A GRAPPLING club that began “with a few mats and sandbags” in school halls is moving into a huge purpose-built training centre in Powick.
Vital Grappling, run by lifelong exponent Jacob James, will take to the mats at the 3,000 sq ft new facility at Ridgeway Farm on the Malvern Road.
The move follows a surge in adult and youth members from across Worcestershire keen to take part in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-gi submission grappling and mixed martial arts of the kind made famous by the UFC.
Mr James has created a space which is more than a gym for many members.
“We started out as a small local club with mats, a few sandbags and a lot of belief,” he said.
FAMILY: Vital Grappling is more than a gym to its members (Image: Vital Grappling)
“The fact that we are now doubling our space tells you everything about the people who walk through our door every week.
“For our adult members, in particular, this has become a third space — somewhere that isn’t work and isn’t home, where they can switch off, get strong, and look out for each other.”
Mr James, 31, attributes the club’s rise as much to the community around the mats as to the training, with members reporting improved physical and mental wellbeing.
‘There’s nowhere for young snooker players to go in Worcester – and it’s a problem’
Worcester City Women’s Rise Hub empowering young female footballers
Praise for club’s inclusive and dementia-friendly commitment
The move set for October will significantly increase mat space and allow Vital to expand its popular youth development programme, which teaches children grappling fundamentals alongside discipline, respect and resilience.
“The youth side is where we feel we can have the biggest long-term impact,” Mr James added.
“Giving young people a safe place to train, fail, learn and grow, surrounded by good role models, is something we take really seriously.”
The club presently meets at the farm, with the move representing an upsizing to a new facility a few doors down.
Prospective adult and junior members can find out more at vitalgrappling.co.uk
