Category Archives: Member Spotlight

We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Lisa “Savage” Kyriacou following her debut Mixed Martial Arts bout last weekend on Path to Hex, from which she brought home a win via TKO in the second round! Never one to shy away from the action, this tough lady is well known at the gym for her colourful language, loving a good spar and a good laugh. Congratulations on your recent win Lisa, we can’t wait to see you back in the octagon! Read on to find out more about Lisa!

Occupation: Dental laboratory assistant

Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts

How did you get into the sport?

I grew up as a little tom boy with a tough older brother that loved fighting. We would always watch action movies, play Tekken and Mortal Kombat, and constantly belt the f*** out of each other as most loving ethnic siblings do. I would watch him fight in kickboxing and destroy his opponent. People that know me well know that I love action. As a little girl I loved to play fight with my brother and older cousins (still do), and I have always found martial arts to bring high intensity, excitement and passion. I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

What are your immediate training goals?

To improve my technique and to not use the majority of my energy when not necessary.

What are your goals for the next five years?

I believe I have the potential and passion to get very far in MMA. So for the next 5 years, I see myself becoming the best fighter I can possibly be. I’m a big believer in making dreams become reality.

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

Everything. Absolute MMA has changed my life. I have made some awesome friends that share similar passions and dreams and all of my coaches are AMAZING humans. They all have taught me so much and have had great patience with me and my stupidity at times. Absolute MMA has become home to me and I couldn’t imagine life without it. This gym makes every day a f***** great day.

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 have a very large big crazy Greek family that I love very much. I grew up in Eltham my whole life, but as of last week I moved out of home for the first time ever and moved to South Melbourne on my own in a cute little apartment. #cityliving

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

I look up to people that have a great sense of humor, a positive mind frame and who love to have some fun in life. I also look up to people that aren’t afraid to be who they really are and who don’t care what others think.

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

This question is almost impossible to answer. I can definitely say that cheese is my number one love and anything meat comes second.

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

“Calm the f*** down”. I could still use this advice at times (hahaha).

“Training with Lisa is getting constantly punched in the face “by accident.” She has a heart of gold and really cares about her team mates, but I pity her future opponents-you’re in for a brawl.”- Giulia Cinquegrana, training partner

“Lisa is terrifying because she strikes me as someone who thrives in chaos. Combine that with a real desire to learn and get better and you have a pretty scary 55kg female fighter on your hands. Looking forward to watching her amateur career unfold and seeing what she can do.”- Sam Hibberd, Coach

We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Tim “Cabeção/Big Head” Baker, one of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu crew, husband to the “Banh Mi Brawler” Tina Trinh and expert eater. His love for desserts is only rivalled by his love for grappling (and Tina, obviously) – read on to find out more about Tim!

Occupation: BJJ Instructor/Forklift Operator

Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, formerly Mixed Martial Arts

How did you get into the sport?

I got into BJJ because I wanted to fight in MMA. I fell in love with BJJ, and it slowly became my sole focus.

What are your immediate training goals?

Currently just to get some momentum behind me and to train more consistently.  

What are your goals for the next five years?

To keep improving, and to continue to love BJJ as much as I do now. Also to keep Tina Trinh from submitting me again as long as possible.

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

I love training at Absolute MMA because of all of the amazing people I get to train and hang out with. There’s a really diverse group of amazing people training across all locations and classes, and it’s easy to forge great friendships.

What is your favourite move?

Probably either a kimura or reverse triangle.

What do you like to do to relax besides training?

Eating, I also enjoy playing video games when I get time.

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 a small city in Essex called Chelmsford. I ended up living in Melbourne through introduction by my wife Tina Trinh. We met in Thailand where I was training for 6 months in 2013/2014, did long distance and I ended up moving to Melbourne.

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

I would say that I look up to people that are extremely skilled at something, but are still grounded, humble and helpful. Luckily enough, we have lots of those people at Absolute MMA!

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

I have so many places I love to eat in Melbourne, but I would probably have to say our house, as Tina is a pretty mean cook… Not that you could tell from my waistline!!

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 would tell myself to look after my body and probably start doing weights sooner.

