Welcome to Folsom Ranch! Moving to a new community is exciting, and finding activities to enrich your life here is a big part of that journey. If you’re looking to start something new, connect with others, and challenge yourself, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu invites you to step onto the mat and experience the many benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Our school is just a short drive away and offers classes for all ages and experience levels.
Why Try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is more than just a martial art; it’s a full-body workout, a mental challenge, and a community of people committed to growing together. Whether you want to build strength, learn self-defense, or relieve stress, BJJ can help you achieve your goals. In our classes, you’ll experience both the physical and mental aspects of Jiu Jitsu, gaining skills that improve both fitness and confidence.
A Warm, Welcoming Community
Starting something new can feel intimidating, but our instructors and members are here to make sure you feel comfortable and supported from day one. Many of our students are new to BJJ and come from all walks of life. Whether you’re stepping into your first class or coming back after years away, you’ll find that our community is eager to help you succeed. We also host social events and competitions for those interested in deeper involvement.
Join Us for an Intro Class!
If you’re a Folsom Ranch resident, we invite you to join us for a complimentary trial class. Bring the whole family and see why so many of us are passionate about Jiu Jitsu. Our kids’ programs provide young students with focus, discipline, and self-confidence, while adult classes offer a challenging workout and a chance to learn from expert instructors.
Whether you’re interested in self-defense, fitness, or simply want to try something new, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is here to welcome you. Reach out today to schedule a trial class, and let’s get started on the mats!
In the world of Jiu Jitsu, the mat is like a chessboard, and every match is a battle of strategy, patience, and control. Just like chess, Jiu Jitsu relies on knowing when to make the right moves, how to open strongly, control the “center,” and ultimately close with a well-executed finish. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, understanding these connections helps students see that a strategic mindset is as crucial as physical strength or technique.
The Opening Moves
In chess, an opening move is designed to set the tone for the game, establish control over key areas, and test your opponent’s response. Similarly, in Jiu Jitsu, a solid opening sets you up for success and establishes control early in the match. Whether it’s setting up a grip, finding an angle, or initiating a takedown, the first move can dictate the pace and rhythm. A well-planned opening in Jiu Jitsu might mean controlling your opponent’s posture, maintaining a strong guard, or quickly taking top position. These moves set up the rest of the match and show your opponent that you’re in command.
Controlling the Center
In chess, controlling the center squares is essential for maneuverability and putting pressure on your opponent. In Jiu Jitsu, controlling the “center” can mean various things depending on your position—whether you’re on top, in guard, or trying to pass. For instance, if you’re in guard, controlling your opponent’s hips and centerline can give you leverage for attacks or sweeps. When passing, keeping your weight and pressure aligned over their center of gravity can break down their defense and limit their options. Just as in chess, when you control the center in Jiu Jitsu, you increase your options while restricting your opponent’s movement.
Anticipating Moves Ahead
Chess requires players to think several moves ahead, predicting their opponent’s intentions while preparing counters and traps. In Jiu Jitsu, this is mirrored in the constant anticipation of your opponent’s next move. Are they setting up a triangle? Trying to sweep? Experienced grapplers develop a sense of anticipation, recognizing patterns and understanding potential threats. Like a chess player predicting an opponent’s queen sacrifice, a skilled Jiu Jitsu practitioner sees the setup before it’s executed and responds accordingly.
Setting Traps
In both chess and Jiu Jitsu, sometimes the best offense is a well-timed trap. In chess, traps lure the opponent into making a seemingly favorable move that leads to disadvantage. In Jiu Jitsu, setting traps might look like giving an opponent an opening that they’re eager to take—only to counter with a well-prepared submission or sweep. For instance, you might leave an arm exposed in half guard, making it tempting for your opponent to reach for it, only to transition to an armbar or shoulder lock. Learning to set traps adds a new layer to your game, turning defense into offense and using your opponent’s intentions against them.
