Tag Archives: goal setting

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

Discipline as a Skill: Unlocking Your Potential

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that discipline is not just a personality trait—it’s a skill that anyone can develop and refine. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or training for a world-class competition, discipline is the key to unlocking your potential in Jiu Jitsu and beyond.

But what exactly is discipline, and how can we cultivate it in our training and daily lives?

What Is Discipline?

Discipline is the ability to stay committed to your goals, even when the journey gets tough. It’s choosing consistent effort over fleeting motivation and prioritizing long-term growth over immediate comfort.

In Jiu Jitsu, discipline means showing up to class even when you’re tired, drilling techniques repetitively to perfect them, and keeping your emotions in check during a match. Off the mat, it can mean maintaining a healthy lifestyle, setting clear goals, and consistently working toward them.

How to Practice Discipline

The good news is that discipline isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s a skill you can build with intentional practice. Here are a few ways to develop discipline both on and off the mat:

    1. Start Small

    Discipline begins with small, manageable habits. For example, commit to attending one additional class per week or set aside 10 minutes a day to review techniques. As you succeed in these smaller goals, you’ll build the confidence and momentum to tackle bigger challenges.

    2. Embrace Consistency

    Consistency is the foundation of discipline. It’s better to train regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week, than to overtrain sporadically. Consistency helps you establish routines that make discipline feel natural rather than forced.

    3. Focus on the Process

    Discipline is about falling in love with the journey, not just the outcome. Celebrate the small victories, like mastering a new guard pass or maintaining focus during a challenging roll.

    4. Practice Self-Control

    Discipline requires controlling impulses. On the mat, this might mean resisting the urge to muscle through a technique and instead focusing on precision. Off the mat, it could mean choosing meal prep over fast food or study time over Netflix.

    5. Learn from Setbacks

    Setbacks are inevitable, but disciplined individuals use them as opportunities to grow. Missed a class? Reflect on why and recommit. Lost a match? Analyze what went wrong and come back stronger.

    Why Discipline Matters in Jiu Jitsu

    Discipline isn’t just about improving your skills in Jiu Jitsu; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself. Here’s why it matters:

    • Resilience: Discipline helps you push through tough times and bounce back from failure.

    • Focus: It sharpens your ability to stay present and intentional in your training.

    • Growth: Discipline ensures steady, incremental improvement over time.

    • Leadership: As you develop discipline, you inspire those around you to do the same.

    A Lifelong Skill

    The beauty of discipline is that it transcends Jiu Jitsu. The habits you build on the mat—showing up, working hard, and staying consistent—will serve you in every area of life.

    So the next time you tie your belt, remember: every class, every drill, and every roll is an opportunity to practice discipline. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up and doing the work.

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to help you develop the discipline to succeed—not just in Jiu Jitsu, but in everything you set out to achieve.

    Ready to Start?

    Join us on the mat and begin your journey toward greater discipline and self-mastery. Your future self will thank you.

    Kids Jiu Jitsu

    Starting Jiu Jitsu as a Teenager: A Path to Confidence and Growth at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

    Starting a new activity as a teenager can be intimidating, but Jiu Jitsu offers an exciting opportunity to grow both physically and mentally. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in the transformative power of this martial art and have seen firsthand how it benefits our teenage students.

    Building Confidence Through Challenge

    Jiu Jitsu is known as “the gentle art” because it emphasizes leverage and technique over brute strength, making it a perfect fit for teens of all sizes and abilities. As teens train, they face challenges on the mat—learning how to defend against larger opponents, mastering new techniques, and dealing with the frustration of not getting it right the first time. These challenges teach them perseverance and build self-confidence as they progress and see their skills develop.

    Physical and Mental Benefits

    Jiu Jitsu is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and coordination. It’s also a mental game, requiring strategic thinking and problem-solving during each roll. As teenagers grow into young adults, they benefit from the discipline, focus, and mental resilience that Jiu Jitsu fosters. The sport offers an outlet to relieve stress and sharpen their minds, all while being a fun and engaging activity.

