We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Juliette Brillet, a French, bicycle riding blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Known for her extreme work ethic and boundless energy, Juliette is a competition class regular at Melbourne CBD and always has a smile for everyone! Read on to find out more about Juliette!
Occupation: Chef
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
When I was living in London, I decided to take martial art classes again as a hobby and ended up joining a Checkmat gym down the road. I was pretty confused by the techniques and the rules at first. My coach was very supportive and sent me to a woman only seminar in an affiliated gym. I got twisted like a puppet and submitted more times than one can count by a skinny 11 year old yellow belt. I’ve been pretty obsessed with the sport ever since.
What are your immediate training goals?
Attending classes as much as I can balance with work, whilst trying to get quality training in instead of over training. I aim to make my opponent feel like I’m twice as heavy as I am.
What are your goals for the next five years?
To sharpen my Jiu-Jitsu, enter more tournaments and stay reasonably uninjured. Trying to not make my ears look like I’m an east European wrestler. Whenever I get PR, I’d also like to go back to uni and study sport nutrition.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The thing I love the most is the people. Everyone is always very welcoming, respectful and available to help each other. There’s no ego around. Also having classes all day makes things very convenient for shift workers.
What is your favorite move?
Although I’ve recently started trying to grab more legs, I love chokes. I love them all.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Whilst training I love listening to the kind of rock music I grew up with, like the Offspring or Sum 41. I’m also playing Chvrches on repeat at the minute. On competition day I tend to listen to Britney Spears or similar cheap commercial pop, cause it cheers me up. Stop judging.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Jules, Frenchie
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I like to cycle, or go read a book outdoors and try new hipster cafes. I can often be found walking around in Ikea for no reason. I’m also on a quest to visit all the rooftop bars Melbourne has to offer. Wish me luck.
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 the suburb of Paris and moved to London for work when I graduated. I lived there for 4 years and loved the city, but I was feeling the impact of the lack of sunlight. In June 2016, it rained for 25 days in a row, so I decided enough was enough, and drunkenly bought a working holiday visa and a flight to Australia. And here I am!
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Anyone who is kind, humble and respects others in their differences really.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
I don’t have a favorite place to eat, I just love South East Asian food in general. But let’s face it, nothing’s better than a good cheese platter.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Chill the f**k out.
“Juliette is one of those amazing people who just brighten up the room with their presence. Her work ethic is absolutely insane. I know she regularly pulls double shifts as a chef then comes to the gym and rolls like a beast in the 10am competition session, does a lunchtime class AND trains again in the evening. You can tell she’s the happiest when she’s choking you with your own lapel. Slightly crazy and absolutely loveable.”- Richard Lattemagi
“Juliette is a rock star. She rolls like a freight train on the mat and doesn’t do any drama off the mat. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate.”- Kim Cousins
“One of the many French savages we have at Absolute.” – Nick Metcalfe
“Juliette visited us back in 2017. She left and then because she liked us so much, she came back and hasn’t left since. Not sure what it is but we sure seem to attract the best of the best from France. Hope she never leaves.” – Apryl Eppinger
“Juliette’s such a firecracker! Always a smile on her face, bouncing with energy, 3 seconds away from landing a wicked ezekiel. She’s awesome 
” – Natalie Hobbs
