Meet the team

Shaw Dean – Head Coach, Free Form Combat | Owner, Free Form Fitness

With over 20 years of martial arts experience and a legacy of competitive success, Shaw is the driving force behind Free Form Combat and Free Form Fitness. A decorated athlete and seasoned coach, Shaw has earned state, national, and Pacific titles across boxing, Muay Thai, No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.

As a pioneer of MMA in Tasmania, Shaw compiled a flawless 5-0 record before earning a spot on South Africa’s Fighter TV series, where he advanced to the semi-finals and secured a contract with the EFC. His grappling accolades include multiple medals at Grappling Industries—Australia’s largest BJJ competition—where he dominated the open weight, open belt division.

Shaw’s strength and conditioning background is equally impressive. He’s competed in CrossFit team events and claimed gold in two powerlifting categories (105kg and 120kg), showcasing his versatility across disciplines.

As a coach, Shaw has mentored countless fighters to success in BJJ, MMA, and Muay Thai, with many earning titles across Australia. In 2024, he trained Tasmania’s Strongest Amateur Man, underscoring his ability to elevate athletes to elite levels.

Beyond the gym, Shaw is committed to empowering his community. In partnership with Tasmania Police, he led self-defense programs for women, equipping participants with confidence and practical skills. He’s also supported his son’s rise in powerlifting, helping him break the Australian under-14 record twice and secure gold—a testament to Shaw’s dedication as both a coach and father.

James Woolley - Muay Thai Coach

Free Form Fitness are extremely thrilled to have James Woolley, head coach and second-generation fighter of Huon Valley Muay Thai, as an integral part of its Free Form Combat martial arts team.

Huon Valley Muay Thai is a martial arts club based in Huonville, founded by Shane Woolley. The club is led by James Woolley, one of southern Tasmania's most skilled and experienced Muay Thai coaches. Not only does James have over 13 years of martial arts training with numerous competitive fights under his belt, but he has also won and went on to defend the under 68kg Tasmanian Amateur Title in Muay Thai.

James brings invaluable technical knowledge and martial art skills that will not only guide you but challenge you to reach your peak physical performance.

Whether you're looking to level up your Muay Thai skills, step into the competitive arena, or improve your overall fitness levels you can be sure that James will help you achieve your goals!

Renata Cowen - Gym Manager

Renata joins Free Form Fitness as a dedicated Gym Manager with an unwavering passion for all things health and fitness, and an unquenchable thirst for success.

Her extensive athletic background includes competing in both powerlifting and strongman competitions, and she now channels that same drive into her current passion—bodybuilding. Yet, her most transformative achievement is a personal one: losing 45 kg through consistent training and healthy eating. This life-changing journey was featured in Shape Fitness magazine, where she inspired countless others with the powerful message, "If she can do it, YOU can too!"

Renata’s mission is clear—to empower others to take control of their health, embrace their strength, and unlock their full potential, just as she has.

Shaw Dean – Personal Trainer & Performance Coach

With a passion for unlocking human potential, Shaw Dean is a dedicated personal trainer specialising in strength training, powerlifting, martial arts, and holistic performance coaching. With years of experience on the gym floor and on the mat, Shaw combines the discipline of martial arts with the science of strength to help clients build both physical resilience and mental toughness.

Shaw offers a tailored approach that goes beyond physical training — integrating nutritional guidance and one-on-one mentoring to create lasting transformation. Whether you're looking to lift heavier, fight sharper, or live healthier, Shaw’s coaching philosophy is rooted in consistency, discipline, and personal empowerment.

Shannon Jacobson - Personal Trainer

Shannon Jacobson comes to Free Form Fitness with an impressive and extensive background of working in the fitness industry for over 20+ years. With his skillset he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Personal Trainer, Coach and Mentor to all his clients.

He has experience and firsthand knowledge in rehab and injury management, overall weight loss and muscle mass expertise, with a specialty in strength and weight training. Shannon is passionate with an overall desire to help all his clients achieve their fitness goals - no matter what their age or fitness levels.

His personal accomplishments are just as impressive with numerous World and Australian records held in various federations of powerlifting including Master World Records, Junior and Senior Australian Record and for a period of time he was even ranked amongst the top 10 in the world in the under 90kg division.