Tag Archives: BJJ tournament

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu at JJWL Stockton: A Recap

Last Saturday, our team represented El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu with heart and dedication at the JJWL (Jiu Jitsu World League) tournament in Stockton. This event brought together grapplers of all ages, levels, and styles, making it a thrilling experience for both competitors and supporters. It was a day filled with intense matches, showcasing our students’ hard work and the growth of our gym.

We’re proud to announce that our team clinched an impressive 2nd place in the youth division. This ranking is a testament to our competitors’ commitment to training and to the strong support from our community, coaches, and teammates who were there cheering from the sidelines.

Highlights from the Tournament

The competition had no shortage of memorable moments. Our team members stepped onto the mats with focus, determination, and skill. Every match tested their endurance, resilience, and ability to adapt. Some highlights included:

• Relentless Techniques: Our competitors displayed exceptional technical skills, putting months of training to use in real time. Every position, escape, sweep, and submission attempt brought our students closer to mastering their craft.

• Team Spirit: One of the defining features of the event was the strong sense of camaraderie. Between matches, our athletes shared advice, offered encouragement, and celebrated each other’s successes. It was a true demonstration of the unity and respect we strive for at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.

• Growth and Learning: For many, this was a valuable learning experience. Each match provided insights into areas for improvement, whether it was refining a specific technique or developing mental resilience. Tournaments like these help us grow as martial artists and bring us one step closer to achieving our personal goals.

Youth competitor medalists: Belle – silver, Eli – silver, Hazel – silver in gi & nogi, Colin – gold in gi & nogi. Jake was the only adult competitor from EDH and he took gold in nogi and bronze in the gi, an impressive accomplishment for his first tournament appearance!

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our team’s outstanding performance, we also look forward to future competitions. These events are more than just a chance to earn medals—they are opportunities for personal growth, team bonding, and the thrill of testing our skills against new opponents. Whether our students are seasoned competitors or entering their first tournament, every experience adds to the depth of their Jiu Jitsu journey.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and represented El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu at JJWL in Stockton. Let’s keep up the hard work, learn from every experience, and continue to push ourselves on the mats.

See you in class!

Tournaments

Reflections on the Ruckus in the Hills: House BJJ Tournament

This past weekend, we had our Ruckus in the Hills in-house BJJ tournament, and I couldn’t be more proud of how everything played out. There’s something special about an in-house tournament — a blend of excitement, nerves, and community spirit that’s unlike anything else. But what really stood out to me was the incredible energy and determination displayed by the kids who competed.

Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Challenges

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was seeing the kids push themselves beyond their limits. Competing in jiu-jitsu isn’t just about physical skill; it’s also about mental toughness, handling nerves, and learning from both victories and losses. For many of the kids, this tournament was their first real experience with competition, and they absolutely rose to the occasion. Every match brought out something new in them — they adapted, learned, and improved with every round. By the end of the day, you could visibly see the progress in their confidence and skill level.

The Growth with Each Match

Watching the kids evolve throughout the day was one of the highlights for me. In each round, they applied new techniques they had just learned, adjusted their strategies, and sharpened their instincts. It was clear that every match helped them get better, not just technically, but in terms of resilience and composure. As a coach and referee, it’s inspiring to see how competition can accelerate their growth. In a way, each match was a mini-learning experience, pushing the kids to think on their feet and deal with new challenges.

Fun on the Mats and as a Referee

Having refereed many in house tournaments before, I’ve always enjoyed being in that role, and this event was no different. As a referee, I’m in the best position to see the dynamic exchanges, decision-making, and heart these kids put into each match. It’s always fun to be part of the action and ensure that the competition remains fair and positive, especially when you see kids showing discipline, respect, and good sportsmanship — all key values in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Looking Ahead: Back to the Gi

With the summer behind us, I’m excited for the kids to transition back to Gi training after spending the last few months focused on No-Gi. While No-Gi is fast-paced and full of scrambles, there’s something about the return to Gi that feels like coming home to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The grips, the control, the chess-like exchanges that come with the gi will add new layers to their game, and I can’t wait to see how the skills they’ve developed over the summer will translate.

This tournament reminded me of how much these young athletes are growing, not just in terms of skill, but as individuals. Seeing them step out of their comfort zones, take on challenges, and come out stronger is what makes coaching so fulfilling. I’m incredibly proud of all the competitors, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in the next phase of their journey.

Here’s to more growth, more matches, and more memories on the mats!

Coach Danny