At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we see students from all walks of life come together to pursue a common goal: growth on and off the mats. Whether you’re here to develop self-defense skills, get in shape, or compete at the highest levels, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success.
Jiu Jitsu is a constantly evolving art, with countless techniques, styles, and philosophies. But with so much variety, it’s easy to fall into the trap of tribalism—clinging to one “right way” while dismissing others. To truly grow, it’s essential to avoid tribalism and think for yourself.
Tribalism in Jiu Jitsu
In Jiu Jitsu, tribalism often shows up in debates like:
• Gi vs. Nogi: Some say traditional gi training is essential, while others argue that nogi is more realistic.
• Old School vs. Modern: Should you focus on classic techniques or the latest trends like leg locks?
• Competition vs. Self-Defense: Is it better to train for tournaments or real-world situations?
At EDH Jiu Jitsu, we believe the answer isn’t one or the other—it’s both, or whatever works best for you. Everyone’s journey is different, and Jiu Jitsu offers a variety of tools to help you reach your goals. The more open you are to learning, the more you’ll grow.
Thinking for Yourself on the Mats
While learning from your coaches and teammates is critical, you’ll get the most out of your training when you take ownership of your journey. Here’s how you can think for yourself at EDH Jiu Jitsu:
1. Ask Questions
If you’re not sure why a technique works or how it applies to your game, ask. Understanding the “why” behind what you’re learning will help you develop deeper insights.
2. Experiment
Jiu Jitsu is about trial and error. Try different grips, setups, and strategies during live training. Some things will work; others won’t. Both outcomes are valuable lessons.
3. Learn from Everyone
Whether you’re training with a white belt or a black belt, every roll offers an opportunity to learn. Stay open-minded and look for something to take away from each partner.
4. Reflect and Adapt
After class, think about what worked and what didn’t. Adjust your approach based on your experiences and the feedback you receive.
A Place for All Goals
One of the things that sets El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu apart is the diversity of our team. Some of our students train for competitions, while others are here for fitness or self-defense. Some love the traditional gi, while others thrive in nogi.
No matter what your goal is, our coaches are here to guide you and help you find the path that fits your journey. We encourage exploration and critical thinking, so you can develop a style that’s uniquely your own.
Final Thoughts
Jiu Jitsu is an art, a science, and a journey. There’s no single way to achieve mastery, and the beauty of training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is that you don’t have to choose just one path. What’s important is that we find a way to collaborate and work together as a team.
By avoiding tribalism and committing to thinking for yourself, you’ll discover a richer, more fulfilling experience on the mats. So keep an open mind, embrace the process, and trust in your ability to create your own path.
We’ll be here to support you every step of the way.