Yesterday, the mats of El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu were filled with excitement and pride as we gathered to celebrate a monumental achievement: Scott’s promotion to black belt. This milestone is the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance, and it was an honor for all of us to witness.
Scott’s journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a testament to his character and work ethic. From the first time he stepped on the mat while he was at CU Boulder, he embraced the challenges of the art with an open mind and an unrelenting spirit. Over the years, he has grown not just as a practitioner but also as a leader and mentor to everyone in our community.
His promotion ceremony was an emotional and inspiring moment, as he shared the story of his father who passed when he was 12 sparked his interest in martial arts. We have seen Scott’s contributions both on the mat through his willingness to help others, his ability to overcome setbacks, and his unwavering commitment to improving himself and those around him.
As a black belt, Scott now joins an elite group that represents the pinnacle of achievement in Jiu Jitsu. It’s not just about technical skill but also about embodying the values of humility, perseverance, and respect.
We are incredibly proud of Scott and grateful for the example he sets for everyone in our gym. His journey reminds us that the path to mastery is long and demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding.
Congratulations, Scott, on this well-deserved accomplishment! We look forward to seeing how you continue to grow and inspire others as a black belt.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our youth program is about more than just learning techniques and building physical fitness—it’s about creating confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. Recently, we’ve been reflecting on the work of Dr. Dan Gould, director of the Michigan State University Center for Youth Sports. Dr. Gould’s research offers invaluable insights into how coaches, parents, and programs like ours can positively influence young athletes.
The Role of Youth Sports in Life Skills Development
Dr. Gould emphasizes that youth sports should be a vehicle for teaching critical life skills like discipline, teamwork, leadership, and emotional resilience. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we see these skills come alive on the mats every day. Whether a young student is learning to persevere after a tough round of sparring or practicing respect through bowing to a training partner, these lessons transcend the sport itself.
As Dr. Gould highlights, sports don’t automatically teach life skills—they must be intentionally woven into training. This is why we hold monthly Mat Chats in our youth program, focusing on values like integrity, humility, safety, and bravery. By combining Jiu Jitsu with meaningful life discussions, we help students make connections between their practice and their daily lives.
Creating a Positive Youth Sports Environment
Dr. Gould’s research stresses the importance of a positive sports environment—one that balances competitiveness with encouragement and learning. For us, this means fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow. A child may not always hit the perfect technique, but through patient coaching and reinforcement, they’ll learn to embrace challenges rather than fear failure.
We also encourage parents to focus on effort and progress over winning or losing. As Dr. Gould points out, parents and coaches who highlight a child’s personal improvement rather than external results are more likely to keep kids motivated, confident, and happy.
Avoiding Burnout and Keeping Sports Fun
One of Dr. Gould’s most important messages is that sports should be fun, especially for younger athletes. Overemphasizing competition can lead to burnout and cause kids to drop out of sports altogether. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we ensure that fun remains a priority—whether it’s through games to teach new techniques, friendly in-house competitions like Ruckus in the Hills, or celebrating milestones in class.
By keeping Jiu Jitsu engaging and rewarding, we help kids develop a lifelong love for movement, fitness, and personal growth.
The Long-Term Impact of Jiu Jitsu for Youth
Dr. Gould’s findings remind us that the true value of youth sports lies in the long-term impact on a child’s character and mindset. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re proud to contribute to this journey. Every young student who steps on the mat learns to be a little braver, a little more focused, and a little more resilient—skills they’ll carry with them long after they leave the gym.
We’re inspired by Dr. Gould’s vision of youth sports as a transformative experience, and we remain committed to providing the best possible environment for young athletes in our community.
If you’re a parent looking for a program where your child can build physical skills and grow as a person, come visit us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Let’s help your child reach their full potential—on and off the mat.
El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is proud to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our team at the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds! Competing against some of the best grapplers in the world, our athletes showcased incredible skill, heart, and determination.
Kiet stood out with a stellar performance in the Master 4 Black Belt division, earning a well-deserved bronze medal. His technical expertise and relentless spirit carried him through a challenging bracket to claim a spot on the podium.
Sonja also delivered an inspiring performance, taking bronze in the Master 4 Blue Belt division. Her determination and resilience were evident as she battled through with a podium finish.
Ken and Eliot also represented our team with great effort and determination, competing fiercely in their respective divisions. While they didn’t place this time, their performances demonstrated their dedication to the art and commitment to improvement. Every competition is a chance to learn and grow, and we’re proud of their hard work and perseverance.
These achievements and efforts highlight the strength of our El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu community. Kiet and Sonja’s podium finishes and Ken and Eliot’s grit remind us that the journey in Jiu Jitsu is one of constant growth and camaraderie.
Congratulations to our entire No-Gi Worlds team! Let’s keep training, improving, and supporting each other as we prepare for the next challenge.
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!
Is your child ready to build confidence, discipline, and resilience while having fun? El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is excited to announce open enrollment for our kids’ classes! Whether your child is just starting their martial arts journey or looking to sharpen their skills, we offer a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all levels.
Our kids’ program is divided into age-specific classes:
• Peewee (ages 4-7): Introducing our youngest students to the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a fun and playful way.
• Kids (ages 7-10): Developing essential techniques while teaching life skills like focus, teamwork, and perseverance.
• Juniors (ages 10-17): Preparing older students with more advanced techniques and strategies, while continuing to build character and leadership.
At EDH BJJ, we focus not only on self-defense but also on helping kids build life skills that will benefit them both on and off the mats. Our dedicated instructors work with each child to foster personal growth, build confidence, and encourage positive habits in a safe and fun atmosphere.
We invite parents and students to come in for an introductory lesson to see what makes our gym special. If you’re ready to see your child thrive in a supportive community, email us today at edhbjj@gmail.com to schedule a lesson and secure your spot for the upcoming session!
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your child through martial arts!
