MEET THE TEAM
We have a team of dedicated coaches and personal trainers who are committed to helping you set and achieve your goals. Whether you just want to improve your fitness, or train for your next fight, we have the team to support you.
Martin Cole
Founder & Head Coach
Martin has been training in Muay Thai and Martial Arts since 1997 and competed in the late 90's and has been privileged to instruct at several Muay Thai gyms up and down the country before going on to establish Pride Combat Athletics in 2013.
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Martin believes that Muay Thai and fitness training should be fun, challenging and accessible to everyone, values that he still old close to his heart.​ Martin uses his experience to coach both total beginners through to seasoned fighters to go on and achieve exceptional results.
Alex Halse
Fight Team Coach & Personal Trainer
Alex regularly trains and helps out at the gym. Alex and Jacob lead the Saturday morning K1 Kickboxing class together.
One of Alex's passions is training the fighters at the gym. He supports fighters throughout their fight camps and on fight night. He is an expert pad-man and a knowledgeable corner man.
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He has experience in both Dutch and traditional styles of Kickboxing and is also a 1st Dan. Alex has also competed throughout the years.
Izzi Wilkins
Striking Coach & Personal Trainer
Izzi is one of our Muay Thai Striking Coaches, she regularly leads our Adults Muay Thai class as well as assists with the Junior Fight Team and Kids Classes.
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Izzi is the current MTGP Professional British Flyweight Champion and ISKA Semi-Pro English Champion and is an active fighter out of Pride Combat Athletics. Izzi also PTs clients regularly, focussing on Muay Thai, Boxing and K1 Kickboxing. One of Izzi's aims is to encourage more women to learn a combat sport and to enable them to feel more empowered and confident.
Sam Masey
Striking Coach & Personal Trainer
Sam is an active member of the Pride Combat Athletics fight team and coaches public junior Thai boxing classes. He is also the founder and owner of Prime Performance, and full time PT at the gym.
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Sam is current ISKA Pro English Champion and has spent much time in Thailand, the homeland of the sport. Sam has proven to be a great corner-man and regularly assists with interclubs that our juniors compete at.
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Sam is a great coach for juniors and adults alike and specializes in those who are newer to martial arts.
Dom Edwards
Striking Coach & Personal Trainer
Dom has a wealth of experience, coming from a Kickboxing background, and recently successfully competing in Pro K1 Kickboxing.​
Dom is an active fighter out of the gym, and also offers 1-2-1 sessions, specialising in K1 Kickboxing and fitness.​
Dom also assists in the Wednesday night K1 Kickboxing class, as well as being an extremely knowledgeable corner-man on fight days.
Sophia Picton
Combat Coach & Personal Trainer
Sophia is one of our active Semi-Pro K1 and Muay Thai fighters, and is currently the Southern Area and English K1 champion.
With 12+ years of martial arts experience, she has trained multiple disciplines such as kickboxing, K1 and Muay Thai, and holds a 1st degree black belt in kickboxing.
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Sophia is also one of our striking coaches, having over 3 years coaching experience, teaching kids up to adults improve technique, performance, and self confidence.
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She is also a fully qualified Level 3 personal trainer, helping people also achieve their fitness goals through strength and conditioning.
Jacob Wells
Kickboxing & Boxing Coach
Jacob is the current ISKA Pro British K1 Champion, WKMA Pro Kickboxing World Champion and 2 x European Middleweight Kickboxing Champion. Jacob has many years experience in competition and is still actively competing at an elite level.
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Jacob specialises in fight IQ and conditioning
training and provides exceptional coaching for beginners through to elite fighters.​
Josh Hodgkins
Boxing Coach & Personal Trainer
Josh is an active fighter at Pride Combat Athletics, regularly volunteering and helping with adult and kids classes.
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Josh is a Level 3 Personal Trainer since 2019, studying a degree in Sport & Physical education, and he train all ages and experiences.
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Josh also has a fondness of competing in triathlons and other fitness events. His aim is to promote fitness and physical activity, as well as expand awareness of combat sports, and the benefits of being involved.