Luke “The Lycan” Catubig has been training martial arts since the age of 11 and competing in MMA since 2005. He is the Brace Featherweight Champion and has fought in Australian Fighting Championships and Hex Fighting Championships, two of the largest MMA organisations in Australia, as well as URCC in the Philippines. In 2014, Luke scored the fastest knockout in Australian Fighting Championships history, stopping his opponent in 10 seconds. Luke also has some serious photography and video skills under his belt, and knows a lot about Melbourne’s food scene having worked previously as a chef. With a heart as big as his overhand right, Luke is a super welcoming presence in the gym and has set many of his students on the path to amateur competition. Read on to find out more about “The Lycan”!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
BRACE MMA CHAMPIONSHIP BELT.
What made you start Martial Arts?
When I was a kid, somebody gave our family a computer with a street fighter game on it. Since that day, I wanted to be like Ryu and become a martial artist, but my father had other plans for me. He wanted me to be a pianist (haha), so I started playing piano at the age of 5. 6 years later, I was in school walking in the corridor with my classmate and suddenly this group of boys tried to bully us. I confronted one of them, and next thing I know, I was fighting this guy with 15 of his friends around us. I stood and fought alone and got a massive black eye. Lucky enough, no one helped him to bash me. My uncle saw my eye, brought me to a Taekwondo dojo, and from there on the rest is history.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I came here in Melbourne to study Cookery 7 years ago. I was already doing MMA back at home, and was planning to continue my journey in Austraia. So I googled on the internet and typed ‘the best gym in Melbourne’….TADA and that’s how I ended up here in ABSOLUTE MMA.
Mantra/Quote to live by?
“He who loves peace prepares for war” – Lao Tzu
Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
I was just a simple happy kid that can be manipulated by food growing up in Dumaguete city, Philippines.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
BUILDING AN EMPIRE!
Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
My inspiration comes from my experience, achievements, failures and growth. So it’s not a WHO it’s a WHAT.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
NO WAY if this happens…I’d rather die 🙁
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Back in the Philippines, I’ll be at the BEACH, here in MELBOURNE…I’ll probably be in a cafe eating desserts (haha).
What is your favourite travel destination? Why?
ANCIENT DESTINATIONS! Because I’m fascinated with them and they’re mysteriously beautiful.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I used to do piano lessons just because my teacher offered me bread and milk to play. Haha.
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?
Hmm how did I end up here? Well my parents wanted me to study Nursing, so I did that and studied it for 7-8 years. In the last year of my course, I realised that Nursing was not for me. So I switched to the culinary arts, because I love food. 2 years later I graduated, and my parents wanted me to further my study/skills in Melbourne to become a professional chef. I agreed to it…and that is how I ended up here in Melbourne doing what I love…MARTIAL ARTS. Haha.
What were some funny/interesting/weird hobbies you had when you were a teenager?
I started playing the PIANO at the age of 5 and did it non stop for 13 years.
Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?
Playing piano, I used to hate it at the start, but my dad knew how to motivate me. He used to give me money or tell me to buy me a toy if I played the piano for him or our visitors. I was 5 during that time and as the years went by, I started to enjoy it. I love playing it and just being in the moment.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Those people that chose to live and fight for their dreams, instead of just dreaming it.
When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
It took me 7 years living in Melbourne, and I finally got to see Australian animals at the zoo.
Have you done other sports besides martial art and which teams/athletes are your favourite? Any funny stories?
BASKETBALL, one of my favourite players is MICHAEL JORDAN.
Have you ever worked a job not in the fitness/martial arts industry? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?
I used to work in a kitchen and realised right away that greatness is not found in this place for me.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Where do I begin!? One of my fave place is RED SPICE ROAD, I love their pork belly with chilli caramel and apple slaw.
What’s your favourite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?
Classical music because it’s elegant, relaxing and makes me feel creative.
Is there a book you’ve read that has influenced your outlook on life or the way you approach certain situations or people?
