Tag Archives: all blacks

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Legacy on the Mat: Lessons from the All Blacks for El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we strive to build a strong, resilient team culture—one that doesn’t just focus on wins and losses but on long-term growth, humility, and camaraderie. There are few teams in the world that exemplify these values better than New Zealand’s All Blacks. Known as one of the most successful and respected teams in sports history, the All Blacks’ commitment to excellence both on and off the field is a powerful model. Legacy by James Kerr explores the principles that drive their culture, and many of these lessons resonate deeply in Jiu Jitsu.

Here are some key takeaways from the All Blacks’ philosophy that we can bring to the mat:

1. “Sweep the Sheds” – Humility at Every Level

The All Blacks have a famous saying, “No one is too big to sweep the sheds,” which means no one is above the team, regardless of their role or status. After every game, players themselves clean the locker rooms, reinforcing a sense of humility and mutual respect. In Jiu Jitsu, this lesson reminds us that no one—no matter how experienced—is above the basics or too important to help out. Whether it’s setting up for a class, rolling out mats, or helping a beginner with a technique, humility is at the core of our practice. It’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves.

2. “Champions Do Extra” – Committing to Mastery

The All Blacks emphasize going above and beyond. In their world, “champions do extra”—they practice longer, watch more film, or perfect their fitness routines. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our members to do just a little bit more every day, whether it’s drilling a technique a few extra times, attending open mat sessions after class, or reviewing a move at home. This “extra” mindset is what leads to mastery and sets champions apart.

3. “Leave the Jersey in a Better Place” – Building Legacy

The All Blacks view the jersey as a symbol of the team’s legacy. Every player sees it as their duty to “leave the jersey in a better place” for the next person. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our team members to embrace a similar mindset. Every time we step onto the mat, we’re contributing to the legacy of our gym. Through our commitment, discipline, and respect for each other, we aim to leave a positive mark for future generations of students.

4. “Embrace the Pressure” – Strength Through Adversity

Pressure is something the All Blacks thrive under. They see it as a privilege—a sign that they’re in a position to do something meaningful. In Jiu Jitsu, pressure is a constant, whether it’s during a match, a challenging class, or even overcoming personal obstacles. Embracing pressure rather than fearing it helps us build resilience, both mentally and physically. It’s a chance to grow, adapt, and find strength in the face of challenges.

5. “Know Thyself” – Finding Purpose and Identity

The All Blacks focus deeply on self-awareness, knowing that success on the field starts with understanding who they are and what they stand for. In Jiu Jitsu, we also recognize that each individual brings a unique style, purpose, and personality to the mat. Knowing your “why” for training can make a huge difference in your progress and dedication. Are you here to challenge yourself, learn self-defense, compete, or just stay active? Whatever it is, knowing yourself helps you stay connected to the journey.

6. “Follow the Kaizen” – Constant Improvement

The concept of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement, is central to the All Blacks’ philosophy. Instead of chasing perfection, they focus on making small, incremental gains every day. Jiu Jitsu is the ultimate journey of Kaizen. Each time we practice, we improve bit by bit, day by day. It’s about recognizing that progress is rarely fast, but with patience and dedication, growth is inevitable. At our gym, we emphasize the journey over the destination, embracing every opportunity to learn and get better.

Bringing It All Together

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our goal is not just to develop skilled athletes but to create individuals who embody humility, resilience, and an endless drive to improve. The values that have guided the All Blacks are timeless principles that build strong teams and even stronger individuals. Through Jiu Jitsu, we aim to instill these values, creating a legacy that goes beyond the mat and into every area of life.

Let’s keep pushing, keep learning, and keep sweeping the sheds—together.

community

What the Rugby Club the “ALL BLACKS” can teach us about training as a team at EDH Jiu Jitsu

1 Comment

In James Kerr’s book “The All Blacks: Legacy,” he delves into the philosophy and culture of New Zealand’s legendary rugby team, the All Blacks. Kerr explores the principles of leadership, excellence, and teamwork that have propelled the All Blacks to unparalleled success in the world of sports. Drawing on insights from players, coaches, and managers, Kerr reveals the values of humility, sacrifice, and relentless improvement that underpin the team’s ethos. He illustrates how these principles can be applied not only in rugby but also in various aspects of life, including business and leadership. Now, let’s explore how this ethos can be applied to our jiu-jitsu team.

At EDH Jiu-Jitsu:

At EDH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we draw inspiration from the philosophy and culture outlined in James Kerr’s book “The All Blacks: Legacy” to cultivate a thriving environment for our practitioners. Our ethos is built on the foundation of humility, respect, and continuous improvement.

Humility:

First and foremost, we emphasize humility within our academy. Every member, regardless of rank or experience, is encouraged to approach training with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others. We believe that humility fosters a culture of respect, where individuals support and uplift each other both on and off the mats.

Continuous Improvement:

Continuous improvement is another cornerstone of our academy’s culture. Similar to the All Blacks’ relentless pursuit of excellence, we encourage our members to push their boundaries and strive for personal growth in their jiu-jitsu journey. Whether it’s refining techniques, expanding their skill set, or setting and achieving goals, we provide the tools and support necessary for our practitioners to evolve and excel.

Teamwork:

Teamwork is fundamental to our academy’s success. Just as the All Blacks prioritize unity and cohesion, we believe in the power of collaboration and camaraderie. We foster a supportive community where teammates motivate and inspire each other to reach new heights. Through teamwork, we not only enhance our performance on the mats but also build lifelong bonds and friendships.

Accountability & Discipline:

Lastly, accountability and discipline are integral aspects of our academy’s culture. We hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions and commitments, promoting a sense of responsibility and integrity among our members. By instilling discipline in our training regimen and mindset, we cultivate a culture of dedication and perseverance, empowering our practitioners to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

In essence, at EDH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we strive to embody the principles of humility, continuous improvement, teamwork, accountability, and discipline outlined in “The All Blacks: Legacy.” By embracing this ethos, we create an environment where individuals can grow, thrive, and succeed both on and off the mats.