“He’s all strength, uses his weight and no technique! Hahahah that’s what he hates hearing and that’s what I tell him all the time when we roll, it gets him mad. The reality is, he IS all strength, uses his weight at the right times, and is ALL about technique, which if you ask anyone, is a very deadly combination- Tim is good at what he does and we have lots of fun (and sometimes too competitive) rolls. Although he doesn’t go easy on me (as if I would let him!), he can be, and is the complete gentleman to anyone else that he rolls with (just not to his own wife). He is also constantly teaching me stuff, even though according to him I never listen” – Tina Trinh, wife

“Tim has a massive head that disturbs the classes, likes doughnut rash guards and he gets angry when Tina puts apples in his bag instead of bananas…his jiu-jitsu is fine.” – Thiago Stefanutti, Head BJJ Coach

“One of the most nicest and most dangerous dudes I know. Always willing to help a brother out. His kimura trap will mess you up.” – Kevin Lau

Photos: Dogs of War Photography, Maryanne Mullahy

We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Tina Trinh, our Iron-fisted Chef and Banh Mi Brawler! She punches, kicks, grapples and cooks (check out her Instagram – @food_by_tina ) for not only herself, but everyone else (most notably, husband Tim Baker). Read on to find out more about this absolute super woman!

Occupation: Compliance analyst for an Industry fund/ feeder of Tim Baker

Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

How did you get into the sport?

My origin story is quite boring and tame. I used to go to my local suburban leisure center to workout- think body pump group workouts with suburban mums and middle aged ladies. I used to do laps up and down the pool trying to overtake the 80 year old Croatian grandmother who would walk up and down the lap lane to help with her arthritis. I was bored and wanted to change things up, so in 2012, I decided to try martial arts- I went to a gym that did Muay Thai, JKD, Kali Arnis and Boxing. Then in 2014 I decided I’d go to Thailand for a training holiday, and trained at a MMA gym where I got my first taste doing BJJ. The rest, as they say, is history.

What are your immediate training goals?

After my last MMA fight which saw me receive a fractured orbital- shout out to my very supportive husband who flew interstate to Queensland and drove me back to Melbourne (18 hrs over 2 days!) while getting dirty looks for my bunged up face, my immediate training goals are…to get back into the cage (haha). I’ve had some time off since then and I feel ready to get back into it, yeah it sucked at the time, but the lifespan of a cage fighter can be so short. I want to make the most of it while I’m still young and capable.

What are your goals for the next five years?

To be still training and cartwheel passing my haters. More comps, be it BJJ or MMA. I also want to try Schwingen! Look it up! It’s the Swiss version of wrestling- its essentially a national sport over there, and they do it up in the Swiss Alps. Definitely a bucket list item for me is to one day travel there, and try my hand at one of their competitions!

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

The thing I love about Absolute MMA is that I get to train with the best coaches and teammates, people who aren’t just workout proximity associates- but people who I’d be okay with being seen out on the streets with (haha)! You guys are good friends, cliches of cliches, you’re a second family to me. Perhaps there’s something about choking each other out or punching one another in the face that engenders some sort of camaraderie, but it’s totally there.

Absolute MMA also has great facilities, a packed timetable and three different locations within Melbourne, so you’re never short of new or different training partners, and now are even located in Shanghai and Phuket. I’ve even had the privilege to train at the Phuket location! Hold back the tears readers, but yes, I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing gym. (I’ll take my payment for writing this article in Absolute reward points, thanks!)

What is your favorite move?

For those that have rolled with me (in BJJ), they’d say the cartwheel pass, but because I’ve been given so much shit about it by *ahem*…a few people (clearly the haters are just jealous and wish they could do a cartwheel as well as me), I’ve tried to change my game up a bit (and also so people can feel less inadequate about their cartwheels). Right now though, I suppose my favorite move is either the low single take down- it helps that I’m so short and so low to the ground already (haha), and I also like a double leg take down with an outside trip.

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 Melbourne, I was born here and I have lived here all my life. My parents are from Vietnam though and came here as refugees in the 1980s. I grew up with two older brothers and always rough housed with them, and was sometimes forced to watch WWE…and have the moves re-enacted on me. All I wanted to do was watch the Powerpuff Girls!

