We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Louis, one of our southpaws who works across Boxing, Muay Thai AND Mixed Martial Arts. Always super friendly and relaxed, Louis is a supportive and valued member of our striking team and MMA team! Read on to find out more about Louis!
Occupation: Software Engineer
Martial Arts/Sports: Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA
How did you get into the sport?
I stopped skateboarding regularly and needed something new to keep me fit. I instantly fell in love with the Martial Arts.
What are your immediate training goals?
To test myself in the ring.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
World Class trainers, good people and training that pushes you to new levels.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Mobb Deep – Shook Ones.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Louis Knuckles aka Paper Stacks aka The Ill Villain…Louis works too.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Put on chill-hop, burn some incense and just lay back.
Get out into nature, hike, camp.
Sauna.
Meditate.
Learn something new.
Ride my motorcycle through the county side.
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 grew up on a Mango farm in Northern NSW. Had a bit of a crazy high-school life in Lismore. Ended up in the art scene, which led to me living a nomad life on the street, hitching-hiking around a lot of the East Coast. I fell in love with Melbourne and so here I am.
One of my fondest memories as a child was back on the farm, building an epic cubby house with my brothers and sister in the rain forest. That place was magical.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Famous: Elon Musk, he believes in what he does. He inspires those around him to push boundaries. He puts his principles above convenience.
More generally, people who don’t let fear control them. People that are willing to put it all on the line to live the life they want. People who are grounded in who they are and who make those around them better people.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Moroccan Soup Bar. Just get the Banquet.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Slow down, its not about going hard, it’s about doing it right. With good technique, speed and power will come.
Perfect practice makes perfect.
“Always training hard, he’s willing to learn new things and he’s also a southpaw (that’s my style!), he is always on time for class…it makes it a lot easier for me to teach him.”- Laos Toohey, Coach
“Louis has gone from strength to strength developing his south paw style through consistent hard work embracing the journey of being a martial artist”.- Jeremy Wharerau, Coach
“Louis is one of the toughest students in my classes. He shows a lot of commitment in martial arts whether it’s in his own training or group classes. He always put in 110% effort when it comes to building he’s techniques and skills.” – Luke Catubig, Coach
“He is quick with his hand and feet. He can go long way in boxing if he keeps going on. Best of luck mate.” – Pradeep Singh, Coach