At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in helping our students grow both on and off the mats. For this month’s mat chat, we are focusing on leadership—a life skill that’s essential for success in every aspect of life. Whether in school, at work, or in our community, leadership allows us to inspire, guide, and make a positive impact on those around us.

Why Leadership Matters

Leadership is about more than just being in charge. It’s about setting a good example, taking initiative, and showing empathy and respect for others. In Jiu Jitsu, leadership shows up when:

• A more experienced student helps a newer one understand a technique.
• A teammate encourages someone who is struggling.
• Someone takes responsibility for their mistakes and uses them as an opportunity to grow.

These moments of leadership build a stronger, more connected team. They teach our students to be thoughtful, confident, and capable individuals both on and off the mats.

How We’re Teaching Leadership in Class

This month, our youth classes will emphasize leadership through specific activities and lessons, including:

1. Leading by Example: We’ll teach students that leadership starts with their actions. This means coming to class on time, helping their training partners, and showing respect to coaches and teammates.

2. Team Exercises: In drills and games, students will take turns as “team captains,” responsible for encouraging their group, organizing strategy, and keeping everyone motivated.

3. Mat Chats: During mat chats, we’ll discuss what it means to be a leader. Topics will include:

• How to be a role model in tough situations.
• The importance of empathy and understanding other people’s perspectives.
• Taking ownership of mistakes and learning from them.

4. Recognizing Leadership: Throughout the month, we’ll highlight moments where students demonstrate leadership qualities, celebrating these actions as examples for others to follow.

Leadership: A Lifelong Skill

By focusing on leadership, we’re helping our students develop confidence, accountability, and teamwork. These skills will serve them well in every area of life, whether they’re leading on the mats, at school, or in their communities.

We encourage parents to continue this conversation at home—ask your kids about the leadership lessons they’re learning in class and how they can apply them outside the gym. Together, we can build the next generation of thoughtful, strong, and empathetic leaders.

Let’s make this a month to lead by example—both on and off the mats!