Closing the Game
The final moves in chess aim for checkmate—a decisive end to the game. In Jiu Jitsu, the closer, or finish, can be thought of in the same way. Submissions are the “checkmate” of Jiu Jitsu, where all preceding moves culminate in a decisive ending. From a choke to an armbar or leg lock, a well-executed submission brings the game to a close. Just as a chess master strategically builds toward a checkmate, a Jiu Jitsu athlete uses each position, grip, and shift in weight to build toward a finish, eliminating escape routes until the opponent is out of options.
Lessons from the Mat and the Board
The parallels between chess and Jiu Jitsu extend beyond individual matches; they encourage a mindset of patience, strategy, and adaptability. Just as chess players learn from every game, Jiu Jitsu practitioners learn from every roll. By studying both, we build the mental resilience and strategic insight that make us better not only as martial artists but also as thinkers and problem-solvers.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we embrace the chess-like nature of Jiu Jitsu, teaching students to think, control, and strategize. By building these skills, every student not only sharpens their physical game but also strengthens their mind, preparing to roll with both skill and purpose.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often say that mastering Jiu Jitsu requires more than just physical strength or speed; it requires the wisdom to balance pressure with patience. This approach is essential not only for success on the mats but also for growth in life, making it a core principle we emphasize in training sessions and classes. Here’s why learning to apply pressure with patience is crucial for every Jiu Jitsu practitioner.
Understanding Pressure in Jiu Jitsu
Pressure in Jiu Jitsu is more than just leaning on an opponent. It’s about strategically applying weight, controlling your opponent’s movement, and creating an environment where they have limited options. The goal is to make your opponent uncomfortable enough to force them into mistakes, but this must be done with finesse. Uncontrolled pressure often leads to openings that your opponent can exploit, but when applied thoughtfully, it restricts their movement and leads you toward success.
Why Patience is a Game-Changer
Patience is the unsung hero of Jiu Jitsu. When we’re patient, we don’t rush for submissions or quick points; instead, we wait for the right moment, trusting in the process we’ve practiced. In training, patience teaches us to observe our partner’s reactions, feel their intentions, and respond in a way that maintains control. It prevents us from wasting energy on brute force, allowing us to become more efficient and calculated in our movements.
Pressure + Patience = Success
Combining pressure with patience is a winning formula in Jiu Jitsu. When you use controlled pressure, you limit your opponent’s options, creating a psychological game where they feel the need to react. With patience, you don’t chase a quick finish; you wait for the right opportunity, which often presents itself when your opponent is flustered or out of options. This dynamic teaches us that sometimes, the best way to win is not by overpowering our opponent but by maintaining steady control until they yield.
Lessons for Life
The concept of pressure with patience extends beyond the mats. In life, we often encounter challenges that require us to persist without rushing to conclusions or forcing outcomes. Just as in Jiu Jitsu, we apply steady pressure toward our goals, exercising patience as we wait for opportunities to arise naturally. This mindset helps us build resilience, teaching us to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations.
Practicing This Mindset at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage students to incorporate pressure and patience into their training. Whether you’re a beginner learning foundational positions or a seasoned practitioner refining your technique, focusing on controlled pressure and patient execution is key. Over time, you’ll find that this approach not only enhances your game but also fosters mental discipline and clarity.
So next time you step on the mat, remember: pressure and patience go hand in hand. Together, they create a powerful approach that will elevate your Jiu Jitsu and serve you well in life. Keep pushing forward, be patient, and trust that the right moment will come.
In November, our youth program at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu will focus on a life skill that applies both on and off the mat: bravery. Through our monthly ‘mat chat,’ we aim to help our young students understand that bravery isn’t just about big, heroic actions—it’s also about showing courage in everyday situations, standing up for what’s right, and pushing through challenges.
What Is Bravery?
We’ll start by discussing what bravery looks like in different forms. For some, it might mean facing their fears, like trying a challenging new move in Jiu Jitsu. For others, it could mean speaking up in a tough situation or supporting a friend who’s going through a hard time. We want our students to recognize that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless; it means acting despite the fear.
