We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Andre “Bang” Nguyen, banker and long term member with Absolute MMA. Don’t let the suit and glasses fool you, Andre has trained with Coach Jeremy Wharerau for many years (and has tried to take him down, for many years) as well as with Coach Laos Toohey more recently . Andre has experience across MMA, BJJ and has fought on Kings of Kombat under K1 rules. Read on to find out more about Andre!
Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts
How did you get into the sport?
One day a friend asked me to come train because his brother was working at Absolute and the rest is history…
What are your immediate training goals?
Have a few more fights.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Continue to be better than Darren and Fei combined.. oh wait, you said goals, not what I will be doing.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Lots of funny characters, but when it comes down to it everyone’s a beast, so you can have a good time, but also know you’re getting quality training.
What is your favourite move?
Overhand right, Overhand right, Overhand right into Overhand right slip slip overhand right weave overhand right , overhand right , shift stance overhand left, shift back into orthodox shoot into fake single leg break stiff arm into overhand right into fake collar tie into overhand right.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Some Cardi B for sure, maybe Bickenhead.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
Bang Nguyen, Saigon Express, Yellow Submarine, 3 Wongs (one of).
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Drink some beers!
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
People that come from humble beginnings but then end up hugely successful or make big contributions to their society/community. Why? Because no one expected anything from them!
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Can’t say I have a favourite place, as there is so much to choose from in Melbourne. I had a big fine dining phase, so I’m going to have to say Minamishima or Vue De Monde!
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Andre listen to me closely, over the next five years you’re going to have maybe 2 instances where you have a legitimate chance to take Jeremy down and maybe 1 instance where you will be able to submit Jeremy with an arm bar. When those moments come focus, concentrate, empty your mind and let your subconscious mind take over so that you can…get reversed and cry.
“Not sure what’s better. A man in a suit or a man who can choke me. He’s both.” – Liam McNeill
“The best sparring partner at Absolute MMA – super technical but never belts ya.”- Georgia Verry
“Andre always work hard training hard when he spars, he sparring with intentions, always put his hand up for the fight he will fight anyone when his fit. Got good hand skill, he can kick when he wants to use it, and a little bit of body clinching wrestling style, perfect with Thai style. On the 3rd of March, he will step in the ring for his first Muay Thai fight on Roots at 65kg go get them my son!” – Coach Laos Toohey
“One of the toughest corporate Asians at the gym.” – Albert Xavier
“Bang bang.” – Kyle Leung
“The Saigon Express/Bang Nguyen is one of those freaks that will take 4 months off and then come back and KO everyone. I hate sparring with him.”- Darren Gn
“He has the best fight name in all the land, BANG!!! The ladies sure think so, they scream like mad, BANG!!! He dresses like James Bond all pretty and fair, BANG!!! It may be light sparring but he just doesn’t care, BANG!!! I taught him all I know, to stick and move, BANG!!! But it’s Andre, he’ll just plant his feet and groove, BANG!!!” – Jeremy Wharerau