Lyndsie Peterson dominated all six matches on her way to double gold in the 2023 IBJJF World Masters Tournament as a purple belt this past September. No points were scored on Lyndsie as she took on world-class opponents. Lyndsie’s preparation and competition experience paid off once again. Investing in mat time and staying disciplined with her conditioning helped her be at the top of her game.
Putting in the work both on and off the mats
As part of her game plan to be the best she can be, Lyndsie has been sharpening her grappling skills and improving her overall health.
Along with multiple Jiu Jitsu training sessions during the week, Lyndsie has been consistent with attending Absolute MMA’s Judo classes. Judo has given her more confidence in her standup game. Over the last few years, Lyndsie’s gripping strategies and takedowns have exponentially improved. Learning the gentle way has provided Lyndsie with reliable options to take the fight to the ground.
Off the mats, Lyndsie has been staying on top of her nutrition and recovery. Sticking to her routine has helped with injury prevention and staying mentally sharp. This discipline has been crucial to her success since she dropped down a weight class.
Staying the course to be the best in the world
Lyndsie shared some of her thoughts and experiences to recap her most recent performance.
Absolute MMA: Once again, you’ve earned your spot as one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters in the world. What’s next for you on your Jiu Jitsu journey?
Lyndsie: I’m currently training to compete in the IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu No Gi Championships. I’ve been spending more time getting in No Gi rounds. It’s been helpful in adjusting to the speed and transitions that happen at a faster rate compared Gi rounds.
Absolute MMA: Were there any obstacles you had to overcome leading up to the tournament? If so, how did you overcome them?
Lyndsie: Life threw some curveballs at me this summer. Big life changes occurred for me and I relied heavily on the team and coaches at Absolute for community and support. I can’t thank them enough for helping me through the most trying 6 months of my life.
Absolute MMA: What were some of the adjustments you had to make fighting in a lower weight class?
Lyndsie: I used to compete in the Super-Heavy division but decided to drop down to Heavy this year. It’s been a bit of an adjustment fighting at a lower weight class.
One of the main adjustments I had to start with was adjusting my diet and workouts to be able to safely drop weight and stay there. I didn’t want to cut weight the day of the tournament. I wanted to wake up ready to fight, on weight. I worked with professionals to make sure I was properly lowering my weight in a safe, sustainable way. “You can’t out exercise a bad diet” there’s not a more true statement in my opinion.
Another adjustment I had to make competing in the Heavy division was the pace. Exchanges move faster in Heavy division. As always, my teammates were super helpful in helping me prepare.
Absolute MMA: How has learning Judo affected your ability to compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? What advice would you give to Jiu Jitsu fighters who want to improve their standup game?
Lyndsie: Judo has added to my confidence on the feet. Learning Judo has given me tools that I can use effectively in competition since all matches start from standing. Everything from grip fighting to understanding when to use a specific throw has been a game-changer for me.
My advice to Jiu Jitsu fighters looking to improve their standup is to learn Judo. Our Judo class is every Wednesday night. It’s a great place for beginners. Professor Rob and Professor Kevin do an incredible job of teaching us techniques and strategies with safety in mind. Often people are scared to try judo, that’s understandable. However, there is far more to judo than those monster throws and huge falls. It’ll help your jiu jitsu, I promise.
Absolute MMA: What are some of your favorite ways to stay mentally sharp in between tournaments? How do you maintain focus while you’re training?
Lyndsie: Something I’ve been doing for some time now is keeping a Judo and Jiu Jitsu journal. This habit has helped me remember what we’re learning in class. I draw the positions of techniques we’re learning which helps me recall what I need when I’m competing. I also add notes of mental connections I’ve made during training. All of this helps me be ready when it’s time to compete.
Absolute MMA: Now that you’ve accomplished your goals for the 2023 Mundials, what are your goals for No Gi Worlds?
Lyndsie: As always, laser-focused on that double gold! Then it’s off to Europeans in January where the Absolute Team will be in Paris for another IBJJF gi competition. Cheers to finishing 2023 strong and riding that wave into the new year.
Begin your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey this week at Absolute MMA!
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