Tag Archives: folsom

Starting Your Jiu Jitsu Journey in El Dorado County: Discover Our Trial Program at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

If you’ve been thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu, there’s no better time to start than now. Whether you’re from El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Folsom, or anywhere in the greater El Dorado County area, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu welcomes you to step onto the mats and begin a transformative experience. Our trial program is the perfect way to see what Jiu Jitsu is all about while experiencing the supportive and skilled environment we’ve built over 15 years.

Why Start Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu Jitsu offers a unique blend of physical and mental development, teaching you self-defense, discipline, and resilience. It’s an incredible workout that challenges your body while sharpening your mind, improving focus, problem-solving, and perseverance. Whether you’re looking for a new fitness routine, a self-defense skill set, or a way to meet new people in the community, Jiu Jitsu provides all of that and more.

Our Trial Program: A No-Risk Way to Begin

We understand that starting something new can be intimidating, especially when it comes to martial arts. That’s why our trial program is designed to make it easy and enjoyable for beginners. With a one-week free trial, you can attend any of our classes for your age and skill level. Whether you’re an adult or want to enroll your child in one of our youth programs, we have classes tailored to everyone—from those completely new to Jiu Jitsu to seasoned practitioners looking to sharpen their skills.

During your trial, you’ll be introduced to fundamental techniques by our experienced instructors, many of whom have years of competition and coaching experience. You’ll also get a sense of our welcoming community, where teammates help each other grow on and off the mats.

Training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize a structured learning environment that focuses on individual growth. For beginners, we’ve developed a standards curriculum that breaks down the essentials of the sport into manageable steps. All students receive weekly technique videos, so you can continue to learn and review outside of class. This system has helped countless students in El Dorado County start their Jiu Jitsu journey with confidence.

Our classes run throughout the day, with options for all levels, including early morning sessions, evening practices, and weekend training. No matter your schedule, we make it easy to find a time that works for you.

Building a Jiu Jitsu Community in El Dorado County

The El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu team is more than just a place to train—it’s a community. People from all over the region, including El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Shingle Springs, and beyond, join us to practice, learn, and grow together. Many of our students in their 30s, 40s, and 50s have found Jiu Jitsu to be a great way to stay active, connect with others, and challenge themselves in a new way.

With our strong community focus, we offer programs and events beyond daily training, including in-house competitions, seminars, and youth camps. Plus, our team often competes at local and national tournaments, where you can support or even participate as you progress.

Start Today

Ready to begin your Jiu Jitsu journey? Visit El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and take advantage of our trial program to see firsthand what makes our gym a special place to train. No matter where you’re coming from in El Dorado County or the surrounding areas, you’ll find a team that’s ready to welcome you, support your goals, and help you grow through Jiu Jitsu.

Sign up today to start your trial and see why so many people are choosing Jiu Jitsu for their fitness, self-defense, and personal growth. We can’t wait to see you on the mats!

Starting Jiu Jitsu at El Dorado Hills BJJ: Elevate Your Learning with Weekly Technique Videos

Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can feel like stepping into a new world. The techniques, the culture, and the experience of rolling on the mats are unlike anything else. At El Dorado Hills BJJ, we understand that the first few weeks can be overwhelming, which is why we’re dedicated to making your journey smoother and more enriching right from the start.

A Structured Path to Success

From the moment you begin your training, you’ll be part of a structured curriculum designed to help you grow quickly and confidently. One of the unique aspects of training at El Dorado Hills BJJ is the weekly technique videos you’ll receive. These videos are specifically designed to reinforce the techniques taught in class, so you’ll never feel like you’re falling behind or missing key details.

Why Weekly Technique Videos Matter

Jiu Jitsu is an art that takes time and repetition to master, but with consistent access to technique videos, you can review and study at your own pace. Each week, you’ll get a breakdown of the techniques we cover in class, including explanations and demonstrations by our skilled instructors. These videos will serve as an invaluable resource for:

  • Reinforcing What You Learned: After class, it can be tough to remember every detail of a technique. The videos allow you to review and refresh your memory before your next training session.
  • Learning at Your Own Speed: Everyone progresses at different rates, and the videos allow you to revisit techniques as many times as you need to fully grasp them.
  • Building a Strong Foundation: By focusing on fundamental movements and positions, you’ll develop a solid base that will support your progression in Jiu Jitsu.

What to Expect in Your First Few Weeks

Starting out, you’ll be introduced to core movements, like shrimping, bridging, and basic guard work. The weekly technique videos will cover foundational techniques in detail, ensuring you have a strong understanding of the mechanics and purpose behind each movement.

