Tag Archives: black belt

Tournaments

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu at the IBJJF Sacramento Open

This past weekend, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu had a strong showing at the IBJJF Sacramento Open, with competitors stepping up to the challenge and representing the team with skill and determination.

Jerel Steps Up to the Challenge

Black belt Jerel took on a tough challenge by moving down in age and up in weight to compete. Despite the odds, he fought hard and showed why he’s one of the most technical and experienced grapplers in the gym. Though he didn’t come away with the win, his willingness to push himself outside his comfort zone is what makes him such a great competitor and leader on the mats.

Double Gold at Purple Belt

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu’s purple belts made a statement at the tournament. Both Danny and Ryan had dominant performances, each securing gold in their respective divisions. Their hard work and consistency in training paid off, and they both continue to raise the standard for what it means to be a competitor at EDH Jiu Jitsu.

Youth Competitors Shine

Our youth competitors showed incredible skill and heart as they stepped onto the competition mats. Hazel, Eli, and Adam all fought hard, displaying the technique and resilience they’ve been developing in class. Hazel secured gold, showcasing sharp technique and determination throughout her matches. Eli and Adam also put on strong performances, demonstrating that the future of El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is bright.

Building for the Future

Competing at an IBJJF tournament is always a great test of skill and mindset, and our team continues to step up to the challenge. Whether it’s seasoned black belts like Jerel pushing their limits, experienced purple belts claiming gold, or our youth competitors gaining valuable experience, every event is an opportunity for growth.

Congratulations to all who competed and thank you to the teammates who came to support, coach, and cheer! See you on the mats as we continue to train and improve for the next one.

Tournaments

IBJJF World Master and JJ Con Kids recap for El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At the IBJJF World Masters and Jiu Jitsu Con, our team showcased remarkable skill and determination, with several standout performances that highlighted our community’s dedication to growth.

Jon made a triumphant return, capturing gold in the brown belt Master 5 division after four hard-fought victories. His journey to the top was especially significant given last year’s disappointment, making this win a testament to his perseverance and progress.

In the black belt Master 7 division, Allan dominated his first two matches, showcasing his technical prowess. Though he fell short in the final, his silver medal reflects his strong performance and the high level of competition.

Ken battled through four challenging matches in the blue belt Master 1 division, reaching the finals with a string of impressive victories. The final match was incredibly close, and despite losing by a referee’s decision, Ken’s silver medal was well-earned.

At Jiu Jitsu Con, our young competitor Colin delivered an outstanding performance, winning three dominant matches to take gold. His achievement is a sign of his bright future in the sport.

We also had strong showings from Kiet, Jerel, Aaron, Ryan, Brad, Danny, Raina, and Leo, who all gave their best efforts on the mat. Although they did not medal this time, their performances reflected significant improvements and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

But beyond the medals and accolades, what truly stands out is the sense of camaraderie and commitment to improvement that permeates our gym. Whether competing on the world stage or training at home, everyone is focused on making continuous improvements to each other’s game—be it in technique, competition strategy, or overall performance. This collective dedication ensures that, as a team, we are always growing and pushing each other to new heights.

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu / AJJ Syndicate cheering on Allan after his victory
Adults Jiu Jitsu

Black Belt Promotion and Jiu Jitsu Seminar in El Dorado Hills, CA

EDH Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Promotion and Seminar took place on June, 30th celebrating Allan Scott’s black belt promotion. Allan is an avid competitor and practitioner, with an enthusiasm for health, fitness, family, travel, and a sweet tooth on a special occasion. Allan earns his black belt promotion after 10 years of dedicated practice to the martial art of jiujitsu. He started his journey in jiujitsu at the age of 49 and received his promotion shy of his 60th birthday.

Some of Allan’s accomplishments on the international competition include:

  • World Master Gold medalist (blue belt)
  • World Master Gold medalist (purple belt)
  • World Master Bronze medalist (brown belt)

Allan is proof that consistent practice and intentional training in understanding positions, movements, and strategy are the keys to a successful experience on the mat. We’re excited to see him continue to challenge himself in training and continue to mentor others on their journey.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu Black belt promotion at El Dorado Hills BJJ

We had a chance to do a short Q&A with Kunk and reflect on his jiujitsu journey over the years. Kunk has been a “big” part of edh jiujitsu. Not only does he train regularly 2-3 sessions a week but also he has contributed to the peewee, kids, and jiujitsu classes as a volunteer coach. Kunk is an open book of grappling knowledge and finds every opportunity to share with his team what he knows and what he is developing in his game.

When & how did you get started:

I started doing Jiu Jitsu in 2010ish.

I began doing Jiu Jitsu because I loved wrestling in high school and college, but when I stopped I didn’t have a physical outlet I enjoyed, got out of shape and gained weight. After wrestling was over, I fell into the old man trap of eating and drinking whatever I wanted, with the mindset that I would just work it off at practice. I continued to work out but nowhere near enough to counteract some of the unhealthy habits and I ended up weighing over 330lbs.

