🏈MATTIS PEREZ

When you see Mattis Perez step in front of the camera, the first thing you notice is the undeniable presence. At 185cm tall, the French model representing Monarq Agency commands the room with a quiet, grounded intensity. But behind the sharp jawline and effortless style is a lifetime of rigorous physical training and a mindset forged on the tatami mats.

Welcome to Cool Varsity, where we dive deep into the lives of creatives who blur the lines between high-fashion and high-octane athletics. For Mattis (@mattis_perez), the runway and the dojo aren't all that different—they both require absolute focus, and above all, discipline.

The Making of a Black Belt

Long before he was packing his phone to shoot behind-the-scenes content at modeling gigs, Mattis was throwing opponents on the mat. Introduced to the sport by his parents, he has been training in Judo for 16 years, starting at just two years old.

Earning a black belt wasn't just a hobby; it was a way of life. "High-level judo competition was a significant part of my career," Mattis shares. "It provided a crucial arena to test my training and practice emotional management." With approximately 400 fights under his belt, he knows exactly what it means to perform under pressure. Today, while he still carries the lessons of Judo with him, he has shifted his physical focus toward intensive bodyweight training and has recently picked up Muay Thai on the side.

Style, Sound, and Skincare

Even with a grueling workout regimen—often kickstarted by blasting "80zeon R2"—Mattis keeps his lifestyle surprisingly grounded, sprinkled with a few unexpected quirks. Case in point? If he had to showcase a collection in a museum, it wouldn't be sneakers or vintage designer pieces. "I collect fossils," he reveals. "I think it could go in a museum."

When it comes to grooming, he skips the elaborate 10-step routines. His 3:00 AM holy grail skincare step is remarkably simple: hydration. "I don't do that much skin preparation. I drink a lot of water before I sleep, so I guess that's my holy grail," he notes. His signature scent, however, is a bit more curated, keeping YSL MYSLF and Prada Paradigme on heavy rotation.

As for his downtime, you can find him immersing himself in French rap (he'd join the iconic rap duo PNL if given the chance) or endlessly rewatching classic shows like Prison Break and the anime epic One Piece.

The 1% Rule

Modeling and competitive sports both demand resilience on days when the spotlight feels too bright or the body feels too tired. When asked what pushes him through uninspired days, Mattis has a one-word answer: "Discipline."

Instead of looking up to distant celebrities, he finds his ultimate motivation in his inner circle, purposely surrounding himself with sporty, inspiring friends who keep him moving forward.

For young men looking to break into the hyper-competitive worlds of fitness and fashion, Mattis offers advice that hits harder than any Judo throw: "Trust in your own journey. Measure your progress only against your past self, not against others. Everyone advances at their own speed. Consistency, even 1% improvement daily, is a winning strategy in the long run." #CoolisinSession #CoolVarsity

Photography: Toff Tiozon

Styling: Rj Roque

Grooming: Lars Cabanacan

Model: Mattis Perez at Monarq