Luke Francis' Action-Packed Week in Sydney

Humble Fightwear founder Luke Francis recently spent a week in Sydney, fully immersing himself in the city’s thriving grappling and combat sports scene. From high-level seminars to intense training sessions, Luke’s trip was a relentless pursuit of growth, testing himself against some of Australia’s top talents. He capped it all off by watching the highly anticipated Subversion Paradigm event, making for an unforgettable trip.

Sharpening Skills at Izaak Michell Seminars

Luke kicked off his week by attending not one but two seminars with ONE Championship grappler Izaak Michell. Known for his aggressive wrestling-based style and unbreakable pace, Michell shared invaluable insights into his game. Luke soaked up techniques on takedowns, guard passing, and positional dominance, taking note of the small details that separate elite competitors from the rest. The hands-on experience of drilling with fellow attendees only solidified the knowledge, giving Luke fresh tools to bring back to the mats.

Tough Rounds at Garage Grappling

Next on the agenda was a visit to Garage Grappling, a gym notorious for producing hard-nosed grapplers. The rolls were as intense as expected, with high-paced scrambles, deep submission attempts, and no easy rounds. The energy in the room was infectious, with every training partner pushing Luke to his limits.

Sydney Wrestling Academy: A Grueling Test

Luke then made his way to Sydney Wrestling Academy, where he got to experience firsthand what it takes to grapple at the highest level. The rounds were tough, with explosive takedowns and heavy top pressure from experienced wrestlers who made every exchange feel like a war. The emphasis on positional control and relentless pressure gave Luke a newfound appreciation for the grind of elite wrestling.

A Reality Check from Lucas Kanard

No trip is complete without a humbling experience, and Luke found his when he faced off with the highly skilled Lucas Kanard. Kanard, known for his technical precision and ability to break opponents down systematically, put Luke through the wringer. From relentless positional control to quick transitions, it was a masterclass in high-level grappling. Getting smashed is never fun, but it’s always a learning experience, and Luke left the session with a deeper understanding of his own game.

Training with the Team at Apex MMA & Rolling with Jacinta Austin

Luke also took the opportunity to train at Apex MMA, where he got in some great rounds with the talented team there. Among the notable sessions was a roll with Jacinta Austin, one of Australia's top female competitors. Her technical sharpness and relentless pace made for an exciting exchange, reinforcing that skill and timing always trump brute strength.

Ending the Trip on a High Note at Subversion Paradigm

To round off the trip, Luke attended the Subversion Paradigm event—a spectacle of high-level grappling featuring some of the best talent in Australia. The night was packed with exciting matches, showcasing the evolution of submission grappling and the rise of new contenders. Watching the event live, surrounded by passionate fans and fellow competitors, was the perfect way to wrap up an intense week of training.

Final Thoughts

Luke’s week in Sydney was a testament to his commitment to growth, both as an athlete and as the founder of Humble Fightwear. Every session, seminar, and roll was an opportunity to test himself, absorb new knowledge, and push his limits. With fresh insights and a renewed drive, he’s more motivated than ever to keep evolving—both on and off the mats.