Since coming on as a casual many years ago, Emilie Yap has grown to fill many roles within the Absolute MMA machine! In this staff profile we get to know the smiling face at reception in the CBD, the voice of Absolute MMA social media and the glue that keeps the administration team together!
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Emmy, Toohey also likes to call me Potato.
What made you start Martial Arts?
I was always interested in Martial Arts growing up and always watched a lot of martial arts movies with my Dad but I was never really sure if it was for me! I did a lot of yoga and other sports previously, then Laos Toohey convinced me to start taking his classes, I fell in love with Muay Thai and I’ve been doing it ever since!
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I started working here part time in university after leaving a job at a bank, loved it so much I never left and started working full time doing more media/marketing with Absolute MMA when I graduated.
Mantra/Quote to live by?
Find joy in your journey.
Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
Jumping into massive piles of leaves during Autumn in parks, climbing oak trees and throwing acorns at family members.
Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
So many people. But most recently Ravi, one of the founders of The Yatra Foundation. They do some great work helping provide disadvantaged children in India the opportunity to access education! Check them out here: http://yatrafoundation.org/
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pho! Great when you are sick and great when you are well. It could be 30+ Degrees Celsius outside and I would still order this.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Bubble baths and listening to music/podcasts
If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?
Probably a bird of some kind. Flying would be amazing!
What is your favorite travel destination? Why?
Japan, there’s so much to experience there. You’ve got the perfect blend of the modern and traditional, plus Niseko for skiing/snow boarding! Plus the food is amazing.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I mispronounced the word ‘almond’ wrong for a significant part of my adult life and no one told me!
When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
Wore a sari recently, pretty sure I butchered wrapping it around myself. Two lovely women saw my struggle, took pity on me and assisted me in doing it properly! Wherever you are, thank you.
Have you ever worked a job not in the fitness/martial arts industry? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?
I worked for a bank for a couple of years before working for Absolute MMA. Learned how important it is to have a basic understanding of banking and how it works!
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Huge fan of Baba Sus in Glen Iris! Their Hong Kong egg waffle is amazing.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Start earlier, stick with it and be more confident in yourself. No one expects you to be perfect as a beginner!
During a Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?
Maryanne Mullahy, my sister from another mister, super strong and all around great human being. Oliver Smith to lead and calm down all the beginners (or survivors, whatever you want to call them) the team would come across and Richard Lattemagi because I feel like he could convince the zombies to not eat us through some demon sales magic.
“Em is the responsible adult in the gym and a mother, aunt and sister to the whole team. Without her presence we’d all be back in caveman loincloths and burning the office furniture for warmth within a week.” – Dan Herbertson
“Emilie is the glue that holds this gym together. After several years of pretending to work at Absolute MMA she has finally started practicing Muay Thai. So much easier now that she knows we’re a martial arts gym and don’t offer a whole bunch of oddly named spin classes.” – Richard Lattemagi
“She is the sweetest badass you’ll ever meet ♥️ ” – Siew Wen Tan
“Em is like our little sister, everyone looks after her because she does the same to us. She is one of the nicest person you can meet. Always happy and positive.” – Thiago Stefanutti
” Emilie is the sweetest, kindest, most caring individual to grace the mats of Absolute MMA. She is truly a rose among thorns. ” Darren Gn