Here’s an example from one of our weekly videos.

A Supportive Community to Guide You

Beyond the videos, you’ll be joining a community of supportive teammates and experienced instructors. Whether you’re just learning how to tie your belt or preparing for your first tournament, you’ll always have guidance both in class and through our online resources.

At El Dorado Hills BJJ, we’re committed to your success from day one. With our blend of hands-on training and video support, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your Jiu Jitsu goals.

Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, now is the perfect time. Come train with us, and let our weekly technique videos help you build the confidence and skill you need to thrive on the mats.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re proud to welcome students from all over El Dorado County and Folsom, creating a diverse and thriving community of martial artists. Whether they’re commuting from Placerville, Cameron Park, or even Folsom, people of all backgrounds and experience levels come together here to train, improve, and support one another. Our morning classes, draw dedicated practitioners from across the region, each committed to their personal growth and to being part of a team that values hard work, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence.

Jon Chan’s Black Belt Promotion and Seminar at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

On October 1st, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu celebrated a significant milestone in the journey of one of its dedicated members—Jon Chan. After 15 years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jon was officially promoted to black belt. This achievement not only marks a personal triumph for Jon but also reflects the values of discipline, resilience, and growth that our gym strives to instill in each of its members.

A Journey of Hard Work and Dedication

Jon’s promotion to black belt represents a journey that began years ago with a white belt and a dream. Like many, Jon started at the bottom, learning the fundamentals, honing his technique, and pushing through challenges along the way. His commitment to improvement and his consistent presence on the mats have been an inspiration to everyone at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. As a competitor and a leader, Jon exemplifies the tenets of martial arts and has become a role model for students of all levels.

In addition to his promotion, Jon taught his first black belt seminar, sharing some of his favorite techniques and concepts that helped him reach this level. Students were treated to insights from Jon’s experience as both a competitor and a technician. His seminar offered an opportunity for everyone in the room to learn from someone who has walked the path from white to black, with countless hours of training and a deep passion for the art.

A Family Moment: Promoting Logan to Blue Belt

In what made the day even more special, Jon had the honor of promoting his son, Logan, to blue belt. Watching Logan’s own growth in the sport has been a joy for the entire gym. Father and son have trained side by side for years, pushing each other to improve and sharing countless hours on the mats. To see Jon, now a black belt, present Logan with his blue belt was a touching moment for everyone in attendance. It was not just the celebration of one promotion but the continuation of a family legacy in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

As Jon shared, “There’s nothing more meaningful than being able to pass on what I’ve learned to the next generation. To promote Logan to blue belt on the day I received my black belt is an experience I’ll never forget.”

Looking Ahead

Jon’s black belt is a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and passion for Jiu Jitsu. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are incredibly proud of Jon and look forward to seeing him continue to grow as both a martial artist and a coach. His seminar marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey, and we are excited to see where it takes him and his family.

Congratulations, Jon, on your black belt and Logan on your blue belt—both incredible achievements that reflect the strength and unity of our Jiu Jitsu family!

Be sure to stay tuned for more updates, seminars, and exciting moments from the El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu community!

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.

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

I recently finished reading Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. This was one of my favorite books I have ever read. The book was about the differences between a “fixed” mindset and a “growth” mindset and how having a growth mindset can foster a love for learning and set people up for success. The book is split into different categories; Sports, Business, Parenting and Relationships, it gives a lot of examples of each mindset in each chapter and the results of that mindset.

One of my favorite sections of this book was in the parenting chapter. It talks about how difficult it can be to teach children how to have a growth mindset even if you (the parent) are a growth minded person. One of the strategies it talks about is praising children for effort and hard work instead of results. One of the examples was of a family who at dinner always asked each other; What did you learn today? What mistakes did you make that taught an important lesson? What did you try today that was very hard? I thought this was really cool.

At the end of the book it talks a lot about how to start building a growth mindset and passing it on to others. It says that everybody actually has a mix of fixed and growth mindset and that’s just part of being human. The author did an exercise with some of her students where they all had to name their “fixed mindset persona” and write out things that persona says to them and how it makes them feel. I liked that exercise a lot. Even though all of these students were pretty growth minded they often dealt with intrusive fixed mindset thoughts and I could relate to that a lot. 

Danny

EDH BJJ compete in JJWL Competition

 The team went to Stockton to compete in a Jiu Jitsu World League tournament this last weekend. We had three Juniors class competitors, one Juvenile competitor and three adult/masters competitors. Out of our seven competitors we took home three gold medals and two silver medals.

