We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Dez “Smurfette” Ramadani, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt and a strong advocate for the positive power of fitness. Want to take that Insta-perfect gym selfie? Dez is your lady! Bringing her smile to all photos, and to the mats, Dez is a valued member of our female BJJ team. Read on to find out more about Dez!
Occupation: HR consultant
Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How did you get into the sport?
I grew up in a traditional Albanian family and watched a lot of UFC. Albanian’s are very passionate people and boxing is a huge sport in the culture. So I suppose fighting is somewhat in my bloodline. Not sure how I made the choice to do BJJ instead of boxing. I always wanted to train MMA so I researched a few gyms in Melbourne and signed up to MMA classes at Absolute MMA. I didn’t know much about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but a friend of mine had been doing it for years and highly recommended it so I started attending the BJJ classes and have been hooked ever since.
What are your immediate training goals?
My immediate training goals are to work on some of my techniques. Competing has taught me a lot about what I need to improve, so I just need to stay consistent and work towards improvement.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Within the next five years, I would love to be able to still train as much as I do now and compete a few more times. I would also like to develop a solid game and win a few gold medals.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
Absolute MMA is a really fun and motivating place to train. Everyone is friendly and supportive, and you really develop a sense of comradery with your teammates.
What is your favourite move?
Love a good clock choke from the turtle position and sweeps from lasso guard.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
I have so many! Uproar by Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz and Walk This Way by Run-D.M.C and Aerosmith.
Nicknames & Fight Names?
The only nickname I can think of is Smurfette because everything I own is blue. But I think I get called Gangster more often by Thiago than Smurfette.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I love going to the beach and just chilling out listening to the ocean. Even in winter, the beach has its calming properties. I will also indulge in the occasional massage or spa day. I also listen to a lot of music.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I admire people who have the ability to inspire or motivate, who can show empathy, display accountability and that also have a sense of humour. I also have a huge amount of respect for people who stand up for what is right and aren’t afraid to be themselves no matter what society thinks of it. Being humble is also a quality I truly respect and wish more people had this in today’s society.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
My favourite place to eat is at BAMBU in South Melbourne. I love it for the ambience. I highly recommend the vegetarian spring rolls.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
If I could go back to my first martial arts class, the advice I would give myself would be to not hold back and ask as many questions as possible. I would also tell myself to be more confident in my abilities. The most important thing for anyone in combat sports is self-belief, our minds can be our biggest setback. I would also spend more time writing notes after class to remember the techniques, and put more time into drilling. Repetition! Repetition! Repetition!
“Dez is a friendly and dedicated teammate and has always made me feel welcome at training. Drilling with her is really fun because we aim to help each other to nail the technique all while giggling about how we don’t really know what we are doing. I look up to Dez because she’s tough and rolls hard. My dream is to one day have abs like hers.” – Lenie Vamvesos
“The selfie queen! Dez is a great training partner. She’s always there with a smile and killer tan, ready to roll and then go for a light 10km run up some mountain somewhere.”- Natalie Hobbs
“Dez’s love of fitness is second only to her love of Instagram selfies. She brightens up the mat whenever she trains and I’ve loved watching her confidence grow as her Jiu-Jitsu improves. Big love Dez.”- Kim Cousins
“Does she even train? Haven’t seen her since she got her blue belt.”- Nick Metcalfe
“Dez is an amazing grappler and athlete. Her long legs and strong spider guard give me a world of grief! but she’s always happy to help with technique and have a laugh after class” – Maria Zampogna