We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Nick Metcalfe, our upfront yogi who doesn’t hold back. Nick is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and regularly supports our competition team in their training. He’s known for his long limbs, sneaky triangles and an extreme love of his dog, Trey. Read on to find out more about Nick!
Occupation: Event manager/yoga instructor
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
My best mate was going to PUMMA on the Gold Coast to try out a MMA class, he called me on his way and said do you want to tag along… That was 6 years ago.
What are your immediate training goals?
Help the team get ready for any competitions they have, stay in shape in case I decide to return to competing.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Teach more yoga, get a new color belt possibly, get another dog.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
It’s the vibe. But seriously the people, the team, the coaches, the facility and getting to train across three location with the best athletes in Australia.
What is your favorite move?
Ankle pick or RNC
Favorite workout/walkout song?
Kendrick- M.A.A.D City
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Milky, ginger, angry yogi (thanks Apryl).
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Yoga, meditate, hang out with trey, jump in the ocean.
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?
Grew up on the Gold Coast and spent 25 years there. Clare got a job in Melbourne so being the epic boyfriend I am, we moved. While I was training at PUMMA I was told by multiple team mates to come train at Absolute when I moved. I got a job across the road, walked in, paid my fees and have been here ever since.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Few special mentions Aaron S., Thiago S., Dustin B. & Jebba, they’ve been a significant part of my journey to now, but it’s important to keep an open mind because you can learn from anyone.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Shanghai village – order all the dumplings.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Turn up on time, listen to your coach, drink more water, eat all the calories, have fun, don’t quit, it is what it is as it is, namaste.
“BJJer, yogi, ginger man. So creative on the mats and a funny one outside them. A brother life has brought from Queensland to us.” – Thiago Stefanutti
“The angry yoda troll! Who yoga’s with the biggest heart. If Nick isn’t hangry he’s hanging with his boy Trey (doggo). Insulting you with snappy quips, egging on Clare and snapping on reverse triangles. What a bastard. He knows that’s what I think.” – Apryl Eppinger
“Long-limbed, red haired, stretchy, negative-reinforcement-happy (;P) crazy person. He’s alright I guess.” – Natalie Hobbs
“I remember first meeting Nick on the mat, when he first came to Absolute and thinking that despite it being one of his first times in the gym, it seemed like he’d been there for years. He’s welcoming to everyone on the mat, helpful to everyone and always quick to make sure everyone feels just as much at home at Absolute as he does. He’s also the guy that I’ll see doing every coaches class, across all of the locations and is known across the whole Absolute family. Hilarious, ridiculously flexible, and the strongest moustache in the game. He made sure to support my classes when I first came on board as a coach for the gym and he’s always there supporting everyone in the pursuits within the gym or outside of. He’s made Absolute his home since day one, and I couldn’t imagine the gym without him!”- Amit Narayan
“Nick is fun, creative, open minded and loves the banter! He has a lot of patience and will always give his time to help others! Namaste Nick!” – Clare Fisher
“Nick is such a great person to train with, always willing to help and throwing jokes while smashing you. Thanks!” – Juliette Brillet