New Orleans, Louisiana


Whenever I get a chance to return to the home I grew up in, I get lost reflecting on things and memories I’ve acquired from my travels: Rastafarian art from the beaches of Ghana, photos of interesting nights out with friends, my past Jiu Jitsu belts. 

Each belt has its own story (Belt Series). The one belt that falls into my hands the most when floating around my boxed-shaped room is my white belt. The belt that started it all, seventeen years ago, in 2006. Worn and falling apart with tape wrapped and knotted around the faded black promotion bar, it still feels like yesterday when I first wore it around my waist. I can still remember how stiff and white it was and how clueless I was trying to tie it (cross between a boy scout knot and a stressed-out fisherman). 

The day I wrapped that stiff A3 white belt around my two-sizes-too-large gi, the adventure began. 


London, England


“Mate, those nights out were mental! The things we used to get into,” says Dan as we make our way down Hammersmith Grove, reminiscing about fun memories. “Right there to your left, that’s Roger Gracie HQ.” 

Just then a quick flashback flies through my mind, when I used to train at the old Roger Gracie HQ in Kilburn as a blue belt. 

“Yo, it looks super nice. Bet the mats are full of savages,” I say as we pass by the building. Can’t wait to revisit that energy for a Drop IN and/or Roll Thru. 

After a few more blocks, a quick right and a hard left, we find ourselves on a tucked away street called Grove Mews, which leads to the front door of Carlson Gracie London. Besides being stoked at saying the street's name in a butchered English accent, I’m instantly lost in the homes that line the road. Especially the doors. 




“Do you think you could’ve found this by yourself, mate?” asks Dan with a cheeky smile. 

“Well, after a handful of curse words and threatening my phone’s GPS, I believe I could randomly stumble into the door.” 

We both chuckle as we make our way up to Carlson Gracie London. 

Dan, besides being a legend of a friend, is a great fixer. As I walk through the front door to greet the front desk, Dan is already letting them know why GrapplerMag is here. Stoke level is riding high with us at the front desk. I shake hands, pass out some stickers and tees, and head upstairs to start filming class. 

“You can take off your boots and place them here, mate,” says Dan before we hear a thick Brazilian accent coming from off the mats. 

“You two can go change and then come on the mats,” says the black belt instructor. 

Before I know it, Dan is explaining who we are. Again, great fixer. I see the instructor’s expression change from focused to stoked. I hand out some more merch as we get to know each other. Professor Nelson, a Brazilian expat, immigrated to London with his family to pursue Jiu Jitsu as a lifestyle. You can find him on the mats teaching the morning fundamental classes at CGL.

Slowly the mat comes to life with white belts.  Then I hear Nelson shout to everyone to get up and get warm. I find different locations on the mat to film from while the class goes through different dynamic warm-ups: shrimps, pulls and shoots. With the warm-ups finished, and a couple last-minute training partners creeping onto the mat, Nelson is ready to teach the technique for today’s class. 

Even though I’m locked into filming, I find myself lost in the morning sunlight shining onto the mats. It lights up the white belts’ faces, focused on every word and movement Nelson makes. 

Like the one I had walking past RGHQ, I flashback to when I was a white belt learning from a mythical creature called a professor. The hairs on my arm stand up as I remember how stoked I was to learn from a black belt with hours of mat knowledge. 

Nelson shows a fundamental cross collar choke from mount. He goes through the basics for your balance on top and how to use the technique without strength. Nelson has a calm, but confident way of teaching: clean, simple, and effective. Hours on the mat speak the truth.




After making his way around the mat and correcting each student, Nelson breaks the class for water and lets everyone know to be ready for sparring. 

With a quick slap and fist bump, every white belt on the mat is fighting with everything they have to either get the superior position or submission. Heavy breathing and grunts are heard around the mat as gi grips are applied and broken. A slam across the mat from two white belts takes me back to the days when White Belt Fury pumped through my veins. 




As soon as the sparring starts, it ends. The class lines up, fixes their gis and belts, and Nelson gives his closing words. 

I gather my gear and grab a quick interview with Nelson. Before I know it, I’m back on Grove Mews admiring the doors again. 

I slowly find myself thinking about how the white belts I had just filmed are currently on a ride of a wave to black belt. The belt everyone dreams about earning. The Adventure.

White belt has and will always be my favorite belt. It represents to me starting something and not quitting. To all the white belts out there, you’re one step closer to your goal every time you step on the mat. 

Just don’t quit. 







Tim Kline

Rome Lytton IV

Rome is a world traveler who thrives living a nomadic lifestyle. He spent the last eight years exploring southeast Asia and was promoted to black belt by Dan “Imal” Reid. If you see him on the side of the road with his thumb out, trust the good vibes.