We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Graeme McKenna, travelling BJJ practitioner who hails originally from Dublin, and who has eventually settled right here in Melbourne with us. Beginning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey after suffering submission at the hands of a 15 year old, Graeme attained a solid resolution to train hard, and set off to travel the world and experience different clubs along the way. We’re sure his friendly attitude will take him far, and we wish this blue belt all the luck of Irish in his journey to never be submitted by a teenager again. Read on to find out more about Graeme!
Occupation: Membership Manager for a Non Profit Company.
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Enjoy watching AFL)
How did you get into the sport?
I got choked out by a 15 year old Chinese-American girl while I was a grown man so that pretty much got me hooked!
What are your immediate training goals?
Not getting choked out by anymore 15 year old kids and hoping to compete in the adult section before the end of the year.
What are your goals for the next five years?
To log as many hours on the mats as I can, become the most Australian person you have ever met (more Aussie than Richard Lättemägi) and to travel to as many foreign BJJ clubs as possible.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The family vibe/ The ridiculously high quality of instructors/training partners and the lack of 15 year old Chinese-American kids with the desire to choke me.
What is your favourite move?
Wrist locking white-belts and pulling bottom side control.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Hit me baby one more time is THE walkout song.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
The White Flame.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I enjoy long walks on the beach and having pina-coladas in the rain. I also like drunkenly booking random trips away.
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 Dublin, Ireland. Have lived in the USA, Canada and the UK in recent years. Ended up meeting a lovely lady in London and she managed to convince me that her home town was better than almost anywhere else in the world. A couple of years and several visas later I am finally here for good!
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I genuinely admire people who have the discipline to keep their s**t together even when the wheels are falling off. There is so much to be said for just getting on with things!
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Limp Briskit in Collingwood is one of my faves simply for the awful pun. Other than that, Lamb on Brunswick is going to send me to an early grave!
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Your Ninjutsu instructor definitely would NOT beat up that skinny Brazilian fella in the pirated copy of UFC 1!
“Graeme is a man after my own heart; loves his food, puns and to travel with jiu jitsu. He is quite simply one of the nicest guys around.”- Tim Baker
“Graeme is a soft spoken KILLER! A well travelled gentleman and a scholar. A true Renaissance man, Graeme is a bard, a salesman, a fighter and a lover. Very generous with his time. More recently he’s also managed to convince his better half to train at Absolute MMA. What a power couple.” – Richard Lattemagi
“Graeme is a super nice bloke who is always willing to learn and help out others on the mat.”- Cooper Burnham
“Graeme is a pleasure to have in class. He squeezes sessions in whenever he can and uses his time on the mat wisely. Good luck with your jiu jitsu journey. Looking forward to another roll.”- Oliver Smith
“Graeme is a great training partner, always happy and helpful. He likes throwing a joke while crushing your face on the ground. Although from our gym in Wimbledon to Melbourne, it does feel like the guy is following me.”- Juliette Brillet