MAX TRAINING ACADEMY

🥊 MEET THE COACHES: ISAAC 🥊

If you’ve seen Coach Isaac on the mats, you know he lives and breathes the sport. From a kid inspired by the movies to a multi-time Champion, Isaac is dedicated to pushing himself—and his students—to the absolute limit.
We caught up with Isaac to talk about his competitive drive, fighting under K1 rules, and why he loves the responsibility of coaching.

🏆 From the Screen to the Mats
Isaac’s martial arts journey started at 10 years old, fueled by a classic movie and a desire to learn the moves himself.
“My interest stemmed from watching the Karate Kid movies as a child and wanting to replicate the moves from the film.”

🥇 A Champion’s Mindset
It didn’t take long for Isaac to find his true calling in the competitive arena. By age 13, he was stepping into tournaments, which sparked a massive championship run.

“I got more and more interested in the competitive side of the sport... Over the next few years, with hard work and dedication, I was able to become British, European and National champion.”
And he isn’t done yet. Isaac is still actively competing and testing his skills, focusing heavily on K1.

🧠 The Responsibility of Coaching
For Isaac, stepping into the role of a coach has been just as rewarding as winning titles. Teaching has helped him grow both inside and outside the gym.
“Through teaching martial arts to people of different ages and abilities, it has not only bettered me as a martial artist but as a person.”

🤝 Helping Students Achieve Their Goals
Whether you want to become a world-class fighter or just want to feel better in your own skin, Isaac is there to guide you.
“I love coaching as it allows me to pass on my knowledge... and help our students to get where they want to be, whether that be competing at the highest level or simply learning new skills and growing in confidence along the way.”

🥊 MEET THE COACHES: SHANELLE 🥊

For Shanelle, martial arts is a lifelong journey. Turning 30 this year, she’s celebrating an incredible 17 years of coaching at Max Training!
We caught up with her to talk about growing up in the gym!

🏆 A Lifelong Passion
Shanelle started training at age 7 and earned her Black Belt by 13 through pure determination.

“I loved being fit, I loved being strong. I wanted to be the best in the class all the time, and that was what motivated me to keep going.”

👑 Following a Legacy
When her dad took over the gym, Shanelle found her ultimate role model. She started assistant coaching at 13 and took over classes at 16—even helping bring up Coach Isaac and Coach Kane through the ranks!

“Watching how my dad taught made me want to be like him—but with my own style of coaching. Watching how he produced fighters made me want to pass that onto the younger generation.”

🔥 Always In Your Corner
“My coaching style is all about high energy and tough love. I hold my students to high standards, but I am also their absolute biggest hype person on the mats. Above all, I am firmly in your corner—you will never have to doubt that I have your back.”

🧠 Confidence Beyond the Mats
“It’s not just about being the best athlete; martial arts genuinely shapes you into the best version of yourself. Thanks to the journey I’ve had, I’ve always felt capable of handling whatever life throws at me with absolute confidence.”

💜 Inspiring the Next Generation of Women
Growing up, Shanelle noticed how few girls were on the mats. Today, she is completely changing that dynamic.

“To now not only coach all these women, but to train alongside them and see the sheer number of young girls and women getting into—and staying in—the sport... it’s amazing. Getting them through the door is just step one; my goal is to give them a space where they feel they belong for the long haul. If I can be a role model who helps them stay committed and confident, then I’ve done my job.”