Coach Mikael Yahaya is a locally and internationally competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt. A man of many names, “The Warbaby”…”Caramel Comfort”…he is also a IBJJF No Gi Worlds Medallist, 4 x Pan Pacific Champion, Kasai Pro 2 Superfight winner, Aus Grappling Championship Superfight Champion, Aus Sub Only Superfight Champion, an ADCC Japan Qualifier Veteran and an Abu Dhabi World Pro Veteran. What a list!
We’re lucky enough to have Mikael guiding our kids/teens BJJ program at Absolute MMA St Kilda and we can’t thank him enough for all the hard work he puts into teaching our prodigies. Read on to find out more about Mikael!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
My greatest achievement in this art is getting to meet all the lovely people from around the world that share a love for jiu-jitsu as I do.
What made you start Martial Arts?
Fitness and self defence, as well as a learning experience.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I practiced jiu-jitsu all throughout university and I attempted to make a full time thing of it during my gap year after I graduated. I got the teaching role with Absolute MMA 6-7 months into that year. Here I am now!
What is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
Seeing my sister for the very first time.
Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
Anyone that loves learning and stepping outside of their comfort zone is someone I’ll be inspired by. Someone that’s always changing and adapting. I love seeing that.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza. There’s always room for one more slice.
If you weren’t working in the Martial Arts industry, what would you be doing?
I’d like to say if I didn’t do martial arts that I would have taken a risk to try and make a music career. But who knows?
Mantra/Quote to live by?
“Always down to throwdown”.
If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?
A monkey. If you met me you’d understand.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I only learnt how to ride a skateboard at the age of 25. Thanks Sean Le Gourrierec!
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 Malaysia. I lived there till I was 12 and my parents sent me to boarding school here. Now here I am!
Can you think of a common inspirational quote that you completely disagree with and why?
Drillers make killers. No comment. The world ain’t ready.
Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?
Music definitely. I love the art of music. There is always so much to do and learn. Like sparring, every song played is always different. Things can never be replicated exactly. Nor should they be.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Most people. I’m pretty short.
Do you have a “useless” talent that makes people smile every time you use it?
I’m really good at making fun of Tom Everett.
Have you done other sports besides martial arts?
Rugby union. My first love. I was always the scrappy runt getting into fights. Not much has changed.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Hello Sam Cafe in South Yarra. Any burger is delicious!
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 be so harsh on yourself. Things will click eventually. We get better with light bulb moments. Not a steady gradient.
During a Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?
I believe I can run the furthest and the quickest. I think I’ll be fine on my own ?
“Mikael would probably be in the top three male light-featherweight brown belts from Malaysia that are living and competing in Australia.” – Dr Lachlan Giles
“I first met Mikael 3 years ago when he came into our old South Yarra location looking to train. Sadly Mikael was homeless, but he was a good kid so we decided to let him train anyway. He actually doesn’t even know how old he is. Some say he’s 15 others think he’s 37. He trains relentlessly, sometimes even 5 sessions in a single week. Obviously with this hard training schedule comes great results and we’ve seen him smash his way into the rankings, coming in as the 37th ranked light featherweight, masters 3, half Indian, half Malaysian jiu jitsu fighter he is today.” – Craig Jones
“Mikael is not only a dedicated kids coach he’s also a kid himself. Pound for pound the hairiest kid on earth.” – Tom Everett