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

Tall people, because I’m short and I need to look up to them to talk them.

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

B’churrasco (an all you can eat Brazilian BBQ joint in the city) or Gorilla Grill (East meets West kind of vibe Burger joint). The picanha rump is bomb at B’churrasco (and steer clear of their carbs, the real deal is in the meat!), and Gorilla Grill’s King Kong burger (Double beef patty, fried chicken, special sauce and pork belly) and Kimchi Loaded Fries. Perfect places for the weight cutting athlete or a post comp feed.

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

You’re awkward as f**k, god you’re embarrassing. Don’t spaz. Relax.

…Oh wait, I still need to tell myself that everyday.

“Tina is a beast trapped in a tiny body. She’s strong and fast and cooks bloody drool worthy meals. There are times when I thought I took Tina down successfully with a takedown but nekminit I’m tapping to an arm bar. Too fast for the naked eye!” – Yvonne Chow

“Tina is a cartwheeling, pressure passing, super energetic woman! She may have a resting b*tch face, but she is actually pretty friendly for the most part. Tina loves to mess about and have fun, talk smack, and (most importantly) cook up a storm for her friends!” – Tim Baker, husband

“One of the toughest girls I know who has fighting skills that matches her culinary skills.” – Kevin Lau

“”Tina is a powerhouse! I remember the first time I rolled her I thought I better go easy cause I was so much bigger…only to find that I immediately had to start defending myself. Not only is she a beast on the mats, she hosts the best get togethers and is an amazing cook. She taught me to make breakfast burritos!” – Maryanne Mullahy

We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Kelz “Jacky Chan” Lau, one of our globe trotting martial arts practitioners, known affectionately as Peter Vela’s son. Kelz is an expert on finding the best vegan food in Melbourne, so be sure to ask him for his recommendations! Read on to find out more about Kelz!

Occupation: Subject Matter Expert – Inbound Contact Centre Banker

Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Aikido, Break dancing, Circus Aerials/Pole, Snowboarding, Parkour.

How did you get into the sport?

I love movement! As a kid I couldn’t sit still and eventually discovered break dancing. After High School I got into martial arts (Aikido Shinryukan; Ray Sefo Fight Academy; Capoeira Ache Brasil; Checkmat Wimbledon and now a part of the Absolute family!).

What are your immediate training goals?

Trying hard not to get squished on the bottom in BJJ and survive (haha)!

What are your goals for the next five years?

Build up my BJJ arsenal where I can be efficient with my movement with minimal energy.

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

It is an amazing family atmosphere, where everyone builds everyone up. Also because I work weird rosters, I can train in the morning, lunch or evenings across the 3 different locations.

What is your favourite move?

Crucifix, but I tend to be stuck inside one instead.

Favourite workout/walkout song?

Fort Minor – Remember the name.

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 Malaysia but grew up in New Zealand. I started Aikido during uni before picking up kick boxing/muay thai at the Ray Sefo Fight Academy. I then headed to Bangkok and spent a week training at Muay Thai Plaza 2004 and fell in love with travelling. After graduation I did Camp America working as a counselor at a ranch for at risk youth. I then returned to NZ and saved up my annual leave and spent a month volunteering in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Since then I have been a ski bum in Whistler Canada, and a poor backpacker living in London! When my UK visa ran out, I chose Melbourne because of the food, art and culture.

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

I look up to the people that help others to discover their potential without wanting anything in return. This is because when I graduated I thought I was going to change the world, but the more I travelled, the more I realised the world needs more selfless people who help one another.

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

I’ve been loading up on Lord of the Fries – The Lot Burger after training lately.

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

Respect and look after your training partners because you will need them on this journey to help you grow and succeed. Don’t rush the basics and drill lots.

“I’m proud of Peter Jr., he’s come a long way.”- Peter Vela

We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Reah Saunders, one of our Melbourne CBD lunchtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu regulars! Let’s all keep calm…and ca-REAH on!

Occupation: Indirect Procurement Specialist

Martial Arts/Sports: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

How did you get into the sport?

I was on maternity leave and wanted to start a martial art for self-defence and to fill some time. A BJJ gym opened at the bottom of my street (in Sydney). I did a trial, fell in love and the rest is history.

