Steel Warriors

Who we are

Steel Warriors was established in 2017 with a bold ambition: to rethink how knife crime is tackled by turning a symbol of violence into one of strength and resilience. We transform the lives of marginalised young people by recycling knives seized by the police into outdoor calisthenics gyms and creating positive change in communities affected by violence. 

Our vision is a nation where young lives are built on steel, not destroyed by it. Our mission is to build a UK-wide network of gyms, a street workout movement, that not only empowers at-risk young people to realise their passions and pursue their goals, but also fosters stronger, closer and better-connected communities.

Steel Warriors uses calisthenics or street workout to engage participants due to it being accessible to all, regardless of ability, exercises can be adjusted and performed with minimal equipment, the focus on the connection between mind and body, and as an exciting, engaging and fast-growing sport.

Our coach mentors deliver high quality, inclusive calisthenics sessions alongside personal/career development to help young people build resilience, confidence, and pro-social behaviours, and work on goals that promote education, employment and training outcomes. We use the values of calisthenics to teach life lessons, including disciple, hard work, perseverance and appreciation of delayed gratification. 

There are now five Steel Warriors calisthenics gyms in public spaces across London which are free to use and where we run free community classes. We have targeted programmes for schools and community centres, and we have a gym in Brixton Prison and bars in Gymshark Regent Street store.

We are the main calisthenics-based sport for development charity in UK and are proud of the impact we have through our community classes, targeted interventions, and creation of safe and welcoming gym spaces which has created and sustained a vibrant community. 

Our culture and values

Our Values

• Stronger Together: Fostering community connection and collaboration.
• No Ceilings: Encouraging young people to overcome limitations and achieve their potential.
• Stay Focused: Promoting discipline, goal setting, and focus through the sport of calisthenics.
• Keep Open: Promoting inclusive, safe spaces accessible to all.
• Love Wins: A commitment to non-violent, positive interventions.