The Woman Behind the Scenes – Lindsay Thompson-Machado (Interview)

The Journey Begins

Meet Lindsay Thompson-Machado, the epitome of a true female powerhouse. A practitioner of jiu-jitsu since 1993, she is the CEO of one of the largest jiu-jitsu associations in the Southwest and a host for Girls in Gis. As a mother of four, Lindsay gracefully balances her personal life and professional commitments. We had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay, diving into her journey as a pioneer in jiu-jitsu, her success as a businesswoman, being the spouse of a renowned jiu-jitsu personality, and her views on the female jiu-jitsu scene in the Southwest.

Lindsay hails from Simpsonville, South Carolina, and currently resides in Dallas, Texas. Raised in a martial arts family, she began training in Kenpo Karate at the tender age of three, eventually transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at 11. With a family that owns a successful martial arts school, Upstate Karate in Simpsonville, training was a mandatory part of her upbringing.

Embracing Martial Arts

While Lindsay admits that her initial training was enforced by her father, she grew to enjoy the challenges it presented, especially when grappling. By her mid-teens, she relished the thrill of being the smaller opponent on the mat and delved deeper into her learning journey.

A Journey with Romero Jacare Cavalcanti

Lindsay's jiu-jitsu journey was nurtured by Romero Jacare Cavalcanti, a black belt under the legendary Rolls Gracie. She would travel weekly to Atlanta, Georgia, to train with him and became his first female blue belt in America in 1997. Although Lindsay hasn't been training for some time due to business and homeschooling her children, she trained jiu-jitsu for eight years and also gained experience competing in karate and kickboxing.

A Day in the Life of Lindsay Thompson-Machado

As the CEO of her husband's academy and affiliates, Lindsay's life is a whirlwind of activity. From homeschooling her four children to running RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu-Farmers Branch with her husband Carlos Machado, she manages a vast array of responsibilities. She also founded Mach Apparel, the apparel company for all of RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu Worldwide, and manages their Association of academies worldwide.

The Woman Behind the Success

Lindsay met Carlos Machado when she was 17, and they've been together for almost 20 years now. She was already familiar with the martial arts academy business before marrying Carlos, and together, they have grown RCJ Machado Farmers Branch to a total of 425 members. Despite her busy schedule, Lindsay is dedicated to supporting her husband's passion and spreading the word about BJJ.

The Impact of Jiu-Jitsu in Lindsay's Life

For Lindsay, jiu-jitsu has taught her that there is always something new to learn, and there are endless possibilities. As a woman, wife, and mother, jiu-jitsu has shaped her in profound ways. Despite having to prove herself as one of the few women on the mat, she has thrived in the sport and now works tirelessly to provide similar opportunities for other women.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations

Lindsay's future goals revolve around becoming the best business owner and 'Girl Boss' she can be. She envisions giving more women the chance to work in the gyms they train in and make a living out of running academies. She's also excited about the launch of their WHAM! Women's Self Defense Program and the establishment of their Non-Profit to raise awareness for domestic violence.

Enhancing the Women's Jiu-Jitsu Scene

According to Lindsay, the women's jiu-jitsu scene in Texas is massive. She makes a substantial effort to enhance this scene in her area because she believes in the power of women learning from one another. Together, they can do amazing things for the sport, forming bonds on and off the mat that last a lifetime.

We extend a huge thank you to Ladies Only BJJ for giving Lindsay the opportunity to share her story. To read the full article, visit Ladies Only BJJ.