Tag Archives: jiu jitsu journey

community

Celebrating 15 Years of El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and Our 10th Black Belt

This year marks an incredible milestone for El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: 15 years of building a thriving martial arts community. From our humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Jiu Jitsu in the area, we’ve been on an amazing journey of growth, perseverance, and shared passion for the art.

As if that wasn’t enough cause for celebration, we’re also thrilled to announce a historic achievement—our 10th black belt promotion. Each black belt in Jiu Jitsu represents years of dedication, countless hours on the mat, and the embodiment of values like discipline, respect, and resilience. This achievement is not only a personal milestone for the individual but also a testament to the strength and unity of our team.

The Journey of 15 Years

When we first opened our doors, our vision was simple: to create a space where people of all ages and skill levels could discover the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu. Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students, from kids taking their first steps on the mat to adults pursuing lifelong fitness and self-improvement.

Through competitions, seminars, and everyday training sessions, our team has built a reputation for excellence and camaraderie. Whether you’ve been here since day one or joined us more recently, you’ve played a vital role in making El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu what it is today—a family united by a shared love for Jiu Jitsu.

Honoring Our 10th Black Belt

The promotion of our 10th black belt is a special moment for us all. Achieving a black belt is about more than technical skill—it signifies leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others grow. Our newest black belt embodies these qualities, inspiring students and teammates alike with their perseverance and humility.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on 15 years of memories, challenges, and triumphs, we’re also looking to the future with excitement. We remain committed to growing our community, refining our craft, and continuing to change lives through the art of Jiu Jitsu.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey. Here’s to 15 years of El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our 10th black belt, and many more milestones to come!

— The El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu Team

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

The New Competition: Insights for Jiu Jitsu from Start with Why

In Simon Sinek’s Start with Why, Sinek explores how businesses and organizations thrive by focusing on their purpose rather than getting caught in endless battles for market share. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, these ideas resonate deeply with how we approach training, competition, and community.

Competing Against Yourself

Sinek emphasizes that true success doesn’t come from beating others—it comes from staying true to your “why.” In Jiu Jitsu, this aligns with the idea of personal growth over external validation. While competition is a valuable tool for testing skills, the real opponent is often yourself:

• Improving consistency: Did you show up on the tough days?

• Measuring progress: Are you better than you were last month?

• Focusing on fundamentals: Have you deepened your understanding of key techniques?

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to embrace these questions, ensuring that their journey on the mats is driven by internal motivation rather than external comparisons.

Infinite vs. Finite Games

Sinek contrasts finite games (with set rules and winners) with infinite games (focused on continued growth and contribution). Jiu Jitsu is both. While tournaments are finite, the art itself is infinite—there’s always something new to learn, refine, or teach.

Our gym embodies this infinite mindset. Whether you’re a white belt mastering escapes or a black belt honing subtle details, the path never ends. It’s about engaging with the process, not just chasing medals.

Inspiring Through Purpose

Organizations that succeed inspire people by sharing their “why.” For us, our “why” goes beyond teaching techniques—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a supportive community. This purpose drives everything we do, from kids’ classes teaching life skills like bravery and humility to adult classes that foster camaraderie and personal growth.

Applying These Lessons

Here’s how you can bring the lessons to your Jiu Jitsu journey:

1. Define your “why”: Why did you start training? Why do you keep showing up? Keep this purpose front and center.

2. Focus on improvement: Compete with the person you were yesterday, not the person across the mat.

3. Celebrate the journey: Remember, the medals and belts are milestones, not destinations.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we aim to create an environment where everyone is inspired to keep growing—on and off the mats. Whether you’re preparing for your first competition or simply looking to improve your fitness and mindset, let your “why” guide the way.

Want to explore this mindset for yourself? Join us on the mats and discover how Jiu Jitsu can align with your purpose.

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu at JJWL Stockton: A Recap

Last Saturday, our team represented El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu with heart and dedication at the JJWL (Jiu Jitsu World League) tournament in Stockton. This event brought together grapplers of all ages, levels, and styles, making it a thrilling experience for both competitors and supporters. It was a day filled with intense matches, showcasing our students’ hard work and the growth of our gym.

