Gym Leader

A Gym Leader (Japanese: ジムリーダー, Jimu Rīdā) is the highest-ranking member of a Pokémon Gym. His or her job is to test Trainers and their Pokémon to see if they are strong and resourceful enough to compete against the Elite Four (the Pokémon League in the anime). If a Trainer defeats a Gym Leader in battle, then he or she earns that Gym's respective Badge.

In addition to testing upcoming Trainers, Gym Leaders must oversee how their Gyms are run and maintain them. Great care must be taken to make sure that a Gym reflects the best environment possible for the Pokémon type and playing style of choice; the environment is usually one that suits the type of Pokémon used in a particular Gym (pools in a Water-type Gym or flowers and plants in a Grass-type Gym). Gym Leaders also teach younger Trainers how to battle with Pokémon.

Gym Leaders attain their position through various means. Some Gym Leaders found their Gyms and are the self-appointed Leaders, others are appointed by the Pokémon League, and inherit the position from other family members. Gym Leaders have the choice of leaving their position if they so choose.