The Team
Who We Are
DIANA SIGSTON
Founder & CEO
I first got involved in Martial Arts at 17 after experiencing a life-changing event. I joined the local Martial Arts school in Canvey Island in 1982. I studied Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate, Judo and Ju-Jitsu. I immediately fell in love with Martial Arts and would dedicate all my free time to training, being in the gym up to 3hrs a day, seven days a week.
My main focus at this time was Kickboxing and Boxing and after 4 years of intense training I acheived my first black belt in Kickboxing at the age of 22. I started competing in both Kickboxing and Boxing and went on to win many National titles including the IBA World Title for Boxing and the WKA title for Kickboxing. I then went on to compete in Mixed Martial Arts as I had a good grappling background from my Judo and Ju-Jitsu. I retired from professional fighting to dedicate more time to my young son. It was at this time that I began my career in coaching. I have been coaching for over 20 years and have produced many of the countries top fighters during this time, in many disciplines, including Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA.
I have continued to be one of the top female coaches, gaining international recorgnition throughout the Martial Arts World. I have won many top awards, including the U.K. Martial Arts Hall of Fame three times and the Worldwide Hall of Honours award from the American Alliance of Martial Arts.
Being involved in Martial Arts has opened up many opportunities for me including stunt fighting in movies, and close protection work for many celebrities, I have also been published in two books detailing my life story. This has helped me to become a role model for many of my students, empowering them both physically and mentally to improve their self confidence and body positivity.
DARREN GEISHA
COACH
Darren is a former British Welterweight Champion in MMA. Darren has competed at the highest level, both in this country and abroad, having spent a large part of his career training and fighting in Thailand. Darren also holds an Honours Degree in Sports Science and Nutrition and is available to share his knowledge with our students on all aspects of training and nutrition. Darren has been coaching at SS8 Fight School for many years and has helped produce many top level fighters including his step son Mike Hales who is one of Europes top MMA fighters.
MIKE HALES
COACH
Mike is Diana's son and is one of the UK's leading professional MMA fighters. Mike trains and fights with the world's elite fighters. He has been signed to SBG Ireland and Manchester Top Team. Mike has trained with fighters including Connor McGregor at Straight Blask Gym, Dublin. Mike has fought on many televised shows, regularly topping the bill including being co-main event with the great Floyd Mayweather Jnr at the 02 London arena. Alongside Mikes fighting career, he is a passionate coach at SS8 Fight School, having trained clients since he was 15 years old. Mike specialises in MMA, Boxing, K1 and fitness and has coached a wide range of clients, from beginners through to elite level athletes. Through Mikes involvement in Martial Arts great opportunities have opened up for him. From supporting his mum when she first began SS8 Fight School to being given the opportunity to travel the world and train and fight world class opponents.