Max Lindblad

Max Lindblad began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 19, introduced to the sport by classmates. He initially trained under Kent Hammarström at Prana BJJ, affiliated with Alliance Jiu Jitsu, before transitioning to Checkmat in 2015. At 21, Lindblad made the decisive choice to leave college, fully committing himself to intensive training and competition. His dedication culminated in earning his black belt on September 7, 2017.

Lindblad is widely recognized for his tactical, pressure-oriented style in gi competitions, making him a formidable presence in the middleweight division. His signature submission, the choke from the back, demonstrates his exceptional positional control and finishing ability. To broaden his competitive experience, Lindblad selectively competes in no-gi events, continuously refining his skill set. He regularly travels internationally, attending training camps hosted by world-class athletes to further evolve his technical approach.

Expanding his influence within the BJJ community, Lindblad founded Stark Jiu-Jitsu in Stockholm, Sweden, where he serves as head instructor. Balancing coaching responsibilities with active competition, he successfully guided a student to an IBJJF European Championship title in 2025. Lindblad's dual role as athlete-coach underscores his dedication to nurturing talent and contributing significantly to the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Sweden.

Throughout his competitive career, Lindblad consistently achieves podium finishes at prestigious international tournaments. Notably, he secured a silver medal at the 2022 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and earned multiple gold medals at AJP events through 2023, including the 2023 AJP London Grand Slam. Additionally, Lindblad medaled at the 2023 IBJJF Worlds, competing against elite international contenders and maintaining his status as one of Europe's premier middleweights. His regular participation in major IBJJF tournaments and professional grappling events solidifies his reputation as a leading European competitor.

Affectionately known as "Killer Carrot" due to his distinctive red hair, Lindblad openly acknowledges the personal sacrifices required to pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu full-time. He consciously chose to forego conventional lifestyle comforts and social engagements to dedicate himself entirely to training and competition. Lindblad credits his competitive success and ongoing technical evolution to frequent international competition and training abroad. His disciplined lifestyle and unwavering commitment have established him as a respected figure within the European BJJ community, further cementing his legacy through his successful academy.