Kevin Kopaunik brings a combined 35+ years of Martial Arts experience to the Absolute MMA family. When Kevin isn’t helping students learn and grow in the gym, he’s running his home security business, Prime Security Training & Consulting, which helps homeowners protect their loved ones. Get to know Kevin as he shares a bit of his Martial Arts journey and advice for those new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
Q: How long have you been training at Absolute MMA?
Kevin Kopaunik: I’ve been training at Absolute MMA for over 18 years. I go way back with Professor Rob Handley, We were roommates out of high school. I was doing karate and Rob was doing Tae Kwon Do. He (Professor Rob) got into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the early 90’s and he convinced me to try it out with him.
I got into Martial Arts for the self-defense aspect and found that I really loved Jiu Jitsu.
Q: What’s your approach to Martial Arts now that you’ve been training for a few decades?
KK: As you get older, you get wiser. I’ve been focusing on the economy of motion so I’m more efficient with everything I do. I try not to waste energy when training.
I’m also better at noticing if someone needs help. It’s easier to see when I can help students succeed. After all, this ( Martial Arts) is a lifelong journey to keep learning and growing.
Q: What are your best injury prevention tips
KK: Tap! Tap early and tap often. If you injure yourself, take time to stop and rest. Be smart. It’s to train when you’re hurting.
Q: For anyone who is on the fence about training, what’s your best piece of advice?
KK: You need to get started and get to Absolute MMA. Sometimes the hardest thing is getting there. I think you’ll either love it or hate it but you won’t know until you try.
Q: What has Brazilian Jiu Jitsu helped you with? What keeps you training?
KK: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has helped me with improving my confidence and staying in shape. It’s also helped me with my mental health. When I go to the gym, I’m good. The difference is night and day when I train and when I don’t train.
The friendships I’ve made at Absolute MMA are right up there as well. The people who train are trying to do their best to be better. It’s hard to not like someone when they’re trying to make you better.
Start your Absolute MMA journey today!
We’re here to help you achieve your goals through Martial Arts! Schedule your first Absolute MMA class by giving us a call at (801) 255-1166. We’re located at 1338 W 7800 S West Jordan, UT 84088. You’ll be able to learn different Martial Arts from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Muay Thai while making new friends for life!