A new karate and yoga studio is set to open in Ripon city centre this weekend.
Jion Studios is located above Ripon’s Yorkshire Trading Company on Queen Street, where Intrim gym was based for 40 years until it closed in 2022.
The studios, which will host The Karate Dojo and Exhale Yoga, will cater for a mixed range of ages and abilities.
Founders Ady Gray of the The Karate Dojo and Nicola Priest of Exhale Yoga met when Ady began yoga and Nicola taught the classes.
Mr Gray, a black belt who began karate aged seven, established his dojo in Ripon in 1995. In 2022 he coached the most successful England team in the history of the sport’s Commonwealth Championships.
He said:
“The studio is an amazing place right in the centre of town. It is purpose-built and we have the kind of facilities people often think are only available in big cities. It is an unbelievable space for Ripon. We just want people to be openminded and come and have a go.”
Mr Gray said the space was “a complete mess” when they began the refurbishment. He added that they “have definitely gone over budget” but wanted to create a “wow factor and get it right the first time”.
He said:
“Karate isn’t just about kicking and punching, its about community. The studio aims to create good people.
“There will be workshops held to connect both, yoga and karate. In both, people take control, they teach a mental connection and strength through body mechanics.”
The Karate Dojo studio in Jion Studios
Exhale Yoga, which offers students a relaxed, non-competitive environment, was previously based at Ripon Canal Basin but founder Nicola Priest said it had outgrown that space.
Ms Priest has been a fitness teacher since the age of 17 and fell in love with yoga while living in the Middle East.
She said:
“Exhale Yoga studio is a purpose-built, sound-proofed studio. The Karate Dojo just down the corridor is a purpose-built dojo with sprung floor. The two arts have a huge crossover in nature, history and discipline.
“We want to continue bringing what we always have and be able to offer further into the community. We both have amazing students and are very lucky to teach brilliant, like minded people and we want to grow this community and bring them together.”
Exhale Yoga in Jion studios
Jion Studios will also offer a lounge area where families and students can wait and watch classes via a live link. The Light Room, a Ripon photography studio and aerial grace classes will also move to Jion.
The open day event will be held on Saturday, February 17.
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