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Category Archives: Meet the Team

MEET THE TEAM: DARREN GN

Receptionist Darren “Daz/Dazzdawg” Gn is not just the occasional stand in coach for classes, but also a stand up guy. With a fight record in Mixed Martial Arts of 1:2 and in K1/Muay Thai of 2:1, Darren is just getting starting in his fight career and we can’t wait to see what 2018 brings for him. Have you ever had a really animated pad holder who yells every time you hit the pads? When Darren is on the mats at Melbourne CBD, you better believe everyone else knows he’s there too. Read on to find out a little more about our in-house energizer bunny who is always up for a laugh at the desk and how he got started with the gym!

What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
“I consider each and every time that I’ve stepped into a cage/ring to compete to be a great achievement, regardless of the result or level.”

What made you start Martial Arts?
“I’ve loved anything to do with fighting and martial arts all my life. This love mainly started from growing up watching Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Lee movies.”

How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
“I had not participated in any martial arts training for about 6 years (I quit Japanese Jiu-jitsu soon after I received my black belt). Then one of my friends asked me to come try out a session at a gym his brother worked at. I decided to go, and then never stopped rocking up. A few months later, I was offered a job as a receptionist. This turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me; allowing me to train for free, meet legends in the sport, learn about martial arts on the job, meet amazing people and learn about injuries which is relevant to the University degree I am currently undertaking – Osteopathy.”

Mantra/Quote to live by?
“We’re here for a good time, not a long time!”

Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
“It’s the people who lack raw, natural talent that I look up to the most. I often witness people come in who look like they are hating life about 30 seconds into the warm up. Yet these people continue to rock up and claw their way through each session. It is this grit that I respect the most because watching these people overcome obstacles is truly an amazing thing.”

If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
“Keep going! Pain is temporary, quitting is forever.”

“If only Darren was the standard for the Y generation the world would be a far better place.” – Jeremy Wharerau
 
“Would KO/10” – Fei Yen, long time friend and training partner
 
“Still hasn’t dropped me in sparring” – Andre Nguyen
 
“Remember Darren – article 22!” – Richard Lattemagi
 
“He’s a hard working young man. He always want to learn new things, he’s a good listener. If he keeps on learning and listening, he will be my next champion. I chose him as my best Student of the Year this year because of his hard work in his two fights this year. He deserved it and will only improve his game more from here.” – Laos Toohey 

MEET THE TEAM: TAO JAIPHET

Head Muay Thai trainer of Absolute MMA Collingwood, Tao Jaiphet is a pioneer of the Melbourne Muay Thai scene. With over 16 years experience as a fight trainer, he’s produced over 150 fighters, including 14 champions to date. Incredibly passionate about Muay Thai (and the simpler things, like peanut butter and dad jokes), Tao is a strong advocate for healthy living and sustainability.

Having spent the late 90s training and fighting between Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong and Macau, Tao holds a record of 12 wins from 19 bouts in Muay Thai, as well as an undefeated Sanda record of 11 wins.

Read on to find out a little bit more about Tao!

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

“I heard Absolute MMA was considering opening the Collingwood gym and I pursued this opportunity to get on-board. I had watched Absolute MMA grow as an industry leader while I was running my own gym. Personally I was struggling being both a business owner and a trainer at the same time. Absolute had an already strong combat sports business model and coming over allowed me to concentrate 100% on being a trainer/coach, which is what I love and where my skills are better applied.”

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

“Surfing with my adopted father/brother at sunrise before school… I had a great mentor called ‘caveman’ who was a dread-locked tattooed mountain of a man. But he was a boxer and a hippie surfer. He was kind to everyone until its opposite was required. He taught me about nature and our relationship with it. My times with him were the most influential moments of my youth.”

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

“I really like Yong Green on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Awesome vegan food. On my plant based diet this place is my go to! Smith and Deli is the king of vegan junk food though…”

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

“Those who are making an effort to improve our world. We face many challenges and I think the majority of world leaders lack the motivation to address these issues. I value the likes of HH Dalai Lama. Noam Chomsky. Naomi Klien. Clementine Ford. Mooji. Richie Hardcore. The Guerilla gardeners of Sth Central LA. Sea Sheppard. And all the other organizations fighting to restore our thinking to a more sustainable model.”

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

“Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. I read this book for the first time in 1989. It had such an impact on me that it set my life in a direction that has never really waivered. I have returned to reading this book at times in my life when my path became unclear and it has always inspired me to refocus my principles and get back on track.”

