Tag Archives: el dorado hills Jiu Jitsu

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

Kids Jiu Jitsu

The Guardian Scholarship Program at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: Empowering Our Community

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe martial arts is for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. Through our Guardian Scholarship Program, we are committed to providing opportunities for children and teens from local communities such as Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, and surrounding areas to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, develop valuable life skills, and experience the many benefits of martial arts.

What is the Guardian Scholarship Program?

The Guardian Scholarship Program offers full or partial scholarships to students who show a strong desire to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but may be facing financial barriers. This initiative helps open doors for young individuals to engage in a positive, character-building activity that promotes discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

Who Can Apply?

The program is available to youth living in Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, and nearby communities. Whether you’re a parent looking for a positive environment for your child or a teen eager to train, this scholarship is designed to create opportunities for those in need. We welcome applications from both experienced students and complete beginners.

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is more than just a martial art—it’s a tool for personal growth. Our students learn how to solve problems under pressure, gain self-confidence, and develop mental and physical toughness. Through our classes, students not only get in shape but also learn invaluable skills such as respect, focus, and persistence. These lessons extend beyond the mats, helping our students thrive in school, at home, and in life.

How Does the Guardian Scholarship Work?

Once accepted into the program, scholarship recipients will have access to the same high-quality training and mentorship as our regular students. They’ll participate in classes, learn from experienced instructors, and become part of the El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu community, where they’ll find support and encouragement on their martial arts journey.

How to Apply

Applying for the Guardian Scholarship Program is simple. Interested applicants from Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, and nearby cities can visit our website or contact us directly for more information. We encourage families to apply and explore this opportunity for their children to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and experience its transformative effects.

Supporting the Guardian Program

Our community has always been at the heart of what we do, and the Guardian Scholarship is funded through donations and fundraising events. For those who wish to contribute, we offer various opportunities to support the scholarship fund, including events like our recent Ruckus in the Hills in-house competition. Every contribution makes a difference in helping us provide scholarships and foster growth in our community.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are proud to make martial arts accessible to everyone, and the Guardian Scholarship is one way we continue to give back. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more. Together, we can empower the next generation through the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Kids Jiu Jitsu

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: Transition to Gi in Youth Classes Starts Today!

Today marks an exciting transition at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu as all of our youth classes—Peewee, Kids, and Juniors—move from No-Gi to Gi training. This shift will help our young athletes focus on the fundamentals of traditional Jiu Jitsu, providing them with new challenges and techniques to master.

Wearing the gi brings a different dynamic to training, as students will learn to utilize grips, manage the opponent’s clothing, and develop a deeper understanding of leverage and control. It’s also an excellent opportunity to further instill discipline and respect, as wearing the uniform reinforces these important values.

What Does This Mean for Students?

  • New Skills: Students will now learn how to apply techniques that involve the use of the gi, including lapel chokes, grip breaks, and gi-specific sweeps and submissions.
  • Discipline and Respect: The gi is a symbol of the martial arts tradition. Wearing it encourages mindfulness, respect, and care for the uniform and each other.
  • Excitement and Growth: Gi training challenges students to expand their game, making them more well-rounded grapplers.

Gi Rentals for New Students and Trials

If you’re new to the gym or trying out a class, we’ve made it easy! El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu offers gi rentals for new students and trial members. When you arrive for class, let us know you’d like to rent a gi, and we’ll provide you with on for free during your first week. This allows you to experience gi training without needing to purchase your own right away.

Remember to have your gi clean and ready for each class, and we look forward to seeing how our young athletes grow and develop in this new phase of their training!

See you on the mats!

— The El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu Team

Tournaments

IBJJF Sacramento Open Results: El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu update

This past weekend, our El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu/ American Jiu Jitsu Syndicate competitors stepped up at the IBJJF Sacramento Open and made us proud with their impressive performances. Here’s a breakdown of the results:

Saturday – Adults/Masters:

  • Connor had an incredible run, taking home gold in his weight division. He didn’t stop there, earning a hard-fought silver in the absolute division, where he battled against competitors of all weight classes.
  • Leo also had a standout performance, securing a silver in his weight class.

