max freyne
Welcome to Hipe, where our Head Coach brings not just expertise, but a lifetime of dedication and passion to martial arts and personal training.
From a young age, our coach embarked on a martial arts journey beginning with boxing at age 12, soon exploring Muay Thai and Krav Maga, and discovering a profound passion for wrestling by age 15. Progressing rapidly, he earned international acclaim as the Icelandic middleweight champion in Backhold Wrestling and secured a second-place finish at the Celtic European Wrestling Championships under 21. His early achievements led him to travel extensively as a member of the Scottish Backhold Wrestling National team, gathering a wealth of techniques and insights from various wrestling styles to share with his students.
While studying Business Management at Aberdeen University, he continued to excel, joining the university’s MMA and Judo teams. His remarkable skills were soon recognized at a local wrestling tournament, leading to an invitation to compete in the Scottish University National championships, where he won gold with perfect scores and received the award for best groundwork. His training journey expanded when he met Brazilian MMA fighters and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, which culminated in an intensive training stint in Brazil. This experience enriched his skills and allowed him to coach and compete internationally, further deepening his martial arts philosophy and technical prowess.
Returning to Scotland, he pursued further qualifications in health, fitness, and exercise, achieving a Higher National Diploma and a Level 3 Personal Trainer Certification. His career transitioned from competing to teaching, where he now leads classes in MMA, Wrestling, and various self-defense disciplines. His commitment to personal and athletic growth continued as he won the Scottish National Championships in Freestyle Wrestling and became a valued member of the national team.
Today, as the head coach at Hipe, he is not just a teacher but a lifelong student of martial arts, committed to passing on his knowledge and fostering a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment. His journey from a decorated competitor to a dedicated coach and community leader exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, learning, and respect that he aims to instill in all his students. Join us to not only learn from his vast experience but also to become part of a community that values strength, health, and personal growth.
