Elisabeth Clay is a Black Belt and one of the most accomplished competitors in Jiu Jitsu, having competed at the highest level of the sport from an incredibly young age. Her journey has taken her from winning ADCC Trials at just 16 years old to continuing to chase World titles today.
Elisabeth shares the story behind those early years of competition and the expectations she has always placed on herself. We talk about her journey through the belts, why blue belt remains one of her favourites and how her Jiu Jitsu has continued to evolve as the level of competition, and her own experience, has grown.
The conversation explores mindset and Elisabeth's approach to doing difficult things. Whether something takes five minutes or five years, the time is going to pass regardless. We talk about pushing through those moments when you want to stop, trusting the work you've already done and recognising that sometimes you simply have to do it anyway.
Elisabeth also shares the reality behind winning ADCC Trials at 16, including being told beforehand that there was little point in entering. What followed became a defining moment in her career, but also demonstrates the determination and self-belief that have continued throughout her journey.
We talk about family and motherhood, and how Elisabeth's partner and son have become part of her life in Jiu Jitsu and a source of support around competition. Elisabeth shares her experiences of pregnancy, returning to the mats and finding the balance between being an athlete and being a mum.
And ultimately, Elisabeth talks about having high expectations of ourselves whilst also giving ourselves grace. Being hard on yourself can drive progress, whether as an athlete, parent or hobbyist, but there also has to be space to recognise where you are and what you're already doing.
Topics:
• Starting Jiu Jitsu
• The belt journey
• Blue Belt
• Competition
• ADCC Trials
• Competing at 16
• Expectations
• Mindset
• Self-belief
• Doing it anyway
• World titles
• Training and progression
• Family
• Motherhood
• Pregnancy and Jiu Jitsu
• Returning to training
• Balance
• Giving yourself grace
GO FOLLOW
Elisabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj/
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UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou
PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource
MUSIC CREDIT:
ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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