Sunday – Kids:

  • Adam represented our kids’ program well, bringing home a bronze medal in the kids’ tournament. His effort, skill, and determination are a reflection of his dedication to the mats.

We are proud of everyone who competed, whether you medaled or not. These events push us to grow and improve, and the effort each competitor put into preparation and performance is what truly matters.

As we celebrate these successes, we look forward to continuing the grind, learning from these experiences, and preparing for the next challenge. Great job, team!

community

Ruckus in the Hills: A Success for Competition and Community

This past Friday, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu hosted our highly anticipated “Ruckus in the Hills” in-house competition, and it was a tremendous success! The energy in the room was electric as competitors from all levels showcased their hard work, skill, and determination on the mats. From our youngest Peewees to seasoned adults, everyone brought their A-game in what turned out to be a night full of exciting matches and valuable lessons.

Not only did this event give our students a chance to test their abilities in a friendly but competitive environment, but it also served as a fundraiser for the Guardian El Dorado Hills project. Thanks to the generosity of our participants and supporters, we raised nearly $1,000 for our scholarship program, which helps provide financial assistance to youth athletes who want to train but may face financial barriers. We are incredibly grateful for this support, as it ensures that Jiu Jitsu remains accessible to all.

A Huge Thank You

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort of our volunteers. A special thank you goes out to the coaches who spent extra time helping prepare our competitors and offering guidance throughout the event. To those who worked the score table, ensuring everything ran smoothly, and to the photographers who captured all the amazing moments, we appreciate your dedication. We also want to extend our gratitude to our on-call medic, who provided peace of mind and was ready to assist if needed. Your contributions made “Ruckus in the Hills” an unforgettable experience!

Transition to Gi Training

As we wrap up this thrilling competition, we’re shifting gears to focus on training in the gi for all Peewee, Kids, and Junior classes. With the fall season approaching, it’s the perfect time to get back to the fundamentals of traditional Jiu Jitsu. Gi training teaches patience, grip fighting, and technical precision in ways that complement the no-gi lessons learned during competition preparation.

For our Peewee students, the focus will be on familiarizing themselves with gi grips and basic techniques, laying a solid foundation for their future growth. Kids and Juniors will dive deeper into advanced concepts, such as guard passing, sweeps, and submissions with the added challenge of controlling grips and utilizing the gi.

We look forward to seeing the continued development of all our students as we embrace this new phase of training! Whether you’re coming off the excitement of “Ruckus in the Hills” or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, there’s so much to learn in the gi.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Back Control: A Crucial Position for BJJ Beginners

When you first begin your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, one of the key concepts you’ll encounter is learning to control your opponent from dominant positions. Among the most powerful and fundamental of these is back control. Mastering this position early on can set the stage for your long-term success in BJJ.

What is Back Control?

Back control occurs when you have your legs hooked around your opponent’s hips, your chest against their back, and ideally, your arms controlling their upper body. This is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because your opponent has few options to attack or defend, while you have several submission opportunities available. Most notably, the rear naked choke is a finishing move often executed from this position.

Why Should Beginners Focus on Back Control?

  1. Dominance and Safety
    Back control offers a significant advantage in both competition and self-defense. From this position, you are behind your opponent, out of reach of their strikes or counters, giving you the ability to control their movement without being vulnerable to attack. Learning this early gives beginners a sense of safety and control during rolls.
  2. Submission Opportunities
    From the back, there are many submission options that are both fundamental and effective. The rear naked choke is often one of the first submissions taught, as it capitalizes on the control you have over your opponent’s body. Once you have back control, submissions feel within reach, building your confidence as a beginner.
  3. Transitional Awareness
    Learning to maintain back control also helps beginners develop an understanding of transitions. It’s common for opponents to try and escape back control, and learning to follow them, adjust your hooks, and maintain control will strengthen your overall game. As you progress, you’ll learn how to seamlessly transition between back control, mount, and other dominant positions.
  4. Defense Training
    While back control is an offensive powerhouse, understanding this position as a beginner will also help you improve your defense. You’ll learn what to avoid and how to escape when an opponent gains back control on you, which is just as important as learning how to maintain it.

