We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Hannah Gorman, member of the year for 2018, an awesome asset to our gym, and massive support for the female team. This high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt can be found taking amazing photos of the crew and we have her to thank for many of our profile pictures. Thank you for all your great photography Hannah, and for being part of the team! Read on to find out more about Hannah!
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
I’d always been a sporty person, and in late 2010, when I started watching Elite XC I instantly knew I wanted to start MMA. When I contacted my local gym to sign up, the coach there asked me if I had any ground fighting experience. I told him I didn’t, and I made it pretty clear that I wasn’t interested, but he insisted I tried a Jiu-Jitsu class. I reluctantly showed up to a class, where we were learning how to break closed guard. I got hooked right away and remember how sore my body was for days afterwards! Haha. I trained MMA alongside Jiu-Jitsu for a few months, but I kept getting small injuries from MMA and would miss a couple of weeks of training. It was when I realised I missed Jiu-Jitsu more than the MMA that I ditched the MMA and trained solely in Jiu Jitsu.
What are your immediate training goals?
I’m not an avid competitor, but I should push myself to compete more this year. I also have Lachie’s half guard DVD and Craig’s leg lock DVD to work through!
What are your goals for the next five years?
I need to maintain a regular stretching and strength program to keep my back and hips strong for training. I don’t recover as fast as I used to. I’m also patiently waiting for something magical to happen to my Jiu Jitsu over the next few years as my next belt is the black coloured one.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
I think anytime you share an obsession with a heap of people, they become like a second family. The added benefit to Absolute MMA is the world-class coaching team; not every gym has such a high level of instruction and/or world champions to call train with and learn from. It’s also the only gym I’ve trained at that has a constantly expanding group of ladies on the mat which is a testament to the inclusive nature at all 3 of the gyms. The Jits’n’tits girls in St Kilda were super welcoming to me, and they’ve become the best friends I could have asked for.
What is your favourite move?
Sweeps from deep half guard. I’m also partial to a leg lock.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
I listen to everything from 90’s garage to chill-hop. I endure whatever trash is played during training!
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I like to take photos at training and to make mini-movies. I also like skating and surfing.
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 moved to Melbourne from Devon in the UK, after always wanting to move to Australia. My parents used to live in Queensland and I used to holiday there lots as a kid.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to Lachie and Liv, as not only are they world-class athletes and coaches, but they take the time to help everyone learn, regardless of their ability. They show us techniques, and then go out and win world championship medals using the same techniques they’ve taught us. What more could you ask for?! I also really look up to the guys and girls at the St Kilda gym. A mix of totally different people who all get along super well and encourage each other to be the best they can be. It’s a great atmosphere!
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
I love eating at Sister of Soul in St Kilda. I recommend the nasi goreng and the polenta jenga. And the massaman curry. Ooo, and the udon noodles. All of it. I recommend all of it.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Not to compare my abilities to others, to enjoy each stripe at each belt and to not avoid training my weak areas.
“She’s alright… for a British brown belt bellend.”- Young Nghiem
“Hannah loves celebrating her birthday. She loves introductions and talking about herself. She wishes she got happy birthday sang to her every day. In all seriousness though, she is one of the nicest people I know. She is caring and the most supportive and inclusive teammate ever. Her BJJ is also amazing and she loves to sit on me and squish me and footlock me 10x a roll. Absolute would not be the same without her.” – Livia Giles
“Hannah is amazing to have around the club, she is always helping out, making cool videos, and leg locking people.” – Lachlan Giles
“Hannah is the biggest bellend of us all. She likes kunbaya and is the initiator of our weekly circle time during the girls class. She loves being the centre of attention and she loves to dance. She also loves heel hooking people in the gi – especially the white belts. Having said all that, Hannah also hides behind her cameras and takes all the cool shots of us! Hannah is one of the most caring and supportive team mate and we love love loveeee her to bits!! Make sure you wish her a happy birthday every time you see her around at the gym, she’ll definitely appreciate all the love!” – Chisaki Akiyama