One day a friend of mine told me he had started going to EDHBJJ. I had watched MMA and the UFC shows and always thought that Jiu Jitsu would be fun to try. So I got permission from my girlfriend/ now wife, to join my friend in a trial class. The first thing I noticed was how much hard work people were putting into learning Jiu Jitsu. A few classes into starting at EDHBJJ, I finally got to roll with Eliot. During this roll I had turtled, turned into him grabbing his inside leg and did a sit out. In wrestling I would have scored five points and possibly a pin. In Jiu Jistu, Eliot having a wealth of knowledge, took advantage of this position and did a crucifix choke. I was forced to tap. This was the first time I was submitted by anyone in the school and I instantly fell in love with Jiu Jitsu from that moment forward.

What are your goals?

My goals in Jiu Jitsu are to keep learning new ways to improve my technique, help people learn, be the best training partner I can be, and most importantly have fun.

What are some quotes or phrases you like?

– Winners never quit and quitters never win.
– If it was easy everyone would do it.
– Embrace the grind.

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

Belt Promotion at Martial Arts Academy EDH Jiu Jitsu

Congratulations to Julian today on his promotion. Julian is as humble as they come and is just a very pleasant person to be on the mats with. He has truly used learning Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to help himself focus and pay attention better. We’re so very proud of him. Keep up the good work!

In learning and teaching jiujitsu we believe in the idea of getting stronger together. This is the idea that people are mutual dependent to work together and improve. One person’s weakness is our weakness and it is our responsibility to help them learn how to overcome that weakness. In the martial art of Judo, an olympic sport originating from Japan, there is a phrase “ji-ta kyo-ei” this is very similar. This idea is that people develop themselves along with others. An idea that people nourish themselves by nourishing others at the same time. It’s a beautiful concept that has been stressed and emphasized in the martial art of Judo for over a century.

We at El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu look to do the same with the phrase “Getting Stronger Together.” Julian’s promotion is an accomplishment of not just him and the coach, but the entire team who has contributed to helping him realize his potential both on and off the mat.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Black Belt Promotion in El Dorado Hills: Sean Gonsolin

Here are some words from Sean after his promotion to black belt. “I was first introduced to BJJ in 2008 by a blue belt neighbor who showed me some BJJ in exchange for me helping him with his boxing. I ended up starting about a year later in late 2009, and started competing 3 months later. I met Allicia when I was a white belt. And we tried to be each other’s training buddy and motivator. The main reason i train Jiu-jitsu is for the self defense application; particularly with regards to controlling and understanding movement and body mechanics. My ultimate goal with BJJ is always longevity, to train for life.”

Black belts in attendance were (from left to right) Eliot Kelly, Julio Veliz, Marcus Boness, Sean Gonsolin, Marcos Torregrosa, Borston Marc, Jerel Tengan.

 

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Black Belt Promotion in El Dorado Hills: Aaron Martinez

Congrats Aaron on the black belt promotion! This was a special occasion for Aaron to visit his original academy at Claudio França Santa Cruz where he was promoted from white belt to black belt from 6th degree Claudio França. A school with 22 years of tradition in the greater Santa Cruz area.

~ December 9th 2017 ~

Since moving to El Dorado Hills, Aaron has shared his jiujitsu experience with everyone! He has competed across the pacific in Japan, coached the kids & adults in tournaments, and started a blog called bjjdad.com He is a family man who organizes his schedule to balance training, competition, and family time. As a coach, he’s coined many training adages including “keep your intensity within technical ability.” Helping students better understand the progression and journey of learning jiujitsu. The knowledge he is able to share and convey in his teaching and coaching is a reflection of his dedication to learn and understand not just jiujitsu but also people. This practice to understand people and his students makes him a great team player, always willing to give and help without asking for anything in return. Thank you for sharing your passion with us! Congratulations!

Here is a copy of his post from his social media account: “I just wanted to thank everyone for helping me along my journey to Black Belt. When I began training Jiu-Jitsu, my goal was not to become a Black Belt; it was simply to learn Jiu-Jitsu and roll around on the mat. Not too long after I began, I fell in love with competing and really challenging myself mentally and physically. I noticed after a few years how my life was healthier in all areas. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has certainly changed my life and has made me better and more peaceful person. Thank you @dougefreshrn for introducing me to the Art and holding my hand through the first few months. Thank you Master Claudio and @nathanmendelsohnbjj for helping me develop a solid foundation and training for 9 years. Thank you @eliotkelly and @edhjiujitsu for continuing my development and pushing me past my limits, and being such a great friend. Thank you @yemasojj for the serious knowledge and precision, and to the rest of @sacramentobjj for having me as part of the team. Thank you to @horsepowerandbarbells at @pdeliverance & @gymjonessalvation for kicking my but in the gym.”

“And thank you to all my friends, teammates, Instructors, students, and family over the years for all your support and encouragement. Just too many to name, but thank you!”