We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Taru Siipola, our Finnish Mixed Martial Artist with a background in Krav Maga, who has fought at the amateur level in Muay Thai. Working towards having her first MMA bout this year, Taru has a great attitude in how she approaches learning new martial arts, and isn’t afraid to jump in and try new things! Read on to find out more about Taru.
Occupation: I do concrete labouring by day and work in a bottle shop by night. Not all heroes wear capes am I right?
Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts
How did you get into the sport?
I started doing Krav Maga about 5 years ago and realised I love punching things and well.. here I am!
What are your immediate training goals?
To get ready for my first MMA bout!
What are your goals for the next five years?
Fighting professionally from Melbourne representing Australia and my home country Finland. Hopefully looking to sign a multiple fight contract with a fight promotion.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The people 100%. Everyone has been nothing but amazing from day one. And all the coaches I’ve been working with have been so professional and helpful, and I know I can achieve my goals with this team.
What is your favourite move?
Any spinny s#it!
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Teurastaja – Turmion Kätilöt. It’s weird and brutal, kinda like me.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
“The Finnisher”
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Taking my pup Rango down to the beach, go to the footy (go the Dees!), binge watch Netflix and laugh at funny memes.
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’m originally from a small town in Finland and been living in Melbourne for almost 5 years now. I used to play drums as a kid and always dreamed about a career as a rockstar. Me and my mates even had a band called “The Seahorses” but unfortunately we didn’t end up conquering the world.
In my head back then I thought “I’ll move somewhere where it’s warm all the time!” but yeah, here I am in Melbourne! I also brought my mastiff Rango with me from Finland which was an experience on its own. I do love this city now and I’m happy to call it home.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to people who are driven and ambitious. I love being around people who are humble and dream big. It inspires me and drives me towards success and being a better version of myself.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
I don’t actually have a #1 favourite place to go, love trying new joints with good pizza-and-a-beer deal. Oh and any place with donuts. Lots of donuts.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
“It’s gonna be cool, you’re gonna learn this shit with time, just be patient”. I’m not always the most patient person and give myself a hard time for it. It’s all a big learning curve!
“She is a warm and friendly person, but she is also tough as nails on the mats.”- Lucas Catubig
“Taru is tough and adaptable, I see her training hard with the MMA crew and hear about her adventures in working concreting, working at a local bottle-o and studying. She can handle a fair load. The only complaint or request I ever heard from her…. is to not ask her to share her almonds with you.”- Apryl Eppinger
“I’ll keep this short.”- Emile Martinot
“Taru is an absolute powerhouse and a lot of fun to spar/kick pads with. She’s always smiling, is down for a laugh, and an absolute delight to have in the gym. I’m excited to see what the future holds for her fight career and to see her in the octagon one day!”- Emilie Yap
“Such a happy little ray of sunshine – never stops smiling even when she’s sparring.”- Georgia Verry
“Always going to have a good time and have fun at training with Taru. We have some good sparring rounds and you always have to watch out for that super man punch with her.”- Rebecca Cerra