    A Positive Community

    One of the most significant advantages of joining Jiu Jitsu as a teen is becoming part of a positive and supportive community. Our students come from all walks of life, and in our gym, everyone works together to help each other improve. Teens in particular find mentors in the higher belts and coaches, learning valuable life lessons from those who have already walked the path. This sense of camaraderie and belonging helps teens build friendships and stay motivated to continue training.

    Setting Goals and Achieving Success

    In Jiu Jitsu, success is earned through hard work and dedication. Whether it’s earning a stripe on their white belt, preparing for a competition, or just hitting personal milestones, teens learn the importance of setting goals and working steadily toward them. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we guide our teenage students step by step, celebrating each success along the way.

    A Skill for Life

    For teenagers starting Jiu Jitsu, the journey is just beginning. This martial art teaches skills that extend far beyond the mat—self-discipline, problem-solving, patience, and respect. These qualities help teens navigate challenges in school, relationships, and their personal development as they grow into adulthood.

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re proud to offer an environment where teens can thrive, grow, and learn valuable life lessons through martial arts. If you or your teenager are interested in starting Jiu Jitsu, we invite you to join us for a class and discover what this empowering journey is all about.

    community

    Embracing the Transition: Maintaining Consistency in Jiu Jitsu Training as Summer Ends and School Begins

    As August rolls in, a sense of transition fills the air. Summer vacations start winding down, and the back-to-school season begins. It’s a time of change, new routines, and a shift in daily rhythms. For many, this period can feel like a whirlwind, but it also presents a perfect opportunity to reinforce the importance of maintaining consistency in our Jiu Jitsu training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.

    The Challenge of New Routines

    With the end of summer, many of us face changes in our daily schedules. Whether it’s students heading back to school, parents adjusting to new routines, or professionals returning from vacation, the shift can be challenging. Amidst this change, it’s crucial to remember the value of our Jiu Jitsu practice. Regular training not only enhances our skills on the mat but also provides a sense of stability and balance in our lives.

    The Importance of Consistency

    Consistency is key in any discipline, and Jiu Jitsu is no exception. Training 2-3 times a week might seem daunting amidst new schedules, but it’s essential for continued progress. Here’s why:

    1. Skill Retention and Improvement: Regular training helps in retaining techniques and building upon them. Missing weeks at a time can set back progress and make it harder to pick up where you left off.
    2. Physical Fitness: Jiu Jitsu is an excellent way to maintain physical fitness. Consistent training ensures you stay in shape, build strength, and enhance your overall health.
    3. Mental Well-being: The mental benefits of Jiu Jitsu are immense. It helps reduce stress, increase focus, and improve mental resilience. Consistent practice provides a mental break from daily pressures and fosters a positive mindset.
    4. Community and Support: At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we pride ourselves on our strong community. Regular attendance strengthens bonds with fellow practitioners, offering a support system that encourages growth both on and off the mat.

    Tips for Staying Consistent

    1. Schedule Your Training: Treat your Jiu Jitsu classes like important appointments. Block off time in your calendar and prioritize attending classes.
    2. Set Realistic Goals: Aim for 2-3 training sessions a week. This frequency is manageable for most schedules and ensures steady progress.
    3. Communicate with Family: Let your family and friends know about your training schedule. Their support can make it easier to stick to your routine.
    4. Stay Flexible but Committed: Life happens, and sometimes you might need to miss a class. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Adjust and get back on track as soon as possible.
    5. Join Morning or Evening Classes: With new routines, finding the right class time is crucial. Our 6 am classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday offer a great option for early risers, while evening classes cater to those who prefer to train after work or school.

