This month, Absolute MMA team member Lyndsie Hauck brought home another World Championship gold medal but this time as a new purple belt. Lyndsie continued the momentum from her blue belt championship run in 2021 where she won the IBJJF Boise Open, IBJJF Pan, IBJJF World Masters, IBJJF International Masters, and IBJJF Worlds.
Facing a new level of competition
The path to winning the 2022 Adult/Female/Purple/Super-Heavy division was not easy and without its own unique challenges. Lyndsie had 3 matches against seasoned opponents who all had considerable competition experience. Each opponent had her own unique style as significant strengths in their ground game from guard passing to setting up submissions.
We asked Lyndsie questions about her experience as well as some of her insights on the preparation and her overall experience. We also asked Professor Rob Handley for his observations on Lyndsie’s growth in 2021 and her performance this year.
Absolute MMA: What was the biggest difference between competing as a blue belt and competing as a purple belt?
Lyndsie: I think at blue belt we are all trying to find our game. At purple, it may not be fully formed, but you have a direction on where you want to go. Therefore you can’t give anyone an inch. It’s a tighter and more technical match.
I also feel that the purple belt competitors have competition experience. There were times at blue belt that I was going against someone who was fighting for the first time. These girls have all had significant wins in their BJJ careers.
Absolute MMA: How many matches did you have and what were the results for each match?
Lyndsie: I had three matches.
The first match ended in a win by an advantage for threatening a collar choke from closed guard.
The second match I won by triangle submission.
I won the third and final match on points by getting the takedown and hitting a sweep. The final score was (4-1-0/0-1-0).
Absolute MMA: Were there any specific areas of your game you worked on between this year and last year?
Lyndsie: Half guard was something we worked on as a team that was really useful in these matches.
Absolute MMA: What other insights would you like to share?
Lyndsie: Worlds was a humbling and crazy experience. Walking into The Pyramid, I didn’t have the confidence to win this. The team carried me through when I didn’t believe in myself. I relied so much on what they had already given me: Hard rounds, mat side talks, extra reps, texts of support, etc.
Secondly, we all know Professor Rob has a deep understanding of not only Jiu Jitsu but of sport Jiu Jitsu. His ability to lead this brand new purple belt to a first place finish at The Mundials speaks to not only that but to his leadership and coaching ability. This man has so much heart and so much love for his team. It’s empowering and makes me want to work harder.
I realize now more than ever, that what we are doing at Absolute MMA works. Take it from me, trust in the process and trust in each other. I could not be more proud to be a part of this team.
Professor Rob Handley’s observations and insights on Lyndsie’s performance and growth
Absolute MMA: What were some of the key differences between Lyndsie’s BJJ game last year as a blue belt and this year as a purple belt?
Professor Rob Handley: The biggest difference in her game has been on the mental side of fighting, learning the game, understanding points, and how to ultimately, WIN. At Blue Belt, it was very much a trial by fire and figure-it-out process, what works, what doesn’t, what to expect, and what to focus on. At Purple Belt, she’s got her rhythm, she knows what to expect, and she has her process more tuned and regimented. It’s just going to get better from here on, full stream, laser-focused!
Lyndsie fought this year’s competition differently than the year before, she fought willingly from her back in every match. She showed she is more than a takedown and guard passing specialist. She had a 70% submission or finishing rate at Blue belt and I expect she will do the same at Purple belt.
Absolute MMA: How did you come up with the game plan that you did as her coach?
Professor Rob Handley: Leading up to IBJJF Worlds 2022 we looked at a couple of things. First, we looked at as much film on her opponents as possible. Luckily, most of her opponents have been actively competing and had fights on FloGrappling. We discussed their strengths and weaknesses, gripping strategies, tactics, techniques, and ways for her to WIN. Then when the brackets came out we made some adjustments. Each of the athletes brought a different challenge to our strategy, in the end, she made the right choices and gambled a little, and came out on top. I couldn’t be prouder.
Lyndsie has done a great job working on the things that are within her control. Her physical and mental conditioning, her diet, regular use of the sauna and ice baths, studying film, practicing and training regularly. Lyndsie’s skill has evolved greatly, she’s very well-rounded. She’s willing to work on aspects of her game.
Absolute MMA: What are your thoughts on Lyndsie’s overall growth in the last year?
Professor Rob Handley: She’s very unique in that she can fight from the bottom as well as the top. She’s as well-rounded as they come so she can fight in any position. Lyndsie has done something remarkable. I don’t recall ever hearing of anyone her age winning both Worlds and Masters Worlds titles. She was the newest purple belt in the division and faced 4 former Adult World medalists. She’s on track to challenge every division and medal through Blackbelt. We aren’t in a hurry and it will take time but I can see her doing it.
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