Meet The Team

Founder & Head Coach
Holly Connaugton
Holly is the founder and head coach of AMS Gym and a former active Muay Thai fighter. During her fighting career, Holly achieved a UK No. 3 ranking and became both an ISKA English Champion and ISKA European Champion.
With years of coaching experience, Holly is passionate about helping children, teenagers, and adults build confidence, discipline, resilience, and self-belief through Muay Thai. She has created a positive and supportive environment where members are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop life skills, and become the best version of themselves.
In September 2023, Holly experienced the sudden loss of her father, a life-changing event that tested her strength and resilience. Working through grief while continuing to run a business and support others has given her a deeper understanding of the personal challenges many people face and the importance of having a strong support network.
As both a coach and a mother, Holly understands the value of positive role models, structure, and community. Her goal is to help individuals not only improve physically but also develop the confidence and mindset to overcome challenges both inside and outside the gym.

Muay Thai Coach
Leo Spalding
Leo began training in Muay Thai at the age of 18 and has since competed in 9 fights from amateur to full Thai rules. Alongside competing in the UK, he has also travelled to Thailand to train and fight, gaining valuable experience from the sport's homeland.
As an active fighter, Leo believes that coaching and competing go hand in hand, allowing him to continually develop his skills and bring fresh knowledge back to his students. His coaching style is calm, patient, and technical, with a strong focus on helping each individual improve at their own pace.
Passionate about Muay Thai, Leo is committed to sharing what he learns throughout his own journey as both a coach and a fighter. Whether working with complete beginners or those looking to compete, his goal is to build confidence, solid fundamentals, and a genuine understanding of the art.

Muay Thai Coach
Adam Harris
With over 30 years of martial arts experience, I have dedicated much of my life to training, competing, and helping others develop through martial arts.
My journey began in karate, growing up in a martial arts family alongside my dad and older brother, who both held black belts. Following in their footsteps, I earned my own black belt and competed regularly at tournaments across the country.
At around 15 years old, I discovered Muay Thai and quickly developed a passion for the sport. I competed actively until the age of 20, gaining valuable experience that continues to shape my coaching today.
Outside the gym, I’m a proud husband and father of two. I am passionate about fitness, mental resilience, and the positive impact martial arts can have on people’s lives. What I enjoy most about coaching Muay Thai is seeing students grow—not just in skill and fitness, but also in confidence, discipline, and self-belief.
My goal is to make every class both fun and challenging, creating an environment where everyone feels supported while being pushed to reach their full potential.

Boxing Coach
Rick Hopkins
With 12 years of experience training and fighting in boxing, Rick has dedicated his life to the sport and the discipline that comes with it. After years spent developing his skills and knowledge inside the ring, he is now focused on making his mark as a coach — helping inspire and build the next generation of fighters. Passionate, driven, and committed both in and out of the gym, Rick is a dedicated coach who values hard work, respect, and leading by example.

Co-owner, Coach
Danny Connaugton
Danny is the co-owner and coach at AMS Gym, bringing over 20 years of combat sports experience to the gym.
A former two-time Kombat League World Champion and Commonwealth Champion in Muay Thai, Danny also competed in boxing at Southend and British title level. Throughout his career, he built a reputation for his toughness, determination, and dedication to the sport.
Growing up with dyslexia, Danny faced challenges in education and found himself heading down the wrong path before discovering Muay Thai. The sport gave him discipline, purpose, and direction, ultimately changing his life.
Alongside working full-time in the railway industry, Danny is passionate about helping others build confidence, resilience, and self-belief through martial arts. As a coach, mentor, and father, his goal is to help people become the best version of themselves both inside and outside the gym.
