New gym with a difference to open in Darlington today

Sensei will be opening today and on Sunday, January 15, at The Old Exchange on Barnard Street, just off Duke Street.

Although known for its martial arts and MMA training, the venue also has a gym, holds a variety of fitness classes, and has a physiotherapy studio.

Sensei was based on Chesnut Street for around four years, but the team has now decided a more central location would be better.

Sensei at its previous location on Chesnut Street (Image: Ian McClelland)

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Rick Boyle is a qualified physiotherapist who worked for the NHS before setting up on his own.

He is a big martial arts enthusiast and he and his wife Jennifer are running the business.

People can pop in on Saturday and have a look at the facilities. There are also plenty of activities to get involved in at the gym’s opening, including children’s classes; ‘Dinkies’ (4-7), Junior MMA (7-11 and 11-16), Junior Brazilian Ju Jitsu (7-11, 11-16).

Adult taster classes this weekend include; Kickboxersize, wrestling with Team GB coach Mick Sudron, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and physiotherapy group clinic for back health.

The Old Exchange, Darlington (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Rick Boyle said: “We’ve got loads going on, it’s not just for people into martial arts. We’ve got loads of fitness classes on offer as well as the gym and the physiotherapy studio.

“I wanted to combine my interests and it seemed like a great idea to have it all here and in such a good location in the town centre.

“At Chesnut Street we were a bit hidden away so hopefully people who might not have considered joining a gym before will be more likely to take up exercise. We’re a friendly bunch and it’s all very casual and non-judgemental.”

Locals can take advantage of the central location by perhaps combining their day out at the gym with a swim at The Dolphin Centre, lunch at one of the town’s many cafes, or a wander round the shops.

Taster classes run from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

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