Gym Leader

Leader redirects here. For the recurring character that first appeared in Raid Battle in The Ruins!, see Leader (JN014).

The Gym Leader (Japanese: ジムリーダー Gym Leader), also called Pokémon Leader or Leader in some early manuals, is the highest-ranking member of a Pokémon Gym. The main job of a Gym Leader is to test Trainers and their Pokémon so that they are strong and resourceful enough to take the Pokémon League challenge. If a Trainer defeats a Gym Leader in battle, then the Trainer earns that Gym's Badge.

Artwork from Pokémon Sword and Shield of Victor facing Gym Leader Milo

Gym Leaders are also responsible for overseeing how their respective Gyms are run and maintained. Great care must be taken to make sure that their Gym reflects the best environment for the type in which they specialize, such as swimming pools in a Water-type Gym, trees and flowering plants in a Grass-type or a Bug-type Gym, or ice and snow in an Ice-type Gym. According to Morty, teaching young people how to battle with Pokémon of that particular type can also be the job of a Gym Leader. Unlike regular Pokémon Trainers, a Gym Leader has the right to directly challenge the Pokémon League Champion, as revealed by Brock in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.

It has not exactly been made clear how Gym Leaders attain their position, but it appears that it varies for each Gym. Some of them founded their Gyms and are self-appointed. Others, such as Whitney, are chosen by the other members of the region's Pokémon League. A few appear to be passed on through families: Janine, Falkner, and Flannery all took over their respective Gyms from a close family member. However, Gyms do not necessarily belong to a particular family. Roark and his father, Byron, are both Gym Leaders at the same time, in different Gyms. Leaders can also choose to vacate their position. Examples include Koga, Giovanni, and Wallace. Some Gym Leaders also have secondary professions, such as Elesa being a fashion model, Valerie being a fashion designer, and Katy owning a bakery.

Terminology

English

In the English game manuals from Generation I, this is called "Pokémon Leader" in the section explaining and listing Gym Leaders. In later sections about the cities and towns, this was also shortened to "Leader". In the English game manuals from Generation II, both "Gym Leader" and "Leader" are used.

In Pokémon: Official Nintendo Player's Guide, this is written as "gym leader" in lowercase. For instance:

Japanese

In the Japanese game manuals from Generation I, this is called ジムのムリーダー (Gym's Leader) rather than the definitive name ジムリーダー (Gym Leader).

Pokémon used

Nearly all Leaders rely on a single type of Pokémon. For example, Erika uses only Grass-type Pokémon in official Gym battles. Some Leaders, however, stray from this mold, albeit rarely. This is evidenced by the different types used by Blue during his reign as the Gym Leader of the Viridian Gym in Generations II, IV, and VII, although he is the only Gym Leader to do so. However, many Gym Leaders have one or two Pokémon that stray from their type theme. This is usually because of a lack of availability for Pokémon of a certain type, such as Sunyshore Gym Leader Volkner's Ambipom and Octillery in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. In Paldea, all of the Gym Leaders, excluding Larry, will use a Pokémon whose type does not match their type theme. Instead, that Pokémon's Tera Type will match the type theme and the Gym Leader will Terastallize that Pokémon after sending it out.

Geography and climate can often be connected to the type of Pokémon the Gym Leader of that area uses. Pastoria Gym Leader Crasher Wake uses Water-type Pokémon, a direct allusion to the flooded marsh that surrounds the area and the constant downpour that plagues Pastoria City. Another example of this is the Cinnabar Gym Leader, Blaine, who uses Fire-type Pokémon and lives in a volcanic area. Pryce, Candice, Wulfric, and Grusha, the Mahogany, Snowpoint, Snowbelle, and Glaseado Gym Leaders, respectively, use Ice-type Pokémon and live either in or near icy or wintry areas.

The character archetype can also reflect the type of Pokémon a Leader uses. For example, Roark and Byron, who are both miners, use the related Rock- and Steel-type Pokémon. Tate and Liza could be based on the archetype of twins who can communicate telepathically, and thus train Psychic-type Pokémon, and being twins, they also battle opposing Trainers in Double Battles.

In the core series

 
Gym Leader Milo challenging the player

A Gym Leader (Japanese: ジムリーダー Gym Leader), or Leader prior to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, is the Trainer class name given to the Gym Leaders when they are battled in the Pokémon games. Despite Gym Leaders themselves being introduced in Generation I, the Trainer class did not appear onscreen until Generation II, and it has been incorporated into every game since. Gym Leaders are integral within the Pokémon universe. Occasionally, in order for one to advance in the game, the player must challenge and defeat the leader of a Gym. Each game is designed in such a way that the player will not be able to move forward until they receive a Gym Badge which will, in turn, either allow them to use an HM to overcome natural obstacles or trigger a necessary event to continue with the game. It is one of the player's main objectives to collect eight Gym Badges, allowing them to challenge the Elite Four.

