We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Zachary Ayman, blue belt at Absolute MMA St Kilda, and donkey-guard connoisseur. Zach has competed at both AGC (Melbourne) and Grappling Industries, and we look forward to seeing what the rest of 2019 holds for him on the competitive circuit! Read on to find out more about Zach.
Occupation: Graphic Designer & Bottleshop Manager
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
UFC Undisputed on PS3.
What are your immediate training goals?
Learn and win.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Sponsorship and a scholarship to a uni overseas.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Everything, everyone and everybody.
What is your favourite move?
Armbar RNC.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Wild Thing – X.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Cooking and Reddit.
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?
From Melbourne, Victoria – well and an interesting story is, I used to write comics for my primary school with a toilet as the main character! (lol).
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
My mum because she taught me at a young age to work hard.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Tandoori Pavillion in Edithvale – get the garlic naan.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Have fun and keep learning.
“Zach shares my hatred of Tom DeBlass, which is an instant tick of approval from me! A super lovely guy and a great person to have in the team! 
“- Hannah Gorman
“Zach is a man of many words, quotes, ideas, stories and accents. Some useful, some not useful at all, but all are guaranteed to kick start a conversation in any room. Keep up the good work Zach!”- Tom Everett
“Our resident donkey guard connoisseur.”- Richard Lattemagi
“Who is Zach Ayman? Zach is a forever improving asset to the gym. He comes in, trains, asks questions, gets better and then comes back for more! He’s resilient, competes well and is an outstanding person.” – Mikael Yahaya
“Been driving with Zach to training for a year and never know what to expect, one day he will speak as John Danaher the whole trip, the next he will belt out a Dixie Chicks album.”- Matthew McGuinness