Kristian’s gold at the 2013 No Gi worlds

Walk into Drysdale Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas, Nevada on any given day and you will see a team made up of some of the worlds best athletes.  Among these fighters you will find Kristian Woodmansee, a Robert Drysdale Brown Belt, instructor, competitor and student. In this interview with BJJ Eastern Europe, Kristian talks about how he started training, his competition drive, Robert Drsydale and plans for 2014:

1. Hi Kristian, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe? 

Kristian Woodmansee. 26 yrs old. I’ve been training for about 5 1/2 yrs. I’m a brown belt under Robert Drysdale. I train and teach full time out of Drysdale Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas. I’m a 14x IBJJF medalist, but a 2x No Gi Pan Am Champion and No Gi World Champion and Brown.

2. Please tell us about your Jiu-Jitsu story.

Started training at a very small school in Philadelphia, after one class I knew I was going to train Jiu Jitsu for the rest of my life. I started teaching and participating in IBJJF events after I received my purple belt and have never looking back.  Moved across country to pursue my dream and the rest is history.

Kristian with Robert Drysdale and Leo Vieira

3. What can you tell us about the BJJ scene in Las Vegas?

I have trained Jiu Jitsu in many places with many people and Las Vegas is the best I have experienced here with Rob. I moved here specifically to train with him and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. My Jiu Jitsu has sky rocketed because of him and I wouldn’t be where I am with out him and the team.

4. How would you describe your BJJ game, what are your strengths?

I’d describe my game as super technical and frustrating to my opponents.  I base my game off of my opponent reacting and doing the right thing rather than capitalizing off of just their mistakes.  I’m always going for submissions, I have won and loss only a handful of matches based on points. If I don’t win or lose via submission I am not satisfied with my performance.

5. Please tell us about your academy and team. How often do you teach there.

Training and teaching directly under Robert is awesome, a dream come true in fact.  The atmosphere at Drysdale Jiu Jitsu is great, and I am blessed to be apart of the team not just as a competitor but as an instructor.  Robert and Cavaca have recently teamed up and now we have a larger international family which is great for our camps as well as competing now under one banner.  I teach and train everyday at the academy and I wouldnt have it any other way.  Its great to be trusted with such an important responsibility. Jiu Jitsu is my life.

6. What’s next for you and your team in 2014?

2014 will be the first year we will all be competing under ZENITH and we are looking forward to making a big statement at all the major events.  No Gi Worlds was my first event under the new team and I cant wait to continue to represent both Robert and Cavaca next season.  We are currently finalizing all the details for our Pan Am Camp that will be held here in Las Vegas.

7. If you want to thank somebody or sponsors, feel free

I’d like to thank Robert Drysdale, Rodrigo Cavaca, and Abmar Barbosa.  My sponsors CTRL Industries, Ground Fighter, 3Fu3l, LapelChoke.com and BJJAthlete.com  I’d also like to thank everyone on my team as well as my family.  Special thank you to Patchez and Andi.

8. Thanks Kristian and all the best!

Thank you for the opportunity to be apart of what you are doing, I appreciate it!