Tag Archives: humility

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Legacy on the Mat: Lessons from the All Blacks for El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we strive to build a strong, resilient team culture—one that doesn’t just focus on wins and losses but on long-term growth, humility, and camaraderie. There are few teams in the world that exemplify these values better than New Zealand’s All Blacks. Known as one of the most successful and respected teams in sports history, the All Blacks’ commitment to excellence both on and off the field is a powerful model. Legacy by James Kerr explores the principles that drive their culture, and many of these lessons resonate deeply in Jiu Jitsu.

Here are some key takeaways from the All Blacks’ philosophy that we can bring to the mat:

1. “Sweep the Sheds” – Humility at Every Level

The All Blacks have a famous saying, “No one is too big to sweep the sheds,” which means no one is above the team, regardless of their role or status. After every game, players themselves clean the locker rooms, reinforcing a sense of humility and mutual respect. In Jiu Jitsu, this lesson reminds us that no one—no matter how experienced—is above the basics or too important to help out. Whether it’s setting up for a class, rolling out mats, or helping a beginner with a technique, humility is at the core of our practice. It’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves.

2. “Champions Do Extra” – Committing to Mastery

The All Blacks emphasize going above and beyond. In their world, “champions do extra”—they practice longer, watch more film, or perfect their fitness routines. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our members to do just a little bit more every day, whether it’s drilling a technique a few extra times, attending open mat sessions after class, or reviewing a move at home. This “extra” mindset is what leads to mastery and sets champions apart.

3. “Leave the Jersey in a Better Place” – Building Legacy

The All Blacks view the jersey as a symbol of the team’s legacy. Every player sees it as their duty to “leave the jersey in a better place” for the next person. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our team members to embrace a similar mindset. Every time we step onto the mat, we’re contributing to the legacy of our gym. Through our commitment, discipline, and respect for each other, we aim to leave a positive mark for future generations of students.

4. “Embrace the Pressure” – Strength Through Adversity

Pressure is something the All Blacks thrive under. They see it as a privilege—a sign that they’re in a position to do something meaningful. In Jiu Jitsu, pressure is a constant, whether it’s during a match, a challenging class, or even overcoming personal obstacles. Embracing pressure rather than fearing it helps us build resilience, both mentally and physically. It’s a chance to grow, adapt, and find strength in the face of challenges.

5. “Know Thyself” – Finding Purpose and Identity

The All Blacks focus deeply on self-awareness, knowing that success on the field starts with understanding who they are and what they stand for. In Jiu Jitsu, we also recognize that each individual brings a unique style, purpose, and personality to the mat. Knowing your “why” for training can make a huge difference in your progress and dedication. Are you here to challenge yourself, learn self-defense, compete, or just stay active? Whatever it is, knowing yourself helps you stay connected to the journey.

6. “Follow the Kaizen” – Constant Improvement

The concept of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement, is central to the All Blacks’ philosophy. Instead of chasing perfection, they focus on making small, incremental gains every day. Jiu Jitsu is the ultimate journey of Kaizen. Each time we practice, we improve bit by bit, day by day. It’s about recognizing that progress is rarely fast, but with patience and dedication, growth is inevitable. At our gym, we emphasize the journey over the destination, embracing every opportunity to learn and get better.

Bringing It All Together

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our goal is not just to develop skilled athletes but to create individuals who embody humility, resilience, and an endless drive to improve. The values that have guided the All Blacks are timeless principles that build strong teams and even stronger individuals. Through Jiu Jitsu, we aim to instill these values, creating a legacy that goes beyond the mat and into every area of life.

Let’s keep pushing, keep learning, and keep sweeping the sheds—together.

community

The Founding Purpose of El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: Building Strong Individuals and a Stronger Community

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu was founded on a simple yet powerful vision: to create an environment where individuals of all ages can cultivate resilience, discipline, and community through the art of Jiu Jitsu. As a martial art that demands dedication, technique, and respect, Jiu Jitsu serves as both a physical and mental discipline. At our gym, we believe that this journey, whether pursued competitively or as a lifelong practice, shapes individuals into stronger, more compassionate, and more self-aware people.

The Heart of Our Mission: Character Development

Our mission goes beyond just building champions on the mat. We are committed to building character. Each class, each drill, and each moment of sparring is an opportunity for growth, both technically and personally. For kids, we emphasize the development of life skills such as integrity, respect, humility, and safety. Our monthly “mat chats” for the youth program focus on these skills, embedding them in a way that’s accessible and relevant to young minds. For adults, we emphasize the concept of kaizen—continuous improvement. We believe that every individual, regardless of age or background, can make steady progress, learning something new with every step.

A Place for All: Diversity and Inclusion in Jiu Jitsu

Our belief is that Jiu Jitsu should be for everyone, and we are proud to offer classes and programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of our members come from El Dorado Hills and surrounding areas to train in our early morning classes, after-work sessions, and dedicated weekend training camps. We’ve seen that Jiu Jitsu has a unique way of uniting people, creating friendships and bonds among individuals who might not have met otherwise. This shared experience on the mat fosters understanding, mutual respect, and camaraderie that lasts a lifetime.

Giving Back: Supporting the Community Through Scholarships and Events

We are committed to ensuring that Jiu Jitsu remains accessible to as many as possible. Through the Guardian El Dorado Hills program, we offer scholarships to teens who wish to train but might not otherwise have the opportunity. Additionally, we host in-house events like “Ruckus in the Hills,” which bring the community together, celebrate the spirit of competition, and raise funds to expand our scholarship offerings.

