All posts by Absolute MMA

Coach Daniel Howard is a former Royal Marine Commando and a Muay Thai practitioner with a record of 8 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw with 2 bouts fought in Thailand. Unfortunately for us, this Englishman has recently secured his permanent residency, so we are stuck with him. Jokes aside, Dan is a well recognised S&C coach, and is highly experienced and qualified, holding a Cert III in Fitness, Cert IV in Personal Training, Cert IV in Marital Arts Coaching, as well as being a registered Muay Thai trainer with the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board (also holding a Master Trainer Level 1). He has recently completed a Bachelors of Exercise and Sports Science.

Dan takes genuine pleasure in hurting training our fight team to reach their peak levels of performance and we are lucky to have him. Read on to find out more about Dan!

Nicknames & Fight Names?

Nickname- God. (We would like to attest that no one calls Dan this.)

Mantra/Quote to live by?

The last set is the easiest.

Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?

Sleeping.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

It would be nice to get some sleep, so hopefully in 5 years time I will be able to have a nap.

Who is an inspiration to you, and why?

Randy Gardner- he currently holds the record for longest time without sleep.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza.

If you weren’t working in the Martial Arts industry, what would you be doing?

Sleeping.

What do you like to do to relax besides training?

Train other people.

If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?

A drop Bear- have you seen those things!!

What is your favourite travel destination? Why?

Japan- it’s awesome.

Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?

Strength and Conditioning- getting athletes to perform at their absolute peak is awesome!

Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?

Anyone taller than 5ft8- Because i’m 5ft8.

When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?

Last week I was wrong about something. That’s the first time that’s ever happened.

Have you done other sports besides martial art and which teams/athletes are your favourite? Any funny stories?

Judo (when I was 7). Still to this day Thiago and Nathan are actually scared of my junior Orange belt capabilities.

Have you ever worked a job not in the fitness/martial arts industry? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?

Don’t do it.

Is there a book you’ve read that has influenced your outlook on life or the way you approach certain situations or people?

Supertraining- The Strength and Conditioning bible.

During an Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?

Thiago, because we need some bait for the zombies. Herbertson, because we need someone organised and Darren, because he just walked past me and I couldn’t think of anyone else.

“Always has something sarcastic to say, but as an S&C coach he’s good and well informed.“ – Kyle Leung

“Never believe Dan when he tells you an exercise is “nice and easy” …. coz you know it’s a lie.” – Lisa Yu

“Great mate! Knowledgeable coach! Passionate about his work and craft! A massive supporter of the all blacks! And New Zealand pies! Brothers for life ?” – Moses Bentley

“Howard is probably the most knowledgeable teenager I’ve ever met. Always full of nothing but kind words and encouragement! Honestly, one of my cherished moments in life has quickly become the time he was smashed and telling me how much he appreciated me at the Christmas party. A memory I will keep forever… And keep reminding him of forever…”- Amit Narayan

“He makes you lift stuff even when you really don’t want to. I’ve never known anyone to motivate me as much as this guy… I’ve trained with him for over 4 years and he’s probably hands down the best S&C coach I’ve ever had. This guy is going places!” – Stephanie Scipione

“I guess he knows a little bit about exercise science. Not bad.” – Carmen He

“He’s alright.” – Chisaki Akiyama

“If you don’t know Dan, you might be inclined to believe he is constantly sleepy. Which he is, just a high functioning, sleepy individual. When you get to know Dan, he talks a lot of sh*t…just so you know…never take his word as gospel. It’s most likely a troll.” – Apryl Eppinger

“Dedicated trainer, who is always working overtime to ensure his fighters are in peak condition for their fights. On top of this, he is constantly completing new courses in strength and conditioning to expand his skill set.”- Liam McNeill

Coach Kaan “Genghis” Olfi is a mixed martial artist with a professional record of 5-2-1. He holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has over 5 years experience as a coach. He has been training for over 11 years and has spent the last 4 years as a full-time professional. He holds a Cert 3 in Fitness. All the best to Kaan on the upcoming HEX 18 (29/03/2019) where he is matched against opponent Scott “Mad Dog” MacGregor, with Kaan coming in to the bout on a 2-fight win streak following his only loss! Read on to find out more about Kaan!

What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?

Getting international experience both in training and fighting.

What made you start Martial Arts?

