Coach Apryl “The Wolf” Eppinger is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt and current member of the Philippine National Ju-Jitsu team. She is a 2017 JJAU Asian Champion, 2016 Asian Beach Games medallist, 2016 Oceania Freestyle Wrestling Championships medallist, 2016 IBJJF Asian Open medallist and 2015 IBJJF Asian Open Champion. She also has over 14-years experience as a professional track and road cyclist representing both Australia and the Philippines. She has won the Australian Sprint Championship title, Philippines National Sprint title and holds numerous female track sprint records.
Not only is she a supportive pillar for the Women’s BJJ team at Collingwood, she also recycles and re-purposes items into beautiful new art pieces and jewellery (https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/UptiqueStudio) in her spare time. What a super human! We’ve been lucky enough to have Apryl on board with us since the era of the famed yellow mats, and we hope to have her with us for many years to come. Read on to find out more about Apryl!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
Making the Philippines National Team in Jiu-jitsu.
What made you start Martial Arts?
I credit coach Livia Gluchowska for the introduction and the addiction.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I’ve been a member since 2012 when the mats were yellow marshmallows and I’d wanted to work with the gym for the longest time. Prior to working with the gym I have worked numerous jobs in retail and admin. And always been athlete on the side.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still doing what I love, rolling, working with great people and hopefully a black belt.
Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
Pretty lame but have to say the people I roll and train with. They tend to be a mix of friends from around the world and other teams and also from Absolute. Picking one wouldn’t do justice to the wealth of knowledge and things I have experienced in the sport.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a bunch of samurai Star Wars action figures in a display cabinet, yup I have action figures and loooots of lego.
What were some funny/interesting/weird hobbies you had when you were a teenager?
Pretty sure a goth athlete was something that confused many people around me as I grew up.
Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?
Dogs, my dog and other people’s dogs. Pretty sure they are the greatest creatures on this planet.
Have you ever worked a “normal” job (not in the fitness/martial arts industry)? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?
Yes, many…don’t invest your time in meaningless jobs. Do one you actually love or enjoy…seriously, it makes a huge difference. It took me years of asking but the gym finally hired me. Now I am really happy being in a place I love being in.
What movie have you seen over 5 times?
Terminator 2, still no other movie like it today.
Is there a book you’ve read that has influenced your outlook on life or the way you approach certain situations or people?
The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker.
“Apryl is such an asset to Absolute MMA. She selflessly gives her time to others and is always there for me on and off the mat. I seriously couldn’t ask for more in a human being.”- Kim Cousins
“I owe 100% of my friendships through the gym to Apryl. 70% is just her being an awesome friend and the other 30% are people who talk to me because I know her. 10/10 would recommend as a buddy”- Sarah Wahjudi
“She does alright for a blue belt.”- Daniel Howard
“Apryl is a talented grappler who is loved by her friends and adored by wild animals everywhere. In August 2014, I saw her befriend a pack of dingos in the Otways. The Alpha clearly respected her killer instincts. I highly recommend learning from Apryl if you’d like to learn wicked jitz or how to talk to animals.”- Han Wahjudi
“She is a savage on the mat and an absolute epic human being off the mat. One of the nicest humans you could meet… she puts in countless hours with the girls team and leads from the front. What an asset to have on the amma team!”- Nick Metcalfe
“Apryl is not only a beast to roll with, she’s truly one of the most supportive and friendly people in the gym. She’s always willing to help you with drilling, and she will always push you to be the best you can on the mat. She’s part of the reason we have such an awesome culture for the women doing Jiu Jitsu at Absolute.” – Sarah Sinclair
“Apryl has been back to Estonia more than I have in the last five years.”- Richard Lattemagi
“Apryl is one of the most kind and scary women you can find on BJJ in Australia.
Dedicated student, coach and good friend she is always able to help our teammates.
I think she will be one of the best female coaches in Australia in the future.
I like Apryl as a person because she is real and if she is unhappy with something she will tell why. I like people like that.” – Coach Thiago Stefanutti