Coach Laos “The Asian Bull” Toohey is one of the most highly respected striking coaches in Australia today, coaching over 35 champions in a variety of disciplines at every level including an I.S.K.A. Super Middleweight World Champion. Toohey was named Star Kickboxing Trainer of the Year 1998 and Kickboxing Trainer of the Century in 2000. As a fighter, competing in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, karate and TKD, he is renowned for his perfect, undefeated record of 32 wins and 0 losses (15KO) and the number and variety titles that he captured. Toohey loves having a laugh between rounds (especially if you’re gassing/dying), giving nicknames to all his students and is a key member of our community, contributing heavily to making the striking program what it is today. Despite being a Muay Thai coach, Toohey also loves a cheeky roll here there with our BJJ crew. Read on to find out more about this absolute legend!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
There’s a lot of things I’ve done in my life…everything I do has turned into gold.
What made you start Martial Arts?
I was inspired by Bruce Lee at the age of 13, my Aunty took me to the theatre, the movie we watched was ‘Enter the Dragon’, Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris. From that day on, I wanted to be a martial artist. Everybody knows who Bruce Lee is!
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
Before I was involved with the gym, I ran my own gym called Young Bulls. I ran that gym for 15 years plus, teaching Muay Thai, Boxing and also Taekwondo. We used to also practise BJJ there. When I closed Young Bulls, I met a gentleman named Simon Carson, Simon I met through Anthony and Albert who trained at my gym. Then I got asked by Simon and Dan, “Do I want a job teaching at Absolute MMA CBD?” and I worked for this club ever since. After six months I got promoted to head coach of Muay Thai at Absolute MMA CBD.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Oh God…hahaha. I can’t remember! “I got the power”!
Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
My memories growing up…I never thought I’d be a fighter, or a martial arts instructor. I lived next door to a Muay Thai gym, called Muay Laos Gym. Everyday I would hang out after school there, sometime I got asked to do some sparring just to earn a penny. That’s how I started becoming a martial artist, with Bruce Lee as my idol. Those were some of my favourite times.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself in five years still a head coach but not involved with the fight game. I’ll always want to teach classes, maybe I’ll teach kids self defence. Maybe I retire.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
One meal….man I can’t say anything…what my favourite…Asian food. I pick Asian food.
If you weren’t working in the Martial Arts industry, what would you be doing?
Wow. I would still be working in a factory somewhere, or being a bartender. I used to love being a bartender.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I like to relax by listening to soft music, put my feet up on the couch. That’s it.
What is your favourite travel destination? Why?
Asia, it reminds me of where I came from. Spain is nice too, and Italy is good.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I’m always a funny guy! I’m firm but I’m fair. I make people laugh.
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?
When I first came to Australia I was living in Sydney, then my parents moved to Albury Wondonga. I got a scholarship for my taekwondo in Melbourne, then I moved in Melbourne. Melbourne is my home now, I been here since 1990. That’s a long time.
What were some funny/interesting/weird hobbies you had when you were a teenager?
Sh*t, I can’t remember.
Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?
I love playing soccer. I always wanted to play in the red team when I was a teenager, we won a premiership when I was a teenager. My uncle was a professional soccer player. I grew up with that.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to my parents, they worked so hard to bring me here for a better life. I’ll always look up to them. Made sure we grew up with everything.
When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
Learn how to sing. I did terrible, Muriel! I’m learning how to sing from Pok.
Have you ever worked a “normal” job (not in the fitness/martial arts industry)? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?
I used to be a storeman, and bartender. I learn how to drive a forklift, learned how to make cocktails…I don’t think I remember that anymore.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Pho in Springvale, one of my favourite place. I always go eat there after a good workout.
What’s your favourite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?
Oh sh*t. I collected a lot of ACDC and Bon Jovi back in the old days. I like to listen to them. All the 80s music. Bob Marley is relaxing. No violent music. MC Hammer, no violent hip hop like these days. Like every gym I go to, 50 cent and all this. Music shouldn’t be like that. Ahhhh, I don’t wanna talk about it.
What movie have you seen over 5 times?
The one, the one with Al Pacino….the gangster one. Scarface!
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Always be good, no matter what you do. Try to do your best, lose or draw you are already the winner. Anytime you step in the ring, win or lose you’re already a champion.
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?
I would pick Albert Xavier, young Darren Gn and the fun lady who is always helping me, Emilie.
“Toohey has elevated all our striking games to the next level. May the legend of the Asian Bull and the Three Wongs live on.” – Andre Nguyen
“The second best lefty that I know (the best is me, of course!). Toohey is an awesome coach, knows everything about martial arts, and has an endless supply of funny nicknames. So lucky to be able to train with you!!” – Yvonne Chow
“I’ve been to a few mix martial arts gym’s in Melbourne, but Absolute MMA was the one for me. My first class I attended was with Toohey! He’s an awesome coach and even a friend, always making me work hard, supports and motivates me when needed!
Always leaving his classes with a smile on my face!”- Arinah Zain
“Toohey is the most loveable man at Absolute MMA. He also has a wealth of experience and knowledge in martial arts and life in general if you can just learn to decipher what on earth he is talking about”- Darren Gn
“Toohey is like a fun, loving Asian father who looks after his kids in Muay Thai. He is very patient and treats everyone from beginners to pros equally. He loves a good laugh and makes his classes fun to go to. He is passionate about the sport and always has everyone’s best interest at heart. “Bob your head! Bob your head!”.”- Carmen He
“Toohey is the man. He knows the ins and outs of western boxing and traditional Muay Thai, chuck in some high level spinning shit too. Put all those together and you have an atomic bomb of fight knowledge. Whether it’s life advice or fight advice his words always ring true and deep. Even when he’s calling you a fat lady boy. Much love.”- Liam McNeill
“Toohey is a true role model, highly respected.”- Tas Dionisakos
“Toohey is one of the best coaches that I have ever had. He pays attention to every one of us and corrects us when we’re doing something wrong. He’s an easy person to talk to and he’s fun to be with. ♥️”- Amy Ong
“Honestly there’s so many ways to describe Toohey, even his laugh deserves its own recognition. He’s like the cool teacher I wish I had but never really did because unfortunately my teachers had the misfortune of teaching me maths ? .
But anyways, It’s great to see that Toohey is someone so passionate and committed to teaching a sport he truly lives for and I hope all future students will be inspired by him as I have.” – Leanne Huynh
“This little sifu is full of wisdom and has a talent for bringing out the best in his students. He spends hours and hours and is truly passionate about passing down his vast knowledge and experience down to the next generation of strikers. Loves to crack a joke even though no-one understands them and brings smiles and energy to his classes.” – Fei Yen
Photos: W.L Fight Photography