We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Ash “Lady Bull” Rachwalski, aspiring MMA fighter, paralegal and DJ who is currently preparing for her debut fight! This pink haired lady packs quite a punch, and spends countless hours working hard in the gym honing her craft, having undergone a massive weight loss to get to fight weight. Easily recognisable from her giant smile, neatly braided hair and washboard abs, we look forward to the day Ash steps into the octagon and fulfils her fighting goals! Read on to find out more about Ash!
Occupation: Litigation Paralegal
Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
How did you get into the sport?
I have always been obsessed with the UFC and Bellator, and spending almost every Sunday watching fights I got the itch. I wanted to be in the cage, I wanted to test myself and see if I could be one of the athletes I watched and admired. At the same time I was also experiencing anxiety and depression, and was looking for a way to overcome this struggle and thought there would be no better way than throwing myself into training.
What are your immediate training goals?
I am currently getting ready for my debut MMA fight and cannot wait to get in there and throw down.
What are your goals for the next five years?
I want to be fighting professional MMA looking for a belt.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The coaches have been the best, and they have guided me all the way through my journey with Maryanne being my first coach in the introduction classes, to now having Lukaz, Jeremy and Toohey pushing me to reach my true potential. I am so grateful for their guidance and support. My training partners are also brilliant and friendly, even though we play punch face.
What is your favourite move?
Right overhand baby, look out for it!
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Now this is a hard question but I have two, Sugar by System of a Down and Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
I enjoy hot yoga and sauna, but more than anything I like going down to Apollo Bay with Dicey and my two puppies, spending time in the water body boarding and running at Busty Road Hill.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Anyone who is strong willed and determined to get after it.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Coda for sure and my favourite dish would have to be the Eggplant and Tofu lettuce delights.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Get after it sooner and never look back.
“Ash is a hard working girl, she always puts 100% into her training, she been training with me for about a year and she has transformed her body to that of an athlete. Now it is time to put her into the test in the cage and see how far she can go. I dubbed her as ‘lady bull’, hope she brings it when the day comes ??” – Laos Toohey
“Ash is just an absolute powerhouse and you can always count on getting in good, hard sparring rounds with her. Her weight loss journey and transformation is super inspiring and I love sharing tips and thoughts after sessions with her. She’s one tough girl mentally and physically, and always gives 110% on the mats. She’s a friend and great training partner to have around, I can’t wait to see her step in to the octagon one day and let that hook do it’s job!” – Taru Siipola
“The Pitbull, attacks everything and doesn’t let go like a dog with a bone. We teach a lot here at Absolute but you can’t teach that.”- Jeremy Wharerau
“Ash ‘The Lady Bull’, I have so much to say about her, but to keep it simple this lady warrior has the character of a champion. She is always adapting and always improving. Whatever goals she sets in her mind, she works hard towards them. What I admire about her most is the amount of drive she puts in her training, her work ethic is unbelievable and in sparring she always pushes through and refuses to give up. Very inspiring to witness. I have no doubt Ash will become a Champion.” – Lukaz “The Lycan” Catubig
“Ash is an inspiration! Her drive and determination has seen her progress fast, she lives and breaths Absolute! Even when she’s trained hard and is exhausted, she still has a massive smile on her face and is still always so positive to those around her. Stay awesome legend!”- Maryanne Mullahy
“Ash has got to be one of the hardest working fighters I’ve seen at the gym. Always grinding it out, I can’t wait to see the LADY BULL live in action. A warrior at heart. My training partner for life.”- Dicey