Kristina Barlaan embarked on her martial arts journey at age 20, initially training in muay Thai at Cesar Gracie's Gracie Fighter Academy in Martinez, California. After dedicating a year exclusively to Thai boxing, a teammate encouraged her to explore Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of newly appointed head grappling coach Caio Terra. Quickly recognizing the strategic effectiveness of BJJ—particularly its advantages against larger opponents—Barlaan transitioned fully into grappling, becoming deeply committed to mastering the art.

Kristina Barlaan's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu progression began under the mentorship of Caio Terra and Cesar Gracie, who awarded her blue belt. Following her relocation to Arizona, she continued refining her technical skills under renowned instructor Gustavo Dantas at Nova União, earning both her purple and brown belts. Eight months after receiving her brown belt, Barlaan returned to California to resume training directly under Caio Terra, who promoted her to black belt in June 2015. She achieved the rank of second-degree black belt in 2021.

In 2013, Kristina Barlaan received an invitation to compete at the prestigious 2013 ADCC World Championship in Beijing, China. Competing as a brown belt, she was among only eight elite female grapplers selected for the under-60kg division, marking a significant milestone in her competitive career and highlighting her growing reputation on the international stage.

Known for her precise technique and adaptability, Kristina Barlaan consistently demonstrates strategic efficiency against larger and stronger opponents. At the 2016 IBJJF World Championship, she showcased her tactical guard play and positional control, advancing to the final of the adult light-featherweight division and earning a silver medal after a closely contested match against Gezary Matuda. Barlaan further solidified her competitive standing with bronze medal performances at the 2017 IBJJF World Championship and 2019 IBJJF World Championship. Additionally, her victory at the prestigious Copa de Marianas Invitational in 2017 underscored her ability to excel in high-level competition.

Dedicated to empowering female practitioners within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, Kristina Barlaan founded the "Inspire" women's open-mat program in Arizona. This initiative fosters connection, support, and growth among women in BJJ, significantly contributing to increased visibility, community building, and the advancement of female grapplers.