Ever wanted just to let off steam to the point where it involves smashing things around?
In a world that, today, seems particularly crazy at time – and stressful – you would not be blamed a jot for doing so.
The problem is exercising such activity while at the same time not doing anything illegal.
Well, there’s one place where you can do just that .. and have a bit of fun too.
Warrior Factory, on the outskirts of Brussels, comprises different activities including karaoke, axe throwing and splash room (where you get to throw lots of paint around). But it is the 4th activity that’s the most popular – the rage room.
This comprises all manner of discarded electrical items, such as laptops, computers and keyboards, desktops and up to 50 glass bottles.
The idea is that you simply throw them against the walls of this 20square metre space and, let, just let off steam.
Actually, if you thought (like this writer) that it was as simple as that you would be very wrong.
The co owner, regory Rassios, quite frequently has customers who are informally “referred” here by psychologists.
The reason? Well, he says such activity can be seen as a form of therapy for an assortment of issues, ranging from a marriage break up and problems at work to dealing with a bereavement and the stresses and strains of everyday life.
“It is seen as a kind of outlet to release and evacuate the tension, pressure and stress that many people feel, not least these days,” says Gregory.
“People often come with a serious face but by the end they seem a lot more happy so maybe it works?”
The fact that up to 70 percent of those using the rage room are women may tell you something about the pressures facing females in society.
Aside from the potential psychological benefits to be gained by throwing things around a small space, the activity has proved a big success since Warrior Factory opened.
The building was once used to store parts for trams but Gregory, along with two associates, saw a business opportunity when the place became available three years ago.
What followed was an extensive year-long total refurbishment of the building (including the roof and electrics) located on an industrial estate at Vilvoorde and about a 10 minute walk from the train station.
“It was a big investment but something I have always really wanted to do,” adds Gregory who has spent 13 years in the Belgian Army.
“I actually wanted to run my own bar before I joined the Army and was close to doing something a few years back but the pandemic intervened.”
The venue is useful not least as parking is free and the activities are often used by companies for team building as well as events such as birthday parties.
There are 4 karaoke rooms and ten lanes for the axe throwing and, in addition, there are board games to play free of charge.
The rage room concept is thought to have originated in Japan and Gregory witnessed how they do such things on a trip to the country a few years ago.
His rage room can accommodate up to 5 people at one time and you get about 45 minutes to let off steam in tandem with all the contents, many of which are sourced from local electrical repair shops.The bottles usually come from nearby bars.
As part of the clear up afterwards he broken items are taken away for recycling. “It is a bit of a complete circular recycling exercise in a way,” notes Gregory. “Nothing is wasted.”
The success of Warrior Factory is reflected by the fact that some participants travel quite a distance, for example, from Mons and Liege, to visit.
It is open year round but closed on Monday and Tuesday
So, if you feel the need or urge to smash bits and pieces around, not least as a form of therapy, this place is ideal.
Further info: https://www.warriorfactory.be/fr