Bravery on the Mat
In Jiu Jitsu, bravery often shows up as perseverance. For our younger students, bravery might mean stepping onto the mat to spar, trying a new technique, or challenging themselves against a stronger opponent. We encourage them to face these challenges with an open mind, reminding them that the true measure of bravery isn’t whether they win or lose, but that they show up and try their best.
How Can Bravery Shape Our Lives?
Our goal is to help students see that bravery is a skill they can carry beyond the dojo. By encouraging our students to face their fears and persevere through challenges, they’ll develop resilience that can support them in school, friendships, and all areas of life. We’ll also talk about how brave people are often leaders—not because they’re the loudest, but because they’re willing to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
Helping Our Youth Understand Their Own Bravery
Each child experiences bravery in their own way, and we want to create an environment where they feel safe to share. We’ll invite our students to talk about times when they’ve been brave, whether it’s in class or elsewhere. By sharing, they’ll see that bravery is something they can build on every day, no matter how small the steps may seem.
Closing Out with Encouragement
Throughout the month, our instructors will recognize moments of bravery in class, from a student attempting a challenging technique to someone helping a teammate who’s feeling discouraged. By highlighting these moments, we hope our students leave November with a stronger sense of how bravery can positively impact their lives and those around them.
El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu was founded on a simple yet powerful vision: to create an environment where individuals of all ages can cultivate resilience, discipline, and community through the art of Jiu Jitsu. As a martial art that demands dedication, technique, and respect, Jiu Jitsu serves as both a physical and mental discipline. At our gym, we believe that this journey, whether pursued competitively or as a lifelong practice, shapes individuals into stronger, more compassionate, and more self-aware people.
The Heart of Our Mission: Character Development
Our mission goes beyond just building champions on the mat. We are committed to building character. Each class, each drill, and each moment of sparring is an opportunity for growth, both technically and personally. For kids, we emphasize the development of life skills such as integrity, respect, humility, and safety. Our monthly “mat chats” for the youth program focus on these skills, embedding them in a way that’s accessible and relevant to young minds. For adults, we emphasize the concept of kaizen—continuous improvement. We believe that every individual, regardless of age or background, can make steady progress, learning something new with every step.
A Place for All: Diversity and Inclusion in Jiu Jitsu
Our belief is that Jiu Jitsu should be for everyone, and we are proud to offer classes and programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of our members come from El Dorado Hills and surrounding areas to train in our early morning classes, after-work sessions, and dedicated weekend training camps. We’ve seen that Jiu Jitsu has a unique way of uniting people, creating friendships and bonds among individuals who might not have met otherwise. This shared experience on the mat fosters understanding, mutual respect, and camaraderie that lasts a lifetime.
Giving Back: Supporting the Community Through Scholarships and Events
We are committed to ensuring that Jiu Jitsu remains accessible to as many as possible. Through the Guardian El Dorado Hills program, we offer scholarships to teens who wish to train but might not otherwise have the opportunity. Additionally, we host in-house events like “Ruckus in the Hills,” which bring the community together, celebrate the spirit of competition, and raise funds to expand our scholarship offerings.
Looking Forward: A Vision of Growth and Positivity
As we continue to grow, our purpose remains steadfast. El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu will always be a place where you can challenge yourself, where you can connect with others, and where you can grow in every area of life. Each day, we work to fulfill this mission and to ensure that our members not only become skilled practitioners but also embody the values and respect inherent in martial arts.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We look forward to many more years of training, learning, and growing together. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, we’re here to help you become the best version of yourself.
Are you in El Dorado County and interested in starting Jiu Jitsu or martial arts training? At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re more than just a gym — we’re a community of dedicated practitioners of all ages and levels, from total beginners to seasoned athletes. Our classes are designed to help you build practical self-defense skills, boost your confidence, and experience the amazing physical and mental benefits that come with consistent training.
