Portrait Series: Eline

Your portrait is striking (pun intended) – tell us a bit about it?

Here you see me practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is based on traditional Jiu Jitsu that was further developed by the Gracie family. It’s a self-defense based martial art and a proven fighting style in mixed martial arts (MMA). In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we only use techniques that genuinely work—no kata or unnecessary moves. The beauty of it is that you can fight for real but in a safe way. Specifically, in this photo, I’m doing an extended arm lock, also called an ‘arm bar.’ You usually set this up from the ‘mount’ position, where you sit on your opponent to keep control. From that position, you can apply the arm bar.

What do you feel makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu different from other sports?

The almost endless amount of techniques and skills you can learn. Even after 20 years, there’s still more to discover. it simulates a real fight, and you only learn the most practical techniques. In training, you learn to recognise and respond to your opponent’s actions. You’re given different options but no fixed solutions, so you can develop your own style. Two people can both be very skilled in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but use completely different techniques.

What ignited your passion for it?

I started with karate when I was younger, and earned my brown belt and competed internationally. During my studies, I briefly tried kickboxing and Muay Thai as well. My first real step into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu happened in Spain, where I had started practicing Wing Chun. Once a week, we did grappling, which is basically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but without a uniform. When I returned to the Netherlands, I decided to continue with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because the grappling had made me really enthusiastic. Since then, I’ve been completely hooked on the sport.

What other things do you love about the sport?

Aside from loving the sport itself, it’s brought me many friendships. It keeps me in great shape, and I feel a lot of satisfaction after each training session. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives me a sense of purpose, like I’m really engaged in something meaningful. That’s because I’m always learning or trying to learn something new. It teaches me to better handle setbacks and stress. Sometimes, for example, you can barely breathe during a match. In those moments, you have to stay calm and keep thinking clearly. These are life lessons that also help in daily life.

What’s your idea of a perfect Brazilian Jiu Jitsu session?

When I’m able to make someone tap out (give up) who has a higher belt than I do. That gives me pure joy, haha!

And the ultimate goal of your training?

To earn my black belt someday, which usually takes around 10 to 15 years. Right now, I have a blue belt. The next step is the purple belt. I’d also love to travel to Brazil to train there.

Any similarities between your Keylane role and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training?

In my Keylane role, I have to solve problems quickly and calmly. My analytical mindset, calmness, and resilience under stress are beneficial in both my work and my sport. That said, I usually have a bit more time to think at work than I do during a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu match 🙂

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