How to Approach Back Control as a Beginner

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize drilling back control with a focus on proper technique and patience. As a beginner, here are a few things to keep in mind when practicing this position:

  • Stay tight to your opponent: Keep your chest glued to their back, with your hooks securely in place. This makes it harder for your opponent to escape.
  • Focus on control before submission: Don’t rush to finish your opponent. Learn how to maintain control first, and submissions will follow.
  • Be aware of your opponent’s escape attempts: A good defense from your opponent will be trying to roll or escape your hooks. Anticipating and preventing their escapes will improve your game immensely.

Back control is one of the most powerful and effective positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and it’s a position that beginners should learn early on. By mastering this position, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to control an opponent and finish the fight, whether in a competitive match or a self-defense situation.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our curriculum ensures that every student, no matter their level, builds a strong foundation in back control and other fundamental positions. Start your journey by learning how to control, submit, and defend from the back—and watch your BJJ game transform!

community, Kids Jiu Jitsu

Ruckus in the Hills: In-House Tournament and Fundraiser for Guardian El Dorado Hills

On Friday, September 27th, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is proud to host the highly anticipated Ruckus in the Hills, an in-house competition that promises to be an exciting showcase of skill, determination, and community spirit. This event is not only a chance for our members to challenge themselves on the mats but also a meaningful opportunity to give back through our Guardian El Dorado Hills project.

A Competition with a Purpose

Ruckus in the Hills is more than just a friendly tournament—it’s a fundraiser aimed at supporting the Guardian El Dorado Hills initiative. This project provides scholarships for students in need, allowing them to train and grow through the transformative art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We believe that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have access to the life-changing benefits of Jiu Jitsu, including discipline, confidence, and community.

What to Expect

The in-house competition will feature divisions for all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate practitioners. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or it’s your first time stepping onto the mats, the event is designed to foster growth and sportsmanship in a supportive environment. Plus, it’s a great way for our gym community to come together, test their skills, and cheer each other on.

Spectators are welcome to attend and show their support! All proceeds from the event will go directly to funding Guardian El Dorado Hills, ensuring that more students have the chance to step onto the mats and begin their martial arts journey.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to contribute to the Guardian project but aren’t competing, you can still make a difference. We’ll be accepting donations throughout the event, and all funds raised will go towards providing scholarships for underprivileged youth. Every bit helps to bring the empowering lessons of Jiu Jitsu to those who need it most. Or you can donate here: https://givebutter.com/edh

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 27th, and join us for an action-packed evening at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Together, we can make a positive impact in our community, one match at a time.

Let the Ruckus begin!

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, September 27th
  • Doors Open: 4:30pm
  • Location: El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu
  • Purpose: Fundraiser for Guardian El Dorado Hills, providing scholarships for students to train Jiu Jitsu

We look forward to seeing everyone there, whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

3 Helpful Tips When You Start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Martial Arts

Starting your journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) or any martial art is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit intimidating. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often see new students who aren’t sure where to begin. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or revisiting it after a break, these three tips will help you feel more confident and get the most out of your training.

1. Be Patient with Yourself
One of the most important lessons you’ll learn early on in BJJ or any martial art is that progress takes time. It’s easy to compare yourself to more advanced students or feel frustrated when a technique doesn’t click right away. Remember, every black belt was once a beginner. Focus on the small wins – mastering the basics, improving your movement, or simply showing up consistently. The path to growth in martial arts is long, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. Trust the process and enjoy the journey.

