Tag Archives: Competition

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Is after 50 Too Old to Start Jiu Jitsu? Absolutely Not!

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often get asked if there’s a class “for older adults,” especially from people in their 50s or beyond who are just starting out. And while we don’t have a specific class labeled for older adults, we have great news: you won’t need one! Out of the 100 or so adults training with us, only 5 are under 30. That means most of our students are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, training and improving every day.

Jiu Jitsu is a lifelong art. It’s not about brute strength or being the fastest person in the room—it’s about technique, strategy, and patience. Our students, many of whom began their journey in their 40s and 50s, prove that age is no barrier to learning and enjoying the benefits of Jiu Jitsu. The community you’ll find at our school is supportive and understanding, and your training partners will work with you at a pace that suits your fitness and skill level.

If you’re worried about being too old to start, consider this: some of our members are in their 60s and thriving on the mats. Jiu Jitsu provides a fantastic way to stay active, build confidence, and develop self-defense skills—all while being part of a community of people with similar goals.

So, if you’re in your 50’s and wondering if there’s a place for you, the answer is a resounding yes. You’ll fit right in. There’s never a perfect age to start Jiu Jitsu—there’s only the perfect time: now!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Jon’s Journey to Gold: Triumph at the IBJJF World Masters

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, perseverance, hard work, and resilience are the core values that define our community. These principles were exemplified by Jon’s remarkable achievement at the IBJJF World Masters, where he captured gold in the brown belt Master 5 division. This victory is not just a testament to his skill on the mats, but also to his unwavering determination and the obstacles he overcame to reach this pinnacle.

Last year, Jon’s journey at the World Masters ended in disappointment as he fell short of placing. For many, such a setback might have been disheartening, but for Jon, it was a spark that ignited an even greater fire within him. Instead of dwelling on the loss, he used it as motivation, returning to the gym with renewed focus and dedication.

The road to gold was anything but easy. Jon faced numerous challenges, both on and off the mat. Injuries, personal setbacks, and the relentless grind of training at a high level could have derailed his progress. But with the support of his family and teammates at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, Jon pushed through every obstacle. His journey is a reminder that success is not about the absence of hardship, but about how we respond to it.

Jon’s victory at the World Masters is a proud moment for all of us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved with persistence, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude. For our members, especially those who may be facing their own struggles, Jon’s story is an inspiration to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.

As we celebrate Jon’s incredible achievement, we are reminded that every victory, big or small, is a step towards becoming the best version of ourselves. Congratulations, Jon, on your well-deserved gold medal! Your success is a beacon of what’s possible with heart, grit, and the right mindset. We’re all proud to have you as part of the El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu team.

Tournaments

Discover the Excitement: El Dorado Hills Ruckus in the Hills In-House Tournament on May 19th!

Are you ready to experience the rush of a thrilling in-house tournament? Look no further than the El Dorado Hills Ruckus in the Hills event happening on May 19th! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this tournament promises an unforgettable day filled with fun, competition, and camaraderie.

What is Ruckus in the Hills?
Ruckus in the Hills is a semi annual event hosted by the vibrant community of El Dorado Hills. It’s a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship, bringing together players of all ages and skill levels for a day of intense competition. From friendly matches to heated showdowns, this tournament has something for everyone.

Why Attend?

  • Unforgettable Experience: Get ready to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of competitive sports. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, every moment is sure to be memorable.
  • Community Bonding: Connect with fellow enthusiasts and build lasting friendships within the local sports community. Ruckus in the Hills is more than just a tournament—it’s a gathering of like-minded individuals united by their passion for the game.
  • Skill Enhancement: Sharpen your skills and learn from some of the best players in the region. Competing in a tournament setting is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and take your game to the next level.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Bring the whole family for a day of entertainment and excitement. With food vendors, activities for kids, and thrilling matches to watch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
  • Support Local Sports: By participating in Ruckus in the Hills, you’re not just playing a game—you’re supporting the growth of grassroots sports in your community. Your involvement helps sustain and strengthen the local sports scene for future generations.

