How did you get started in Martial Arts?

I would come into the gym and watch my friend train and one day decided to give it a go myself and I became hooked…I just wish I started earlier!

What was your first experience like at Legends MMA?

I was kind of nervous because I hadn’t trained in MMA before but after I had my induction and started the warm ups the nerves went away and I got really into it as the class went on. Great feeling.

How has your training developed with the support of the trainers and your team mates at Legends MMA?

I definitely love how supportive everyone is and how you are encouraged to get the best out of yourself. It’s more than just rocking up and doing a martial arts class, it’s about pushing yourself to always reach new highs. I started by wanting to learn some self-defense and have a great workout and now I’ve gone way beyond that and I’m learning as many different combos and techniques as I can – I even recently competed in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament!

How does Martial Arts keep you motivated?

Always wanting to better myself – my gains in cardio, strength, and technique have been going through the roof.

How has taking up Martial Arts changed your life outside of the gym?

In Martial Arts everyone has their own style and that nobody you train with is the same – and through this I learnt the importance of being myself. This has translated to how I live my life outside of the gym where I focus on being who I want to be and I am much happier for it.

What advice would you give anyone looking to try Martial Arts?

It’s ok to be nervous but remember to relax. Martial arts is really fun, and I think if you are able to manage the first few weeks where you are picking up the basics, then you’ll start loving it and get obsessed with it. I can’t get enough and sometimes even train twice a day.

How did you get started in Martial Arts?

I’d been talking about starting BJJ for many years, one day I got sick of talking about it and just did it.

What was your first experience like at Legends MMA?

It’s very intimidating to start anything up, but from day one; I felt relaxed and comfortable. If I was to sum up Legends in three words it would be: welcoming, supportive and fun.

What is your favourite thing about Legends MMA?

The family vibe and supportive environment created by the coach and members.

How has your training developed with the support of your trainers and team mates at Legends MMA?

BJJ has been a challenging experience being one of the smaller guys at the gym. Over time, with the focus and attention I’ve been given from David I have now developed to a technical enough level where I can give back to the community (refereeing/coaching). BJJ has taught me to be more humble, disciplined and understanding.

How does Martial Arts keep you motivated?

The team, coach and my desire to challenge myself keeps me motivated. I know every session will be challenging and being in a supportive environment really helps push me to new levels.

What accomplishments are you most proud of inside of the gym?

Overcoming the fear of competing for the first time was a very proud moment in my BJJ journey. Having dodged the competition scene for over 3 years and competing for the first time as a blue belt, David provided the support and guidance to make me believe in myself and just give it a go. As a result I got Silver at the 2018 Australian Nationals.

What advice would you give anyone looking to try Martial Arts?

Just give it a shot, it may seem intimidating at the beginning but, you’ll never know your potential until you step out of your comfort zone. Legends provides the perfect setting for this, with lots of experience and support.

How did you get started in Martial Arts?

I started Karate at the age of five and explored Muay Thai, and then I found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

How did you decide on your chosen Martial Art?

My friend encouraged me to attend one class of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since I love trying new avenues, I decided to have a go.

What was your first experience like at Legends MMA?

My first class changed my entire life. I knew that I had finally found the style of martial arts that resonates with who I am. Everyone was warm and welcoming. I was thrown in the deep end yet provided the right guidance to survive.

What is your favourite thing about Legends MMA?

At Legends MMA, everyone is family whether you are old or new to the gym. We all support each other. There is no room for ego on the mat. This is perfectly demonstrated by our inspiring coach David Younan. Secondly, we are pushed to realise our own unlimited potential without being spoon fed.

How has your training developed since starting at Legends MMA?

Since I have been training at Legends MMA, my game has improved immensely. Dave scaffolds us by ensuring that we think for ourselves and solve problems as we roll. He encourages us to ask questions in class. My team-mates teach me something new every day and offer consistent support.

What keeps you motivated?

Every class I am enthusiastic to learn a new technique or develop my skills further with my team mates. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is my playground. I perceive the martial art as a game of life.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Being someone who likes to put myself out of my comfort zone, I am proud that I survived getting smashed by higher belts in my first 6 months. This motivated me further to compete for the first time at Nationals. Although I did not win, I walked out feeling accomplished for pushing myself mentally.

How has taking up Martial Arts changed your life outside the gym?

When I first commenced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I was crippled with depression and anxiety to the extent where I walked out of almost every class. However, with the family environment that we have and supportive training I was able to start learning effectively. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps me stay in the moment (my meditation). Rolling regularly helps me understand the flow of life and continue to persevere no matter what.

What advice would you give anyone looking to try Martial Arts?

If you have any spark of interest for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, jump in. It will positively transform your life. Like anything new, starting a martial art can be a struggle at first. You are never alone and know that people are here to support you in your journey. There is no other gym like Legends MMA.

How did you get started in Martial Arts?

My Dad brought home the Rocky box set when I was 10 and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

What was your first experience like at Legends MMA?

Very positive. I had trained with Chris (MMA/Striking coach) before at another gym and followed him to Legends because I love how he blends traditional and contemporary martial arts into a system that actually works. The training is a perfect blend of fun and hard work.

Chris has an awesome way of keeping things fun but also realizing when people need to be pushed. He definitely gets the most out of us each class.

What is your favourite thing about Legends MMA?

Definitely the culture. Everybody is incredibly friendly and always keen to help when you need it. If you’re looking for a solid workout session, good sparring or simply just to pick up some knowledge or techniques, it’s all there for you.

How has your training developed?

Coming from mainstream backgrounds like Boxing and Muay Thai, Chris’ training principles have allowed me to develop my footwork in ways I didn’t even know existed and his knowledge of grappling on the ground has allowed me to add heaps of techniques to my game!

What keeps you motivated?

Definitely some of the new guys in the gym who are starting to get the better of me in sparring.

What accomplishments are you most proud of (outside or inside of the gym)?

Very proud of helping some of the new guys in the gym find their feet and just (hopefully) being a contributor to the great culture the gym has set.

What advice would you give anyone looking to try Martial Arts?

Do it if you genuinely want to improve yourself as martial arts will benefit you for life.