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Coach Maryanne Mullahy aka “She Hulk” is a three-time World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a two-time World Championship Silver Medallist and before receiving her Black Belt she was currently ranked as the #1 Brown Belt female in the world for no-gi jiu-jitsu. She is also currently ranked as the number one Photoshop master at Absolute MMA and if you’ve ever made an awkward face in a photograph, even just once…no one can save you now. As strong as she is kind, we’re lucky to have her guiding our beginners through their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Melbourne CBD. Read on to find out about Maryanne!

What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?

Double gold at the 2013 No-Gi World Championships as a brown belt.

What made you start Martial Arts?

I was 16 at the time and some people came and did a self defense workshop at my high school. I really enjoyed it. The following week my friend dragged me to the local jiu jitsu club, and after my first class I was obsessed. Pretty much lived at the gym from that day forward, haha.

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

I moved to Melbourne for university and I trained at a few different clubs when I first arrived. One day Thiago invited me to come visit Absolute CBD for a training session (as I’d trained with him in the past when he had instructed at other gyms). When I walked though the door I knew Absolute was where I wanted to be.

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

I remember putting my older brothers into jiu jitsu holds when they annoyed me (haha).

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Retired on an island after a massive lottery win surrounded by a pack of puppies… a girl can dream, right?

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

Cheeeessseeecakkkkeeeee.

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

I actually work in financial services full time, coaching martial arts is a part time gig for me.

What do you like to do to relax besides training?

Ride my motorbike and I really enjoy drawing when I have the time.

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

A unicorn! Why? It’s a horse with a sword on it’s head… need I say anymore? *stabby stabby*

What is your favorite travel destination? Why?

Europe. Cause I have a lot of friends and relatives over there. Always good to go visit them.

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 Geelong, but moved to Melbourne to study a science degree. Did the degree, but don’t work in a science field. I know… makes perfect sense.

What movie have you seen over 5 times?

Con Air and Godzilla (the Matthew Broderick one).

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

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect and grade right away. Martial arts is a journey, not a sprint! Be sure to enjoy that journey.

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?

Richard Lattemagi, as he’s my Estonian brother from another mother. Emilie Yap, cause she’s my sista from another mister. And Paul Bai…. cause every Zombie apocalypse team needs cannon fodder. Xoxox

“Maryanne is the P4P nicest person in the gym, and arguably, the world. She’s always been someone who will go out of her way to help me and others. She’s truly one of a kind, already an absolute legend in Australian grappling, someone I’m lucky to have learned off of and someone I feel privileged to call a friend. She’s also hands down one of the strongest humans in the gym, and that’s saying a lot when you look at who trains at Absolute.”- Amit Narayan

“Super Coach.” – Nathan Heddle

“Without her welcoming myself and my friend Mordor to Australia…I love her, she’s forever my best friend in Australia, my sister from another mister, and I can’t be more thankful to her for being the lovely open person that she is.” – Richard Lattemagi

“Being friends with Maryanne is like winning the friend lottery in life! Lucky to have her in my life, prouder to call her my sister. You won’t find anyone more supportive, encouraging and genuine. As one of the Introduction class coaches, Maryanne is one of the first teachers our new students have, and we couldn’t ask for a better person to introduce the gym. As Lady Gaga once said, “Talented. Brilliant. Incredible. Amazing. Showstopping. Spectacular.”…and that’s how Maryanne feels about me. Haha! She makes a phenomenal roast which is on par with her roasting skills so it’s best not to cross her or she’ll Photoshop your head onto…something. Nothing but love and respect for this amazing woman!” – Emilie Yap 

“I’m convinced time machines have already been invented. How else could Maryanne have been the inspiration
for the creation of She Hulk in 1980?” – Sarah Wahjudi

“Maryanne’s a world class buttkicker, a skilled coach and a dear friend. She’s taught me to respect leglocks and is my dog’s favorite human. She once had her brother give my family $500 worth of luxury cheeses, saving us from starvation. Growing up, She Hulk had a poster of Maryanne on her wall. True story. Don’t miss out. Come train with her at Absolute today.”-
Han Wahjudi

Maryanne destroying the Avengers (1980). Photo for reference purposes only

“An amazonian with a heart of gold who also makes a mean Sunday roast. She once took in a couple of Estonian street kids out of a crack house and let them live with her. She once chased me across a room because I took her unlocked phone with Facebook open. It was the only time in my life where I experienced pure fear that my life would truly end, as I barricaded myself in a room as she was breaking down the door demanding that I give her phone back. She’s awesome.”- Kevin Lau

“Kind and strong, gentle lady as a person, the best Coach in the world! Don’t miss out her class ! It can be changed your life.” – Rhylie Kim

Coach Connor Evans of Absolute MMA St Kilda has over 15 years of freestyle wrestling experience. During his time on the mats he has been a member of the Scottish, British and Australian national teams and was selected to represent Australian in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Connor is not just a highly decorated competitive wrestler, but also has a passion for music, having played guitar for over 14 years. We are very lucky to have him handling the Wrestling classes! Read on to find out more about Connor!

What made you start Martial Arts?

I started wrestling when I was 7 because I thought it was the same as pro wrestling on TV.