Leaders do not seem to be required to be in their Gyms at all times, as they may have other duties. Giovanni, for example, could keep his title as a Gym Leader despite not being at the Viridian Gym during the majority of the events of Generation I, and his successor, Blue, was also absent from the Gym several times. Beginning in Generation IV, Leaders are increasingly encountered outside of their Gyms, evident in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, where the Leaders have to be found in different locations at specific times before they can exchange phone numbers with the player for a rematch at the Fighting Dojo. Some Leaders even appear across regions, such as Jasmine appearing in Sunyshore City, Crasher Wake on Route 47, and Maylene in Celadon City. Leaders can even challenge other Gyms and the Elite Four (like Volkner wanted to do). In later games, it is made apparent that Gym Leaders know each other and are acquainted with Gym Leaders from other regions, as well as with members of the Elite Four and Champions. Examples of this are Jasmine being friends with Erika, Volkner being friends with Flint, Brawly training with Bruno, and most Unova Gym Leaders coming together to fight Team Plasma's Seven Sages.

In addition, some Gym Leaders may be required to use Pokémon different than their usual team, such as Cheren in Black 2 and White 2. Due to their higher AI compared to regular Trainers, Gym Leaders are also one of the few Trainers to employ the use of Potions when battling.

Gym Leaders in Galar have two divisions: major and minor. Upon completion of the main story, during the Galarian Star Tournament, KlaraSw/AverySh reveals that they have become a minor division PoisonSw/PsychicSh Gym Leader.

Gym Trainers

In addition to Gym Leaders, there are also Gym Trainers. They are Trainers that are either a devotee or apprentice to the Gym Leader, who follow the same type theme as the Leader does. It is usually necessary to defeat multiple Gym Trainers before challenging the Gym Leader. Some Gyms in the game require the player to solve a puzzle, and one must often use Gym Trainers as obstacles to reach the solution. They have no direct impact on the overall plot, other than rarely offering the player helpful advice. It is also worth noting that the type of Trainer appearing in a Gym will depend on the Gym itself. For instance, Gardenia employs Aroma Ladies and Beauties, exclusively, while Misty recruits Sailors and Swimmers; these Gym Leaders represent the types Grass and Water, respectively. However, starting in Generation VIII, they only have the Trainer class "Gym Trainer", as well as a special introduction featuring their Badge.

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

Gym Leaders from various core series regions appear in Pokémon Masters EX. Some of them serve as PML Leaders for the Pokémon Masters League, though this position is not exclusive to Gym Leaders, as seen with Hapu.

Pokémon Puzzle series

In the "1P Stadium" mode of Pokémon Puzzle League, Ash Ketchum battles the eight Kanto Gym Leaders.

In the "2P Stadium" mode of Pokémon Puzzle League, each player chooses a player character. The eight Kanto Gym Leaders are part of the list of available characters.

In the "Challenge" mode of Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, Ethan battles the eight Johto Gym Leaders.

Pokémon Trading Card Game

In Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Club Masters have a role similar to Gym Leaders, giving out Medals to duelists who defeat them.

Pokémon Mezastar

In Pokémon Mezastar, the Star Trainers have a role similar to Gym Leaders.

In the anime

Main series

 
Cilan and Skyla, two Gym Leaders from the Unova region

In the anime, Trainers challenge Gym Leaders at their respective Gyms in order to earn Badges. If a Trainer earns eight Badges from one region, they become eligible to enter that region's Pokémon League Conference.

There are more than eight Gyms, and thus Gym Leaders, in each region. Many Trainers in the anime been shown to have Badges that do not exist in the games, such as Gary earning ten Badges in Kanto. Other Badges observed in the anime which do not correspond to known Badges suggest that there are at least nine Gyms in Hoenn, 11 in Sinnoh, 14 in Unova, and 11 in Kalos. 11 Gyms have been shown on-screen in Unova.

In The Great Eight Fate!, May mentioned that the Sootopolis Gym is the last Gym of the Hoenn League, implying that there is a fixed order of Gyms. However, in the next episode, Eight Ain't Enough!, Juan is surprised to hear that the Rain Badge was Ash's eighth Badge.

All Gym Leaders since Flannery have appeared in at least one episode before Ash earned a Badge from them. Several other characters have become or were Gym Leaders in that canon at some point, such as Brock's brother Forrest, Misty's sisters, Flannery's grandfather, and Kanto Elite Four member Agatha.

In Cilan Takes Flight, it's shown that, although Gym Leaders generally get along, they tend to disagree on things, in particular if their ways of running a gym clash.

In Pokémon the Series: XY, all of Kalos's known Gym Leaders teamed up to help in the final battle against Team Flare and the Giant Rock in Rocking Kalos Defenses! and Forming a More Perfect Union! .

In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, some Gym Leaders from different regions were seen participating in the World Coronation Series, such as Visquez, Korrina, Raihan, Bea, and Volkner. It's also revealed that Bea travels across different regions of the Pokémon world to battle other Gym Leaders, such as Korrina and Chuck to be able to train for the championship. In Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!, Paul was revealed to have been offered a Gym Leader position at an undisclosed Gym.

In Pokémon Horizons: The Series, the Rising Volt Tacklers have encountered several Gym Leaders, such as Brassius and Kabu, in their search for the Black Rayquaza that once belonged to the Ancient Adventurer Lucius. In addition, Iono once helped Dot search for a missing Liko in her hometown of Levincia.