Why Start Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts, and for good reason. It’s effective in self-defense situations and offers a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and endurance. For those in El Dorado County, starting Jiu Jitsu means joining a supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace and connect with others on a similar journey.
1. Self-Defense for Real-Life Situations
Unlike many martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) emphasizes ground fighting and controlling an opponent without relying on brute strength. This makes it practical and effective for people of all sizes and abilities. Our classes at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu focus on techniques that work in real-life scenarios.
2. Boost Physical and Mental Health
The benefits of Jiu Jitsu go beyond self-defense. Training offers a great way to stay fit, reduce stress, and gain mental clarity. Each class will challenge you to improve both on and off the mat.
3. Join a Positive, Supportive Community
Starting something new can feel intimidating, but at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we ensure that every student feels welcome and supported. You’ll find training partners who care about your progress and instructors who are invested in your journey.
What to Expect in Your First Class
If you’re feeling nervous about your first class, you’re not alone! Most new students share the same feeling. Our instructors will guide you through the basics, from how to move on the mats to essential positions and escapes. No special equipment is needed to start, and our team is here to answer any questions you might have.
Who Can Train?
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we have classes for all ages, including Peewee, Kids, Juniors, and adults of all levels. Whether you’re a high school student interested in trying a new sport, a professional looking for a challenging workout, or someone in their 40s or 50s exploring a new skill, we have a class for you.
Your Path to Confidence and Self-Improvement
Starting Jiu Jitsu is about much more than learning techniques. It’s a path to self-discovery, resilience, and character-building. You’ll gain the confidence that comes from facing challenges, the discipline to work toward your goals, and the humility to keep learning.
Ready to Begin?
We invite you to join our growing community of martial artists in El Dorado Hills. Check out our schedule and sign up for a free trial class. We’re excited to help you start your Jiu Jitsu journey!
When it comes to training hard in Jiu Jitsu, we often think about what happens on the mat—perfecting techniques, rolling, and building up endurance. But a strong training program isn’t just about the hours spent in class; it’s also about how we take care of our bodies off the mat. For martial artists, sleep and nutrition are the unsung heroes that allow us to perform, recover, and come back each day stronger than the last.
Why Sleep is Essential for Jiu Jitsu Athletes
1. Recovery and Muscle Repair
Jiu Jitsu is intense on the body, requiring a lot of physical effort and muscle engagement. During sleep, our bodies repair muscles, tissues, and even our nervous system. Quality sleep allows the micro-tears in muscles (caused by strenuous training) to heal, making us stronger and less prone to injury.
2. Mental Sharpness and Focus
Jiu Jitsu requires split-second decisions, fast reactions, and a calm mind. A lack of sleep negatively impacts our mental performance, making it harder to focus on techniques, remember moves, and anticipate our opponent’s actions. Adequate sleep can mean the difference between a sharp technique and a missed opportunity.
3. Emotional Resilience
Sleep deprivation has a direct link to our mood and stress levels. When well-rested, we’re better at handling the ups and downs of training, from the challenges of sparring to the discipline required to train consistently.
Nutrition: Fuel for Performance and Recovery
1. Energy Levels
Food is fuel. The right nutrition provides the energy needed for explosive movements and stamina on the mat. Balanced meals with protein, carbohydrates, and fats keep energy levels steady, preventing crashes that can affect training performance.
2. Protein for Muscle Repair
Protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth. After training, having a protein-rich meal or snack can help kickstart the repair process. Lean meats, eggs, legumes, and protein shakes are great choices for athletes looking to support muscle health.
3. Hydration
Staying hydrated is critical for Jiu Jitsu, as training sessions often involve intense physical exertion and sweating. Hydration aids in muscle function, prevents cramping, and helps maintain focus. Along with water, electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) are crucial, especially during or after a sweaty session.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Jiu Jitsu can take a toll on our joints, so incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, fish, and nuts into your diet can aid in reducing soreness and joint pain. These foods help the body recover faster and stay limber, minimizing discomfort and maximizing flexibility.
