We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Anica Wajswelner, large animal veterinary nurse, car enthusiast and Muay Thai student. Enthusiastic, a great listener and fresh off a stint at Absolute MMA Thailand, we are excited to see what skills Anica has brought back to us from Phuket! Read on to find out more about Anica.
Occupation: Large animal veterinary nurse, I mainly work with horses, and a bit with cattle, but mostly training horses and keeping them in good health. I am also currently recruiting for the police force.
Martial Arts/Sports: Muay Thai.
How did you get into the sport?
I have always had a fascination with combat sports and liked the idea of being able to protect myself, and stay fit. I had a friend who trained at the gym and suggested I give it a go. I was beyond nervous when I walked through the doors, but after a few classes I quickly fell in love with Muay Thai.
What are your immediate training goals?
My immediate training goals are to sharpen my techniques, improve my fitness and strength, and learn how to relax between drills. Also implementing checking kicks in sparring so my leg can get a break from being in a constant state of bruise.
What are your goals for the next five years?
In the next five years I hope to have accomplished a few fights. It Is definitely a big aspiration to put all the skills I’ve learned and to be practised and disciplined enough to fight. I hope I have found a healthy balance between training, work and well being.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
You can literally walk into any class and immediately connect with your training partners, everyone is always so helpful to one another and the comradery between the coaches and students is very special to be a part of. You can set yourself any short or long term goals and know that you have the support of the coaches and your training mates.
What is your favourite move?
I have been a fan of the good old left teep to switch kick of late, that or a solid knee elbow combo.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Around The World by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Toohey bestowed ‘Curly’ to me, so naturally I got that made into my mouth guard. Not sure if he even knows my real name. No fight name yet – but I sure hope I’ll find a good one… Kickass Cowgirl has a nice ring to it.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I love to hitch the horse float up and compete in Working Equitation and Ranch Riding events with my horse. I am also a massive car enthusiast so love taking my VF and going for drives through country Victoria.
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 California, so I have had lots of opportunities to spend time in The States. I lived in Canberra for most of my childhood and then moved to Melbourne for high school. I studied veterinary nursing, finished my degree and have now decided I would like to go for a career in public service, eventually detective work, that brings me to where I’m at today.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to my mentors in any discipline in life, those are the people that support you and aspire to help you become the greatest you can be. I also admire the people that work hard when faced with challenges and persist to overcome them, whether that be making better choices, taking responsibility for actions, or doing something way out of their comfort zone.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
The Petite Crepery on Swanston Street make the most legendary Nutella crepes.
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 is okay to feel like a complete dingus, and prepare – you’re gonna be sore tomorrow.
“We had Anica for a week in Thailand, during this time I managed to get her interested in BJJ, you can instantly tell she has the right mind for the sport, and that enthusiasm and motivation that will take her a long way.”- Sam Hibberd
“Anica is always willing to learn and a great training partner. Someone that encourages you to keep going! Can’t wait to see how much she’s improved from Thailand!”- Cindy Huynh
“Fast learner and brings great energy to the gym, you can visibly see her passion for martial arts grow – so much so that she’s already visited Absolute MMA Thailand! Hope she brings back some tricks to show us.”- Fei Yen