A Southampton-based mixed martial arts gym has moved into a bigger and better base after seeing a rise in popularity.

New Generation Martial Arts (NGMA) has moved to a new location on Hazel Road in Woolston, having left its previous base in East Street in the city centre in February.

It says it is looking to further push forward the recent momentum MMA has experienced in the UK by becoming a leading place for new fighters within Southampton to train.

The move has allowed the gym to offer more space and facilities than ever before with there being two dedicated rooms for jiu-jitsu and striking.

A cage and a boxing ring has also been added as well as a weightlifting room and sauna, which are new to their Woolston base.

Monique Edwards, who fights and coaches out of the gym, has praised the changes, saying how preparing for fights is much-improved since the move.

“It makes preparing for fights so much better, having a cage changes the game.

“Being able to use that is fantastic.”

The move has come at the right time for the group, after an increase in the number of participants, with the old gym not able to accommodate the recent surge in numbers.

The emergence of British fighters like UFC champions Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall has been recognised by one coach as the inspiration for a new generation of fighters and fans.

Adam Wilson, a jiu-jitsu blackbelt and coach from NGMA, has been at the gym for ten years, and has overseen the growth the gym.

He hopes the move and upgraded facilities will increase participation around the city and convince more people to try out the sport.

“We’ve grown a hell of a lot seeing MMA classes packed out wall to wall from people who have seen Leon Edwards and other British MMA Fighters coming up has really grown the scene as a whole,” Adam told the Echo.