During a 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?

“Claire Fury for obvious reasons (she saves my arse all the time), Simon Carson for his background in the commandos. And Thiago Stefanutti so that I get to enjoy a good laugh while he pokes fun at Zombies in broken English for being “too slow man” (read in Thiago’s accent)”



“He’s a bloody hippie, but a good pad holder.” – Liam McNeill

“A great, high level authentic Muay Thai trainer, one of the best I’ve worked with outside of Thailand. He hasn’t watered the style down into something it’s not, which is all too common, he’s true to the Thai culture and the origins of the sport. Whether he’s training the fighters or starting a dance off in between rounds he always adds great energy to the gym.” – Joe Boobyer

“He’s a very approachable person, with a really good energy and at the same time is a great trainer, who has produced many champions along his martial arts journey.” – Thiago Stefanutti

MEET THE TEAM: LIAM MCNEILL

With an impressive record of 17 wins and 6 losses, it’s easy to forget that Liam “Real Deal” McNeill is just 23. While he’s never without a smile in the gym and is always high energy, Liam has one of the darkest game faces you’ll see in the ring and we know we wouldn’t want to be on the other end of those punches! In the fight game since the age of 15, this professional Muay Thai fighter has fought at the original Lumpinee stadium not once, but twice, and is just getting started. Read on more to find what’s the deal with McNeill!

What made you start Martial Arts?

“As a young teenager I watched ‘Never Back Down’ with my mates. We thought it was the most amazing thing ever and the rest is history. No epic bully story, just a young mind watching a cool movie.”

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

“I would definitely be a bird. Because flying.”

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

“Stretch and lift weights so you don’t get injuries you will pay for later, you fool!”

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

“Yes, I am so bad at consuming liquids I would almost call it a skill. Anytime I go for a drink of anything I will almost always spill some on myself. Sometimes it produces smiles.”

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

“Way too many, but there’s this little Italian place called Kaprica in Carlton. I was living next door to it quite a few years back when it first opened. They use all hand made ingredients in their food, it blew my mind and still does.”

During a 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?

“Raph, Raph and Raph.”

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“He’s a little shit. He came to me at 14 years old and he was a shit…now? He’s still a shit. Only a little larger.”- Tao Jaiphet

“He’s a pleasant, young and extremely talented kid who has been working harder and harder to take it to the next level. He was doing the teenagers Muay Thai class many years ago when I was still competing. Although the young lion is a million times better than me at striking, he wont forget the result of an in house MMA fight anytime soon…” – Paul Bai

“Liam’s a talented fighter, he can listen when he wants to listen, he can win when he wants to win and he’s got killer instinct.” – Laos Toohey

“Liam has been coaching at Absolute St Kilda for the past 2 years, he always has a great level of energy during his classes and makes everyone in the gym feel welcome. It’s rare to see a coach that is able to compete at such a high level and still give so much to his students.” – Lachlan Giles 

MEET THE TEAM: MOSES BENTLEY

If the word “Reliable” was ever to manifest itself in the form of a person, it would be Moses “MoShow” Bentley, commonly known to Melbourne CBD gym-goers as Mo. With over 15 years experience in competitive sport, Mo has helped many of our members to reach their goals as well as our competitors to peak for contests. A generous man who’s rarely without a smile, Mo also knows how to make incredible chocolate chip protein pancakes, which are “guilt-free” in our books because they are protein pancakes (shhh).Now you know that fun fact, I’m sure you want more…read on for more about Mo!

Favourite workout/walkout song?

“2Pac – Ambitionz Az A Ridah”

Mantra/Quote to live by?

“If you don’t find the time, if you don’t do the work, you don’t get the results”

What is your favourite travel destination? Why?

“Hawaii, for the culture, beaches and surf.”

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

I have done rugby, rugby league and tennis. My favourite team is the All Blacks, athlete wise it would be Rafael Nadal. Teams and athletes that do or die, and fight and play to the end are what I consider good sports.”