Gallery

Pokémon Origins

 
Some of the Kanto Gym Leaders in Pokémon Origins

All of the Generation I Gym Leaders appeared in Pokémon Origins, but only Brock and Giovanni had spoken lines and key roles in the miniseries' plot. In this canon, it is revealed that Leaders have different teams to take on challengers, depending on how many Badges they have.

Pokémon Generations

 
Most of the Unova Gym Leaders in Pokémon Generations

Giovanni is the only Kanto Gym Leader to appear in the miniseries, specifically in The Chase and The Legacy.

In The Uprising, most of the Unova Gym Leaders battled Team Plasma at the Pokémon League. In The Frozen World, Drayden tried and failed to stop Team Plasma from stealing the DNA Splicers.

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

All of Galar Gym Leaders appeared in Pokémon: Twilight Wings. The first one to appear was Bea, who battled Leon in Letter and lost. Milo, Nessa, and Allister also made cameo appearances at the end of the same episode. Training focused mainly on Bea.

In Early-Evening Waves, Nessa's story was told after a defeat in the Champions Cup. Raihan was also seen on a magazine cover during the episode, and Marnie was seen eating at a Battle Café.

Kabu, Gordie, Melony, and Piers all appeared in Assistant.

Opal and Bede appeared in Sky.

In The Gathering of Stars, every Galar Gym Leader attended the Galarian Star Tournament.

Pokémon Evolutions

Roark appeared in The Rival, where Barry was seen challenging and defeating him in a flashback.

Morty appeared in The Show, watching the Kimono Girls' performance with his Gengar.

Pokémon: Paldean Winds

All of Paldea Gym Leaders appeared in Pokémon: Paldean Winds. Iono was the first Gym Leader to appear, debuting in a cameo in Breathe Out.

Ryme appeared in Breathe Together while rapping about Naranja Academy during Ohara, Aliquis, and Hohma's video project. Next, Iono starred in a segment of the video, introducing all of the region's Gym Leaders to the audience. It was revealed by Iono that Larry is one of the oldest active members of the Paldea Pokémon League, having been Gym Leader for around 25 years.

Tyme, the former Gym Leader of Montenevera, also made brief appearances in Breathe In and Breathe Together.

In the manga

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Several of the Kanto and Orange Islands Gym Leaders appeared in The Electric Tale of Pikachu, though there were notable differences in some of their depictions compared to the anime. For example, Sabrina was portrayed as a kind and caring person, and Brock and Misty were not constantly traveling with Ash.

Pokémon Adventures

 
The Gym Leaders of Kanto and Johto in Pokémon Adventures
 
The Gym Leaders of Galar (plus Leon) in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Gym Leaders have the same jobs as in the games and anime, but are also shown to throw away their role as Leader and pursue other goals. Some Gym Leaders even become evil, such as Koga, Lt. Surge, Sabrina, and Pryce. In order to become a Gym Leader in Adventures, one needs to fight a Trainer chosen by the Pokémon Association and win in front of them without letting one of their own Pokémon faint. The one exception to this rule seen so far has been by Blue when he defended the building where Red took his exam, since Red had to decline becoming a Gym Leader due to an injury, despite having passed the exam. Some Gym Leaders have jobs outside of their Gyms, but some of them focus solely on training their skills. In some regions, a single Gym Leader is chosen to lead and/or supervise the others. Known Gym Leaders with this status include Erika, Pryce, and Winona.

Gym Leaders are highly respected in their respective home regions and usually in other regions as well. When crises emerge, it is highly probable for Gym Leaders to gather to discuss about the situation that has befallen the region and what to do with it:

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

Throughout his journey, faced the Gym Leaders of Kanto and Johto. All of them except for Falkner appeared only as silhouettes.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

Gold met many of the Johto Gym Leaders over the course of the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga, on his quest to earn eight Badges. However, due to the manga ending in Cianwood City, Pryce and Clair never appeared in it. Gold also temporarily led the Cianwood Gym while Chuck was recovering from an accident.

Pokémon Zensho

The Generation I Gym Leaders of Kanto appeared in Pokémon Zensho. Satoshi earned a Badge from each of them, although he got the Cascade Badge from Misty by defending her Gym from a Team Rocket Grunt and the Marsh Badge from Sabrina by helping to save Silph Co. from Team Rocket, instead of defeating them.

List of Gym Leaders

Indigo League

In the Generation I games and their respective remakes, a number of Indigo League Gym Leaders can be fought out of order. Koga must be fought before Blaine, as defeating Koga grants access to Surf and by extention, Cinnabar Island, but otherwise, Lt. Surge, Erika, Koga, Sabrina, and Blaine can be fought in any order. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Blaine can also be fought before Koga, due to Surf having been replaced by the Secret Technique Sea Skim. Regardless, all seven other badges must be collected in order to gain access to Viridian Gym to challenge Giovanni.

