Today’s Women Who Roll Wednesday features black belt competitor, gym owner, and inspiration, Chelsah’ Lyons. She is a very accomplished competitor with a Master World Title at black belt, and two brown belt Fight2Win title victories. Aside from her competition accolades, she is also a phenomenal teacher opening her own gym up recently, and great role model for women in jiujitsu.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where do you live, where do you train, how long have you been training?
I’m from Dallas, Texas. I train with my students at LP Martial Arts in Lewisville, and continue to train weekly with my Marcelo Garcia of Dallas team. I’ve been training for 10 years.
How did you get into jiujitsu? What did you want to get out of it in the beginning, and what do you want to get out of it now?
I discovered Jiu Jitsu when I started training at an MMA gym in 2010. In the beginning, I didn’t really know much about it. I knew that it was a major player in having a well rounded fight game and that you could choke someone much larger than you if you could get to their back. Haha! I had no idea that it would become my life. These days, I want to share this knowledge and the feeling it brings with anyone who’s willing to listen and train. I want to evolve my game endlessly and see just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Tell me about what you’ve accomplished in jiujitsu.
IBJJF World Master Champion (Black Belt)
8 Fight to Win Victories
2x Fight 2 Win NoGi Lightweight Champion (Brown Belt)
IBJJF NoGi Absolute Pan American Champion (Brown Belt)
IBJJF Worlds, Bronze Medalist (Brown Belt)
IBJJF NoGi Worlds, Silver Medalist (Purple Belt)
IBJJF Worlds, Bronze Medalist (Purple Belt)
IBJJF NoGi Worlds Champion (Blue Belt)
IBJJF NoGi Pan American Champion (Blue Belt)
How has jiujitsu changed your life?
Jiu Jitsu has become my center. Every lesson learned on the mats seems to permeate everything else mentally, physically, and emotionally. When everything in life is going good, bad, flowing, imploding, seemingly slipping, or grinding and rising, Jiu Jitsu is there. As long as I can get to the mats and find that center of focus, everything else seems to align and workout.
How have you used jiujitsu to change other peoples lives?
I wouldn’t say I’ve used Jiu Jitsu to change people’s lives. I would say I’m more of a channel that leads people to discover how Jiu Jitsu has a way of changing their lives. I opened a gym to continue to be that channel. I lived a very different life before BJJ, always interesting and most definitely not all good. I’ve reached a place in life where I know that I once created waves in this world that were not for a greater good. I have dedicated my life to Jiu Jitsu in knowing that besides the endless personal growth & gain, I can create a tsunami of positive in this world by sharing the art.
If you had one piece of advice to give women in jiujitsu or those wanting to start, what would it be?
My advice would be to make sure that you are truly enjoying your journey. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. It’s an individual experience, though we share it. As cliche as it sounds, I believe it’s the most important to enjoy the journey. We’re in this for the long run, and it’s never ending since Jiu Jitsu continues to evolve beyond full grasp. Have fun!! Train somewhere where you are comfortable, learning, also uncomfortable at times though safe, and that you are surrounded by teammates who truly care about your well – being. Put as much effort into healing (stretching, movement, massage, cupping, whatever your pleasure) as you do in training. Longevity is the goal because this is LIFE now.
Find Chelsah’ online:
Instagram: @chelsahsan & @lp_martialarts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewisvillemartialarts
Website: lpmartialarts.com
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