The Ultimate Guide: Hidden Pokémon Gyms Ash Faced in the Anime, Game Fanatics Beware!

In the Pokémon anime, Ash has challenged a greater number of gyms than what is found in the Pokémon video games. These additional gyms are considered "unofficial" due to a unique aspect of the anime's gym system.

Becoming a recognized Pokémon Gym requires approval from the local Pokémon league. While the games only allow for 8 gym leaders at a time, the anime diverges from this rule. For instance, Gary is shown to possess 10 badges from Kanto alone. In the anime, individuals establish gyms and face challengers in the hopes of earning official recognition based on their performances. Consequently, many of these unofficial gyms do not award traditional badges, opting instead for novelty badges or providing no badges at all. Listed below are the unofficial gyms that Ash encountered in the anime but are absent from the games.

AJ's Gym

The Fighting Spirit Gym

In episode #8 of the original series, Ash had his first encounter with an unofficial gym. This unique gym was composed of a series of circus tents and led by a determined boy named AJ. AJ's training methods for his Sandshrew were known for their brutality. He boasted an impressive winning streak of nearly 100 consecutive battles against challengers who dared to take on his gym using only his Sandshrew. Despite his best efforts, Ash was defeated by AJ and his seemingly invincible Sandshrew. However, the two teamed up to triumph over the notorious Team Rocket. Having achieved the milestone of 100 victories, AJ made the decision to close down his gym and embark on the challenging journey of challenging the Pokémon League, just like Ash. Situated between Cerulean and Vermilion Cities in the Kanto region, AJ's gym became a memorable landmark for aspiring trainers in the area.

The Fighting Spirit Gym, situated in Kanto's Saffron City, is an unofficial gym that draws its inspiration from the games. However, it recently lost its official status to Sabrina, who commands powerful Psychic-type Pokémon that hold an advantage over Fighting-types. As per the games, triumphant challengers of this gym are rewarded with the choice between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. Contrary to its game portrayal, the anime depicted the gym's location closer to Fuschia City, focusing more on strength training for both humans and Pokémon rather than intense battles. Anthony, the esteemed leader of the gym, trained rigorously in preparation for his upcoming participation in the P1 Grand Prix, a prominent Pokémon fighting tournament exclusive to Fighting-types.

Kaz's Gym and Yas's Gym

Coastline Gym

These unsanctioned fitness centers emerged in a municipality famously called Dark City, reportedly situated in the Kanto region. In this locale, both Kaz and Yas spearheaded separate gyms and engaged in relentless battles to establish dominance. Kaz's flagship Pokémon was an Electabuzz, whereas Yas wielded a Scyther; both gyms lacked a specific thematic specialization. Intriguingly, both establishments aspired to attain official recognition, prompting the deployment of a Pokémon League inspector to assess their worthiness. Regrettably, their ceaseless conflict proved detrimental, resulting in the revocation of their official status. Nurse Joy conveyed the message that if they desired another chance, they would need to collaborate and present a unified gym.

Situated outside of Blackthorn City in the Johto region, this gym boasted a remarkable twist - battles submerged underwater. Spearheaded by a dedicated individual named Dorian, the gym primarily focused on Water-type Pokémon battles. Notably, Dorian had trained alongside Cerulean Gym's Misty and her sisters, emphasizing his determination to attain official recognition. Unfortunately, Ash succumbed to the unfamiliarity of underwater battles, leading to his defeat. Conversely, Misty's skirmish ended inconclusively due to the interference of Team Rocket. In a show of solidarity, Ash and Misty pledged to spread the gym's existence, hopeful that this act would aid its pursuit of rightful acknowledgment.

Anthony's Gym (Hoenn)

Power Zone Gym

In the Hoenn region, there was another Anthony who had an unofficial gym located somewhere near Rustboro City. Similar to AJ's gym, challengers had to face Anthony's "unbeatable" Pelipper. However, unlike AJ, Anthony resorted to secret cheating tactics. He cleverly concealed Poké Balls in Pelipper's mouth and had other Pokémon attack from within its beak, creating the illusion that the attacks were coming from Pelipper itself. When Team Rocket discovered Anthony's deceitful actions and saw the value in Pelipper, they attempted to steal it. Fortunately, with Ash's assistance, Anthony defeated Team Rocket and decided to close his gym, choosing to operate within the bounds of fairness from then on.

The Sinnoh region's gym had a deceptive secret – it served as a disguise for the notorious Team Rocket. Jessie played the role of the Gym Leader, with James in the supporting role of the referee, bending the rules in Jessie's favor. Ostensibly, the gym marketed itself as a place where defeated trainers' Pokémon could receive training to grow stronger, but in reality, it was a ruse for Team Rocket to abscond with their Pokémon. The facade disintegrated when Ash bravely challenged them, and Team Rocket revealed their true intention: to capture Pikachu. Surprisingly, Team Rocket even distributed genuine gym leader badges to those who emerged victorious, possibly as a means to spread awareness of their fraudulent gym and entice new trainers.

The Kantonian Gym

The Kantonian Gym, located in Malie City in the Alola region, is the sole gym present as Alola only recently established a Pokémon League. Despite its name, the Kantonian Gym is featured in Sun and Moon, resembling the Vermilion City Gym from Kanto. In the anime, the gym follows a generic Japanese culture theme with a strong ninja atmosphere, serving primarily as a tourist attraction. Ash faced various challenges at the gym, including an obstacle course and hitting specific targets, with the only battle occurring against gym leader Ryuki. Ash emerged victorious, earning the Kantonian Badge, although it was short-lived as his Meltan dissolved it.

The contrasting elements between the anime and the games added to the intrigue of Ash's journey. Following Ash's retirement, the new series Pokémon Horizons aims to adhere more closely to the games. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the games drew inspiration from the unofficial gyms Ash encountered during his Pokémon adventures, as evidenced by Galar's inclusion of a "minor" gym circuit to explain the variation in gyms between Pokémon Sword and Shield.