Tag Archives: communication

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September Mat Chat: Focusing on Safety at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our monthly mat chats are an opportunity to teach valuable life skills that go beyond the techniques and physical training on the mat. This September, our focus is on safety, a key principle both in and out of the gym.

Why Safety Matters in Jiu Jitsu

Safety is the foundation of successful training. When practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), we trust our training partners and instructors to create an environment where we can push ourselves without unnecessary risk. This principle applies to every roll, every drill, and every technique. Proper safety habits ensure that we can continue to grow and train, free from injury.

Key Concepts of Safety in BJJ

  1. Respect for Your Partner
    A core part of safety is having respect for your training partner. We encourage our students, from Peewee to Juniors, to communicate with their partners—whether it’s tapping out when necessary or discussing how to practice a new technique. By understanding each other’s limits, we create an environment of mutual trust.
  2. Controlled Movements
    Learning to control your movements is essential to preventing injuries. This month, we’ll discuss the importance of practicing with precision rather than relying on force. Whether you’re going for a takedown or an armbar, control ensures that you’re not accidentally putting your partner in danger.
  3. Awareness and Listening
    Awareness is a critical aspect of safety. In September’s mat chat, we’ll talk about listening to your body, understanding when to ease off during a drill, and being mindful of your surroundings. We also remind our students to listen to their coaches, whose experience helps guide them in safely navigating their training.

Safety Beyond the Mat

The lessons we learn about safety in Jiu Jitsu apply to our daily lives as well. Whether it’s crossing the street, riding a bike, or playing a sport, staying safe requires awareness, communication, and control. We want our students to take these lessons and apply them at home, at school, and in their communities. Our goal is to instill a sense of responsibility for both personal safety and the well-being of those around them.

As we discuss this important life skill in our youth classes throughout September, we encourage parents to engage in conversations with their children about how they can stay safe in different aspects of life. Through the practice of BJJ and these vital life skills, we are developing strong, aware, and responsible individuals.

Let’s have a safe and productive month on and off the mat!

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The Often Unspoken Code: Jiu-Jitsu Training Etiquette, Cleanliness, and Hygiene

Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life that encompasses respect, discipline, and camaraderie. While mastering techniques and strategies are crucial, adhering to proper etiquette, cleanliness, and hygiene is equally important. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unspoken code of conduct in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on maintaining a clean and respectful training environment.

1. Respect for your training partners:

Respect is the cornerstone of Jiu-Jitsu training. Treat your training partners with the same level of respect you expect from them. This means arriving on time for class, listening attentively to your instructor, and never disrespecting your training partners, regardless of their skill level.

2. Personal Hygiene:

Good personal hygiene is non-negotiable in Jiu-Jitsu. Before stepping onto the mat, ensure that you’re clean and odor-free. This includes showering before class, trimming your nails, and washing your training gear regularly. Your hygiene not only affects your training partners’ experience but also reflects your respect for the art and your fellow practitioners.

3. Cleanliness of the Training Area:

Maintaining a clean training area is essential for everyone’s safety and well-being. Be proactive in keeping the mats clean by wiping them down before and after training sessions. Additionally, avoid bringing food or drinks onto the mat, and if you do need to eat or drink, do so off the training area to prevent contamination.

4. Communicate Effectively:

Communication is key in Jiu-Jitsu, both on and off the mat. If you’re feeling unwell or have any contagious conditions, it’s your responsibility to inform your instructor and training partners. Likewise, if you notice any hygiene issues with your training partners, approach them respectfully and address the issue.

5. Proper Attire:

Wearing the appropriate attire is crucial in Jiu-Jitsu. Invest in high-quality, clean training gear, including a gi or no-gi attire, rash guards, and shorts. Avoid wearing clothing with zippers, buttons, or anything that could potentially cause injury to yourself or your training partners.

6. Mindfulness of Others:

Be mindful of your actions and their impact on others during training. Avoid aggressive or reckless behavior that could lead to injury, and always tap out when caught in a submission hold to prevent harm to yourself. Additionally, be attentive to your training partner’s comfort level and adjust your intensity accordingly.


In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, training etiquette, cleanliness, and hygiene are as important as mastering techniques and strategies. By adhering to the unspoken code of conduct outlined in this post, you not only contribute to a safe and respectful training environment but also embody the values of honor, discipline, and camaraderie that define the art of Jiu-Jitsu. So, the next time you step onto the mat, remember: respect your training partners, maintain good hygiene, and uphold the principles of Jiu-Jitsu both on and off the mat.

Kids Jiu Jitsu

Back to School: We emphasize communication

Jr Jiu Jitsu Class (age 10-16) We believe jiujitsu is a means of teaching communication. Not just with our bodies but with our words. A way to express who we are and what we are thinking as well as what we are feeling.

We emphasize the idea of communication starting with talking about greetings. How do you say “hello.” Every good interaction is easier when we start with a good greeting.

As students finish up their summer and head back to school, we stress the importance of good greetings in building friendships and good interactions at school.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Post Training Chat: Passing the PEaR at EDH Jiu Jitsu

Passing the pear. We got the pear cards out today after the 11am class at el dorado hills jiujitsu. The pear cards are a great discussion starter with over 100 different prompts, the cards act as a fun way to talk about something and get positive communication going between people.

While we focus a majority of our time training and learning the art of jiujitsu as a martial art, there is so much opportunity to learn about each other and talk about different things. This was a fun card we just randomly pulled from the deck.

At EDH Jiu Jitsu we look to do more than just be a martial art school. It is our mission to make a difference in our community. The difference starts with with positive interactions and communication with one another.

Kids Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: A Martial Art for Kids & Teens

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El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Martial Arts school located in EDH off the latrobe exit on the highway 50 corridor. The Martial Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is traditionally taught to adults for it’s refined skills in the art of physical self defense, but EDH BJJ offers a great outlet for kids and teens to join in on the training.

EDH Jiu Jitsu had separated the kids and adults curriculum so that the kids and teens are exposed in a developmentally appropriate environment for them to thrive. While the classes start as young as age 4, the classes are separated into different age groups: Pee Wee class (age 4-6). Kids class (age 7-9) and Juniors class (age 10-14). This allows the instructors to gradually challenge the students as they mature in age. Not only are the students challenged with their expectations to listen, observe, and think about the technique but their physical challenge is increased with age. With age and training experience students are give more “responsibilities” to lead their peers with their actions. The responsibilities are taught and enforced as a method to build leadership, communication, and teamwork.

For example, when stressing the importance of communication, students are taught that every good encounter and relationship begins with a good greeting. Students are held accountable to follow through with this, by saying hello and introducing themselves when a new students steps on the mat to train. This strategy to communicate is not just something we teach the students to do at the dojo. We also recommend they take what they do on the mat and apply it to their life off the mat as well. “If you notice a new student in your class at school what should you do?” “How do you feel if you don’t know anyone in a group? How do you feel if no one said hello?” “How would you feel if someone came up to you and introduced themselves and helped you feel welcome?” These are some of the questions teachers use to get the students to think about the value of noticing new people in their environment and going out of their way to say hello.

In a time where children spend hours in front of a screen, face to face communication can become less comfortable. We make an effort to teach students that face to face communication is an essential part of a good relationship. Through self introductions, students are better able to establish a channel to communicate with one another. This is one of the key components of not just our kids and teens martial arts program, but our entire program. We believe that the ability to communicate is a skill that needs some coaching and lots of practice. Therefore, our program takes time for a social element to take place.

For more information visit our website: http://www.edhjiujitsu.com

Eliot Kelly