We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Lisa “Savage” Kyriacou following her debut Mixed Martial Arts bout last weekend on Path to Hex, from which she brought home a win via TKO in the second round! Never one to shy away from the action, this tough lady is well known at the gym for her colourful language, loving a good spar and a good laugh. Congratulations on your recent win Lisa, we can’t wait to see you back in the octagon! Read on to find out more about Lisa!
Occupation: Dental laboratory assistant
Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts
How did you get into the sport?
I grew up as a little tom boy with a tough older brother that loved fighting. We would always watch action movies, play Tekken and Mortal Kombat, and constantly belt the f*** out of each other as most loving ethnic siblings do. I would watch him fight in kickboxing and destroy his opponent. People that know me well know that I love action. As a little girl I loved to play fight with my brother and older cousins (still do), and I have always found martial arts to bring high intensity, excitement and passion. I couldn’t imagine my life without it.
What are your immediate training goals?
To improve my technique and to not use the majority of my energy when not necessary.
What are your goals for the next five years?
I believe I have the potential and passion to get very far in MMA. So for the next 5 years, I see myself becoming the best fighter I can possibly be. I’m a big believer in making dreams become reality.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Everything. Absolute MMA has changed my life. I have made some awesome friends that share similar passions and dreams and all of my coaches are AMAZING humans. They all have taught me so much and have had great patience with me and my stupidity at times. Absolute MMA has become home to me and I couldn’t imagine life without it. This gym makes every day a f***** great day.
Can you tell us about where you’re from and any interesting stories growing up? If you’re not originally from Melbourne, how’d you end up living in Melbourne, Australia?
I have a very large big crazy Greek family that I love very much. I grew up in Eltham my whole life, but as of last week I moved out of home for the first time ever and moved to South Melbourne on my own in a cute little apartment. #cityliving
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to people that have a great sense of humor, a positive mind frame and who love to have some fun in life. I also look up to people that aren’t afraid to be who they really are and who don’t care what others think.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
This question is almost impossible to answer. I can definitely say that cheese is my number one love and anything meat comes second.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
“Calm the f*** down”. I could still use this advice at times (hahaha).
“Training with Lisa is getting constantly punched in the face “by accident.” She has a heart of gold and really cares about her team mates, but I pity her future opponents-you’re in for a brawl.”- Giulia Cinquegrana, training partner
“Lisa is terrifying because she strikes me as someone who thrives in chaos. Combine that with a real desire to learn and get better and you have a pretty scary 55kg female fighter on your hands. Looking forward to watching her amateur career unfold and seeing what she can do.”- Sam Hibberd, Coach