Tag Archives: folsom ranch

“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!

Empower Yourself: Basic Self-Defense concepts Everyone Should Know

In today’s world, knowing how to protect yourself is essential. Whether it’s walking alone at night or navigating unfamiliar surroundings, having a few basic self-defense techniques up your sleeve can provide a sense of security. Here, we’ll explore some fundamental strategies that anyone can learn and practice.

1. Awareness is Key: The cornerstone of self-defense is awareness. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and be mindful of your surroundings at all times. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, and stay clear of potentially risky situations whenever possible.

2. Confidence and Assertiveness: Predators often target those who appear vulnerable. Projecting confidence and assertiveness can deter potential attackers. Stand tall, make eye contact, and communicate assertively when setting boundaries or expressing discomfort.

3. Use Your Voice: Your voice can be a powerful tool in self-defense. In a threatening situation, use a loud, authoritative voice to command attention and attract help. Shout phrases like “Back off!” or “Help!” to draw attention to your situation.

4. Defense Against Grabs and Holds: If your attacker grabs you, there are several techniques you can use to break free: • Wrist Release: To escape a wrist grab, twist your arm in the direction of your thumb’s knuckle while pulling away. • Escape Holds: If pinned against a wall or grabbed from behind, use leverage and body positioning to create space and escape. Practice techniques to break free from various holds and restraints.

5. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, self-defense techniques require practice to become effective. Consider taking a self-defense class or practicing with a partner to reinforce your skills and build muscle memory.

Remember, the goal of self-defense is to escape from a dangerous situation unharmed. While physical techniques can be useful, avoidance and de-escalation should always be your first priorities. By staying aware, projecting confidence, and learning basic self-defense techniques, you can increase your safety and confidence in any environment.

Watching and understanding Judo for fun and to learn Tachi Waza (standing technique)

In my free time I have been enjoying watching Judo lately. It is an exciting sport with a lot of similarities and some big differences to BJJ. I started watching it to study techniques that I could add to my takedown game. Then I kept watching  matches because I found them really entertaining. 

Watching Judo I learned about the rules. Each player is trying to “Ippon” the other one. This means they are trying to throw them and get their back flat on the mat. If one player throws the other on their side with partial back to the mat they score a “waza-ari”. Two of those are equal to an Ippon. The matches are four minutes and pretty fast paced. Stalling is called very quickly by the refs for lack of action, which I’m a fan of. Once the match is on the ground one player can win by pin or submission but the ref will stand both players up pretty quickly if the action stops. Most Judo players don’t engage very much on the ground based on the matches I watched. I think the length of the matches in Judo help make it an exciting sport, I probably have an unpopular opinion about this but I think BJJ should copy that. There are so many black belt Jiu Jitsu matches that are a very slow eight minutes with a two minute sprint at the end. I could be missing some rules but this is what I have learned so far. 

My favorite athlete to watch and study so far is Shohei Ono. He is an athlete from Japan. He has won three world titles and two Olympic gold medals. His matches are very exciting and he is known for doing a double sleeve grip throw (I don’t know the name of the technique). I will continue to watch and study this sport and hopefully be able to add some cool throws to my stand up.

Coach Danny