Indigo League
I, II, III, IV, and VII Region: Kanto
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Brock
タケシ Takeshi
Pewter City
ニビシティ
Nibi City
Rock  
Boulder Badge
 
Misty
カスミ Kasumi
Cerulean City
ハナダシティ
Hanada City
Water  
Cascade Badge
 
Lt. Surge
マチス Matisse
Vermilion City
クチバシティ
Kuchiba City
Electric  
Thunder Badge
 
Erika
エリカ Erika
Celadon City
タマムシシティ
Tamamushi City
Grass  
Rainbow Badge
 
Koga
キョウ Kyou I III VII
 
Janine
アンズ Anzu II IV
Fuchsia City
セキチクシティ
Sekichiku City
Poison  
Soul Badge
 
Sabrina
ナツメ Natsume
Saffron City
ヤマブキシティ
Yamabuki City
Psychic  
Marsh Badge
 
Blaine
カツラ Katsura
Cinnabar Island
グレンじま
Guren Island I III VII
Fire  
Volcano Badge
Seafoam Islands
ふたごじま
Twin Islands II IV
 
Giovanni
サカキ Sakaki I III VII
 
Blue
グリーン Green II IV VII
Viridian City
トキワシティ
Tokiwa City
Ground Various  

Earth Badge


Johto League

Chuck, Jasmine, and Pryce can be challenged in any order.

Johto League
Generations II and IV Region: Johto
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Falkner
ハヤト Hayato
Violet City
キキョウシティ
Kikyō City
Flying  
Zephyr Badge
 
Bugsy
ツクシ Tsukushi
Azalea Town
ヒワダタウン
Hiwada Town
Bug  
Hive Badge
 
Whitney
アカネ Akane
Goldenrod City
コガネシティ
Kogane City
Normal  
Plain Badge
 
Morty
マツバ Matsuba
Ecruteak City
エンジュシティ
Enju City
Ghost  
Fog Badge
 
Chuck
シジマ Shijima
Cianwood City
タンバシティ
Tanba City
Fighting  
Storm Badge
 
Jasmine
ミカン Mikan
Olivine City
アサギシティ
Asagi City
Steel  
Mineral Badge
 
Pryce
ヤナギ Yanagi
Mahogany Town
チョウジタウン
Chōji Town
Ice  
Glacier Badge
 
Clair
イブキ Ibuki
Blackthorn City
フスベシティ
Fusube City
Dragon  
Rising Badge


Hoenn League

In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, it is possible to break the order and skip fighting Winona until after defeating Tate and Liza or WallaceRS/JuanE. Regardless, the player must still defeat Winona to gain access to the Pokémon League. This is not the case in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, where a Bird Keeper on Route 120 prevents the player from advancing until Winona has been defeated.

Hoenn League
Generations III and VI Region: Hoenn
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Roxanne
ツツジ Tsutsuji
Rustboro City
カナズミシティ
Kanazumi City
Rock  
Stone Badge
 
Brawly
トウキ Tōki
Dewford Town
ムロタウン
Muro Town
Fighting  
Knuckle Badge
 
Wattson
テッセン Tessen
Mauville City
キンセツシティ
Kinsetsu City
Electric  
Dynamo Badge
 
Flannery
アスナ Asuna
Lavaridge Town
フエンタウン
Huen Town
Fire  
Heat Badge
 
Norman
センリ Senri
Petalburg City
トウカシティ
Touka City
Normal  
Balance Badge
 
Winona
ナギ Nagi
Fortree City
ヒワマキシティ
Hiwamaki City
Flying  
Feather Badge
 
Tate and Liza
フウとラン Fū and Lan
Mossdeep City
トクサネシティ
Tokusane City
Psychic  
Mind Badge
 
Wallace
ミクリ MikuriRSORAS
 
Juan
アダン AdanE
Sootopolis City
ルネシティ
Rune City
Water  

Rain Badge


Sinnoh League

Sinnoh League
Generations IV and VIII Region: Sinnoh
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Roark
ヒョウタ Hyouta
Oreburgh City
クロガネシティ
Kurogane City
Rock  
Coal Badge
 
Gardenia
ナタネ Natane
Eterna City
ハクタイシティ
Hakutai City
Grass  
Forest Badge
 
Maylene
スモモ Sumomo
Veilstone City
トバリシティ
Tobari City
Fighting  
Cobble Badge
 
Crasher Wake
マキシマム仮面 Maximum Mask
Pastoria City
ノモセシティ
Nomose City
Water  
Fen Badge
 
Fantina
メリッサ Melissa
Hearthome City
ヨスガシティ
Yosuga City
Ghost  
Relic Badge
 
Byron
トウガン Tougan
Canalave City
ミオシティ
Mio City
Steel  
Mine Badge
 
Candice
スズナ Suzuna
Snowpoint City
キッサキシティ
Kissaki City
Ice  
Icicle Badge
 
Volkner
デンジ Denzi
Sunyshore City
ナギサシティ
Nagisa City
Electric  
Beacon Badge


Unova League

Black and White

Unova League
Generation V Region: Unova
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Cilan
デント Dent
 
