This week we are excited to run an Ask Me Anything with Coach Livia Giles, BJJ Black Belt, physiotherapist and ADCC 2019 competitor! Each week we will have a new coach take questions from members via our Facebook Members Only group. New to the club? You can join our group here.
Liv is a 3-time BJJ World Champion (brown/purple/blue), World Pro Silver and Bronze Medallist (black) and IBJJF No-Gi World Championship Silver Medallist (black). She is also has worked for the Australian Institute of Sport. Before taking up BJJ, she was the 2003/04 Track Series Australian Cycling Champion and has represented Poland and Australia in rhythmic gymnastics.
Please note that while Livia is a physio, it would inappropriate (and illegal) for her to give advice on injuries or rehab without a consultation. She can still offer general advice though.
Anton Harrison-Kern – I have 2 questions! 1. What is your pre-comp ritual? 2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? And a supplementary question – how can I be less of a loser at match check in time! 😉
1. I warm up well. I usually listen to something that pumps me up. Go over my game plan and try to smile. I like walking on the mat first, and shaking the refs hand first.
2. In 5 years I will still be training and maybe competing, I’ll be coaching, employ a Physio or 2, probably have a family, keep growing Absolute MMA and help other fighters achieve their dreams.
Definitely wear shoes when you are not on the mat. Especially when in the toilet. That’s loser-ish for sure (haha).
Also make sure you have all your gear – rashies, belt and gi that is within the rules ?
Joshua Ber – What are your thoughts on cutting weight/ losing weight for comps?
I’m assuming you’re referring to BJJ? Everyone is different, but I guess it’s good to be as strong as you can in your division, which is why people cut weight.
I think for BJJ it’s very personal. I have competed between 46-60kg, and I personally feel the best when I’m around 53kg. In saying that I usually only cut for Worlds or bigger competition and let my body recover for local competition. I always consult a dietitian to help me when I’m manipulating my weight, be it cutting or bulking.
Jamie Selby-Pham – Your death stare during comp before the match starts – curious if your mindset is focus/ aggression/ visualisation of how you want it to go / other?
iI probably depends what level I’m competing at. At local competitions I usually try out new stuff, and try to relax and have a bit more fun. World champs etc, I’m there to win and nothing else will do. My RBF comes from me being focused and nervous. I don’t mean to look like a psycho, but I often do.
I try to visualise the first grip and where I want the fight to go, but it’s not always possible and you have to be flexible and just feel it out.
Weez Bee – In your opinion, what makes a good culture at a BJJ gym? 🙂
Inclusiveness, friendly people and coaches, welcoming staff and members. Also, creating a training platform for elite athletes and hobbyists alike. I think Absolute MMA does all of this pretty well.
Andy Sales – Knees. Best exercises/conditioning ideas for keeping them in one piece?
Doing the correct techniques is most important. Understanding which way your knees are not meant to bend also. In terms of general conditioning, it’s important to keep strength up – quads, hammies, glutes and proprioception.
Colm Reddy – What percentage of your time would you train what you are already good at versus improving your weaknesses (if you have any)?
I pretty much always work my weaknesses. I generally do my A game rolls around 2 weeks before major competition.
I set goals based on what I need to work on and what is most likely to help me win the next competition, and I drill those things, specific train the positions and then implement them to my A game.
Shamus Tyler – Seeing how many competitors you guys have had coming out of the absolute gym for ADCC and other super fights. What do you think sets your gym apart from the rest? What’s more important gym (coaching) or athlete (individual) to becoming elite?
I think that great coaching and coaches who lead by example is something we are very fortunate to have at Absolute MMA.
We have a structured introduction, fundamentals and advanced program but more than anything we encourage self- directed learning. I think smart training and addressing your weaknesses and being encouraged to ask questions is important.
We are also lucky to have very high level grapplers who train with us from all over the world. I am personally always inspired by my coach/hubby Lachlan Giles, Craig Jones and other teammates doing amazing things on the big stages and never want to be left behind.
I think both coaching and the athlete are important. Not everyone wants to or has the ability to become a world champion. I think a great coach is vital to an athletes success, however self-directed learning, motivation, a good plan and desire to learn and win is even more important.
Hanny Bannany – Y u so smol?
I’m giant. You seen my guns?!