Interview with Katelyn Lawrence
We were really lucky to catch up with Katelyn Lawrence (@katelynrosebjj) BJJ Blue Belt and an amazing competitor. Enjoy this little interview...
warrior grips
1/31/20243 min read
Hi Katelyn, how long have you been training in Jiu-Jitsu and how did you get into it?
I've been training Jiu-Jitsu for six years now with a two year break due to covid.
I originally used to do kickboxing which I did for four years but wanted to really learn how to look after myself and my family as my mum has been assaulted in the past. I've also been bullied myself.
We know that you compete a fair bit, what's been your favourite competition so far and why?
My favourite competition so far for me would be the elite 2023 worlds when I took gold against a girl who had never lost, and had previously beaten me four times. This was not just because I won, but because I didn't let it get me down and didn't back away I've made a really good friend now too.
What's your favourite BJJ technique?
I am a guard puller I know some people hate it, but it's my comfort zone and I have won 95% of my matches from the floor. Jiu-jitsu to me is being able to self defend from the floor, so I worked on this the most and I do like a good triangle if I can get it on.
Can you tell me about Zoo Jitsu Hero's? I wasn't aware of the game before I saw that you have your own card now!!
Zoo Jitsu hero's is like top trump cards but Jiu-Jitsu style. The cards are based on actual Jiu-Jitsu competitors coaches top athletes. I met the team at 2023 grapple fest comp and I was hooked, spent most my time talking to the team and buying some cards, I then got most of them signed on the night.
I had a super fight in the same venue the next day and all my doubles I shared with Ethan (@bjjchunkybutt) and played the game for a few hours before our matches. Been hooked on them since and collected most of them.
I got an email from one of the team saying they have a space for a blue belt juvenile and I jumped at the chance and chose the quokka as they are not well known very cute and smile a lot. I've been told I'm always smiling can't even be serious for an events poster. I now have my own Zoo Jitsu card based on my self which I think is really cool.
As well as warrior grips, you are also sponsored by Reality Jiu-Jitsu, can you tell me a bit about their products and them as a brand please?
Reality jiu-jitsu started sponsoring me in June 2023 and my poster went live in July 2023. Reality are a No Gi Jiu-Jitsu brand and also produce casual gym wear. Reality have been so supportive to me and I am very grateful with all my fresh No Gi kit that I have received.
They take time to produce amazing quality clothing and sometimes ask for my input to try new clothing items out. Reality also make brilliant custom made kits they prob thought I was mad when I asked for a T-Rex dinosaur surrounded with roses as my middle name is Rose and one of my nick names is Rex due to the way I position my arms at tournaments.
Reality made the magic happen, I now have a one of a kind custom rash-guard and it definitely stands out in a crowd and looks great on the mats. Team Reality have been so kind and hopefully get to represent them for years to come.
What are your future ambitions in Bjj?
My future goals are to do more adult comps as I'm getting older, I feel the adult matches are much more technical which I enjoy. I want to train and start refereeing at tournaments too.
I do work the pro comps at the moment but due to my age can only do score board and other jobs at the moment.
I want to keep coaching the juniors too, they are the future and I definitely want to travel more to do tournaments abroad. I'm hoping to go back to Dublin and planning on Amsterdam maybe a few more if money allows as my mum pays for all my trips.
Thank you Katelyn, we really appreciate your time but will let you get back to the mats now!
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