Tag Archives: beginner BJJ

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Starting BJJ as an Adult: The 6am Class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

Taking up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) as an adult can seem intimidating, but for many, it’s the beginning of a rewarding and transformative journey. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our 6am class offers a unique opportunity for adults of all levels—whether you’re completely new to martial arts or looking to rekindle your competitive spirit.

Why Choose the 6am Class?

The 6am class is designed for those who want to start their day with purpose and discipline. Many of our students are working professionals, parents, or busy individuals who need to fit training into their packed schedules. This early morning class offers the perfect solution, providing an environment where adults can focus on their personal growth before the rest of the day unfolds.

People from across the greater El Dorado County region, including cities like Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, and Placerville, gather early in the morning to attend our 6am class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. This dedicated group of individuals travels from various areas to start their day with purpose, discipline, and the shared goal of improving their Jiu Jitsu skills. The camaraderie built within this community extends beyond the mats, as people from different cities come together to challenge themselves, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.

What to Expect in the 6am Class

Our 6am class runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It’s open to all levels, so whether you’ve never put on a gi before or you’re a seasoned grappler, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Each session focuses on key techniques, drilling, and live rolling, tailored to meet your skill level. We often work on fundamental positions like escapes, guard passes, and submissions, ensuring you build a strong foundation from day one.

What sets this class apart is the camaraderie. We have members driving from different cities in El Dorado County to make these sessions, forming a tight-knit group that supports each other on and off the mats.

Starting as an Adult: Embracing the Journey

Beginning BJJ as an adult can feel like stepping into the unknown. You’re learning a new skill, challenging your body in new ways, and stepping outside your comfort zone. But that’s where the magic happens. With every class, you’ll feel your body getting stronger, your mind getting sharper, and your confidence growing.

The 6am crew embodies the mindset of kaizen—constant improvement. We don’t focus on where you are today, but on where you’ll be six months from now, a year from now. BJJ is a journey that rewards consistency, and the early morning class is the perfect place to develop that habit.

Join Us for a Class

If you’re thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu, we encourage you to try our 6am class. There’s no better way to kick-start your day than with a sweat, learning new techniques, and challenging yourself alongside a supportive community. Starting BJJ as an adult is never too late—it’s the beginning of something truly rewarding.

So set your alarm, grab your gi, and meet us on the mat.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Back Control: A Crucial Position for BJJ Beginners

When you first begin your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, one of the key concepts you’ll encounter is learning to control your opponent from dominant positions. Among the most powerful and fundamental of these is back control. Mastering this position early on can set the stage for your long-term success in BJJ.

What is Back Control?

Back control occurs when you have your legs hooked around your opponent’s hips, your chest against their back, and ideally, your arms controlling their upper body. This is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because your opponent has few options to attack or defend, while you have several submission opportunities available. Most notably, the rear naked choke is a finishing move often executed from this position.

Why Should Beginners Focus on Back Control?

  1. Dominance and Safety
    Back control offers a significant advantage in both competition and self-defense. From this position, you are behind your opponent, out of reach of their strikes or counters, giving you the ability to control their movement without being vulnerable to attack. Learning this early gives beginners a sense of safety and control during rolls.
  2. Submission Opportunities
    From the back, there are many submission options that are both fundamental and effective. The rear naked choke is often one of the first submissions taught, as it capitalizes on the control you have over your opponent’s body. Once you have back control, submissions feel within reach, building your confidence as a beginner.
  3. Transitional Awareness
    Learning to maintain back control also helps beginners develop an understanding of transitions. It’s common for opponents to try and escape back control, and learning to follow them, adjust your hooks, and maintain control will strengthen your overall game. As you progress, you’ll learn how to seamlessly transition between back control, mount, and other dominant positions.
  4. Defense Training
    While back control is an offensive powerhouse, understanding this position as a beginner will also help you improve your defense. You’ll learn what to avoid and how to escape when an opponent gains back control on you, which is just as important as learning how to maintain it.

How to Approach Back Control as a Beginner

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize drilling back control with a focus on proper technique and patience. As a beginner, here are a few things to keep in mind when practicing this position:

  • Stay tight to your opponent: Keep your chest glued to their back, with your hooks securely in place. This makes it harder for your opponent to escape.
  • Focus on control before submission: Don’t rush to finish your opponent. Learn how to maintain control first, and submissions will follow.
  • Be aware of your opponent’s escape attempts: A good defense from your opponent will be trying to roll or escape your hooks. Anticipating and preventing their escapes will improve your game immensely.

Back control is one of the most powerful and effective positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and it’s a position that beginners should learn early on. By mastering this position, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to control an opponent and finish the fight, whether in a competitive match or a self-defense situation.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our curriculum ensures that every student, no matter their level, builds a strong foundation in back control and other fundamental positions. Start your journey by learning how to control, submit, and defend from the back—and watch your BJJ game transform!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

3 Helpful Tips When You Start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Martial Arts

Starting your journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) or any martial art is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit intimidating. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often see new students who aren’t sure where to begin. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or revisiting it after a break, these three tips will help you feel more confident and get the most out of your training.

1. Be Patient with Yourself
One of the most important lessons you’ll learn early on in BJJ or any martial art is that progress takes time. It’s easy to compare yourself to more advanced students or feel frustrated when a technique doesn’t click right away. Remember, every black belt was once a beginner. Focus on the small wins – mastering the basics, improving your movement, or simply showing up consistently. The path to growth in martial arts is long, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. Trust the process and enjoy the journey.

2. Focus on the Fundamentals
In martial arts, the foundation is everything. While it might be tempting to try advanced techniques or imitate what you see in competitions, mastering the basics is what will set you up for success. In BJJ, for example, learning positions like guard, mount, and side control, along with basic escapes, will give you a strong understanding of how to control your opponent. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our curriculum is designed to help students build a solid foundation, starting with 12 key positions and more than 350 movements. By focusing on the fundamentals, you’ll be better prepared for more advanced techniques down the line.

3. Embrace the Learning Environment
When you start training in martial arts, you’re not just learning from your instructor – you’re also learning from your training partners. One of the best things about BJJ is that it’s a cooperative, friendly environment. Ask questions, watch others, and don’t be afraid to tap when necessary. The more open you are to learning from every roll and every sparring session, the faster you’ll improve. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize community, which means you’re surrounded by teammates who want to see you succeed as much as you want to improve.

Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or martial arts can feel overwhelming at first, but with patience, focus, and the right mindset, you’ll see progress quickly. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to support you every step of the way, whether it’s your first class or your hundredth.

Are you ready to begin your journey? Come train with us!