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.
​
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 is a K1 and fight team coach, leading a regular public class and providing fight team coaching on 1 to 1 and group training sessions.
The continued development of fight team is a true passion of Alex's 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.
​
He has experience in both Dutch and traditional styles of Kickboxing and is also a 1st Dan. Alex has also competed throughout the years.
Connor Campbell
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach
Connor is our BJJ coach, leading both Gi and no-Gi classes and bringing a high level of technical detail to every session.
​
A black belt under Chris Rees, Connor is one of the UK’s most decorated BJJ athletes. He has been ranked 6th in the world at brown belt, won multiple IBJJF gold medals across Europe, earned European silver, and is a Polaris superfight winner. He also secured IBJJF London Spring gold at black belt.
​
Connor’s coaching focuses on building strong fundamentals, sharp technique, and effective grappling for all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors.
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.
​
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.
​
Sam is a great coach for juniors and adults alike and specializes in those who are newer to martial arts.
.png)
Sophia Picton
Combat Coach & Personal Trainer
Sophia is one of our active Semi-Pro K1 and Muay Thai fighters, currently holding Southern Area and English K1 titles. With over 12 years of experience across kickboxing, K1 and Muay Thai, she also holds a 1st degree black belt in kickboxing.
​
She is one of our striking coaches, with over 3 years of experience helping both kids and adults improve technique, performance, and confidence.​ Sophia is also a fully qualified Level 3 personal trainer, supporting clients with strength and conditioning to reach their fitness goals.
Izzi Wilkins
Striking Coach & Personal Trainer
Izzi is one of our Muay Thai Striking Coaches, leading Adults classes and supporting our Junior Fight Team and Kids sessions.
​
She is the current WBC Featherweight British Champion, MTGP British Flyweight Champion, ISKA Semi-Pro English Champion, and MTGP European Champion (Oct 2025). Izzi is also an active fighter, currently competing on the professional circuit in Thailand.
​
Alongside coaching, she works with PT clients in Muay Thai, Boxing and K1, with a focus on building confidence, skill, and empowering more women in combat sports.
.png)
Dom Edwards
Striking Coach & Personal Trainer
Dom brings a wealth of experience from a Kickboxing background and has recently competed successfully in Pro K1.
​
He is the current CFS British Champion and Elite Championship English Champion, and remains an active fighter out of the gym.
​
Dom offers 1-2-1 sessions specialising in K1 Kickboxing and fitness, assists in our Wednesday night K1 class, and is a highly experienced corner-man on fight days.
Josh Hodgkins
Boxing Coach & Personal Trainer
Josh is an active fighter at Pride Combat Athletics, regularly volunteering and helping with adult and kids classes.
​
Josh is a Level 3 Personal Trainer since 2019, studying a degree in Sport & Physical education, and he train all ages and experiences.
​
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.