Ian "The Machine" Freeman is hoping to produce more martial arts world-beaters to follow in his footsteps.

The four times winner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship yesterday opened the Total Martial Arts Academy in his home village of Leadgate, near Consett.

He said: "I have been a professional fighter for a number of years now and have trained in all aspects of martial arts, with some of the best teachers in the world.

"I have won almost every title at my weight limit there is to win and I feel the time is right to now pass on my style of fighting skills to up-and-coming students who are keen to learn.

"The gym has been a dream of mine for a number of years.

"However, in the past I have been too busy competing and training myself to make it happen.

"Now it is a reality and I am looking forward to taking fighters from my stable all around the world to compete at the highest level in martial arts and combat tournaments."

The gym, in West Parade, Leadgate, will also offer a fitness workout that Mr Freeman has devised.

"Travelling the world, I have picked up different cardio workouts from other professional fighters and have combined them into something that is all my own," he said.

"It includes ten different kinds of martial arts, but you don't need to be an expert to do it."

The fitness classes run from 5pm to 7pm each night.

There are sessions for children and a women-only class run by Mr Freeman's wife, Angie.

For further information, contact (07939) 231521.