We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Jake “Savvy” Savic, amateur MMA fighter and Collingwood regular. Dedicated to his sport, Jake has fought on Path to Hex and Eternal MMA in the past and has goals to compete professionally. Jake can be found at Friday night sparring at the gym and is always happy to throw down! Read on to find out more about Jake.
Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts
How did you get into the sport?
I watched a documentary on the first UFC and thought it was the coolest thing ever.
What are your immediate training goals?
Compete in amateur MMA.
What are your goals for the next five years?
To get into the UFC.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
High level and standard of training with good people.
What is your favourite move?
Double leg take down.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Deira city centre by night Lovell.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Watching and reading stuff to feed my mind, such as self improvement books and videos.
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 from the western suburbs of Melbourne, an interesting story about me growing up would have to be when I started training at the age of 13, with adults and being one of the only young kids in class. Being so obsessed with the sport I used to come home from school and watch old UFC cards on Foxtel before going to training.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to successful people that don’t come from much, but work their way up through whatever profession they’ve chosen to become successful in. Driven people such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and George St-Pierre.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
The Croatian house in Footscray. I recommend ordering the mixed grill.
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 okay to lose to adults during rolling/sparring, you’re only 13 haha.
“This little youngin will be a champ one day! Keep working hard and don’t forget to drill those oil checks!”- Fei Yen
“Jake has been whipped ever since he became Lisa’s wife.”- Daniel Howard
“Every time I spar with Jake, he thinks he wins but that’s because I let him. Jokes, but in all seriousness he’s got a beast wrestling game and he’s probably been a blue belt in BJJ for 10 years. You can always muck around with a guy, but when it gets down and dirty and you need that boost in training for your next fight he’s the guy to go to.”- Donn Malate
” ‘It’s not an accent I just have a deep voice’ – Jake Savic, proudly representing the area as he tries his hardest to impress Lisa Kyriacou.”- Joe Boobyer
“The improvements Jake has made in his training while at Absolute are immeasurable! From up-skilling his pre-existing grappling skills, adding flourishes to his striking acumen, and now doing a great job with strength and conditioning, Jake has reinvented himself at Absolute. It’s great to have been witness to, and to have been a part of his journey. Despite all of that, I think the most rewarding thing, has been getting to witness the beautiful relationship bloom between himself and Lisa ‘Beef’ Kyriacou. A relationship that has truly made me believe again.”- Amit Narayan
“His height and speed makes a perfect training and sparring partner for a flyweight even though he fights at lightweight due to his size lol. Full of positive energy and smiles in the gym. The man loves to throw a spinning backfist.”- Ridz Wan
“Seeing what Jake is able to withstand both inside and outside of the gym is nothing short of amazing. His ability to take punishment and keep on going is seriously impressive. A lot of men would’ve tapped out by now, but his relationship with Lisa is something that must be worth fighting for. He’s a good mixed martial artist too.” – Oliver Smith