing for beginners, returning students and experienced athletes.
Competition pathway
Fight Academy
Focused coaching for students with the ability and ambition to compete and pursue GB selection.
Fitness · No sparring
Blaze
Kickboxing-inspired fitness for anyone who wants a challenging session without contact work.
Need individual attention? One-to-one coaching is also available.
The coaching team
A team that knows the journey.
Experienced coaches, active athletes and role models working together across every stage of the academy.
Carl ThomasSid WilliamsJoe WoodsTrinity Leeson-RiceIan BrewJonny MoulsdaleFreya HolmesRory HarrisonDavid BrewMeg WrightJosh O'ConnorGeorge PerryCam Martin
Coach Ian Brew
3rd Dan with 18 years' experience, specialising in the Tiny Titans and Little Dragons programme.
Energize members hub
Your academy.
In your pocket.
Find your class, choose your training plan and be part of every academy moment. The member platform brings bookings, family profiles, progress and purchases together in one mobile-friendly place.
Existing students use their current Energize email and password.
ENERGIZE APEX
WELCOME BACKREADY TO TRAIN?
Next classJuniorsView live timetable →
12Sessions
3Achievements
4Credits
Classes & timetable
See current sessions, book a place and keep family bookings organised.
Plans & credits
Understand active memberships, shared family benefits and remaining credits.
Student profiles
Manage students and add another family member when the household needs one.
Progress & achievements
Follow attendance, grading history, belt progress and earned milestones.
Events & shop
Book academy events and continue to Wix checkout for memberships and purchases.
Coach & business tools
Secure staff access supports gradings, student records and academy oversight.
The GB pathway
Talent needs more than talent.
Our competition pathway gives driven athletes the structure, experience and support to perform in tournaments, pursue national selection and grow into role models.
Development
Specialist training for students with the talent or athletic foundation to excel in competition.
Mentality
Resilience, composure and confidence are trained alongside strength, timing and technique.
Knowledge
Coaches keep learning so athletes are prepared with current methods and intelligent strategy.
Role models
Experienced fighters support younger athletes and strengthen the standards of the whole team.
Made for serious training
5,000 sq ft.
One complete academy.
A full matted training floor, parent viewing gallery, professional reception and shop, eight hanging bags and an extensive range of pads, resistance equipment and training tools.
Full-lengthparent viewing gallery
8professional hanging bags
On siteequipment, uniform and club clothing
The Asylum
Train while they train.
Our cardio and weights gym overlooks the academy floor. It is free with unlimited and family plans, or available to parents for £10 per month.
The Energize Gold Standard
Safety is part of the coaching.
Our approach covers safeguarding, health and safety, athlete welfare and parent support — creating the safest, most supportive environment we can.
01Health & safety
Energize Apex prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of members, coaches and visitors.
- Class risk assessments are reviewed every six months.
- At least one first-aid trained coach is present at every session; first-aid equipment and a defibrillator are on site.
- Injuries are recorded and parents are contacted immediately for youth athletes.
- Evacuation routes are displayed and equipment is checked weekly.
- Public liability, instructor indemnity and personal accident cover are maintained.
02Athlete welfare
- Structured warm-ups and cool-downs support injury prevention.
- Suspected head injuries mean immediate removal from training or competition.
- Written medical clearance is required before return after injury.
- No extreme dieting or unsafe weight cutting is permitted.
- Mental wellbeing is taken seriously, with support signposted when needed.
- Bullying is not tolerated and clear reporting routes are available.
03Safeguarding
- A trained Designated Safeguarding Lead is identified at the academy.
- Staff and coaches hold enhanced DBS checks, renewed every three years.
- Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff.
- Photography and filming require parental consent.
- Fighters, parents and coaches follow clear codes of conduct.
04Concussion protocol
If in doubt, sit them out. A suspected concussion means immediate removal, no return to the same session and prompt medical assessment.
- Rest: a minimum 24–48 hours with no training or strenuous activity.
- Light activity: walking or light jogging only when symptom-free.
- Sport-specific exercise: low-intensity technical drills with no contact.
- Non-contact training: gradually increased intensity.
- Full-contact training: only while symptom-free and medically cleared.
- Competition: only after formal medical sign-off.
Loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting or worsening symptoms require immediate emergency help.