Chili
ポッド Pod
 
Cress
コーン Corn
Striaton City
サンヨウシティ
Sanyou City
Grass Fire Water  
Trio Badge
 
Lenora
アロエ Aloe
Nacrene City
シッポウシティ
Shippou City
Normal  
Basic Badge
 
Burgh
アーティ Arty
Castelia City
ヒウンシティ
Hiun City
Bug  
Insect Badge
 
Elesa
カミツレ Kamitsure
Nimbasa City
ライモンシティ
Raimon City
Electric  
Bolt Badge
 
Clay
ヤーコン Yakon
Driftveil City
ホドモエシティ
Hodomoe City
Ground  
Quake Badge
 
Skyla
フウロ Huuro
Mistralton City
フキヨセシティ
Fukiyose City
Flying  
Jet Badge
 
Brycen
ハチク Hachiku
Icirrus City
セッカシティ
Sekka City
Ice  
Freeze Badge
 
Drayden
シャガ ShagaB
 
Iris
アイリス IrisW
Opelucid City
ソウリュウシティ
Souryuu City
Dragon  

Legend Badge

Black 2 and White 2

Unova League
Generation V Region: Unova
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Cheren
チェレン Cheren
Aspertia City
ヒオウギシティ
Hiougi City
Normal  
Basic Badge
 
Roxie
ホミカ Homika
Virbank City
タチワキシティ
Tachiwaki City
Poison  
Toxic Badge
 
Burgh
アーティ Arty
Castelia City
ヒウンシティ
Hiun City
Bug  
Insect Badge
 
Elesa
カミツレ Kamitsure
Nimbasa City
ライモンシティ
Raimon City
Electric  
Bolt Badge
 
Clay
ヤーコン Yakon
Driftveil City
ホドモエシティ
Hodomoe City
Ground  
Quake Badge
 
Skyla
フウロ Huuro
Mistralton City
フキヨセシティ
Fukiyose City
Flying  
Jet Badge
 
Drayden
シャガ Shaga
Opelucid City
ソウリュウシティ
Souryuu City
Dragon  
Legend Badge
 
Marlon
シズイ Shizui
Humilau City
セイガイハシティ
Seigaiha City
Water  
Wave Badge


Kalos League

Kalos League
Generation VI Region: Kalos
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Viola
ビオラ Viola
Santalune City
ハクダンシティ
Hakudan City
Bug  
Bug Badge
 
Grant
ザクロ Zakuro
Cyllage City
ショウヨウシティ
Shōyō City
Rock  
Cliff Badge
 
Korrina
コルニ Corni
Shalour City
シャラシティ
Shara City
Fighting  
Rumble Badge
 
Ramos
フクジ Fukuji
Coumarine City
ヒヨクシティ
Hiyoku City
Grass  
Plant Badge
 
Clemont
シトロン Citron
Lumiose City
ミアレシティ
Miare City
Electric  
Voltage Badge
 
Valerie
マーシュ Mache
Laverre City
クノエシティ
Kunoe City
Fairy  
Fairy Badge
 
Olympia
ゴジカ Gojika
Anistar City
ヒャッコクシティ
Hyakkoku City
Psychic  
Psychic Badge
 
Wulfric
ウルップ Urup
Snowbelle City
エイセツシティ
Eisetsu City
Ice  
Iceberg Badge


Galar League

Galar League
Generation VIII Region: Galar
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Milo
ヤロー Yarrow
Turffield
ターフタウン
Turf Town
 
Grass
 
Grass Badge
 
Nessa
ルリナ Rurina
Hulbury
バウタウン
Bow Town
 
Water
 
Water Badge
 
Kabu
カブ Kabu
Motostoke
エンジンシティ
Engine City
 
Fire
 
Fire Badge
 
Bea
サイトウ SaitōSw
 
Allister
オニオン OnionSh
Stow-on-Side
ラテラルタウン
Lateral Town
 
Fighting
 
Ghost
 
Fighting Badge
 
Ghost Badge
 
Opal
ポプラ Poplar
 
Bede
ビート Beet
Ballonlea
アラベスクタウン
Arabesque Town
 
Fairy
 
Fairy Badge

 
Gordie
マクワ MakuwaSw
 
Melony
メロン MelonSh
Circhester
キルクスタウン
Circus Town
 
Rock
 
Ice
 
Rock Badge
 
Ice Badge
 
Piers
ネズ Nezu
 
Marnie
マリィ Mary
Spikemuth
スパイクタウン
Spike Town
 
Dark
 
Dark Badge

 
Raihan
キバナ Kibana
Hammerlocke
ナックルシティ
Knuckle City
 
Dragon
 
Dragon Badge


Paldea League

The Gym Leaders of the Paldea region are the first ones who can be challenged in any order rather than the usual fixed order. However, the levels of their Pokémon remain the same regardless of when they are challenged. The Gym Leaders are listed in order of lowest level to highest.