The Book of 5 Rings. I can relate to the book as a fighter/warrior using the methods/strategy of Miyamoto Musashi writings, and apply it to my journey in Martial Arts.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
I’ll tell young Lukaz “The Lycan” that this path is the right path.
During an Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 Absolute MMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?
Daniel Howard – He’s smart and might give us a chance to get away.
Thiago – He’s strong and we definitely need a grappler in the TEAM.
Toohey – Me and Toohey will use all our striking skills to beat the Zombie.
“Thanks for all the brain damage and hugs!!”- Fei Yen
“Lukaz is one of the most welcoming people in the gym. Despite his vast experience and resumé, he’s quick to put the most inexperienced folks at ease and show them that Absolute is a place for professionals and beginners, alike.”- Amit Narayan
“Can land a killer body shot!”- Georgia Verry
“Lukaz makes training fun through breaking a drill down to learn the ‘why’ behind the movements, then progressively adding on throughout the session to match everyone’s learning rates. It keeps everyone smiling, sweating and brought together through collective violence and discipline.”- Joshua Zuccato
“We’re the best of friends. Nobody’s got your back like your brother! Blood in blood out ✊??”- Moses Bentley
“Lukaz’s passion for martial arts shines through every day. His superior striking technique, eye for detail and continuous encouragement pushes me to my limits. I wouldn’t see the improvements I have without Luke. He says he’s a warrior but he’s really a teddy bear.”- Melanie Medlen
“Lukas is a great guy and always here to give some striking tips. He is also the only guy who can’t be choked. Many people tried, everyone failed.”- Kevin Jousset
“Keep your guard high or Lukas will give you a headache real quick!”- Andre Nguyen
“Lukey was one of the first coaches who welcomed me to Absolute years ago and started this obsession with martial arts! Will always remember those extra burpees for coming late to class… enjoyed by me and the whole class.”- Yvonne Chow
“Lukaz is a talented martial artist who always loves to share his passion and inspire people. Whether it’s fitness or wanting to fight, Lukaz will always be in your corner to help you reach your goals. I knew he was the coach for me when he also shares my favourite strikes body punches and leg kicks.”- Rebecca Cerra
“I see Lukaz sparring from time to time, I trained him in the early days of Collingwood, Luke keeps a consistent style and he’s got power punching in both hands. When you sparring him, if you get lazy, he’ll let you know! He is a respectful person.”- Laos Toohey
“Lukaz has grown up a lot in Absolute from his beginnings as a young man coming from the Phillipines. It wasn’t an easy move to move countries and be away from his family, and through developing his career he’s set himself up for a good life here in Australia, and become a key training partner for his twin flame Rebecca.”- Apryl Eppinger
“Lukaz! The man who is passionate and motivating about martial arts. Always in the gym either putting on work to better himself, or training his students. They say pain is your teacher, he is definitely that pain during the fight team sparring class (lol).”- Ridz Wan
“Pro tip. Keep your hands up and give him waffles afterwards and you should be safe. No guarantees though.”- Liam McNeill
“Lukas is a brother.
I’m following his fight life in Melbourne since his day one in town, went to his corner many times.
He is a family man, very dedicated to his work and his students.
The first thing that come on my mind when I think about the Lycan is he is a warrior.
This man loves the social media, dress well and make the life has more glamour.
The curious thing about Lukas is he is always on time at the gym for training but he always come to the mat 10 minutes after the session starts lol.”- Thiago Stefanutti
“If you’re preparing for a fight, Luka is your guy. He’s a beast and never stops pushing forward. He’ll keep you working and honest.” – Vaughn Young
“Lukaz is a wonderful coach and human being! I really love his outlook on martial arts and self-development, and how open minded and growth focused he is. Back during our very first session together, I especially remember meshing with his philosophy of martial arts as continually evolving, and each practitioner creating their own identity as a fighter. I was very grateful to connect with a teacher like that!”- Genevieve Sovereign