Tips for Integrating Sleep and Nutrition into Your Training
1. Prioritize Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establish a routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, even on rest days. A consistent schedule will help your body anticipate sleep and improve sleep quality.
2. Eat Balanced Meals Throughout the Day
Don’t wait until post-training to think about nutrition. Eating a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with healthy snacks in between, can help stabilize energy levels all day. Before training, choose a snack that’s easy to digest, like a banana with almond butter or yogurt with some fruit.
3. Stay Hydrated and Plan for Post-Training Recovery
Bring a water bottle to every class and sip regularly. After training, focus on replenishing with a quick, balanced meal, including protein and complex carbs, to restore glycogen and repair muscles.
4. Listen to Your Body
Sleep and nutrition needs can vary. Pay attention to how you feel; if you’re low on energy or frequently sore, you might need to adjust your diet or increase sleep time. Rest days are also an essential part of recovery—don’t skip them!
Building Resilience Through Recovery
Jiu Jitsu teaches us about resilience, strength, and pushing limits. With the right balance of sleep and nutrition, you’re giving yourself the best tools to build these qualities, both on and off the mat. Taking care of your body is a long-term commitment that pays off through better performance, reduced injuries, and a happier, healthier training experience.
If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to ask one of our coaches at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. We’re here to support you in your Jiu Jitsu journey, from techniques to lifestyle tips that enhance your training.
The Friday 6 PM class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu isn’t just a great way to close out the week—it’s an opportunity for both juniors and adults to dive into essential areas of Jiu Jitsu with a rotating theme each week. This approach ensures students build well-rounded skills and gain practical knowledge that strengthens their game over time.
Self-Defense
These classes cover practical techniques that can be applied in real-world situations, emphasizing awareness, distance management, and effective response. Juniors learn age-appropriate defenses and strategies for handling confrontations, while adults are introduced to techniques for controlling distance, escaping grips, and neutralizing potential threats. Self-defense classes provide everyone with confidence and a sense of empowerment beyond the mats.
Guard Passing
Guard passing is an essential skill in Jiu Jitsu, and dedicating a class to it allows students to dive deep into the techniques and movements that break through an opponent’s guard. Whether you’re new to passing or looking to refine your approach, these classes focus on fundamental passes, strategic grips, and transitioning to dominant positions. For juniors, it’s a great introduction to understanding control and advancing position, while adults get the opportunity to build their guard-passing toolbox.
Guard Retention
Juniors and adults learn techniques to maintain their guard against pressure and various attacks, building confidence in staying safe from the bottom. The class covers effective grips, angles, and techniques to recover guard, along with strategies to prevent opponents from advancing. These sessions reinforce awareness and timing, two crucial components for a solid defense, and give everyone a chance to feel comfortable playing from the bottom.
Drills and Application
This class is fast-paced and dynamic, reinforcing the techniques learned throughout the month and combining them into flow drills and controlled sparring. Drills are tailored to build muscle memory, speed, and precision, ensuring that students can respond naturally in live situations. Both juniors and adults enjoy the energy and variety of drill-focused classes, where they get to put their skills to the test with partners of varying styles.
A Well-Rounded Experience
With a different focus each week, the Friday 6 PM class offers students of all ages a well-rounded experience that builds technical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of Jiu Jitsu. Each theme not only enhances specific areas but also ties into the broader goals of mastery, self-discipline, and community.
Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned practitioner, this rotating structure ensures you always have something new to look forward to each Friday evening!
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in the power of martial arts to transform lives. One of the ways we put this belief into action is through the Guardian El Dorado Hills project, a scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance to young students across El Dorado County, enabling them to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu regardless of their financial situation.
What is Guardian El Dorado Hills?
Guardian El Dorado Hills is our commitment to making Jiu Jitsu accessible to local youth who may not have the resources to train. Through this initiative, we offer scholarships that cover the cost of classes, equipment, and in the future competition fees, ensuring that students can fully immerse themselves in their training without financial barriers.