Paldea League
Generation IX Region: Paldea
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Katy
カエデ Kaede
Cortondo
セルクルタウン
Cercle Town
Bug  
Bug Badge
 
Brassius
コルサ Colza
Artazon
ボウルタウン
Bowl Town
Grass  
Grass Badge
 
Iono
ナンジャモ Nanjyamo
Levincia
ハッコウシティ
Hakkō City
Electric  
Electric Badge
 
Kofu
ハイダイ Haidai
Cascarrafa
カラフシティ
Carafe City
Water  
Water Badge
 
Larry
アオキ Aoki
Medali
チャンプルタウン
Chanpuru Town
Normal  
Normal Badge
 
Ryme
ライム Lime
Montenevera
フリッジタウン
Fridge Town
Ghost  
Ghost Badge
 
Tulip
リップ Lip
Alfornada
ベイクタウン
Bake Town
Psychic  
Psychic Badge
 
Grusha
グルーシャ Grusha
Glaseado Mountain
ナッペ山
Mount Napper
Ice  
Ice Badge


Orange League

Orange League
Anime-exclusive Region: Orange Archipelago
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Challenge Prize
 
Cissy
アツミ Atsumi
Mikan Island
ナツカン島
Natsukan Island
Water Gun target test
Surfing race
 
Coral-Eye Badge
 
Danny
ダン Dan
Navel Island
ネーブル島
Navel Island
Climb mountain (to qualify)
Freeze a geyser race
Build a Toboggan
Toboggan race
 
Sea Ruby Badge
 
Rudy
ジギー Ziggy
Trovita Island
ユズ島
Yuzu Island
Target test
Same-type Pokémon battle
 
Spike Shell Badge
 
Luana
ルリコ Ruriko
Kumquat Island
リュウチン島
Ryūchin Island
Double Battle  
Jade Star Badge
 
Drake
ユウジ Yūji
Pummelo Island
カンキツ島
Kankitsu Island
Full Battle  
Winner's Trophy
Honor at the
Palace of Victory

Trivia

  • For DP009, Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia is about Gym Leaders. He writes this senryū about them: 「ジムリーダー いのちをかけて かかってこい」 "Gym Leader, put your life on the line and challenge me."
  • The Dark type did not get a Gym until Generation VIII, twenty years after the type debuted in Pokémon Gold and Silver. Previously, there have been three Elite Four members (Karen, Sidney, and Grimsley), as well as an island kahuna (Nanu), who specialize in Dark types. The other seventeen types have at least one Gym associated with them, with the new types, Steel and Fairy, getting Gyms in their respective debut generations.
    • As of Generation VIII, every type has been specialized in by at least two Gym Leaders.
  • Every Gym Leader that specializes in Steel-type Pokémon uses Steelix in battle.
  • In the Johto saga of the anime, none of the Gym Leaders had exactly the same lineups as they do in the games.
  • The Sinnoh saga marks the only time in the anime that all Gym Leaders in a region have used exactly the same teams as in the games.
    • However, Volkner only used three of his four Pokémon in his battle with Ash.
  • In the games, every Gym Leader has at least one Pokémon in their party that knows the TM move they give out upon defeat. Former Gym Leaders do not count in this, as Wallace when he is faced as Champion and Giovanni when he is faced in Generation IV do not have Pokémon that know the move they gave out as TMs when they were faced as Gym Leaders in previous games. Koga, despite not being a Gym Leader in Generation IV, has several Pokémon that know Toxic, the move he last gave out as a TM.
  • Since Generation IV, there has consistently been a Grass-type Gym Leader in each region.
  • From Generations I to V (not counting remakes), every move that was in a TM given out by a Gym Leader was a new move for that generation, and many of them were rarely (if ever) seen on any other Pokémon in the generation they were introduced. This trend has been broken in Generation VI, where only three Gym Leaders—Viola, Korrina, and Valerie—hand out TMs with moves new to the generation.
  • Most of the core series Gym Leaders have Japanese names consisting of three katakana. This includes all Kanto Gym Leaders in Generation I and III games, all Johto Gym Leaders, and at least half of the Gym Leaders in every game.
    • Blue (Japanese: グリーン Green) is the only core series Kanto Gym Leader with a Japanese name longer than three characters.
  • In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, the player can continue the game without defeating Winona of Fortree City until attempting to battle the Elite Four.
  • The Orange League is the only one so far in which Ash has successfully defeated all the Gym Leaders without a rematch.
  • In Pocket Monsters: The Animation, it was mentioned that the position of Gym Leaders was very unforgiving, as it had a three-strike rule stating that if a Gym Leader lost three times in a row, the Gym will be disqualified. It also revealed that being a Gym Leader was costly, leaving little pay, and the government can't provide for them. It also revealed that the rather brutal nature of Gym leading was one of the reasons why Misty's and Brock's parents ended up abandoning them to Gym duties.
  • Prior to the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, Gym Leaders were referred to as Gym Masters in a since-deleted tweet by the official Nintendo of America account. This term was also used by Blaine in the anime episode Riddle Me This.
  • Gyarados and Pelipper are the most common Pokémon found amongst Gym Leaders, being used by seven each.
  • Marnie is the only Gym Leader who doesn't use the Trainer class "Leader" or "Gym Leader" when battled at a Gym.
  • Prior to Generation VII, all the Gym Leader's English names are puns based on their respective specialized types. In Generation IX and VIII, they all possess flora-based names similar to the Pokémon Professors. The same applies to each Elite Four member of those generations.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 道館館主 Dougún Gúnjyú *
道館掌門人 Dougún Jéungmùhnyàhn *
練功場場主 Lihngūngchèuhng Chèuhngjyú *
競技場的掌門人 Gihnggeihchèuhng-dīk Jéungmùhnyàhn *
Mandarin 道館館主 / 道馆馆主 Dàoguǎn Guǎnzhǔ *
道館訓練家 / 道馆训练家 Dàoguǎn Xùnliànjiā *
練功場首領 Liàngōngcháng Shǒulǐng *
訓練館首領 / 训练馆首领 Xùnliànguǎn Shǒulǐng *
道馆首领 Dàoguǎn Shǒulǐng *
  Czech Trenér stadionu
  Danish Styrkecenterleder
Salleder
  Dutch Gym Leider
  Finnish Salipäällikkö
Salijohtaja
Salivalmentaja (anime)
Salinjohtaja (Pokémon Adventures)
  French Champion d'Arène()
Championne d'Arène ()
  German Arenaleiter ()
Arenaleiterin ()
  Greek Αρχηγός Σταδίου Archegós Stadiou
  Hebrew מנהיג מכון Manhig Makhon ()
מנהיגת מכון Manhigat Makhon ()
  Hindi Gym Leader
  Hungarian Teremvezető
  Icelandic Stjórnaði Pokémon-ræktinni
Pokémon-ræktastjóri
Ræktastjóri
Pokémon-leiðbeinandi
  Italian Capopalestra
  Korean 체육관 관장 Cheyukgwan Gwanjang
  Malaysian Ketua Gim
  Norwegian Treningsleder*
Gymleder
  Polish Lider Sali ()
Liderka Sali ()
Portuguese   Brazil Líder de Ginásio
Líder da Academia (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
  Portugal Líder de Ginásio
  Romanian Șef de Arenă
  Russian Лидер стадиона Lider stadiona
Гим-лидер Gim-lider
Лидер Спортзала Lider Sportzala
  Spanish Líder de gimnasio
  Swedish Gymledare
Gymtränare*
Gymmästare*
  Thai ยิมลีดเดอร์ Yim Leader
  Turkish Salon Lideri
  Vietnamese Thủ lĩnh nhà thi đấu