2. Focus on the Fundamentals
In martial arts, the foundation is everything. While it might be tempting to try advanced techniques or imitate what you see in competitions, mastering the basics is what will set you up for success. In BJJ, for example, learning positions like guard, mount, and side control, along with basic escapes, will give you a strong understanding of how to control your opponent. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our curriculum is designed to help students build a solid foundation, starting with 12 key positions and more than 350 movements. By focusing on the fundamentals, you’ll be better prepared for more advanced techniques down the line.

3. Embrace the Learning Environment
When you start training in martial arts, you’re not just learning from your instructor – you’re also learning from your training partners. One of the best things about BJJ is that it’s a cooperative, friendly environment. Ask questions, watch others, and don’t be afraid to tap when necessary. The more open you are to learning from every roll and every sparring session, the faster you’ll improve. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize community, which means you’re surrounded by teammates who want to see you succeed as much as you want to improve.

Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or martial arts can feel overwhelming at first, but with patience, focus, and the right mindset, you’ll see progress quickly. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to support you every step of the way, whether it’s your first class or your hundredth.

Are you ready to begin your journey? Come train with us!

community, Kids Jiu Jitsu

Youth Jiu Jitsu at El Dorado Hills: The Role of Parent Participation and the Power of Silent Support

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our youth classes are a place for learning, growth, and fun. Parents play a crucial role in this process, but often in ways that differ from traditional sports environments. In Jiu Jitsu, parent participation is essential, but it takes on a unique form—one that emphasizes silent support over direct cheering.

A Different Approach to Encouragement

In many sports, parents are often encouraged to cheer from the sidelines, shouting out words of encouragement or advice. However, in the world of Jiu Jitsu, the focus is on fostering independence, mental clarity, and resilience in young students. This is where the concept of “no direct cheering” comes into play.

When a parent is constantly shouting instructions or encouragement, it can actually add pressure and distract their child from the task at hand. In Jiu Jitsu, where focus and adaptability are key, children need the space to think critically, make decisions, and learn from both success and failure. Silent support allows them to do just that. It helps them build confidence in their own abilities, without feeling the need to perform for others.

We value coaching, and giving important feedback to athletes at the right time. We want parents to understand the difference between cheering and coaching and understand the various support systems that exist in the development of a young athlete and martial artist.

The Value of Silent Support

Silent support doesn’t mean parents take a passive role. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It means parents are present, attentive, and engaged in their child’s journey, without directly influencing their experience on the mat. Here’s how parents can offer silent support during Jiu Jitsu classes:

  1. Be Present: Simply being there for your child shows them that you care and that their progress matters. Your quiet presence on the sidelines allows them to know they’re supported without the need for constant verbal reinforcement.
  2. Celebrate Milestones, Not Every Moment: Jiu Jitsu is a long journey filled with ups and downs. Rather than celebrating every move, wait for those bigger milestones—whether it’s mastering a new technique, earning a stripe, or simply persevering through a tough session. This teaches patience and the value of persistence.
  3. Encourage Reflection: After class, take the time to talk with your child about what they learned or what challenges they faced. This helps them process their experience and gives you an opportunity to provide positive reinforcement away from the immediate pressure of performance.
  4. Support the Process, Not Just the Result: One of the core lessons of Jiu Jitsu is that progress often comes through small, incremental improvements. Parents can reinforce this by praising effort, determination, and focus, rather than just outcomes.

Building Confidence on the Mat

By refraining from direct cheering, we give our youth students the room to grow into confident, self-reliant individuals. They learn to trust themselves and rely on their own problem-solving abilities. The absence of vocal instructions from the sidelines also helps them stay in the moment, developing the awareness and adaptability needed for success in Jiu Jitsu.

Join Us in Cultivating Independence and Growth

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage parents to actively participate in their child’s journey, but in ways that cultivate independence and personal growth. Our approach to parent participation and silent support creates an environment where young students can thrive off the mats.

