MEET THE COACHES
All of our coaches have years of fight and coaching experience.
They offer private 1-to-1 sessions tailored to your individual goals, whether that’s improving technique, building fitness or progressing faster.
To book with a specific coach, use the contact button in their profile below.
Isaac James
Founder, Fighter & Head Coach
Isaac is the Founder and Head Coach of Core Combat Sports, with over 15 years of martial arts experience.
He began competing at the age of 15, gaining experience across kickboxing, K1, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. At just 17, he won the ISKA North of England Muay Thai title.
Isaac is currently undefeated in Muay Thai with a 10–0 record and holds the WMO British Super Middleweight Championship. Across combat sports, he remains unbeaten with records of 10–0 in Muay Thai, 3–0 in FC Kickboxing and 1–0 in MMA.
He founded Core Combat Sports in 2022 with the aim of developing others through structured martial arts training. Since then, he has coached and developed multiple fighters, including Joshua Harris, the current ISKA English Muay Thai Champion.
Ben Harrison
MMA Coach and Fighter
Ben began his martial arts journey at the age of 12, driven by a passion for self-improvement.
Since then, he has dedicated years to developing his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and Muay Thai, competing successfully across all three disciplines.
In 2022, Ben became Head of the MMA team at Core Combat Sports. Since then, he has played a key role in developing the team, with several of his students set to make their MMA debuts in 2025.
Ben made his Muay Thai debut in 2024, stepping straight in against a tough opponent with over 15 fights. He rose to the challenge and secured a convincing victory over five rounds.
Young, driven and constantly developing, Ben is a key part of the coaching team at Core Combat Sports.
Robert Shaw
Junior Coach and Fighter
Rob began training in 2022 and was quickly noticed by Isaac and Ben for his ability to learn advanced skills quickly.
Though he is still early on in his journey as a martial artist he has already accomplished a lot; being promoted to the role of Junior coach in 2024 and winning in his Muay Thai debut in early 2025.
Rob has bags of skills, a fantastic attitude and load of potential to go far in Combat Sports. All these factors make him a fantastic trainer and one to watch for the future!
Chris Taylor
Muay Thai Coach and Former Muay Thai Champion
Chris Taylor is a Muay Thai expert with over 15 years of experience of training and competing in the sport.
Chris has an impressive list of achievements including; winning the WRSA English title at just 19 years old, being ranked number 8 in the UK in 2012, representing England and winning the silver medal at the 2016 ECM tournament.
Chris's vast experience make him an extremely knowledgeable coach especially for up and coming Muay Thai fighters.
Sam Jagger
Muay Thai Coach and Former Fighter
Sam is an experienced former fighter and coach with over a decades experience of training, coaching and competing in Muay Thai.
From stepping into the ring at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand to pushing his limits across ultramarathon courses, Sam’s inspires students to break through barriers — both physical and mental.
It is for these reasons that Sam makes a great coach for people at all skill levels, especially those looking to work hard and get super fit!
Isaac is a great coach and communicator and can train any level and any age. His love and passion for combat sports and martial arts is easy to see and he helps to provide a great atmosphere in the gym! Highly recommend!