    Embrace the Transition

    As we navigate through the transitional period of August, remember that maintaining consistency in your Jiu Jitsu training is not just about improving your skills—it’s about fostering a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Embrace the change, adjust your routines, and keep showing up on the mat. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    Stay committed, stay consistent, and let’s continue to grow together!

    Join Us Today!
    Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting, our community at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu welcomes you. Check our schedule and find the class that fits your new routine. Let’s make this transitional period a time of growth and achievement.

    Uncategorized

    Mat Mind: map, compass, and travel

    The new year is full of excitement and enthusiasm. We tend to be super excited to welcome the new year because it is a symbolic representation of a phase or moment in time ending and a new beginning. These transitions mark an opportunity for us to set goals and challenge ourselves and those around us. Resolutions and goal setting are a great thing to do with the new year, but can be done at any point in life.

    In taking on goals and challenges, there are some helpful ideas to consider. First, where do you “exist” on the outline of your goal. We can think of this as a map, that helps us see where we have been, where we are and where we would like to go. Often, we only think of our destination but when you go on a journey it’s important to consider all three points of perspective. Where did you start, where are you now, and where are you going. The map is a good reminder that there are many towns and cities to experience along the way. The map also shows us that there are usually more than one road to take to get to the final destination.

    Second, you need to know what direction you are traveling in to get to your destination. A compass is like a coach, mentor, a good friend, a family member, and even yourself that helps you move in the correct direction. You could have a great detailed map, but without a compass… You could be heading north when you need to be going south.

    While the map and compass are the essential tools needed to move in the direction of your goals, it’s nice to have a dependable and appropriate mode of transportation. The vehicle in martial arts is your body. You need to maintain the body with good fuel, periodic oil changes, maintenance, and new tires. These changes represent not just the body but the mind as well.

    The ability to maintain your vehicle is related to the ability to adjust with the different terrain. You will face different adversities, get stuck in mud if you are going on a dirt road and address the hazards of the path. The more accurate your map and compass are, the better you will manage through these difficult situations. Notice, while much of this is a quest of self awareness and reflection, having trustworthy tools to help you navigate and make adjustments are very important.

    Goal setting is a helpful component of martial arts practice because it allows us to better understand ourselves, our motivations, and our why. Knowing the answer to why we are doing certain tasks allows us to better follow through on tasks with meaningful intentions. A map and a compass allow us to better enjoy the journey and appreciate the scenery along the way. While there are going to be unanticipated surprises, a concrete goal gives us the ability to reset and get back on the road whenever possible. Our personal success is a result of our hard work and determination, but it’s also a reflection of teamwork, collaboration, and people who have your best interest in mind.

    Tasks to consider:

    • MAPPING: Reflect on where you were, consider where you are, and project where you want to go.
    • COMPASS: What guidance or system do you follow. Do you listen to advice? Who do you have that will give you helpful advice.
    • TERRAIN: How do you adjust with the adversities that you face. Do you seek help from your map and compass? Can you make adjustments.
    • VEHICLE: Do you maintain and tune up your transportation? What type of fuel do you provide? Do you ignore signs of wear and tear?

    Make it great!

    Eliot

    Adults Jiu Jitsu

    We all have one thing in common: 24 hours

     

    Today let’s talk about TIME
     
    The one thing we all have in common, 24 hours in a day. I’ve attached a schedule template and an example at the bottom of the page for your reference to make the best use of your time. I learned this in college from our wrestling coach, and I’ve used this template for 10+ years. The basic idea is:
    1) ORGANIZE your day
    2) FOLLOW through with the plan you organized (means nothing if you don’t)
    3) PLAN AHEAD when conflicts prevent your follow through
    ——–
    Notes on the schedule template example:
    – USE COLOR for you to see how much time you spend doing stuff.
    – Make sure it’s REALISTIC: (Studying the Odyssey at 11pm on Friday is probably not a good idea).
    – COMMUNICATE with your spouse or coach what time is for what.
    *** If you have a non traditional work schedule, it’s important to update your schedule every time it changes.