“Mo has great patience and will work with anyone at any level to make them feel comfortable and confident in the gym. People trust him with their kids training. What more do you need?” – Paul Bai 

“The best way to explain mo is probably by quoting one of my clients.. “mo is nicer than you”. And I’m a pretty nice bloke, so there you have it. He is a good coach, knows his shit and will always put in the extra time with his clients.” – Daniel Howard

“I’ve known Mo since before he was at Absolute. We actually started MMA together with Leigh Allwood as coach many moons ago. Mo not only has the arguably best training playlists, but is also one of the most genuine guys in the gym.” – David Lescai

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MEET THE TEAM: DAVID LESCAI

In the beginning, when Simon Carson created Absolute Mixed Martial Arts, he laid yellow mats as the foundations of the gym. A foundation upon which lifelong friendships and bonds were formed. Some say if you catch the light in CBD when the sunlight first hits the doors in the morning, the mats appear yellow. An established OG of the yellow mats, David “The Nice Guy” Lescai remains with Absolute MMA to this day (although the mats, thankfully, have since been changed)!

A professional MMA fighter (2-2), Dave keeps Absolute MMA Collingwood running smoothly while ensuring ROGUE (Absolute MMA’s Amateur MMA events series) runs safely and efficiently. When he’s not encouraging the team and making sure everyone is on track, Dave brews his own cold brew, is a part time hip hop yogi and also a polished man, fundraising for YGAP’s Polished Man campaign, which aims to end violence against children (Donate to Dave at https://polishedman.com/davidlescai). Read on to find out more!

Mantra/Quote to live by?

“Live every week of your life like it’s shark week.”

Nicknames & Fight Names?

“The Nice Guy”, Super Dave, Davy-Boy, Davie-Baby, “Handsome sweet gentle playboy”, The Captain, Sweet-cheeks and Stud muffin.

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

“I used to play Aussie rules in the Eastern Football League. In three seasons I managed to injure both shoulders, and knees. I moved to full time fight training, citing the AFL was too dangerous – I stand by that decision.”

What is your favourite travel destination? Why?

“New York City. I love the buzz – it has a great energy. I’d like to live in the lower west side, or lower east side, maybe even Brooklyn.”

What movie have you seen over 5 times?

“Clueless. An undeniable masterpiece. Also: Limitless, Fired Up, Pulp Fiction, and Good Will Hunting.”

 

“I’m proud to be the 2nd best looking guy at Absolute MMA next to Dave.” – Jeremy Wharerau

“Dave is a very handsome gentleman. I suggest spending as much time around him as possible. Pro tip – ask him about his kombucha.” – Richard Lattemagi 

“David “the nice guy” Lescai was one of the first members to grace the mats at Absolute MMA. He has competed in MMA at a novice, amateur and professional level as well as cornering the fight team and assisting with their weight-cuts. Beyond his knowledge and passion, Dave is just a bloody good bloke who is always up for a bit of banter.” – Darren Gn 

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Photo Credit: William Luu

MEET THE TEAM: THIAGO STEFANUTTI

The first coach to be hired as part of the Absolute Mixed Martial Arts family, Thiago is an integral part of the team and the head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach of AMMA, holding a third degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His students have won multiple World Championship titles and under his tutelage, our team is the only Australian team to ever win a IBJJF World Championships team trophy, the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in the world. What lies beyond the mastery? Read on to find out a little bit more about our in-house comedian coach!

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’m from São Paulo-Brasil and I grew up there, the interesting thing about my childhood growing up is that I came from a not very safe city and martial arts was a natural way to learn how to defend myself. I ended up in Melbourne because of Gustavo Falciroli, he recommended me to Extreme MMA and then they brought me to this city. It was at this gym I met Simon Carson, and then AMMA became my new gym.”

Mantra/Quote to live by?

“Never come to Absolute Mixed Martial Arts drinking coffee, without bringing one for me.”

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

“Rice and beans.”

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

“A monkey, because I could annoy everyone in the jungle.”

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

“I used to love old V8 cars and I bought my first Dodge Dart when I was 17. I spent all my money investing on improving that car.”

During a 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?

“Tao because he has an elevated soul, Simon because he is so annoying also the zombies couldn’t deal with that and Dan Howard because if the zombies attacked me I could put him in front of me and if he dies nobody will miss him anyway ?”

“Thiago has the largest passion for jiu-jitsu I have seen in Australia. Not only has he helped build one of the best teams in Australia, he puts in crazy hours teaching and providing for his students. When others fill in for his schedule everyone remarks how crazy it is that he has continued to do the amount of scheduled classes and privates he does do and stilll not be a crazy person. Not only has he helped me personally on and off the mats he does his absolute best to help all his students. It is a priviledge to be his student.” – Julian Gonzalez

“Thiago has a huge head.” – Daniel Herbertson, friend and co-worker of Thiago since 2012. 

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Photo credit: Jesse Olsen 

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