See also


  The Pokémon League  
Participation
TrainerBattleGym Leaders
GymsBadgesReferee
Championship matches
Elite FourOrange League
Champion League
Pokémon League Conferences
IndigoSilverEver GrandeLily of the Valley
VertressLumioseManalo
Regional Pokémon Leagues
IndigoOrange*JohtoHoennSinnoh
UnovaKalosAlolaGalarPaldea
Areas of jurisdiction
Pokémon League Reception GateHall of Fame
Palace of VictoryCerulean Cave
Others
Pokémon AssociationPIA
World Coronation Series
(Masters Eight Tournament)



Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Kanto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*Bug CatcherBurglarCamper*ChampionGSCFRLGHGSSPE
ChannelerElite FourGSCFRLGHGSSPEEngineerFishermanGamer*GentlemanGym Leader*GSCFRLGHGSSPE
HikerJugglerLassPicnicker*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Trainer*GSCPEPsychicRivalFRLGRockerRoughneck*
SailorScientistSuper NerdSwimmerTamerTeam Rocket Boss*FRLGHGSSPETeam Rocket Grunt*Youngster
BoarderHGSSDouble TeamHGSSFirebreatherGSCHGSSGuitaristGSCHGSSMediumGSCHGSS
PokéfanGSCHGSSSchool Kid*GSCHGSSSkierHGSSTeacherGSCHGSSTwinsGSCFRLGHGSS
Cool CoupleFRLGCrush KinFRLGSis and BroFRLGYoung CoupleFRLGHGSS
Coach TrainerPEKarate MasterPEPunk GuyPETeam RocketPETeam Rocket AdminPE
Master TrainersPE
Unused Trainer class:
ChiefRGBY
Johto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*BoarderBug CatcherBurglarCamper
ChampionExecutive*FirebreatherFisherman*GentlemanGuitaristHikerJugglerKimono GirlLass
LeaderMediumPicnickerPokéfanPoké Maniac*PKMN TrainerPoliceman*PsychicRivalHGSSSage
SailorSchool Kid*ScientistSkierSuper NerdSwimmerTeacherTeam Rocket Grunt*TwinsYoungster
Mystery Man*CHGSSDouble TeamHGSSElderHGSSPasserbyHGSSYoung CoupleHGSS
Battle Frontier only:HGSS

Aroma LadyArtistBattle GirlCameramanClownCollectorCowgirlCyclistDragon TamerIdol
JoggerLadyNinja BoyParasol LadyPIPoké KidPKMN BreederPKMN RangerRancherReporter
Rich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSocialiteTuberVeteranWaiterWaitressWorker
Arcade StarCastle ValetFactory HeadHall MatronTower Tycoon

