We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Dean Burgess, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, heavy metal enthusiast (also an incredible singer) and proud father of three, two of which are following in his footsteps by taking up BJJ. Martial arts clearly runs in the family, with Dean’s father taking him to start Judo at the age of 6! Dean is a key member of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition team and has the ability to make anyone smile, no matter how terribly their day is going. Read on to find out more about this rockstar!
Occupation: IT (allegedly).
Martial Arts/Sports: Judo, Karate, Jujitsu and expressive dance.
How did you get into the sport?
Started Judo in 1976 when dad took me to the Judo club.
What are your immediate training goals?
Be less fat!
What are your goals for the next five years?
Be good at Jits!
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The culture and people.
What is your favourite move?
KFC 3 piece feed.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Twilight of the Thunder God ~ Amon Amarth.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
“That old guy”.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Be a Dad or go to Spartans & lift.
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 Sydney (don’t hold that against me) I started Judo at age 6 with my Dad (Nidan at the time) under Jim Robinson, my 3 uncles were also black belts and I clearly remember my first time on the mats, I got an absolute hiding and my uncle Harold actually choked me out at age 6! …I sat out the rest of the class and watched dad throw him into the mats so hard you could feel the dojo move, and then Robbo put him to sleep in Kesa-Gatame, I can remember the look just before he did it….I went with dad every week until I was 14 and then trained Karate from 1984 – 2014, we moved to Melbourne for work and I’ve been here ever since.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Anyone with a decent morale compass, a sense of humour & who’s dedicated to their art – My Dad, Bon Scott, Bruce Dickinson, Dorian Yates, Hafþór Björnsson, Eddie Hall and Gaange Rolf.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Home and Salad (the other red meat).
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Don’t train with uncle Harold!
“Dean is a really cool guy when he’s not on top of you.”- Max Mews
“I’ve known Dean for about six years, but it feels like a lot longer. During his time here at Absolute, Dean has come a long way from the hired help that used to just carry my bags as I prepared for training. Nowadays, better known as the ‘king of rock’ around the gym, he’s great for a laugh and always very generous with his time with anyone that asks for help. Dean is one of those people that helps make this place great. It has been my pleasure to watch Dean grow and extend his takedown game beyond his trademark ankle picks, but as always, people with great talents continuously look to develop themselves and take on more challenges worthy of their skills.
I was excited when I heard that Dean had decided to become a Ninja Warrior. Little known to most, it has always been a dream of Dean’s to conquer the warped wall. He has been working hard on his spaghetti arms, now able to almost do half a pull up. Now that the ‘bridge of blades’ and ‘salmon ladder’ are well in the revision mirror, he is more than ready for the fortune and fame of this action packed adventure. I strongly believe he will find his true calling. Please note that Dean is now accepting sponsorship for the next season’s Ninja Warrior series.” – Adrian Mannix
“Dean is the most gentleman Godzilla we have in the club! He is a man with a multiple talents, a total rockstar (literally), good father, good friend and a good student. I actually have him as an old brother who I teach and learn!”- Thiago Stefanutti
“One of the kindest and most interesting people you will ever meet! Dean is the kind of person who you can talk to about anything. His insight and knowledge on life is incredibly valuable. We’re very lucky to have him as part of the Absolute family! Stay metal legend! 🤘”- Maryanne Mullahy
“Dean possess two traits which make him the Odin of the team. Strength and Kindness. This brother will do anything for his friends. Let’s get some KFC and beer next time Deano!” – Stanley Huang
“He sent me a message one day ‘You and George smash me from the back, yes I am talking about jiu jitsu’. He is a genuinely nice guy around the gym, is always there for his friends and he is a loving family man. He is well respected by all. P.S, don’t tell him I said nice things about him 😃” – Sharky Ruffo
“Dean Burgess is a rockstar! He trains like a machine and is always helping others making them feel comfortable in class. He is the type of guy to make you burst out laughing when you’re in a foul mood and he will always have your back. Love the guy.”- Sean Le Gourrierec
“Dean, what a dude. He is one of the nicest guys in the gym, but when he’s not injured he could crush you with his bare hands.. The mfer has the voice of angel too, don’t believe me? Go find him on YouTube.”- Nick Metcalfe
“It’s always great to see Dean in class. He’s a fantastic guy with a set of solid gold pipes.”- Alistair Marx
“Dean is the guy that’d give you the shirt off his own back if he knew it’d help. He is practical and cares about people. Especially when it comes to family, you won’t find a more fierce and devoted father and husband.”- Apryl Eppinger
“If the great Norse god Odin ever walked into Absolute MMA…… it would not be Dean Burgess…… however he is the the Great Odin to the boys of Absolute. The man is an lover of heavy metal, can sing like a rockstar, follows the Wang meal diet plan like a true boss meat salad is a true fried chicken lover…… forgot to mention he’s one of the loveliest people on the mat. Nothing but respect for Deano….. fry on fella. Valhalla awaits you!”- Bailey Wang
