Inside the new gym changing lives

In terms of adults, there are about 40 members who now attend the gym through the week, as well as about 15 kids.

“We’ve got guys in their forties, we’ve got teenagers, we’ve got kids coming along and the classes are suited to everyone,” explained Scott.

“It’s not ‘you need to do this’ – it’s ‘this is what we are doing and, if you feel comfortable doing it, great, but if you don’t feel comfortable, then don’t give it a go’.”

Although the new space has only been open since February, it is already having a huge impact on those coming along.

John Baxter’s 12-year-old son Kyle and daughter Millie, 10, who both have autism, are “absolutely loving” taking part in MMA classes after he decided to sign them up in a bid to get them away from technology.

He said: “Their co-ordination and their balance is a lot better.

“It’s just crazy and they have only been going for about six weeks.

“I’ve seen an improvement in their strength as well.”

Barrhead teenager Liam McLaughlan, meanwhile, trains in both MMA and Muay Thai and is one of the club’s most dedicated students.

Attending the gym every day, the sports have been the making of him, helping him go from a quiet boy to a confident young man.

Liam, 14, said: “Last June, I didn’t have any hobbies or anything and I was just bored all the time.

“I did boxing for a while before and then I saw this, so I thought I’ll just go down (to the Foundry) one day and I loved it.

“It’s changed quite a lot for me in general and it has also made me realise it’s what I want to do properly when I’m older, full-time.

“The new gym has made it so much better. There’s more space and more people can come in.

“The way Scott does the visual demonstrations is really good.”

Cammy Harvey, 17, who trains in MMA and is a member of Elevate’s fight team for Thai boxing, added: “They just motivate you and give you good advice and teach you all the techniques.

“They have just been there for me. For instance, if I’m nervous for a fight, they’ll talk me through it and tell me how it’s going to go.”

To raise funds, the club hosted a sparathon on Sunday, with members of other gyms invited to head along, pay £5 and enjoy the opportunity to spar with people they have not shared a ring with before.

As the club is not using the space full-time, it is keen to give plenty of other community groups the chance to use it when it is available.

Those who would like more information about this are asked to get in touch with Scott by sending an email to Scott_d89@hotmail.co.uk.

Elevate is also eager to hear from any other local businesses that are interested in sponsoring the club.

To find out more about Elevate, visit www. facebook. com/ bcmtbc.