Hoenn Ace Trainer*Aqua AdminSEASAqua LeaderSEASAroma LadyBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack Belt
Bug CatcherBug ManiacCamperChampionCollectorDragon TamerElite FourExpertFisherman
GentlemanGuitaristHex ManiacHikerInterviewers*KindlerLadyLassLeaderMagma AdminREOR
Magma LeaderREORNinja BoyOld CoupleParasol LadyPicnickerPoké Fan*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Breeder*
Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*PsychicRich BoyRuin ManiacSailorSchoolkid*Sis & Bro*Swimmer
Team Aqua GruntSEASTeam Magma GruntREORTeammates*TriathleteTuberTwinsWinstrateYoung CoupleYoungster
Ace DuoORASBrains & BrawnORASBackpackerORASDelinquentORASFairy Tale GirlORASFare PrinceORAS
Free DiverORASLeadersORASLorekeeperORASMysterious SistersORASProprietorORASRotation GirlORAS
Scuba DiverORASSecret Base ExpertORASSecret Base TrainerORASSootopolitanORASStreet ThugORAS
Battle Frontier only:E
Arena TycoonDome AceFactory HeadPalace MavenPike QueenPyramid KingSalon Maiden
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:ORAS
ArtistBattle ChatelaineButlerChefFurisode GirlGarçonGardenerMadameMaidMonsieurOwnerPreschooler
Punk GirlPunk GuyRising StarRoller SkaterSchoolboySchoolgirlScientistTouristVeteranWaitressWorker
Sinnoh Ace TrainerAroma LadyArtistBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack BeltBug CatcherCameramanCamperChampion
ClownCollectorCommanderCowgirlCyclistDouble TeamDragon TamerElite FourFisher*GentlemanGuitarist
Gym Leader*HikerIdolInterviewersJoggerLadyLassMadame*Ninja BoyParasol LadyPicnickerPIPoké Fan*
Poké KidPokémon Breeder*Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*Police Officer*PsychicRancherRanchers*
ReporterRich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSailorSchool KidScientistSkierSwimmerTeam Galactic Boss*
Team Galactic Grunt*Tower TycoonTuberTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoung CoupleYoungster
Arcade StarPtCastle ValetPtFactory HeadPtHall MatronPtMaidPtGAME FREAK'sBDSP
Unova Ace TrainerArtistBackersBackpackerBakerBattle GirlBikerBlack BeltChampionClerk
CyclistDancerDepot AgentDoctorElite FourFishermanGAME FREAKGentlemanGym Leader*
HarlequinHikerHooligansHoopsterInfielderJanitorLadyLassLinebackerMaidMotorcyclistMusician
NurseNursery AideParasol LadyPilotPokéfanPKMN BreederPKMN RangerPokémon Trainer*Policeman
PreschoolerPsychicRich BoyRoughneckSchool KidScientistSmasherSocialiteStrikerSubway Boss
SwimmerTeam PlasmaTeam Plasma GruntThe RichesBWTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoungster
BeautyB2W2Boss TrainerB2W2GuitaristB2W2
Pokéstar Studios only:B2W2
A-list ActorActorActressBig StarCelebrityChic ActressChild StarComedian
Fine ActorMovie StarNew ActressStar ActorSuit ActorUnique StarVeteran Star
Pokémon World Tournament only:B2W2
Junior RepresentativeMaster RepresentativeSenior Representative
World ChampionWorld FinalistWorld Runner-up
Blueberry Academy only:SV
BB League ChampionBB League Elite FourBlueberry Academy Director
InstructorLeague ClubStudentTop Champion
Kalos Ace DuoAce TrainerArtistArtist FamilyBackpackerBattle GirlBeautyBlack BeltBrains & Brawn
ButlerChampionChefDriverElite FourFairy Tale GirlFishermanFurisode GirlGarçonGardener
Hex ManiacHikerHoneymoonersLassLeaderLumiose Gang MemberMysterious SistersOwner
Poké FanPoké Fan FamilyPokémon BreederPokémon ProfessorPokémon RangerPokémon Trainer
PreschoolerPsychicPunk CouplePunk GirlPunk GuyRangersRising StarRoller Skater
SchoolboySchoolgirlScientistSky TrainerSuccessorSuspicious ChildSuspicious Lady
Suspicious WomanSwimmerTeam FlareTeam Flare AdminTeam Flare BossTeam Flare Grunt
TouristTwinsVeteranWaitressWorkerYoungster
Battle Chateau ranks:
By male: BaronViscountEarlMarquisDukeGrand Duke
By female: BaronessViscountessCountessMarchionessDuchessGrand Duchess
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:
Battle ChatelaineLadyMadameMaidMonsieurRich Boy
Unused Trainer classes:
Ace SurferSwimmers
Galar ArtistBackpackerBeautyBlack BeltCabbieCafé MasterCameramanChampionColleaguesCookDancerDaring Couple
DoctorFisherGAME FREAK'sGym ChallengerGym LeaderGym TrainerGentlemanHikerInterviewersLassLeague Staff
Macro Cosmos'sMadameMedical TeamModelMusic CrewMusicianOffice WorkerPoké KidPokémon Breeder
Pokémon TrainerPolice OfficerPostmanRail StaffReporterSchoolboySchoolgirlSwimmerTeam Yell GruntWorkerYoungster
Expansion Pass only:
Dojo MasterDojo MatronMaster Dojo Student
Paldea ArtistBackpackerBlack BeltCabbieChampionCookCourierDirectorDragon TamerElite FourGym Leader
Gym TrainerHikerInstructorJanitorModelMusicianOffice WorkerPoké ManiacPokémon Trainer
ScientistStudentTeam StarTeam Star GruntTop ChampionWaiterWaitressWorkerYoungster
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero only:
Glitterati


  This Trainer Class article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.