We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Adrian “Axe” Mannix, a regular face in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu morning sessions and marathon runner. Known for his passion for racing and competition, Adrian has done Tough Mudder, Triple Crown Hawaii, the Melbourne Marathon AND the Eureka Stair Climb recently- what a champion! Always ready to lend a hand on the mats, Adrian is a giving soul and we could not be happier to have him on board. Read on to find out more about this legend!
Occupation: Safety Director
Martial Arts/Sports: BJJ / Ultra Marathons
How did you get into the sport?
I utilised BJJ as cross training for when I played gridiron and loved it. Since then, gridiron has stopped but BJJ has filled the void.
What are your immediate training goals?
BJJ – Just to keep learning, and getting better at the sport. There is nothing like Jits fitness and it has a very important place in my physical and mental training plans. I’m also planning to run the HURT 100 miler in January 2020. Fingers crossed.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Keep the dream alive: It would be great to compete in BJJ again on a regular basis. Mentally I want to break myself at the Tahoe 200 miler.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Absolute MMA has bought some amazing people into my life. I’m very grateful for that.
What is your favourite move?
Peruvian necktie or Darce choke.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Move up by eloquor.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I love to get over to Hawaii, it my favourite holiday destination and the people are amazing.
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 grew up in Tassie and when I was 12, whilst on a fishing trip when I fell 20 meters off a cliff on woody island requiring stitches to reconnect my ear. I moved to Melbourne when I was 19 for study/work and never left.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Peter Florenini – I just can’t believe this guy isn’t dead yet. Always a great attitude and tougher than an old leather boot. We all can learn from Peter.
David Goggins – We have a tendency to run away from the truth. When things are not working, it is easy to blame this or that. In order to emerge stronger on the other side, we need to accept our faults.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Teriyaki Chicken (could be the best ever) from Yoshi in South Yarra. You’re welcome.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
You don’t need to kill everybody to have a good workout. Training partners can be friends too.
“Adrian is one of those guys that you just have to push to train, he lives a very sedentary life style, never quite doing enough sport and his questionable diet of KFC for breakfast, lunch and dinner has resulted in his numerous chins…..no one said ever. Tragically he is a great guy, loyal, committed to self development and the development of others with a strong moral compass and as about authentic as you can get.”- Dean Burgess
“What the hell does this guy eat? Rolling with him is like rolling with a metal vice! And to make matters worse he can chase me down no matter how far I run! Lucky he’s such a good guy I guess 😉”- Anton Harrison Kern
“He helped me HEAPS, he actually put in a lot of time and effort into the whole morning crew over in St Kilda. Without him, a lot of the coloured belts wouldn’t have them. Genuinely caring, selfless and great teacher. Super patient and has time for everyone.”- Meesh Hall
“I looked in his gym bag once and it was filled with lucky charms…rabbits feet, four leave clovers, horse shoes all sorts of stuff…” – Greg Carrol