We invite you to visit our Peewee, Kids, and Juniors classes to see this philosophy in action. With the right balance of guidance and quiet encouragement, your child will develop the skills, confidence, and character to succeed in Jiu Jitsu—and in life.

community

Kosen Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Exploring the Grappling Connection

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are deeply connected to the history and evolution of grappling arts. One of the most fascinating influences on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is Kosen Judo, a specialized form of judo with a strong emphasis on ground fighting, or ne-waza. Understanding the connection between these two arts can enrich our approach to BJJ and shed light on how the grappling world evolved.

What is Kosen Judo?

Kosen Judo originated in Japan in the early 20th century as a subset of traditional judo. While judo, founded by Jigoro Kano, is known for its dynamic throws and stand-up grappling (tachi-waza), Kosen Judo placed much greater emphasis on ground techniques, including pins, joint locks, and strangles. The style developed largely within Japan’s university system, where teams competed under special rules that favored longer periods of groundwork, unlike traditional judo competitions.

Kosen Judo quickly became known for its sophisticated and technical approach to controlling opponents on the ground—a trait that heavily influenced the development of BJJ.

The Evolution of BJJ from Judo

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu owes much of its foundation to judo, and especially to Kosen-style ne-waza. When Mitsuyo Maeda, a Kodokan judoka, arrived in Brazil in the early 20th century, he passed on his grappling knowledge to the Gracie family and others. Maeda’s teachings included many of the ground-fighting techniques that had been refined in Kosen Judo, which eventually evolved into the distinct style we know as BJJ today.

While early judo retained a focus on both throws and groundwork, BJJ took the groundwork aspect to a new level. Practitioners honed their skills in controlling, submitting, and neutralizing opponents on the mat, developing a vast array of sweeps, guards, and submissions.

Key Similarities Between Kosen Judo and BJJ

  1. Emphasis on Groundwork: Both arts prioritize the ability to control an opponent on the ground. While Kosen Judo does incorporate throwing techniques, the majority of the strategy revolves around transitioning to the mat and gaining a dominant position.
  2. Submissions: Just like in BJJ, Kosen Judo includes various joint locks and chokes. The key difference is that BJJ refined these techniques further, allowing for even more diverse and fluid submissions from various positions.
  3. Guard Play: Kosen Judo’s influence can be seen in the way BJJ developed guard positions. Guard, in BJJ, is a key part of defense and attack, where a practitioner can control or submit an opponent from their back. Kosen Judo already contained the seeds of this idea, though it was in BJJ where it truly flourished.
  4. Competitive Focus: In modern judo competitions, groundwork is often limited due to rule changes that favor stand-up techniques. However, Kosen Judo, with its university competition rules, allowed for a much greater focus on groundwork, similar to how BJJ competitions play out today.

Why Understanding Kosen Judo Matters for BJJ Practitioners

As BJJ continues to evolve, understanding its roots in Kosen Judo can provide a deeper appreciation for the techniques we practice daily. By studying the methods of Kosen Judo, we can refine our own ground game, gaining insights into leverage, control, and the finer details of ne-waza.

In fact, some techniques used in BJJ today, such as certain sweeps, transitions, and escapes, can be traced back to the strategic groundwork of Kosen Judo. Recognizing this historical lineage helps us to approach BJJ not just as a modern martial art, but as part of a larger grappling tradition.

Bringing Kosen Judo Concepts to El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are always looking to grow and expand our grappling knowledge. By incorporating Kosen Judo-inspired drills and concepts into our classes, we can help students refine their ability to control and submit opponents on the mat. Whether it’s working on efficient pins, dynamic guard work, or chaining submissions together, the influence of Kosen Judo offers a wealth of techniques to explore.

So next time you’re on the mat, think about the roots of your favorite submissions and sweeps. They likely have a long history that stretches back to the mats of Japanese universities, where Kosen Judo was once king.

Let’s continue to grow, evolve, and learn from the best aspects of both Kosen Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as we develop our skills here at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu!