The Empowered Athlete

Navigating Anxiety as an Introvert in BJJ w/ Kristina Barlaan


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In this episode, I chat with multiple-time World Champ Kristina Barlaan. We talk about her story, how she navigates social anxiety and imposter syndrome as a coach and high level athlete and how she prioritizes her mental health.


About Kristina:


Kristina Barlaan is 2nd degree black belt under Professor Caio Terra. When she started her Jiu-Jitsu journey in October 2007, Kristina had no previous experience in martial arts until she started Muay Thai in October 2006. Until that time, she had dedicated a considerable amount of years to the study of dance and performing arts. Jiu Jitsu quickly became a passion and tool to help Kristina feel empowered and confident. With her first tournament in June 2008, Kristina fell in love with competition and has been able to create an impressive resume of wins and titles throughout the years. Her proudest achievement though was the creation of INSPIRE, an open mat event that was made with the intention of building and strengthening the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and she hopes that by living her life with passion and purpose, she can inspire others to do the same.

Main Black Belt Accomplishments:

  • 3x World Master Champion (2020, 2019, 2018)
  • 2x Asian Champion (2018, 2016)
  • 2020 Pans Master Champion (2020)
  • 2x American National No-Gi Champion (2021, 2015)
  • 2016 European Champion
  • 2017 Copa de Marianas Invitational Champion
  • 2x Pans Finalist (2017, 2016)
  • 2016 World Finalist
  • 2017 European Finalist
  • 2x World Medalist (2019, 2017)
  • 2019 Pans Medalist
  • 2019 Brazilian National Medalist
  • 2021 American National No-Gi Finalist (Absolute)
  • 2021 American National Finalist
  • Main Accomplishments at Lower Belts:

    • 4x Pans Champion
    • 4x American National Champion
    • 3x American National No-Gi Champion
    • 7x World Medalist
    • ADCC Veteran (2013)

    • What You'll Learn:

      • Her story and what got her started in BJJ
      • How BJJ has helped her, as a self-proclaimed introvert
      • How she navigates anxiety and nerves in competition
      • The mental blocks she's navigated over the years
      • Her advice for how to be a good coach and how to gain confidence as a coach
      • Her advice and tips to women who desire to step into a coaching role but struggle with anxiety and imposter syndrome
      • How she personally prioritizes her mental health 
      • Her advice in how to navigate mental health and BJJ
      • Her inspiration and mission behind INSPIRE

      • Episode Resources:

        Kristina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbjiujitsu/

        Kristina's email: [email protected]

        Podcast Links:

        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybybossllc

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        The Empowered AthleteBy Body By Boss, LLC

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