Coach Kaan “Genghis” Olfi is a mixed martial artist with a professional record of 5-2-1. He holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has over 5 years experience as a coach. He has been training for over 11 years and has spent the last 4 years as a full-time professional. He holds a Cert 3 in Fitness. All the best to Kaan on the upcoming HEX 18 (29/03/2019) where he is matched against opponent Scott “Mad Dog” MacGregor, with Kaan coming in to the bout on a 2-fight win streak following his only loss! Read on to find out more about Kaan!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
Getting international experience both in training and fighting.
What made you start Martial Arts?
My father put me into a soccer club, first season in he noticed I wasn’t good at of the positions besides tackling everyone. So at 11, I started martial arts, the first being Japanese jujitsu, then BJJ, then ninjitsu.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA?
I was introduced through friends, then one thing led to another.
What are your immediate training goals?
Gaining a desire to grab peoples feet.
Mantra/Quote to live by?
What you think you become, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you create.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Great variety of coaches/staff/facility, and training partners. There’s all sorts of amazing and interesting characters at Absolute MMA. You’d be lame to not enjoy the vibe.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
I’ve already released my single (haha). No, seriously, in 2015 my good friend and music producer created a walk out song for me. Check it on apple music, “Genghis kaan anthem”.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
UFC.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Music! Learning, visualising and meditation. Massages/cryotherapy/float tank. In the past few months I’ve gained a new love for the water and swimming laps, focusing on relaxing and breathing.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tough choice between sushi or pizza.
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 was born in Melbourne, growing up my family moved around a lot, and we lived all over Australia. We even lived farm life once upon a time, I’ve lived in a tent, spent a short time in an all aboriginal school in Robinvale and moved schools a lot as a teen. There was a stage in my life where I had nowhere to live, with my mum and sister waiting for government housing for about a 2 year period, living in a car, homeless refugee building, and a church. I went through a lot of adversity growing up, learning early on that the cards where dealt against me.
What is your favourite travel destination? Why?
I’ve still got a lot of travelling to do, for the moment it’s Bali, it’s a magical island.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to people that are real. People who have a positive impact on this world. People that are inspiring and spread good energy. People that encounter difficult circumstances, but are determined and courageous enough to live life on their terms, and have created something out of nothing.
What’s your favourite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?
I like listening to most genres, mainly reggae, dance rnb, hip hop. My favourite artist is J Cole, I was able to relate and be inspired by his lyrics from a young age, he’s one of the last ones left that keeps it real.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
I’m convinced I was a heavy weight in my past life, sometimes I train extra hard, just so I can eat a lot of food. So if I’ve gone hard on you in sparring, don’t take it personally, I was probably just hungry.
During an 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?
Oliver, because he’s tall and can see the zombies coming. Joe, because he’s got good humour and teeps. Lastly Lisa, because I already know she will be more of a savage than a zombie.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Patience.
“Kaan is either the most well-adjusted, soft-spoken and nicest professional fighter I’ve ever met or a serial killer. He also has some of the worst ears I’ve ever seen.” – Daniel Herbertson
“Ahh yea. Yea nah, yea. What a gun.”- Joe Boobyer
“Kaan is an absolute machine.”- Lisa Kyriacou
“Kaan is awesome, within a matter of weeks of joining the team, it seemed like he was a long time member. He’s got a great work ethic and he’s become a good friend to everyone he’s worked around, and is always ready for a chat and coffee when needed. Kaan is an awesome addition to the team, he brings so much experience to the table, as well as an easy going welcoming presence that makes the gym better!”- Amit Narayan
“Ever wondered what good posture is? Then look no further than Kaan’s perfectly straight back. A great coach and friend, it’s been awesome having you around the gym and I can’t wait to see you throw down on the 29th of March!”- Oliver Smith
“Kaan looks like a human sized chicken nugget.”- Richard Lattemagi
“Kaan looks like a scary bloke from the outside, but he’s all cheerful and lively when you meet him. He’s a dedicated athlete with slick technique and a fair bit of experience to back it up. He also hits like a truck. I reckon he’s going to put the Australian featherweight division on notice, so keep an eye out for him.”- Elliott Glenister