Event Details:

  • Date: May 19th 2024
  • Location: El Dorado Hills Jiu-Jitsu
  • Time: 9:00 AM onwards
  • Registration: https://edhjiujitsu.com/bjj-tournament/

Join the Ruckus:
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action at the El Dorado Hills Ruckus in the Hills In-House Tournament on May 19th! Whether you’re a player, a spectator, or a supporter, your presence helps make this event a success. Mark your calendars, gather your team, and get ready for an epic day of sportsmanship, excitement, and fun. See you on the mat!

Tournaments

“Ruckus in the Hills” In-House Jiu-Jitsu Tournament: May 19th, 2024

Get ready to witness the intensity and excitement as the El Dorado Hills Jiu-Jitsu academy gears up to host its highly anticipated in-house tournament, “Ruckus in the Hills,” on May 19th, 2024. This event isn’t just about competition; it’s about community, growth, and the shared love of the martial arts.

As practitioners of all levels prepare to step onto the mats, the energy in the academy is electric. Each participant is eager to test their skills, challenge themselves, and represent their academy with pride. With a focus on inclusivity and sportsmanship, the tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

The “Ruckus in the Hills” tournament will feature a variety of divisions, ensuring that every competitor has the opportunity to showcase their talents. Whether it’s the precision of a perfectly executed technique or the resilience shown in the face of adversity, each match will be a testament to the dedication and determination of the participants.

But beyond the thrill of competition, what truly sets this event apart is the sense of camaraderie and support that permeates the atmosphere. As teammates and friends gather to cheer each other on, bonds are strengthened, and memories are made that will last a lifetime. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves and celebrating each other’s successes along the way.

As the “Ruckus in the Hills” tournament unfolds, spectators can expect to witness moments of brilliance, displays of technical mastery, and perhaps even a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or simply a fan of the martial arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this exciting event.

So mark your calendars and join us on May 19th, 2024, as the El Dorado Hills Jiu-Jitsu academy hosts the “Ruckus in the Hills” in-house tournament. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats or cheering from the sidelines, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special. Let the countdown begin!

Tournaments

Essential aspects of jiujitsu tournament preparation

 Jiu Jitsu tournaments provide a platform for practitioners to test their skills and compete against equally passionate opponents. However, success in these competitions does not come easily. It requires meticulous preparation, both physically and mentally, to ensure optimal performance. In this essay, we will explore the essential aspects of Jiu Jitsu tournament preparation, highlighting the significance of conditioning, technique refinement, mental fortitude, and strategic planning.

Jiu Jitsu is an incredibly demanding sport that requires a high level of physical fitness. Athletes must possess strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility to excel in the tournament setting. Preparing one’s body through a well-rounded conditioning program is crucial for success. This program may include cardiovascular exercises to improve stamina, strength training to build functional muscle, and flexibility training to enhance joint mobility. Moreover, specific Jiu Jitsu drills and exercises targeting core strength and explosiveness are essential to execute techniques effectively.

Technique refinement is the backbone of Jiu Jitsu tournament preparation. Practitioners must devote ample time to drilling and refining their techniques to ensure precision and efficiency in execution. This involves practicing fundamental moves such as sweeps, submissions, escapes, and transitions. Additionally, studying and analyzing different strategies, positions, and submissions used by successful competitors can provide valuable insights to expand one’s repertoire of techniques. Continuous refinement and mastery of techniques not only enhance performance but also boost confidence when facing challenging opponents.

Jiu Jitsu tournaments demand mental resilience and composure, as matches can be physically and mentally draining. Athletes must develop mental fortitude to overcome the pressure, stress, and potential setbacks they may encounter during competition. Mental preparation involves various strategies such as visualization, meditation, and positive self-talk. Visualizing successful execution of techniques and envisioning oneself victorious can enhance focus and confidence. Meditation and mindfulness practices can help manage anxiety and maintain mental clarity during intense matches. Positive self-talk is also crucial, as it reinforces belief in one’s abilities and helps overcome self-doubt.

