Brand new martial arts club officially opens in the town's centre

Today marked the grand opening of a new, purpose-built martial arts club located above the Spar shop at number 88 on Honiton High Street.

Twin Tigers Martial Arts and Boxing Club was set up by local postman, Paul Quick.

Cllr brothers, Nathan and Jason Hannay, were there to cut the ribbon and officially open the new centre - along with Town Cryer, Dave Retter, who provided a ceremonial declaration at the event.

Nub News spoke to owner, Paul Quick, who said: "An opportunity arose to take over FSC Muay Thai, where I trained at for 12 years.

"I then re-branded it to Twin Tigers in April, so from that point onwards I was looking for somewhere to train permanently.

"At the time we were in the squash courts at LED, which was a temporary measure and I couldn't give my kids what they needed because of time limits.

"But now, going from one hour or two hours a week to about seven a week, makes a big difference in the kid's training.

"Also - I coach Jiu-jitsu, we've got yoga teacher James, an MMA coach, plus a few boxing coaches."

When asked what the reception had been like, he said: "It's been fantastic. Everyone is buzzing about the place.

"It's new, it's fresh, it's totally different for the community

"We do a lot of work with the community anyway - people local will know me as their postman.

"We've made ties with the local police, schools and social services to give children who might have been in trouble an opportunity.

"I have first-hand experience of several cases where kids have come in and joined the club and it's really turned their lives around."

With regards to membership and costs, Paul is keen to emphasise: "A lot of gyms are paid for on a contractual basis, meaning that you're tied in – we're not that.

"You come in and your first session is free – see if you like it, then it's a case of paying for each month in advance."

Paul's father, Frank Quick, also commented: "Paul's my eldest son and what he's done is brilliant.

"What they've created here – through sheer hard work, not to mention the cost of it – is just so good for everyone, the youngsters included, both in Honiton and the surrounding areas."

Cllr Caroline Kolek, who attended the event, said: "I'm delighted this has opened for Honiton.

"We need unique sports centres to develop young people - we've already seen Muay Thai champions such as Tom Dyte succeed in the town.

"It's also important for the general mental health of residents here and keeping people fit.

"This is a really good thing for Honiton - somewhere that's different and that's promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"It's also fantastic for young people. We've got a big issue with the lack of youth services and young people having nowhere to go.

"A place like this will attract those - particularly young males who might otherwise get into trouble, who might be able to channel that energy in a more positive way."

For more information on Twin Tigers, visit their Facebook page via the red button below.