Looking Forward: A Vision of Growth and Positivity

As we continue to grow, our purpose remains steadfast. El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu will always be a place where you can challenge yourself, where you can connect with others, and where you can grow in every area of life. Each day, we work to fulfill this mission and to ensure that our members not only become skilled practitioners but also embody the values and respect inherent in martial arts.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We look forward to many more years of training, learning, and growing together. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, we’re here to help you become the best version of yourself.

community

The Art of Simplicity: Lessons from “The Book of Tea” for Jiu Jitsu

In the world of martial arts, there’s a harmony between the physical and the philosophical. “The Book of Tea,” a profound work by Kakuzō Okakura, explores the intersection of tea and Zen philosophy, offering lessons that resonate deeply with the practice of Jiu Jitsu. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in embracing these timeless ideas to enrich our training and lives.

The Way of Tea and Jiu Jitsu: Simplicity and Discipline

“The Book of Tea” emphasizes simplicity, a concept that’s essential both in tea ceremonies and in Jiu Jitsu. Just as the preparation of tea requires a focused, disciplined approach, so too does mastering a technique on the mat. In both practices, there’s beauty in simplicity—stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence. Whether you’re perfecting a basic guard pass or refining a submission, the pursuit of simplicity leads to mastery.

Respect and Humility

Okakura speaks of the humility required in the Way of Tea, where respect for the tools, the space, and the people involved is paramount. In Jiu Jitsu, humility is equally crucial. Every time we step onto the mat, we bow to show respect to our partners and our art. We recognize that no matter how skilled we become, there is always more to learn. This respect and humility foster a community where everyone, from white belt to black belt, grows together.

Mindfulness in Movement

The tea ceremony is an exercise in mindfulness, where each movement is deliberate and meaningful. In Jiu Jitsu, mindfulness is the key to fluid and effective technique. By staying present and fully engaged in the moment, we can anticipate our opponent’s moves and react with precision. Whether it’s a drill or a live roll, being mindful allows us to execute techniques with grace and efficiency.

Harmony Between Opposites

Okakura’s exploration of harmony extends to the balance between yin and yang, light and dark, stillness and movement. This duality is at the heart of Jiu Jitsu. The art is a constant interplay between offense and defense, strength and flexibility, aggression and patience. Just as tea and Zen teach us to find balance in life, Jiu Jitsu teaches us to find balance on the mat, knowing when to push forward and when to yield.

Continuous Growth

“The Book of Tea” encourages a lifelong pursuit of refinement—a concept that aligns perfectly with the philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, that we embrace at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. In both tea and Jiu Jitsu, there is no final destination, only a continuous journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery.

Conclusion: Brewing a Stronger Spirit

As students of Jiu Jitsu, we can draw inspiration from “The Book of Tea” to cultivate a deeper understanding of our art. By embracing simplicity, respect, mindfulness, and harmony, we not only improve our techniques but also enrich our lives off the mat. Just as each cup of tea brings warmth and clarity, each training session at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is an opportunity to brew a stronger spirit and a more focused mind.

Kids Jiu Jitsu

August Mat Chat: Embracing Humility at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

As the summer draws to a close and a new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on essential life skills that go beyond the mat. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our youth program is dedicated to not only teaching martial arts techniques but also instilling values that shape strong, respectful individuals. This August, our mat chat will focus on the life skill of humility.

Understanding Humility

Humility is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness, but in reality, it is a profound strength. It involves recognizing our own limitations, valuing others’ contributions, and maintaining a sense of gratitude. For young martial artists, humility is a cornerstone of growth, both in jiu jitsu and in life.

Humility on the Mat

In jiu jitsu, humility teaches us to:

  1. Respect Our Opponents: Every sparring partner, regardless of their skill level, offers an opportunity to learn and improve. By respecting others, we create a positive and supportive training environment.
  2. Accept Constructive Criticism: Feedback from coaches and peers is essential for progress. Embracing humility allows us to accept constructive criticism without defensiveness, helping us to refine our techniques and strategies.
  3. Stay Grounded: No matter how skilled we become, there is always more to learn. Humility keeps us grounded, reminding us that mastery is a continuous journey, not a final destination.

Humility in Daily Life

Off the mat, humility can be practiced in many ways:

  1. Listening to Others: Truly listening to others’ perspectives and experiences shows respect and can broaden our understanding of the world.
  2. Admitting Mistakes: Acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for them is a sign of maturity and strength.
  3. Helping Others: Offering help without expecting anything in return fosters a sense of community and reinforces the value of teamwork.

Activities and Discussions

During our August mat chat, we will engage in activities and discussions that highlight the importance of humility. These might include:

  • Role-Playing Scenarios: Students will participate in role-playing exercises to practice humility in various situations, both on and off the mat.
  • Sharing Stories: Encouraging students to share personal stories where they experienced or witnessed acts of humility.
  • Group Discussions: Facilitating open discussions about how humility can positively impact their lives and relationships.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that the lessons learned on the mat extend far beyond the dojo. By focusing on humility this August, we aim to nurture not only skilled martial artists but also compassionate, respectful, and humble individuals. We look forward to seeing our students embrace this essential life skill and carry it with them in all their endeavors.

Join us for a month of growth, learning, and humility at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu!