Tessa salacia
Purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one's opponent, gaining a dominant position and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds. There’s no denying that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest growing fighting arts in the world. It has grown beyond a simple martial arts or sport. For many people, it’s a way of life. Much of its popularity stems from the fact that the benefits you can gain from BJJ are both physical and mental.
Today we sat down with Tessa, a Sydney based BJJ athlete at just 28 years of age with more than a few gold medals under her belt. Tessa knows a thing or two about competing. We caught up with her to find out a little about her diet, training, lifestyle and mindset.
What does a typical training session look like for you?
Mon-Sat: I do two training sessions a day generally one strength and conditioning, and one BJJ. However, depending on my work schedule, I will do 2 Jiu-Jitsu sessions a day. I run my work schedule to allow for 12 sessions per week.
You have achieved some amazing things, what does 2021 look like for Tessa?
I have got another round on subversion lined up mid-January already which I am excited about. I will also be entering every possible tournament, it is going to be a busy season and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What does a typical day on your plate look like?
Morning: 5am, take class until 11am.
Midday: drive straight to Mona Gym S&C or Pacheco BJJ class to train.
Afternoon: go home eat and study.
Late afternoon: take children's boxing/BJJ classes.
Evening: drive straight to Pacheco BJJ class to train.
Sleep and repeat.
What is one of the biggest lessons Jiu-jitsu has taught you?
"Rush is the enemy of perfection" my first professor taught me this. And I still must remind myself every day.
What would you say to women wanting to give Jiu-Jitsu a go?
Jiu-Jitsu is something you must do for yourself, find a gym where the students and sensei make you feel comfortable. BJJ gyms should feel like your second family. You want to enjoy yourself.
How did you start training in Jiu-jitsu?
I was training Muay Thai and boxing for a while, one of my friends would invite me to an MMA gym for extra sparring. I would generally sit out of the Jiu-Jitsu classes and watch. I was not really interested, one day the instructor needed to even partners in the room. He coaxed me into just trying. I am super competitive and was surfing and strength training so a lot of the movements where natural for me when I rolled. From then on, I wanted to pursue MMA. A year later I ended cross training between an MMA gym & traditional BJJ gym. Then, I slowly made the transition into full time BJJ.
What are your favourite BSc products you cannot live without?
TheClean Tea TX100 is awesome! I sip on it in the morning while I am conducting classes. I stopped drinking coffee almost a year ago now, so it’s been my alternative. It tastes so good, and I feel recharged after it.
After a hard session in the gym, sometimes I don’t have a big enough window to eat a meal and I don’t want to feel lethargic or bloated while I'm training. TheClean Vegan Protein saves me! I also use it in my overnight oats! The Chocolate Caramel gives it so much flavour.