Strategic planning plays a vital role in Jiu Jitsu tournament preparation. It involves analyzing opponents’ strengths, weaknesses, and preferred techniques to formulate an effective game plan. Understanding an opponent’s tendencies can provide valuable insights to exploit their vulnerabilities. Additionally, developing a diverse set of strategies that adapt to different situations within a match is crucial. This includes recognizing opportunities to attack, defend, or counterattack based on the opponent’s reactions. Coaches and training partners play an instrumental role in devising effective strategies and helping athletes refine their tactical approach.

Preparing for a Jiu Jitsu tournament requires a holistic approach that encompasses physical conditioning, technique refinement, mental fortitude, and strategic planning. Athletes must commit themselves to rigorous training and discipline in each of these areas to maximize their chances of success. The combination of physical fitness, technical proficiency, mental resilience, and strategic acumen sets the stage for achieving victory in the competitive arena. By diligently preparing in these areas, Jiu Jitsu practitioners can enter tournaments with confidence and pursue their goals with determination.

Coach Danny

Tournaments

EDH Jiu-Jitsu competes in JJWL Golden State

  The Jiu Jitsu World League Golden State tournament was last weekend. Our school had eleven youth competitors and three adult competitors. Everybody performed well. 

    I started the day coaching some of the kid competitors. It was great to see many of them make huge improvements since their last tournaments. One of our students hit a couple of really nice hip bump sweeps, at a previous tournament he struggled to finish that technique. Another student, who lost by arm bar in her last tournament was put in the same attack but she was able to defend and even counter the attack with a guard pass! 

    I won four out of five of my matches earning a bronze medal. My first match went pretty well, I scored a takedown, passed the guard and was able to finish with a head and arm choke. My second match I lost by triangle choke which put me in the bracket fighting for third place. My third match was pretty close but I scored a takedown early and was able to win the scrambles caused by my opponents sweep attempts. My fourth match I got the takedown and was able to take the back with a knee on belly setup that has been a part of my game plan for a while now. My final match for third place was the most fun, I scored the takedown, there were some scrambles and some back and forth action but I eventually took the back and finished with a bow and arrow choke. 

    Overall the team looked great. It’s so inspiring to watch everybody improve and get stronger. I am excited to continue my preparation for the World Championships with the feedback from this outing.

Coach Danny

Tournaments

Tournament preparation and the big picture

With a lot of tournaments coming up soon, it’s been a lot of fun getting myself prepared and watching my teammates prepare for their tournaments. Tournament preparation creates a really cool environment when everyone is working hard towards a common goal.

The process of tournament preparation is so interesting to me. The way we peak at a certain time and try to capture ourselves in a most prepared moment is a skill I have not yet mastered. One element of preparation is mental. I think many people start to feel nervous about competition as we get closer to game day and everybody’s mental preparation seems to be a little different and unique. This nervous energy is a great force to be captured and channelled in a way that helps us prepare ourselves.

In general I think most people are nervous about results, the win or the loss. When thinking about the big picture tho, the result of the tournament is almost irrelevant. Everybody wants to win, including me but winning or losing the tournament isn’t what makes us grow as martial artists. When we lose, there are always big lessons to be learned. These lessons help us get better. However, where we really grow most is during the preparation. I think many people forget about this. That extra focus, drive, and determination that we have when getting ready to compete seems to be impossible to replicate in casual training. For me, the fear of not working harder than my opponents and the fear of losing makes me push myself harder when I know I have committed to a tournament.

I look forward to competing at my next tournament and am excited for all of my teammates as they prepare for different events. The overall experience of competition is difficult to compare with other things in life. The tough training leading up to game day, the nerves and excitement right before stepping out to compete, the fast paced battle on the mat, and the way I grow and get better from my experiences are all things that I love about Jiu Jitsu competition.

Coach Danny

Adults Jiu Jitsu

IBJJF San Jose Open: Bronze at Black Belt

Athlete-Coach Jerel Tengan took to the mats at the IBJJF San Jose Open. This was his first competition at the black belt division and finished with a bronze medal in the tournament. He was competing up in weight class and age category to get some competition experience before taking the mats at the Master World Championships this summer in Las Vegas. A great start to break in the black belt category and gain valuable experience.

