Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 28 | Kemal Akagündüz | Absolute MMA Melbourne Head Coach

Kemal's Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemalakagunduz/Sponsor: https://alleone.shop/pages/kemalKemal's Gym: https://absolutemma.com.au/locations/absolute-melbourne-cbd/Sponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFFbCode:GRAPPLEASIA https://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaí: https://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/Pizza Maru https://www.facebook.com/pizzamaruthailand/The world's largest " KOREAN PIZZA CHAIN " - over 600 outlets worldwide, which offer Korean Pizza, Korean Chicken, Pasta, Teokboggi, etc.Branches:📍 Central World Floor 7 Atrium zOne📞 098-170-9797📍 Future Park, 2nd floor, West side.📞 090-777-9927Reserve via Inbox or LINE : @pizzamaruthailandCreontes.comThe memetic lifestyle brand in grappling and performance sports. They create stylish Jiu-Jitsu apparel with a twist of humour. They've got quite the cult community and following. Use the discount code GRAPPLEASIA for 10% on all orders.Give them a follow on instagram at @chiefcreonte.Recorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.coOur mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. ===========================Connect with us! =============================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/ FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/grplasia/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE ===========================➡︎YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GRPLASIA ➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grapple-asia-podcast/id1717848251➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct28MhyxJRHe8dpP0j?si=4893974dfb24499fDescription:Kemal Akagunduz is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Lachlan Giles of Absolute MMA. He is also the former head coach of Absolute MMA Shanghai, which is now called Method MMA.Kemal’s journey with martial arts began in Belarus, back in 2009, where he initially began training in Muay Thai. In 2012, he moved to Shanghai where he attended college and dove headfirst into his passion with training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu seven days a week, three hours a day. There he built a flourishing community as head coach until 2018 before becoming head coach of the Jiu-Jitsu program at Absolute MMA Shanghai. He delves into his evolution in martial arts, the challenges of managing a gym during the pandemic, and his approach to teaching and training. Kemal also discusses the importance of having a good wrestling foundation, the role of a supportive gym culture, and balancing one's athletic progression with sound coaching principles.Timestamps-----------------------------0:00 Sponsor Shoutouts2:23 Guest Introduction: Kemal Akagunduz2:49 Kemal's Martial Arts Journey3:56 Training & Teaching in China7:35 Jiu Jitsu Culture & Training Methods19:57 Class Structure & Coaching Philosophy30:01 Challenges & Moving to Melbourne46:23 Team Management & Learning Approach46:45 Thirst for Knowledge & Elite Level Ambitions48:43 Teaching Jiu Jitsu & Body Movement50:50 Choosing a Mentor: Lachlan's Influence53:19 Absolute MMA: Culture & Success56:13 ADCC Trials & Wrestling Importance57:24 Jiu Jitsu Techniques & Safety1:13:19 Gym Culture & Inclusivity1:14:48 Loyalty & Student Freedom1:26:09 Gratitude-----------------------------===========================Here are the ways to work with us here at Grapple Asia: ===========================⚡️For Support inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ [email protected]#BJJ #JiuJitsu #nogi #GRAPPLING #podcasting #podcast #nogi #grappler #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjlifestyle #grappleasia #grappleasiapodcast #grappleasiapod #justforcreators #modalbkk #alleone #absolutemma