A very warm welcome to James Peter Sullivan, our newest addition to the reception staff at Absolute MMA! With the same name as the protagonist from Monsters Inc., James is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and despite not being blue and covered in fur, is a monster on the mats in his own right, having won a New Zealand national championship in the past. We first met James at one of our Craig Jones’ camps at Absolute MMA Thailand and we are very glad to have him with us as part of the team after he moved to Australia earlier this year. Read on to find out more about our boy from NZ, James!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
I won a NZ National Championship in BJJ, that was cool.
What made you start Martial Arts?
I wanted to be able to beat up my older brother.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I trained at Absolute MMA Australia for a whole 3 weeks before joining the team. There was a job opening, I applied and was lucky enough to get the job. Prior to being in the Martial arts industry, I finished a Health Science degree over the last 3 years and I worked in the insurance industry before that, it sucked.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Changes all the time. Currently (18/06/2019) the last 2:30 mins of Chronos by Parkway Drive.
Mantra/Quote to live by?
‘Austin 3:16’.
Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
Growing up in the mean streets of Wellington, New Zealand was tough. Lots of gangs and crime. Just happy I survived.
Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. He beat up his boss and got away with it.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Almond Croissant from Wellington Sour Dough Company. It’s something special.
If you weren’t working in the Martial Arts industry, what would you be doing?
Working in the Public Health system or working as a PT.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working somewhere better than Absolute MMA.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Watch NJPW.
If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?
Sloth.
What is your favourite travel destination? Why?
Travel is overrated. Thailand is pretty great though.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a third nipple.
What were some funny/interesting/weird hobbies you had when you were a teenager?
I wanted to be a professional bowler at one stage. That lasted around 2 weeks.
Can you think of a common inspirational quote that you completely disagree with and why?
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” ― Socrates. Socrates clearly did not value privacy very highly.
Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?
Stock market, politics, physiology, coffee and food.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Generally people with a public platform that risk being persecuted to express an opinion to change the conversation or challenge a social norm.
Do you have a “useless” talent that makes people smile every time you use it?
I can do a back flip.
When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
I moved countries this year, hadn’t done that before.
Have you done other sports besides martial art and which teams/athletes are your favourite? Any funny stories?
Favourite team is ‘Chaos’ from NJPW, although prime ‘NWO’ is very good.
Have you ever worked a job not in the fitness/martial arts industry? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?
I worked in insurance. The highlight was learning that I definitely did not want to be in insurance. I also taught gymnastics to kids, learned that I didn’t want to have kids.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Currently the ‘Prato Freito’ from B’cos Brazil. Favourite place changes all the time.
What’s your favourite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?
Everything, but I do have a soft spot for 2000-2005 R&B. I strongly believe that ‘Say my Name’ by Destiny’s Child, is the greatest R&B song of all time.
What movie have you seen over 5 times?
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Is there a book you’ve read that has influenced your outlook on life or the way you approach certain situations or people?
Harry Potter. I take things less seriously, because I know I’m just a muggle and eventually the wizards will take over anyway.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
That no matter what anyone tries to you, Deep Half Guard is a waste of time and doesn’t work.
During an Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 Absolute MMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?
Are they Undead Zombies brought back to life by a Necromancer or Zombies brought on by a plague virus? I would need to know before I could pick.
“James, although from New Zealand, is quite a nice fellow. Easy going, sharp as a (very blunt) tack, and always down for a roll. We met in Thailand at the very first Craig Jones camp and I’m glad our paths have crossed again. Welcome to the team.”- Oliver Smith
“I’ve not known James very long, but we have hung out a couple of times, he is a funny friendly guy, and I’m really looking forward to rolling with him more!”- Tim Baker
“I met James when he was 15 years old as a kitchen hand, not yet a man, not quite a boy…but he definitely identified as a male. Fast forward to 2015 where randomly I crossed paths with James on the mats of AMMA South Yarra as a purple belt. To my dismay, James had become very skilled in BJJ which deterred me from bullying him (like we did in the kitchen). He had also grown into an even more awesome dude than expected. James is a genuine, unique guy who is always keen to help, and super funny. He can also eat more food than anyone that has ever existed ever. I’m stoked James is at AMMA, his passion for BJJ, health and fitness is an asset for sure.”- Michael Morrison
“He’s wonderful, top bloke.”- Alistair Marx
“I’ve had the privilege of working with James. Hes a funny guy who’s always up for a chat and a killer brown belt.”- Maria Zampogna
“He is such a helpful guy to roll with, always showing me how to better my techniques and improve my game, thanks for all the tips Richard”- Maxwell Mews
“In case you can’t tell us apart, James wears a black hoodie, I wear the white. He is also slightly better at jiu jitsu.”- Richard Lattemagi
