We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Adrian Ciuffetelli, purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and PhD student! This man lifts, rolls, studies AND works full time…how does he do it all? Read on to find out more about one of the hardest workers in the gym!
Occupation: Full Time Suit and Part Time Student
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
I actually found it by accident. I moved house and joined Dominance (the gym was at the end of my street) in March 2015 to take advantage of the strength and conditioning program as well as do some Muay Thai/MMA for conditioning. The MMA classes were split so Tuesday was striking and Thursday was grappling. In one of my first grappling classes I got manhandled by someone half my size and strength and knew immediately that I needed to learn whatever black magic was being used on me. 3.5 years later and I am still as obsessed with BJJ as the first few months when I started. I do want to shout out to David Christopher, who now runs Academy BJJ out in Camberwell and who was a coach at Dominance when I started. He answered every single silly question I had about BJJ and encouraged me to start, without his patience and support I may not have bothered.
What are your immediate training goals?
My immediate training goals are a bit of a mixed bag that I am continually trying to juggle. Improving my strength through core lifts like the squat and deadlift working with Amit. Improve my BJJ (especially my guard) under the guidance of Thiago and always trying to improve my flexibility and mobility. Over time I am realizing how important it is to have a body that moves in an efficient and effective way that promotes longevity, not only in physical endeavors such as combat sports but for life in general.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Continue to train and improve areas that need improving (there are a lot). I am also applying for a full time PhD program beginning middle of next year which means I will be a full time student again. I am really excited about the prospect of challenging myself to study full time after being part time for the past 3 years. Once that is done who knows! Maybe move overseas.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Its all about the people for me. We have the best coaches, training partners and gym staff of anywhere in Melbourne and I would argue all of Australia. Some of the people I train with have become some of my best friends so coming in to get beat up everyday is a real joy.
What is your favorite move?
I am a sucker for the classics. Rear Naked Choke from the back mount position is a go to for me both in and out of the Gi. No matter their size and strength, everyone chokes the same so I think its one of the most efficient submissions we have at our disposal.
Favorite workout/walkout song?
Anything on Amit’s playlist. The guy has the best taste in music. Definitely not the Beatles or anything Darren plays. He should have his gym DJ privileges revoked.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Whatever Thiago feels like calling me on the day usually. I secretly want a Portuguese nickname but it hasn’t happened yet.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
My idea of relaxing is pretty different than most people I have found. I struggle with the concept of downtime. When I am not training I’m usually reading something or working on something for school. Believe it or not I actually find it really enjoyable to dive head first into a piece of reading or writing and just focus on that for hours. I think that means I am a massive nerd right?
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 actually grew up in the same town as Brenton Mc! Which may not seem that remarkable but the town only has about 3000 people so it’s pretty small. It’s about 70km directly north of Melbourne and is as unremarkable as you would imagine. I’m the first generation of my family born here though, my entire family is from Italy. They immigrated here after World War 2 finished.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
People who push themselves into uncomfortable places in order to learn and improve themselves. I think one of the hardest and as a consequence most beneficial things we can do is always be challenging our abilities, whether that be intellectually or physically. Anyone who lives a life like that and takes accountability for it is good in my book.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Again I am a sucker for the classics. Bistro D’Orsay on Collins Street does a killer Gnocchi with Lamb Ragu that is as good as anything my Nonna made (just dont tell her that). For something more modern check out Embla on Russell Street. They are constantly changing the menu but every dish is a killer. The service is also impeccable which I have found to be quite rare in Melbourne these days.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Relax, relax, relax.
“I don’t know many people as dedicated to their goals as Adrian. What he has accomplished since joining absolute is amazing, his schedule is one that is exhausting to read, let alone do. One of the strongest guys in the gym and all a product of his ridiculous work ethic and output. Knowing him as well as I do now, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend, I’ve also counted myself lucky to be able to help and coach him in his strength training. He is my Fratello, he is crazy, but the best kind of crazy.” – Amit Narayan
“Adrian is the strongest guy in the gym, he breaks everyone’s arms…he’s a nice guy.” – Thiago Stefanutti
“Thankfully the guy has zero technique because he sure is strong. Have I mentioned his terrible hair? ” – Ryan La Roche
“Adrian is a top bloke with plenty of brains but he doesn’t like my music…therefore I don’t like him.”- Darren Gn
“Yeah, right.” – Dom Vergou