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

I had trained wrestling with one of the other coaches and he asked if I would be interested in doing some coaching. Prior to coaching I was an electrician, I left the electrical trade to focus on training/coaching full time.

Favorite workout/walkout song?

Retilla, the strokes

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

I moved to Melbourne with my family from Scotland when I was 16. My favorite memory growing up was my last camping trip with friends before moving to Australia.

Who is an inspiration to you, and why?

My parents, because they have given me, my brother and sister every opportunity to get to where we are right now. They showed me how much hard work can pay off.

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

Pizza!

What do you like to do to relax besides training?

Playing my guitar or just hanging out with friends.

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

Probably a dog, can’t really say why other than they’re my favorite animal.

What is your favorite travel destination? Why?

Gold Coast. Good place to relax when I’m not training or competing.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’ve competed on 3 different national teams for wrestling. Scotland, UK and Australia.

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?

Moved to Melbourne with family when I was 16. My parents wanted a different lifestyle for me, my brother and sister and we loved Melbourne from the moment we got here.

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

I used to be a skater and had hoped to go pro when I was younger but this never really worked out.

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

Hard working people that are driven and won’t stop trying to reach their goals no matter how hard they are to achieve.

Have you ever worked a job outside of the fitness/martial arts industry? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?

I was an aviation maintenance engineer and an electrician before working in martial arts.

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

Squires loft in Essendon. Favorite dish would be the 750g rib eye medium/rare with chips and gravy.

What movie have you seen over 5 times?

The Lion King.

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

Have fun with it.

“Connor puts up with a lot of our immature sh*t. And yet, he somehow manages to effectively impart his wrestling knowledge to us; adding a valuable layer towards our BJJ/grappling/MMA game. He is an excellent coach, who has also been a strong & consistent role model, both as a teacher and competitor. We are very f**king lucky to have him at our gym.”- Young Nghiem

Since coming on as a casual many years ago, Emilie Yap has grown to fill many roles within the Absolute MMA machine! In this staff profile we get to know the smiling face at reception in the CBD, the voice of Absolute MMA social media and the glue that keeps the administration team together!

Nicknames & Fight Names?
Emmy, Toohey also likes to call me Potato.

What made you start Martial Arts?
I was always interested in Martial Arts growing up and always watched a lot of martial arts movies with my Dad but I was never really sure if it was for me! I did a lot of yoga and other sports previously, then Laos Toohey convinced me to start taking his classes, I fell in love with Muay Thai and I’ve been doing it ever since!

How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I started working here part time in university after leaving a job at a bank, loved it so much I never left and started working full time doing more media/marketing with Absolute MMA when I graduated.

Mantra/Quote to live by?
Find joy in your journey.

Tell us about your life growing up, what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
Jumping into massive piles of leaves during Autumn in parks, climbing oak trees and throwing acorns at family members.

Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
So many people. But most recently Ravi, one of the founders of The Yatra Foundation. They do some great work helping provide disadvantaged children in India the opportunity to access education! Check them out here: http://yatrafoundation.org/

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pho! Great when you are sick and great when you are well. It could be 30+ Degrees Celsius outside and I would still order this.

What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Bubble baths and listening to music/podcasts

If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?
Probably a bird of some kind. Flying would be amazing!

What is your favorite travel destination? Why?
Japan, there’s so much to experience there. You’ve got the perfect blend of the modern and traditional, plus Niseko for skiing/snow boarding! Plus the food is amazing.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I mispronounced the word ‘almond’ wrong for a significant part of my adult life and no one told me!

When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
Wore a sari recently, pretty sure I butchered wrapping it around myself. Two lovely women saw my struggle, took pity on me and assisted me in doing it properly! Wherever you are, thank you.

Have you ever worked a job not in the fitness/martial arts industry? What were the highlights and lessons you learned?
I worked for a bank for a couple of years before working for Absolute MMA. Learned how important it is to have a basic understanding of banking and how it works!

What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Huge fan of Baba Sus in Glen Iris! Their Hong Kong egg waffle is amazing.

If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Start earlier, stick with it and be more confident in yourself. No one expects you to be perfect as a beginner!

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?
Maryanne Mullahy, my sister from another mister, super strong and all around great human being. Oliver Smith to lead and calm down all the beginners (or survivors, whatever you want to call them) the team would come across and Richard Lattemagi because I feel like he could convince the zombies to not eat us through some demon sales magic.

“Em is the responsible adult in the gym and a mother, aunt and sister to the whole team. Without her presence we’d all be back in caveman loincloths and burning the office furniture for warmth within a week.” – Dan Herbertson

“Emilie is the glue that holds this gym together. After several years of pretending to work at Absolute MMA she has finally started practicing Muay Thai. So much easier now that she knows we’re a martial arts gym and don’t offer a whole bunch of oddly named spin classes.” – Richard Lattemagi

“She is the sweetest badass you’ll ever meet ♥️ ” – Siew Wen Tan

“Em is like our little sister, everyone looks after her because she does the same to us. She is one of the nicest person you can meet. Always happy and positive.” – Thiago Stefanutti

” Emilie is the sweetest, kindest, most caring individual to grace the mats of Absolute MMA. She is truly a rose among thorns. ” Darren Gn