Granite gym trains locals in combat sports at St. Bartholomew's Chapel.
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00:00 St. Bartholomew's Chapel.
00:06 Constructed almost a thousand years ago, this building is one of the oldest in Medway.
00:13 But nowadays, it is home to one of Kent's most unique and intriguing combat sports gyms.
00:19 Home to Granite Gym, the chapel is now a place where you can train mind, body and spirit.
00:25 The gym conducts a range of combat sport classes including Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling.
00:31 With classes open for all age groups, this gym in Chatham is helping young people get
00:36 fit.
00:37 You get the youngsters come in and it's their self-confidence and self-esteem and it changes
00:42 everything about them and nearly all of it's positive.
00:45 There's very few negatives.
00:46 If someone's happier about themselves and more confident in their ability to get through
00:50 every day, then you know, the world's better for it.
00:53 I'm coming here because of people, mostly buddies.
00:59 I think it's helped me with my confidence, anxiety and it's helped me a lot with my breathing
01:05 exercises and punching.
01:08 And gym goers do feel that the chapel adds a special element to their training.
01:12 It makes it better.
01:14 There's something about it.
01:16 If you want to train like fighting, like combat sports, it's the perfect place to mix it.
01:20 It feels rough and old and nothing's pretty.
01:23 That's what I like about it.
01:25 It's nice.
01:26 Like, in the winter it's horrible.
01:28 There's no heating in here.
01:29 It's freezing.
01:30 In the summer it's nice and cool.
01:32 But for some guys it's like a spiritual thing, it's a religious kind of thing.
01:35 I'm not very religious.
01:36 I just think it's a really glorious old building with loads of history.
01:40 Chris Garnett, who owns the gym, says his favourite thing about it is helping people
01:43 of all ages and creating a sense of brotherhood.
01:46 It's a scary looking gym.
01:49 Once you're in the door you realise everyone is lovely, nice people.
01:52 There's sparring going on, there's wrestling going on.
01:55 It gives me joy that I can help people because martial arts is more than just sweating.
02:01 It seems to have helped people in their minds in many different ways.
02:06 And yeah, I can't believe I help people.
02:09 I help people.
02:10 I love it.
02:11 I love it.
02:12 I was looking forward to joining in on some classes today but I think I'll pass.
02:22 Granite Gym continues to carry the legacy of one of Medway's oldest buildings while
02:27 helping young and vulnerable people alike.
02:30 Sheldon Dragwitch for KMTV in Chatham.
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