We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Eylem Mustafoff, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student, tax consultant and nail artist at I Scream Nails! When she is not making beautiful, inspired nail art on the hands of Melbourne, Eylem is training hard with our grapplers on the mats. She always brings a positive energy to the gym and is a valued member of our female team. Read on to find out more about Eylem!
How did you get into the sport?
Watching the ‘My Boyfriend Teaches Me Jiu Jitsu’ YouTube video by Jenna Marbles made me really want to try it. I spoke to a friend that trained at a martial arts gym and told him I wanted to start BJJ. He discouraged me, making me feel like I wasn’t good enough or fit enough to start. (It’s okay, we’re not friends anymore haha). Fast forward a couple of years, I mentioned it in passing to another friend and her response was ‘Let’s do it!’
What are your immediate training goals?
At the moment, I’m focusing on becoming comfortable with the person I am on and off the mat. The rest will come when I’m ready.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Get a bit of colour on my belt and compete at least once!
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The people – coaches, staff and the friends I’ve made. I always feel accepted and welcome.
What is your favourite move?
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (the original – I pretend the remake doesn’t exist).
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Lose Yourself by Eminem always gets me pumped (and that goes for all of my Eminem favourites). I also think that walking out to Pass That Dutch by Missy Elliot would be both amazing and hilarious.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
General nickname/gaming name: Lemlem (or just Lem). Potential fight name: ‘Eyleminator’ but I have to start eliminating first. Work in progress!
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Nail art, gaming, reading and writing.
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 and raised in Melbourne, so nothing exciting there. Growing up, I spent most of my time swimming, trying to be at the top of my class at school and challenging people to arm wrestles. My name means protest in Turkish, so that’s pretty cool!
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to people that are strong, but aren’t afraid to be genuine and vulnerable. I love hearing about a person’s journey, their passions and what makes them who they are. I can’t look up to someone that isn’t kind or relatable.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
I love going to China Red because I like dumplings and ordering from screens. When I’m not being anti social, Empress of China and Shanghai Street work well too!
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Go to class with an open mind and be ready to learn. And don’t psych yourself out – you’ll be fine!
“Eylem started training in the Introduction to BJJ classes over 12 months ago. From day 1 she was always positive and happy and willing to give it her best in every session. Watching Eylem improve and advance to the All Levels classes at lunch time has been my proudest coaching moment to date.
Thanks for being such a star!”- Oliver Smith
“Eylem is one of those people when you learn more about them you get a lot of surprises. She does these really cool mini art works on nails. This to me shows patients and an eye for detail. That aside she’s very supportive of others in the team and is willing to give some thing a try. Even outside her comfort zone. I hope to continue seeing her push herself outside the comfort zone even more ?”- Apryl Eppinger
“I was lucky enough to teach Eylem in a few intro classes, she has a wonderful smile that makes teaching easy.”- Sean Le Gourrierec
“Eylem is one of those those people whom you spend a day with and you feel like you’ve known forever. Can’t wait to get our schedules aligned so we can train together.” – Alison Loft