Our Juniors class competitors all looked great. They were able to execute techniques that we have been working on in class and that were a part of their individual gameplans. I saw them hit good takedowns, sweeps and use excellent top pressure and guard retention. Our Juvenile competitor fought hard in some action packed matches. He won a silver medal and it was exciting to watch.

The Masters competitors dominated their divisions. They displayed some great Jiu Jitsu all around. I was most impressed with the guard passing and a couple of the submissions by those guys.

My matches didn’t go well which was frustrating but I am excited to get back to work and compete again in November. Going to tournaments is always fun when there are a few or more people from the team competing, overall I had a great time coaching and competing. 

Danny

Jiu Jitsu Kids Camp in El Dorado Hills

 I recently ran my first Jiu Jitsu Camp for ages five and older. In the past all of the camps have been seven and up. It was a full camp and the most fun one yet. Having the younger kids there came with some new challenges but I was prepared for them.
The main difference having the younger kids in camp is being ready for the shorter attention span. I had to be ready to refocus the group or change activities much more often than when seven year olds were the youngest kids there. Another big difference was the class style had to be more of a peewee/kids hybrid class with the kids split into groups and a lot of hands-on coaching. For the next camp I will probably allow this age group to come again. It was fun having some of the peewee kids there.
For the class portion of camp we did a fun warm up and practiced some basics. After that we practiced arm bars on the coaches and did some Jiu Jitsu matches. There was a very wide variety of skill and experience levels in the room along with the variety of ages. After class we played all of the mat games that we have played before at camp with the addition of a free for all snow ball fight. We ended the day with some snacks and board games. I haven’t picked a date for the next camp yet but I am excited to start planning for it!

Danny

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.

jiujitsu class for age 4,5,6

PeeWee class at EDH Jiu Jitsu
When I first started coaching I was very intimidated by the peewee class. It seemed like it was going to be so difficult to get a group of four to six year olds to listen and move as a team. That’s because I didn’t understand the goal and expectation of that class.

The goal of that class is that they have fun, exercise, and learn something  new. The expectation of that class is that they are present, not perfect.
When I first started coaching I was a helper in the peewee and kid class. Pee wee jiujitsu felt especially overwhelming to me. The class has a fast pace and kids at that age have much shorter attention spans than the kids jiujitsu class.

When I started leading the peewee class it felt like a huge step up in responsibility. Once I learned the formula and understood the goals and expectation that class became very fun for me to teach. Watching kids at a young age progress every week and learning basic Jiu Jitsu positions while having a fun time feels very rewarding.


In the peewee class we want them learning basic Jiu Jitsu positions and basic movements. We teach these positions by playing games with the coach and with the students paired up, playing games with each other. The games involve significant elements of jiujitsu and are competitions where students work together or against a team mate for the win. With this method we check all of the boxes for that class; they’re having fun, they are learning, and they are getting a work out.


My expectation as a coach isn’t for the student to be perfect. If we expected four to six year olds to behave perfectly in class that would be an unreasonable expectation. We just want them to be present (and mentally checked in) while in class so they can learn and improve.

Something we talk to the kids a lot about is focus. The more they practice focus the easier it is for them to stay present. At the beginning of class we take deep breaths and talk about using our eyes, ears, and body as tools to help us focus. The deep breath is a really helpful tool to help them refocus. Another thing we talk about is hustle. To have hustle they have to be present, if they have good hustle, that means they are moving with focus. I really love seeing all of the students progress every week with their jiujitsu knowledge, their ability to focus, and their hustle. 

Coach Danny

Leg Attacks! Workshop in El Dorado Hills

NoGi Jiu Jitsu // Submission Wrestling 🤼‍♂️ @jamieg.sharpshooter will be sharing the sharp details she’s acquired from her R&D // Research & Development // Refinement & Dedication // Routine & Discipline //

On May 5th and May 12th Jamie will be leading a class teaching the details of attacking and defending the ASHI GARAMI. The Ashi Garami, a Japanese phrase meaning leg entanglement, is a way to secure and control the entire body through a system of leg attacks. Jamie has been studying the position for a while and has developed a deadly system to dismember the leg from the ankle, calf, knee and connect it into other attacks.

In addition to the offensive system, Jamie will be teaching some safety tips on training with leg entanglements and tactfully defending against an opponent in attack.

The workshop will take place on Saturday May 5th and 12th during the 11am all level adult class.