My father put me into a soccer club, first season in he noticed I wasn’t good at of the positions besides tackling everyone. So at 11, I started martial arts, the first being Japanese jujitsu, then BJJ, then ninjitsu.

How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA?

I was introduced through friends, then one thing led to another.

What are your immediate training goals?

Gaining a desire to grab peoples feet.

Mantra/Quote to live by?

What you think you become, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you create.

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

Great variety of coaches/staff/facility, and training partners. There’s all sorts of amazing and interesting characters at Absolute MMA. You’d be lame to not enjoy the vibe.

Favourite workout/walkout song?

I’ve already released my single (haha). No, seriously, in 2015 my good friend and music producer created a walk out song for me. Check it on apple music, “Genghis kaan anthem”.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

UFC.

What do you like to do to relax besides training?

Music! Learning, visualising and meditation. Massages/cryotherapy/float tank. In the past few months I’ve gained a new love for the water and swimming laps, focusing on relaxing and breathing.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tough choice between sushi or pizza.

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?

I was born in Melbourne, growing up my family moved around a lot, and we lived all over Australia. We even lived farm life once upon a time, I’ve lived in a tent, spent a short time in an all aboriginal school in Robinvale and moved schools a lot as a teen. There was a stage in my life where I had nowhere to live, with my mum and sister waiting for government housing for about a 2 year period, living in a car, homeless refugee building, and a church. I went through a lot of adversity growing up, learning early on that the cards where dealt against me.

What is your favourite travel destination? Why?

I’ve still got a lot of travelling to do, for the moment it’s Bali, it’s a magical island.

Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?

I look up to people that are real. People who have a positive impact on this world. People that are inspiring and spread good energy. People that encounter difficult circumstances, but are determined and courageous enough to live life on their terms, and have created something out of nothing.

What’s your favourite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?

I like listening to most genres, mainly reggae, dance rnb, hip hop. My favourite artist is J Cole, I was able to relate and be inspired by his lyrics from a young age, he’s one of the last ones left that keeps it real.

What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?

I’m convinced I was a heavy weight in my past life, sometimes I train extra hard, just so I can eat a lot of food. So if I’ve gone hard on you in sparring, don’t take it personally, I was probably just hungry.

During an Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?

Oliver, because he’s tall and can see the zombies coming. Joe, because he’s got good humour and teeps. Lastly Lisa, because I already know she will be more of a savage than a zombie.

If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?

Patience.

“Kaan is either the most well-adjusted, soft-spoken and nicest professional fighter I’ve ever met or a serial killer. He also has some of the worst ears I’ve ever seen.” – Daniel Herbertson

“Ahh yea. Yea nah, yea. What a gun.”- Joe Boobyer

“Kaan is an absolute machine.”- Lisa Kyriacou

“Kaan is awesome, within a matter of weeks of joining the team, it seemed like he was a long time member. He’s got a great work ethic and he’s become a good friend to everyone he’s worked around, and is always ready for a chat and coffee when needed. Kaan is an awesome addition to the team, he brings so much experience to the table, as well as an easy going welcoming presence that makes the gym better!”- Amit Narayan

“Ever wondered what good posture is? Then look no further than Kaan’s perfectly straight back. A great coach and friend, it’s been awesome having you around the gym and I can’t wait to see you throw down on the 29th of March!”- Oliver Smith

“Kaan looks like a human sized chicken nugget.”- Richard Lattemagi

“Kaan looks like a scary bloke from the outside, but he’s all cheerful and lively when you meet him. He’s a dedicated athlete with slick technique and a fair bit of experience to back it up. He also hits like a truck. I reckon he’s going to put the Australian featherweight division on notice, so keep an eye out for him.”- Elliott Glenister 

Nick “Milky” Metcalfe is a certified yoga teacher, completing his Vinyasa and Yin Training with Warrior One in 2018. Through injuries, and time off the mat Nick discovered the practice of yoga in 2015.  Yoga gave him the tools to better his mind and body connection, whilst also improving his martial arts practice. This upfront yogi is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but also has experience in wrestling, kickboxing and MMA. He’s known for his long limbs, sneaky triangles and an extreme love of his dog, Trey. Read on to find out more about Nick!

What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?

Getting my white belt, it was the exact point where my life changed forever.

What made you start Martial Arts?

My best mate was going to PUMMA on the Gold Coast to try out an MMA class, he called me on his way and said, “do you want to tag along?”. I always had an interest but was hooked instantly.

