IN THE two and half years since he moved to the Rose City, Ben Pepper has been a busy man.

The man behind Warwick's Grow Strong MMA gym has become a father for the first time, and he's also built his business to the point a larger premises is needed.

The junior Australasian tae-kwondo champion moved to Warwick to pursue a blossoming romance with chiropractor Sara Farnham.

The two met while Mr Pepper was coaching jui-jitsu at a gym in Toowong.

"I was coming out here a lot, maybe three or four nights a week, and in the end just decided it would be easier for everyone if I just moved here,” he said.

"After working in a few different jobs, I decided to start a gym and do what I love.”

Before long Grow Strong MMA was born in a garage in Myall Ave.

Within 12 months, the garage needed to double in size as the popularity of the gym and its unique offerings grew.

This week, the gym will move to its new home in Hamilton St, and will share a large, refurbished space with Move School of Dance.

As well as having already expanded into Stanthorpe, last week Grown Strong MMA had its first two fighters enter cage matches in Brisbane, both having wins.

On the home front, Charlie Pepper is 21 months old.

"It's been completely awesome but tough,” he said.

"Sara works days and most of my work is after hours, so for both of us it's work and baby, but it's been nothing we can't handle.”

Mr Pepper said it had taken time to establish a base and a circle of friends in Warwick.

"We don't have that family network or support here,” he said.

"But our little community is starting to grow and we've been so lucky because we both seem to attract really good people.

"Warwick takes a little time to integrate with, but once you start uncovering the layers and the characters, there's a lot to like.”