Friday, 2:30PM

The elevator doors open up to a street already bustling with traffic. I throw my bags in my Uber hoping I won’t get hit in the bicycle lane. I try to chat with my driver but he’s not having it. All good, as I find this a great opportunity to get lost in the traffic. Embrace the madness. I know it won’t last forever. 

After about an hour and change in traffic, I make it to the airport. I check my bag, get through security, and head to the gate. Of course there’s a delay, but when life gives you lemons, say ‘fuck the lemons and edit some videos’. 

I ring Brandon to chat about some video edits and to hear what the storm is doing. An hour later and I’m on the plane and in my seat. After 10 years, I’m going back to where a huge chapter in my life started. 


Friday, 6:00PM

Thanks to a strong tail wind, the trip from NYC to London flew by-no pun intended. I quickly grab my bags and jump on the Gatwick Express, which takes me to Victoria Station. From there, I change over to the District line. It’s only a few stops from there before I’m knocking on my girlfriend's door in Fulham. Besides being absolutely stoked to see her, I’m pumped to know my friend from Taiwan trains just down the road from her flat at Gracie Barra Fulham.




Monday, 6:00AM

I take a couple days to get over the jetlag and see some old friends. I finish a delicious breakfast sandwich and prepare my things to head to the morning class at GB Fulham. After getting lost in the Fulham neighborhood, I see my friend sitting in a coffee shop waiting for me. It feels like yesterday when Kurt and I were in Taiwan training during the peak of Covid, joking about how cheap the delivery cost for Uber Eats was in Taiwan (about 50 cents). 

I’m stoked to hear about Kurt’s journey. He’s been wrecking the tournament scene since being back in London. We both chat about our future life plans, which both center around living the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. As I take my last sip of espresso, Kurt leads me outside. The gym is right next door to the coffee shop. 




The building for the gym screams Old London. I’m stoked as soon as I walk through the door. I’m greeted by warm smiles, and I’m introduced to Professor Francisco Reis Filho, or “Chico”. He’s excited to have GrapplerMag DropIN at his gym, and just like at Clockwork Jiu Jitsu, he imposes no restrictions on filming the mats. It’s comforting to feel such welcoming energy. 

I float around the mat and introduce myself. My jetlag creeps in and out, but not enough to throw me off. The class for today is a comp class, as the IBJJF London Open is only two weeks away. Chico has the class do a brief warm up and some techniques from standing. Then a short water break before positional sparring. 

The energy on the mat is fun to watch. Some of the students are locked in for the upcoming tournament, while others are there to get a sweat in. After some positional sparring rounds, the class grabs another sip of water before hopping into live rounds. 




Watching Chico pass everyone's guard is like watching a hot knife cut through butter. He would pass, get on top or take the back, and finish. The game plan of a champion. 

  Just like at Clockwork, people started making their way to the shower before heading out to start their day. I’m able to grab a few interviews based around why London is such a great place to train and where to grab a bite to eat:

“Mate, fish and chips. That’s all you need to know.”

“London is a great place to train as so many high level gyms are here and are continuing to pop up.” 

After laughing on the mat with my new friends, I snap a picture with Chico and bro hug Kurt goodbye. Then I take one more look around, trying to soak everything in. I know this will not be the last time my feet touch this mat. 




Monday, 10:00AM

When I arrive at the gym, I notice there is a park next door. One thing I’ve always loved about London is its abundance of parks. I slowly make my way down the dirt path to an empty bench, where I sit gazing out at the nature thriving around me. I take a few deep breaths, close my eyes, and let the sounds of the park drown everything else out. 

After some time, I open my eyes and realize where I am. I’m in London, where a big part of my Jiu Jitsu journey started--Roger Gracie HG, RGA Bucks, to Urban Kings.  




I get up with a smile and lock in to the present. I feel the wind blow against the back of my neck, bringing me back to my Great Escape from the storm days earlier. I’m thankful to be here at that moment, and to have great family and friends that helped me with that escape. 

As I walk back, I take in every step, every smell, every sight. A great Buddhist proverb says, Nothing lasts forever, everything changes, so be thankful for everything this world gives you. In a snap of a finger, I have already been to two gyms. I met some awesome people on the mat and made some lifelong friends. The Great Escape from the storm turned into a great chapter in my life. 

Sometimes the universe throws you a curveball, so smile and swing away. You're bound to knock it out of the park. I’m beyond stoked to see where the next flip of the page takes us at GrapplerMag. Until the next Drop IN, get lost in the art, and we’ll see you on the mat.



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.