Duchess of Northumberland hosts MMA events at Hogwarts home

If you had bestowed your eyes on Alnwick Castle, you might have realized that it was the castle used for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. What you may not know is that the Duchess of Northumberland, who resides in the famous castle, hosts MMA events inside of it.

According to recent reports, the Duchess of Northumberland Jane Percy is a supporter of MMA and an avid kickboxer herself. She has also taken it upon herself to host the amateur tournaments on the royal grounds.

"We have a new oriental garden that is full of Japanese blossom," she told the Northern Echo.  "They are a revered martial arts symbol so it all fitted together."

The Duchess' interest in MMA and kickboxing began when she was looking for an alternative to ordinary exercise. She then realized that she enjoyed it too much when she began to envision knocking someone unconscious.

"What I hate about ordinary exercise is that I always find myself watching the clock, but if I'm kickboxing, or using the sticks, you have to really concentrate or else you get hit," she said. "But I also enjoy it for its own sake. I'd really love to swing a punch and knock someone clean out!"

Apart from hosting events, the Duches will also award the medals to the finalists of the IMMAF European Championships of Amateur MMA.  The event is scheduled to broadcast on UFC Fight Pass.

"I am a great supporter of MMA and appreciate how much hard work, self-discipline and dedication each athlete has put into their sport. I wish them all the best of luck."