The project is more than just about learning martial arts—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and character. For many of our young students, Jiu Jitsu becomes a safe haven where they can grow both mentally and physically, learning valuable life skills like respect, perseverance, and teamwork.
Serving the Greater El Dorado County
Guardian El Dorado Hills doesn’t just serve El Dorado Hills—it extends its reach to families across the greater county. We are proud to welcome students from a variety of cities including:
• Placerville
• Cameron Park
• Shingle Springs
• Rescue
• Pollock Pines
• Diamond Springs
• Georgetown
• Cool
These communities represent a diverse cross-section of El Dorado County, and we are committed to ensuring that youth from all these areas have access to the benefits of Jiu Jitsu. Every city in our county has its own unique challenges, but through the Guardian program, we provide an outlet where students from every background can come together, train, and support one another.
The Impact of Guardian Scholarships
The impact of Guardian El Dorado Hills can be seen in the lives of the students we support. Many of our scholarship recipients have found purpose and direction through their training, excelling not only on the mats but also in school and at home. By fostering a sense of community and providing mentorship, we aim to guide these students toward becoming leaders in their own lives and within their communities.
We’re especially proud of the way this program has allowed us to connect with families from different cities throughout the county, creating bonds that extend far beyond our gym. The values we teach—discipline, respect, and integrity—are lessons that our students take with them into every aspect of their lives, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.
How You Can Help
Guardian El Dorado Hills is fueled by the generosity of our community. We host events such as our in-house competitions like “Ruckus in the Hills” to raise funds for the program. Every donation, sponsorship, and participation in these events goes directly toward supporting our youth scholarships, helping us continue to serve students across the county.
By supporting Guardian El Dorado Hills, you are not only investing in the future of our students, but you are also strengthening the fabric of our community, one student at a time.
Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation
Whether you’re a parent, a community member, or simply someone who believes in the power of martial arts to change lives, we invite you to be a part of Guardian El Dorado Hills. Together, we can ensure that students from all corners of El Dorado County have the opportunity to train, grow, and thrive through Jiu Jitsu.
For more information about how you can get involved or apply for a scholarship, please reach out to us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Let’s work together to empower the next generation!
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, one of the keys to long-term success on the mats is simple but powerful: consistency. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics or a seasoned practitioner fine-tuning advanced techniques, showing up regularly is essential to improvement. While life can be busy with work, family, and other responsibilities, committing to training just 2-3 days a week can make a significant difference in your progress.
Building Muscle Memory and Technique
Jiu Jitsu is a highly technical martial art that requires repetition to master the various movements, transitions, and submissions. Training 2-3 times per week allows you to build the muscle memory needed to react fluidly in live situations. With consistent practice, techniques begin to feel more natural, and your body learns how to instinctively respond to different positions.
Avoiding Burnout and Overtraining
Some students, especially early on, may feel the urge to train every day, thinking more equals better. However, overtraining can lead to burnout or injuries, slowing your progress in the long run. By sticking to a schedule of 2-3 days per week, you’re giving your body enough time to recover while still maintaining the regularity needed to improve.
Steady Improvement Without Overwhelm
Training Jiu Jitsu consistently, even if only a few times per week, allows you to gradually build on what you’ve learned without feeling overwhelmed. Each class reinforces the previous one, and over time, you’ll notice that techniques that once seemed difficult begin to click. This steady, incremental improvement is the key to long-term growth in Jiu Jitsu.
Consistency Over Perfection
It’s easy to feel frustrated when you don’t feel “perfect” in a particular move or technique, but it’s important to remember that consistency is more important than perfection. Every time you step on the mat, you’re learning, whether you’re winning or losing in sparring. Even on days when things don’t go your way, showing up is half the battle.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to adopt a sustainable approach to training. Coming to class 2-3 times a week, week after week, builds discipline, improves skills, and fosters a lifelong love for the art. Keep showing up, stay consistent, and the progress will follow.