What are your immediate training goals?

To turn up to lunch class 3-4 times a week. If I can do that, I am happy.

What are your goals for the next five years?

To still be doing BJJ and enjoying it as much as I do now.

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

I love the culture. I tried a few gyms in Melbourne before joining Absolute. I like that everyone is friendly and supportive and always willing to help. And not just within your own gym, I often reach out to the Women’s group in St Kilda and get the same response.

What is your favorite move?

I like an Omapalata. I even sing the Pina Colada song as I’m doing one and change the word Pina Coalda for Omapalata (pulling it off is rare, but I give it a red hot go).

What do you like to do to relax besides training?

My partner recently got me hooked on the podcast ‘Australian True Crime’. So most recently I listen to that. I also like to read.

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 England and moved to Australia in 2008. We lived in Sydney for 8.5 years and then moved to Melbourne in 2016.

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

I like people in history that have challenged society and the norms. So people like Rosa Parks, Harvey Milk, Alan Turing and The Suffragettes. People that put their self on the line to change our futures for the better.

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

You’re going to be bad at this forever, but that’s not why you started, so just keep going.

“Reah is one of the most patient, lovely and passionate people you could ever hope to train with! When she walks on the mat I feel safe and scared at the same time! Without her motivation and backhanded compliments I never in a million years would have a blue belt! She is the reason I go hard or slack off (haha)  irreplaceable!!!” – Trish Brew, training partner

“Since this English girl started training, I have always known her to be a strong person. I have always liked her character and behavior in and out of the class, and she is a student who is always smiling and kind. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner she has solid fundamentals and a good attendance in classes despite working full time, being married and a mum of a beautiful boy. She is another Wonder Woman at AMMA.” –  Thiago Stefanutti, coach

We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to Kayla “The Brickhouse” Hamilton, one of our plant-powered bad asses who’s turned ground and pound into an absolute art form. We’re so proud to see how far Kayla has come on her martial arts journey so far (including a total weight loss of 38 kilos!) and look forward to what she’s going to achieve in the future. Read on to find out more about Kayla!

Occupation: Lifeguard and writer

Martial Arts/Sports: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

How did you get into the sport?

I got into MMA when hired Lukaz “the Lycan” Catubig as a PT to get fit (Gumtree ads, aren’t they wonderful!?” and his passion for it made me fall in love with it.

What are your immediate training goals?

To get in the cage! I’m aiming to fight on the next Path to Hex, so that means dropping weight and sharpening my skills.

What are your goals for the next five years?

To just become the best Mixed Martial Artist I can be! I want to see how far I can go, because there is no limit in what you can achieve! I also want to finish my nutrition degree so I can use my knowledge and experience to help other fighters cut weight safely and get the best out of their bodies.

Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?

Absolute MMA has become a home for me. Everybody, coaches, staff and members alike, are so wonderful. They push you hard but aren’t afraid to have a laugh. The banter here is top notch.

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 originally from Adelaide, and when I was 11 years old, my grandma took me to Melbourne for a holiday. I told her then I was going to move here! Eventually at 26 I did to achieve my goal of being one of the best female KRUMP dancers in Australia. Still working on that one (haha).

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

People that never let life get them down but also help other people achieve their goals too. It’s easy to achieve and step on other people, but to lift others up while you are moving up too…that takes a special type of person.

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

To not care what others are thinking about you. We are all on our own journeys and whether it’s page 1 of Chapter 1….or page 256 of your 3rd book, comparing yourself or worrying about others takes the fun out of training!

“Kayla is a very friendly human being, she likes inspiring other people and sharing her Martial Arts stories. What I admire about her (especially regarding her attitude to the Martial Arts) is that when it comes to her goals she one hundred percent commits into it and does whatever is necessary to get it done.” – Luke Catubig, Coach.

“It’s always so much fun to train with Kayla. She has so much passion for martial arts and her journey inspires me and a lot of people to be the best versions of themselves. She is a positive role model that shows us with hard work you can achieve your goals.” –  Rebecca Cerra, training partner. 

Follow Kayla’s journey at: https://www.facebook.com/fromthecouchtothecage/