Tournaments

El Dorado Hills BJJ Results Grappling X & Jiu-Jitsu in El Grove

We had 6 members of our Competition Team fight from El Dorado Hills BJJ & Self Defense last Saturday, at Elk Grove High School, in the Grappling X tournament. All six competed well past my expectations, all six noticeably improved between their first and second matches, and all six made it to the podium!

Gold:

Jordan (Adult- Blue Belt) competed for the first time and won both of his matches by double-digit point deficits.

Slater (Kids- Yellow Belt) had five matches and 5 finishes! 2 matches were in one division and 3 matches were in another, for two 1st place finishes!

Silver:

Danny (Adult- White Belt) competed for the first time in a Gi and won his first match by points.

Mateo (Kids- Grey White Belt) fought a very tough opponent, but was able to greatly improve between his first and second match.

Ben (Kids- White Belt) competed for the very first time and made instant progress between his first and second match as well.

Bronze:

Josh (Adult- White Belt) fought with an injured ankle. His black and blue, swollen foot was wrapped tight in a soft brace, but he went out and won his first match. He later had a fun exhibition-style match with Danny. 

It was a great day for the team and the medals were certainly well deserved, but everyone was very coachable and listened well during their matches and between. We had simple game-plans the competitors and coaches came up with. As a group, the fighters did an excellent job of staying disciplined with their goals and medaled as a result.

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

We all get into jiujitsu for different reasons

Everyone gets into jiujitsu for different reasons. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of those martial arts that allows a wide range of people with different interests and at different stages in their life to begin training. Boys and girls as young 3 or 4 can start training and so can men or women in their 30s, 40s, or 50s start learning the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

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Anthony Bourdain competing in one of the annual IBJJF New York Opens

Anthony Bourdain is one example. Most of us know Anthony Bourdain from his famous traveling cousin show, No Reservations. His humor and observations that he shares with everyone casts a delightful light on the different cuisines and cultures of the world. Interestingly, Anthony is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fanatic. When traveling he looks to find a place to train when there is down time. Born in 1956, that puts him at the ripe age of 60. Having started jiujitsu in his 50s, and currently a blue belt in rank, I’m going to guess it’s been an uphill battle since he started training. He says jiujitsu “appeals to some part of my brain I haven’t visited before.”

On the other end are these girls in the gi. This video was taken from the Kids American Nationals in 2015. These two girls were around age 5.
It’s fun to see them compete without any hesitation to try their best. No second guessing. Probably tapping into the same part of the brain that Anthony Bourdain talks about.

Never the less these girls and Anthony both have something in common. They share the passion to learn and have fun on the mat. To compete as a measurement of self improvement. They give their most even on days when they think that there is nothing more to give. They are competitors.

On the other hand, there are others who get into jiujitsu and never step into competition. Instead, they enjoy the relaxed learning environment of training and competitive rolling done in the safety of class with a partner they can get to know and trust. Some look to reap the benefits of getting in great shape, and being the most fit they have been in their life. While others look to learn jiujitsu from a more practical self defense perspective.

There are many angles we can think about self defense. There is the physical self defense jiujitsu can teach us how to protect ourselves when we go to our back and other positions from the feet and ground. However, there are many other self defense benefits to learning jiujitsu as well. The benefit of patience when put under adversity or high stress situations. The benefit of understanding consistency in training as opposed to short term intensity with little to no consistency. The benefit of a lifestyle of activity and movement while interacting with others on the mat. There are so many psycho social benefits to jiujitsu that are applicable to modern day self defense.

While some step onto the mat to become a world champion competitor,  some wanting to learn self defense, get in shape, or start a new hobby, everyone enters the dojo with the idea of self improvement. This idea is universal in jiujitsu. Everyone wants to improve and better themselves with each and every class. If you are looking to associate with strong, healthy minded people, give jiujitsu a try!

Eliot Kelly
EDH JiuJitsu
916.595.4064