Tag Archives: BJJ for beginners

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Holiday Schedule at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: Train Through the Festive Season!

The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for family, feasting, and festivities, it’s also an excellent opportunity to prioritize your training! At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re keeping the mats warm for you this week with a modified holiday schedule to help you stay active and sharp. Whether you’re a regular or visiting from a neighboring community like Folsom, Cameron Park, or Placerville, or in town to see family we invite you to make the most of your time and join us for some valuable mat time.

Holiday Week Schedule

We know your schedule is busy, so here’s what’s happening at the gym this week:

  • Monday and Tuesday: Normal schedule, including our popular 6am Adult Class for early risers and evening classes for all levels.
  • Monday / Wednesday: Youth Training camp from 9am-11am each session students age 7-17 can join for $20 each.
  • Wednesday: 6am Adult & jr jiujitsu class

• Thursday (Thanksgiving): 9am peewee & kids combined age class. 10am jr & adult combined age class.

• Friday: Special Black Friday Morning Session (6am-7am). Shake off the turkey coma and start the weekend right!

• Saturday: Normal weekend classes resume!

Why Train During the Holidays?

The holidays can throw off your routine, but staying consistent with your training has amazing benefits:

• Stress relief: BJJ is the perfect way to burn off holiday stress and return to your celebrations with a clear mind.

• Stay ahead: Training even once during a busy week can keep your momentum going and help you stay sharp.

New to Jiu Jitsu or Visiting the Area?

If you’re visiting family in El Dorado Hills or living nearby in Folsom, Cameron Park, or other surrounding areas, now is a great time to drop in for a class.

• First class Trial: We welcome everyone, from beginners to advanced grapplers.

• Flexible schedule: Even if you can only make it once this week, we’ll make it worth your time!

• Great vibes: Meet our supportive, friendly community and see why El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is a home for martial artists of all levels.

Take Action—Squeeze in a Practice!

Don’t let the holidays sideline your training. Commit to squeezing in one class this week—you’ll feel better, move better, and be ready for whatever the season brings.

We’re here to support your goals, whether you’re just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey or looking to level up your skills. If you’re from Folsom Ranch, Rescue, or anywhere nearby, this is your sign to try a class and roll into the holidays with confidence!

See you on the mats this week!

Stay updated on our schedule by visiting El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu’s website or following us on social media. Let’s finish the year strong!

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

How to Tie Your Jiu Jitsu Belt: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Starting your journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is an exciting step, but if you’re new, even small details—like tying your belt—can feel like a challenge. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we understand that learning the basics builds confidence, and we’re here to help you master every part of your training, including properly tying your belt.

Whether you’re just starting out or returning to the mat after a break, knowing how to tie your belt correctly is an essential skill that keeps your uniform secure and shows respect for the art. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

How to Tie Your BJJ Belt

1. Find the Middle of the Belt

Fold your belt in half to locate the middle point. Place the middle of the belt just below your navel.

2. Wrap It Around Your Waist

Bring both ends of the belt around your waist, crossing them behind your back, and pull them snug. Bring the ends back to the front, ensuring both sides are even.

3. Cross the Ends in Front

Take the left side and cross it over the right side. Tuck it underneath both layers of the belt at your waist and pull it through, securing the wrap with a little loop at the top.

4. Tie the Knot

Take the top end (the one you crossed over) and thread it under the loop and into the other end, tying a square knot. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. The ends of the belt should hang evenly at the sides.

5. Check Your Work

Adjust if needed. A properly tied belt should stay in place during training and represent the discipline and care you bring to the mat.

Why Details Like This Matter

Tying your belt is more than just securing your gi—it’s part of the tradition of Jiu Jitsu. It shows your commitment to learning and the values of respect, discipline, and focus. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we teach these lessons to students of all ages, from Peewee to adult classes, making it a perfect place for anyone to start their BJJ journey.

Welcome to Our Growing Community

Our school has been serving the El Dorado Hills community for over 15 years, welcoming students from nearby areas like Folsom Ranch, Cameron Park, and Placerville. We take pride in providing a welcoming space where people of all ages and experience levels can grow in confidence, skill, and fitness.

If you’re considering starting Jiu Jitsu and live in El Dorado Hills or nearby, come try a class! We’ll not only help you master techniques like tying your belt but also build a foundation for success on and off the mat.

Ready to Begin?

Join us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and take the first step in your martial arts journey. Whether you’re a parent looking to enroll your child, an adult seeking a new fitness routine, or just curious about what BJJ has to offer, we’d love to meet you.

Visit us today and experience a community dedicated to helping you grow—one knot at a time.

Schedule an Intro Class

Discover what makes Jiu Jitsu such a transformative experience. Visit us in El Dorado Hills or call to learn more about our programs. Your journey starts here!

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!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

What to Expect as a Beginner Jiu Jitsu Student at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

Starting something new can be both exciting and a bit intimidating, especially when it involves a martial art like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we understand the challenges that come with stepping onto the mats for the first time, and we’re here to ensure your journey into BJJ is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or simply try something new, here’s what you can expect as a beginner student at our school.

Welcoming Environment

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we pride ourselves on fostering a community where everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience, feels welcome. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by friendly instructors and fellow students who are eager to help you get started. We believe in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere where you can learn and grow at your own pace.

Structured Curriculum

One of the key elements of our program is our structured curriculum, designed to guide beginners through the essential techniques and concepts of BJJ. As a new student, you’ll start with our white belt curriculum, which includes learning 12 fundamental positions and 350 movements. This curriculum is organized in a way that ensures you build a solid foundation, allowing you to progress confidently as you gain experience.

Introduction to Basic Techniques

Your initial classes will focus on the basics of Jiu Jitsu, including fundamental movements like hip escapes, bridges, and rolls. You’ll also learn basic submissions, escapes, and positional control. Our instructors will break down each technique step-by-step, ensuring you understand the mechanics and concepts behind them. Repetition is key in Jiu Jitsu, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice and refine these techniques in a supportive setting.

Emphasis on Safety and Respect

Safety is a top priority at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Our instructors emphasize the importance of proper technique and control to prevent injuries. You’ll be paired with training partners who are also focused on learning and improving, ensuring that your training is both safe and effective. Respect for your training partners and instructors is deeply ingrained in our culture, creating an environment where everyone can train with confidence.

Progressive Learning

As you continue to train, you’ll find that BJJ is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in the concept of “kaizen”—constant, incremental progress. You’ll be encouraged to set personal goals, whether it’s mastering a particular technique or improving your overall fitness. Our instructors will provide guidance and feedback to help you achieve these goals, ensuring that your progress is steady and rewarding.

Supportive Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is becoming part of our close-knit community. Our members come from all walks of life, and you’ll quickly find that the camaraderie and friendships you build on the mats are one of the most fulfilling aspects of your training. Whether you’re participating in classes, open mats, or social events, you’ll always have the support of your fellow students and instructors.

Getting Started

Starting Jiu Jitsu at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is easy. We offer beginner-friendly classes designed to help you get comfortable with the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques. Simply sign up for a class, wear comfortable athletic clothing, and bring an open mind and a positive attitude. We’ll take care of the rest!

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that BJJ is for everyone, and we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential on and off the mats. As a beginner student, you’ll be supported every step of the way, from learning your first technique to achieving your long-term goals. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and being a part of your Jiu Jitsu journey!

If you’re ready to take the first step, contact us today to schedule your first class. We can’t wait to see you on the mats!