We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Sarah Sinclair, three stripe white belt and one of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ladies! Sarah can be found powering through two to three classes a day and is progressing rapidly in BJJ after making the move from Karate. She loves a good giggle, is a meme master and is always making us laugh in and out of the gym! Read on to find out more about Sarah.
Occupation: Business Banking Associate
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
I’ve always wanted to train in BJJ, however cross training was discouraged in my Karate Club. After I graded to 2nd Dan, I decided to take a break and reached out to a friend who trained at Absolute. Best decision I’ve ever made 🙂
What are your immediate training goals?
Currently strengthening and rehabilitation of my knee, so that I can roll more confidently and fully trust my movement. Competing is also on the horizon this year for me, so I’m aiming to ramp up the training and get better at take downs.
What are your goals for the next five years?
In the next 5 years, I’d like to have more experience with competing, possibly even have the opportunity to do some training and comps overseas. Movement is also something I’m committed to improving with respect to training.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The people are amazing here, and the calibre and range of experience across the coaches and other students means that I will always have the opportunity to improve. The culture and support here is fantastic.
What is your favourite move?
I’m really liking the weave pass at the moment, and also the bow and arrow.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
I like a lot of random stuff – I’d say that the majority of my collection is a combination of alternative, metal, progressive trance and deep house. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Lane 8.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
The first nickname I got at Absolute was “Sezzy-Lee” haha, I’ve recently also acquired “Jandals”.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I’m probably the most relaxed after a swim, but I usually wind down on the couch watching something on Netflix 🙂
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 in a rural town on the Bellarine Peninsula called Portarlington and moved out when I was 19. Since then, I’ve kind of bounced around Melbourne and finally settled in St Kilda 🙂 Also one of the best decisions I’ve made 🙂
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I’d say the people I train with, especially the people who have the time and patience to coach me during a roll 🙂 you know who you are.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Oh my god, there are so many!! I really enjoy ramen – and there’s an awesome ramen bar in China Town called Fukuryu Ramen. If you upload a pic of yourself with the ramen on Insta, you get free green tea ice cream!!! Also, if you’re ever down Geelong way, Fujisan on Ryrie Street have a decent ramen as well 🙂
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
I’d probably tell myself to relax (something that I’m still needing to remember now and then). Also to listen to my body and not ignore the niggly little injuries.
“A powerhouse, keep an eye on her or you’ll be in danger! On and off the mats. She’s also a firecracker and fun to hang out with.”- Tina Trinh
“Sarah’s determination and dedication are dwarfed only by the positive energy she brings to the mats, she’s like a beam of sunshine in a Gi, straight to the top I reckon.” – Maxwell Mews
“To explain Sarah I have prepared a bunch of meme and video references Christmas Pud video, the meme breaking the treat in half does not count as two treats and the video of a golden retriever playing with a golf ball, drops the ball in then celebrates with a romp. With references like these, it’s clear, Sarah loves a good laugh, she’s funny and adorably lovable when it comes to training and rolling.
She is my daily dose of fun and laughs, I always leave with a smile when hanging out with Sarah, you stay classy and never change.” – Apryl Eppinger
“She’s funny, nice and very positive. On the mat, she has an aggressive style and she has been progressing a lot lately. She’s a nice girl.”- Thiago Stefanutti