Photo: Erin Herle of GracieMag.com.

Can you please introduce yourself to the Swedish grappling community?
My name is Kristina Barlaan and I am currently a brown belt representing Caio Terra Association in San Jose, California.

When and how did you first come in contact with Jiu-Jitsu?
I was first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu in 2006 through my Muay Thai instructor, Dan Black, but I actually didn’t start training until October 2007. When Dan first showed me Jiu-Jitsu, it was no-gi and he showed me how to do a triangle, armbar, and a kimura, but it didn’t really make sense to me. I thought that maybe Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t for me. A year later, my team mate at the time, VIrgil Ortigas, convinced me to try Jiu-Jitsu again, but with the gi. I fell in love instantly.

What are your biggest competition achievements this far?
I am a 2x Pan Jiu-Jitsu Champion, 6x American National Champion, 2013 Abu Dhabi World Pro qualifier, and multiple time World Championship bronze medalist. 2012 was my first time making it to the finals at the World Championship and it was in the Absolutes against now Black belt, Janni Larson.

How has your last grappling year been like?
2013 has been my first year as a Brown belt. It started off well with me winning the San Diego trials for the 2013 Abu Dhabi World Pro and I won Pans at my weight (Feather) and placed 3rd in the Absolute. I also placed 3rd at Worlds. As a Brown belt, I have found less opportunities to have as many matches like in previous belts, but of course the level of competition is so much higher so I am pretty satisfied with what I have been able to do.

How are you preparing for ADCC 2013?
I have been training 4-5 times a day, 5 days a week. Since I am fairly small for the 60kg division, I have had the ”luxury” of being able to gain more weight and strength with weight lifting. Also, with a recent affiliation change, I have been training with my one of my first instructors, Caio Terra, who I feel has some of the best technique in the World, especially when it comes to being a smaller fighter. I also get to train with Black belts Samir Chantre and Osvaldo Augusto ”Queixinho” who are also top level athletes who compete in the lighter weight classes. I also make sure to include mental training studies as well. Developing a strong mental game is something I learned to value from my previous coach, Gustavo Dantas.

What was your reaction when you received the invitation?
When I was first contacted about my name being up for recommendation, I was in utter disbelief. It would have been easy just to think of all the reasons why they would pick someone else over me, but I knew that I have been performing well and I know that I can offer a lot as a contender. I was a little anxious with each email and phone call during the process, so when I officially received the email confirming my invite, I was ecstatic. It is a great honor that I know every athlete would like to have on their resume.

What is your thoughts of the competitor list, any names missing?
I feel that for my division, the list is complete. The top female competitors in the World for 60kg are there, so I expect the competition to be very fierce and tough.

Who has meant the most for your Jiu-Jitsu?
I owe a lot to my former coach and instructor, Gustavo Dantas. I spent the past 4.5 years and bulk of my Jiu-Jitsu career (Blue to Brown) under his guidance and I would not have been able to achieve what I have in such a short amount of time without him.

What is your opinion regarding the lack of weight classes for women at ADCC tournaments?
I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I believe there should be more weight divisions for women. The amount of high level female Jiu-Jitsu athletes has increased a lot over the years and it seems it should be right to add more weight classes to reflect that growth. I hope that is something we can all see in the near future.

Favorite submission?
I really love bow and arrow and triangle chokes. Those are my two highest percentage submissions. I won’t be able to use my bow and arrow at ADCC since I won’t have my beloved gi, but that just means I will get to focus a lot more on all the leg attacks.