How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)

When I moved from the Gold Coast to Melbourne, a heap of my old training mates told me to train at Absolute with Thiago. I got a job across the road from the CBD gym in my 2nd week of living here, walked in the door and signed up about 4 years ago. I’ve now done my studies to be a yoga teacher and have the opportunity to work with martial artists.

Favourite workout/walkout song?

Kendrick – M.A.A.D City.

Mantra/Quote to live by?

It is what it is as it is.

Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?

Growing up the Gold Coast was pretty much beach every day. I grew up in quite a young family, so hanging out with my grandparents and great-grandparents was awesome.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully teaching yoga full time, out of the corporate world, get my black belt.

Who is an inspiration to you, and why?

I take inspiration from some of the people closest to me the ones that need a mention Aaron S., Thiago S., Dustin B. & Jebba, they’ve been a significant part of my journey to now.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ice cream.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have an irrational fear of heights and spiders.

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?

Born in NSW, grew up in QLD, now in VIC. Clare got a job down here, so the amazing partner I am, I decided to come down with her.

What were some funny/interesting/weird hobbies you had when you were a teenager?

I have all the original Pokemon card set, going to retire on that one day.

Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?

People who like to share their story and are dedicated to whatever path they’re on.

Do you have a “useless” talent that makes people smile every time you use it?

I can make an epic playlist.

When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?

I went rock climbing for the first time recently, turns out I’m still afraid of heights.

What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?

Belle’s – get the chicken sandwich with fries.

What’s your favourite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?

Favourite musician is Nick Cave. His music has been the soundtrack to my life.

What movie have you seen over 5 times?

Pulp Fiction.

Is there a book you’ve read that has influenced your outlook on life or the way you approach certain situations or people?

I have a few, Scar Tissue, Roots of Yoga, Book of Five Rings, Can’t Hurt Me.

If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?

Turn up on time, listen to your coach, drink more water, eat all the calories, have fun, don’t quit, it is what it is as it is, Namaste.

During an Absolute MMA staff retreat, a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part of your dream team and why?

Amit, we need someone who is clean and sensible. Apryl, she is a killer and is the nice one. George, he will keep all us idiots in line.

“Nick is a great guy, always friendly, always calm and is always keen to roll. We are very lucky to have him at Absolute MMA.”- Sean Le Gourrierec

“BJJer, yogi, ginger man. So creative on the mats and a funny one outside them. A brother life has brought from Queensland to us.” – Thiago Stefanutti

“Nick is a simple human being, loves his dog Trey, loves a solid comp class session and teaching us all how to chill out to the max with Yoga.” – Apryl Eppinger

“Long-limbed, red-haired, stretchy, negative-reinforcement-happy (;P) crazy person. He’s alright I guess.” – Natalie Hobbs

“I remember first meeting Nick on the mat when he first came to Absolute and thinking that despite it being one of his first times in the gym, it seemed like he’d been there for years. He’s welcoming to everyone on the mat, helpful to everyone and always quick to make sure everyone feels just as much at home at Absolute as he does. He’s also the guy that I’ll see doing every coaches class, across all of the locations and is known across the whole Absolute family. Hilarious, ridiculously flexible, and the strongest moustache in the game. He made sure to support my classes when I first came on board as a coach for the gym and he’s always there supporting everyone in the pursuits within the gym or outside of. He’s made Absolute his home since day one, and I couldn’t imagine the gym without him!”- Amit Narayan

“Nick’s Friday morning yoga class is the best way to round off a week of training. With his knowledge of yoga and martial arts, he mixes the traditional yin practice with simple self-massage to help release muscle tension and support your body to recover. Then you’re ready to train on Saturday again ” – Linnea Waestberg

“Nick is a great no bullshit yogi. He loves an unorthodox move, and is partial to a bit of shit talking in the middle of rolling. I have a lot of time for Nick, I’d have to say he’s one of my top 5 gingers.” – Tim Baker 

“Nick is fun, creative, open-minded and loves the banter! He has a lot of patience and will always give his time to help others! Namaste Nick!” – Clare Fisher

“Nick is such a great person to train with, always willing to help and throwing jokes while smashing you. Thanks!” – Juliette Brillet

“Milky always has some good stuff to talk about. He is incredibly positive and never short of words of encouragement. He changed his life for the better with his yoga, and I’m really pleased to see the smile on his face every time I see him. He has a nice moustache.”- James Walters