We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Nicole “Pocket” Tan, pint sized powerhouse and Muay Thai student! She makes delicious kaya puffs, is known for singing Frozen to drive her training partners crazy and kicks like a demon. Read on to find out more about Nicole!
Occupation: Student, Occupational Therapist to be, General Helper
Martial Arts/Sports: Muay Thai, a bit of Boxing
How did you get into the sport?
When I was 14, I asked my dad if I could be a cheerleader. He said “No. It is too dangerous.” I asked him if I could try Muay Thai, he said “Okay”.
What are your immediate training goals?
Learn to actually slip AWAY from the oncoming hand. Joking. To improve my stamina and endurance. I gas out after the second kick.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Not be clueless in BJJ and possibly get a blue belt! 😀
What is your favorite move?
I like knee-ing and kicking things because i have the upper body strength of a chicken.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
I’m on Fire- Nick Kingsley
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Toohey has dubbed me: rice, pocket rocket, pocket,’punch like a grandma-kick like a boy’, little bull (little boob according to Edie, don’t know how i feel about that one…). People have also started calling me Nicky since starting at Absolute, which I have never been called in my life. Romeo has disregarded my actual name and introduced me as Nicky to everyone he knows.
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 am originally from Malaysia. Spent 23 years of my life there and now I’m here in pursuit of becoming an occupational therapist.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to the people around me, as cheesy as it sounds. You don’t have to be famous or explicitly extraordinary to inspire people. There is good in everyone if you look hard enough, so I choose to be inspired by everyday people.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Dragon hot pot because of the soup. I can’t make soup and its cold 80% of the year in Melbourne.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Pay attention when you’re holding pads, because one day, training Muay Thai in college, you’re gonna get kicked in the face, leaving a big gash inside your cheek. And do more cardio you lazy bum!
“Pocket is easy to get along with, good student, always listens and works hard. She is always friendly and gets along with everyone- that’s Nicole. Pocket always gives 100%.” – Laos Toohey
“She’s fun, cute and caring. One of a kind.” – Amy Ong, training partner
“She’s tiny and adorable with stretchy cheeks like a mochi…looks are deceiving though, she punches super hard and kicks like a donkey. Short legs are also not so easy to make fun of when you are being choked out by them. Love her to the moon and back, couldn’t ask for a better training partner.” – Emilie Yap, training partner