Our DNA
At I AM Fitness and Mindset Coaching, our values serve as the foundation for everything we do. Respect is at the core of our interactions, treating each individual with dignity, honoring their unique journey, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. We believe in the power of courage, empowering our athlete's to step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and unlock their full potential.
Perseverance is our guiding force, encouraging resilience and determination in the face of obstacles, helping individuals push through barriers and achieve their goals. Compassion is the heartbeat of our practice, extending empathy, kindness, and understanding to ourselves and others. Lastly, we embrace the essence of family, cultivating a sense of belonging, unity, and collaboration within our community. Together, these values create a nurturing space where growth, transformation, and holistic well-being thrive.
Our team
Leighton Spellman
"Coach Layts"
Leighton, better known as "Layts", brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, both as a Rugby league coach for more than 20 years and also a personal trainer.
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As a player, Leighton come through the grades at the Mt Albert Lions in Auckland, one of New Zealand's foundation rugby league clubs. There he played under some great coaches and learnt his trade. As a player, he represented New Zealand at an age grade level, touring Australia and playing alongside and against many future NRL players.
From a Touch and Tag football family he was engrossed with sport from such a young age. Growing up he took many opportunities to be apart of everything that he could also representing NZ in tag.
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It is his passion and commitment to coaching young athlete's though, that really drives him. A certified mindset coach and NLP practitioner, Leighton understands the importance of instilling self belief in young individuals to unlock their true potential with mindset coaching techniques, building resilience and confidence in a safe and fun environment. It is through this holistic approach that he helps athletes understand what they do and why they do the things they choose in life, and the future choices they make that have an impact on their lives.
Creating leaders, role models and thinkers to develop great humans.
Away from coaching and the chaos, Leighton enjoys his own training, a bit of NBA and NRL and quality time with his family.
Certifications:
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NRL Accredited International Coach
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Certificate 3 in Personal Training
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Certificate 4 in Personal Training
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Certificate in Life and Mindset Coaching
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NLP Practitioner accredited
Kiriwai Spellman
"Coach K"
Kiriwai, affectionately known as Kiri, has dedicated countless years to honing her expertise in the domains of Fitness, Sport, and Health.
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A seasoned Personal Trainer, Kiri's journey led her to work closely with the Auckland Rugby Union as a Strength and Conditioning coach, then embracing a leadership role, leading a team of health practitioners, providing essential support for individuals grappling with Long-Term health conditions.
Her sporting career began early on, earning representative honors in Rugby Union representing her club Ngongotaha, and the Bay of Plenty. Additionally, she excelled in Touch, showcasing her talents with Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Auckland, that also got her to NZ representative level.
In her holistic approach to sports and well-being, Kiri recognizes the significance of activities away from the field. She emphasizes the importance of recovery, rehabilitation, and proper nutrition in achieving optimal performance and overall health. With perserverance, dedication and drive Kiri has always believed that anything is possible, achieving anything one sets their heart on. This same spirit drives her to instill this belief in the youth, empowering them to chase their dreams and realize their visions.
Kiri enjoys training, she indulges in her artistic side, creating stunning jewelry and expresses herself through drawing and painting. Above all, cherishing quality time with her family remains at the heart of Kiri's peaceful moments.
Certifications:
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NRL Level 1 Sports Trainer
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Certicficate In Remedial Massage
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Certificate in Sports Massage
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Certificate Sports Biomechanics
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Diploma in Fitness Training
Sam Katipa
"Coach Sam"
Sam grew up in the humble streets of Manurewa South Auckland.
He started playing rugby union at a young age for the Papakura Rugby Club, aswell as cricket for his school once he moved to Palmerston North.
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He fell in love with rugby league after initially watching a rugby league training session. In his first year, Sam was named Rookie of the Year, and the following year, he became MVP of his team.
He played 1st XV rugby as a halfback, a position that helped him develop physical and mental toughness having to play against many bigger boys.
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In 2008 he graduated with a Diploma in Sport and Recreation from MIT in Auckland. It was during that time he developed his passion and skill set as a coach. After witnessing first hand, the transformative effects of sport and how it instilled mental toughness and confidence in young athlete's, his desire to become a coach only grew. He made the move with his family to Australia in 2013 and helped coach his son's team to the 2022 under 13 state championship in Victoria and is enjoying another great season currently with the U14 Casey Warriors club.
Understanding values were important, those such as fun, love, brotherhood, effort, technique and tactical knowledge. The belief in taking care of our mental health and wellbeing is also what drives Sam to shape young athlete's into good leaders on and off the field. Away from sport, Sam loves the outdoors and spending time with his family.
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Certifications:
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NRL Accredited International Coach
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NRL Level 1 Sports Trainer
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Diploma in Sports and Recreation
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