We’re proud to announce that our team clinched an impressive 2nd place in the youth division. This ranking is a testament to our competitors’ commitment to training and to the strong support from our community, coaches, and teammates who were there cheering from the sidelines.

Highlights from the Tournament

The competition had no shortage of memorable moments. Our team members stepped onto the mats with focus, determination, and skill. Every match tested their endurance, resilience, and ability to adapt. Some highlights included:

• Relentless Techniques: Our competitors displayed exceptional technical skills, putting months of training to use in real time. Every position, escape, sweep, and submission attempt brought our students closer to mastering their craft.

• Team Spirit: One of the defining features of the event was the strong sense of camaraderie. Between matches, our athletes shared advice, offered encouragement, and celebrated each other’s successes. It was a true demonstration of the unity and respect we strive for at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.

• Growth and Learning: For many, this was a valuable learning experience. Each match provided insights into areas for improvement, whether it was refining a specific technique or developing mental resilience. Tournaments like these help us grow as martial artists and bring us one step closer to achieving our personal goals.

Youth competitor medalists: Belle – silver, Eli – silver, Hazel – silver in gi & nogi, Colin – gold in gi & nogi. Jake was the only adult competitor from EDH and he took gold in nogi and bronze in the gi, an impressive accomplishment for his first tournament appearance!

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our team’s outstanding performance, we also look forward to future competitions. These events are more than just a chance to earn medals—they are opportunities for personal growth, team bonding, and the thrill of testing our skills against new opponents. Whether our students are seasoned competitors or entering their first tournament, every experience adds to the depth of their Jiu Jitsu journey.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and represented El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu at JJWL in Stockton. Let’s keep up the hard work, learn from every experience, and continue to push ourselves on the mats.

See you in class!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Exploring Breathe by Rickson Gracie: Life Lessons from a Jiu Jitsu Legend

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that Jiu Jitsu is much more than just a physical practice; it’s a journey that shapes us on and off the mat. One book that encapsulates this philosophy is Breathe: A Life in Flow by Rickson Gracie. For anyone looking to understand the mindset and depth of Jiu Jitsu, Rickson’s story is an inspiring must-read.

A Journey Beyond the Mat

Rickson Gracie, a legendary figure in Jiu Jitsu, recounts his life from the intensity of his early training in Brazil to the global impact he had in popularizing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). While he achieved fame as an undefeated fighter, his journey wasn’t solely about competition. In Breathe, he shares the values and lessons that drove his success, emphasizing humility, resilience, and self-awareness.

Lessons of Control and Connection

One of the core messages in Breathe is the concept of flow—a balance between focus, calm, and control. For Rickson, this wasn’t limited to Jiu Jitsu techniques; it extended to his entire life. He discusses how understanding breathing and the ability to stay calm under pressure allowed him to manage high-stress situations, whether in a tournament or in life’s challenges. This lesson resonates with our own practice here at El Dorado Hills, reminding us that controlling our breath helps control our mind and body.

A Legacy of Respect and Resilience

In addition to teaching readers about technical aspects of Jiu Jitsu, Breathe delves into the resilience needed to overcome obstacles, both physical and emotional. Rickson’s journey is filled with personal challenges, but he faced each one with humility and a commitment to growth. For practitioners of all ages, his example shows how Jiu Jitsu can be a source of strength through life’s ups and downs.

Finding Purpose in Practice

For Rickson, Jiu Jitsu was more than a family tradition; it became his purpose and path to personal evolution. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we see similar transformations in our students as they develop a deeper understanding of themselves through Jiu Jitsu. Breathe inspires us to continue searching for our personal “why”—a reminder that purpose is often found in the journey, not just the destination.

A Book for All

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your Jiu Jitsu journey, Breathe offers insights into the mental, spiritual, and physical aspects of the art. Rickson’s story reminds us that Jiu Jitsu is about embracing challenges, finding balance, and ultimately, becoming a better version of ourselves.

Next time you step onto the mat, think about Rickson’s journey and how it applies to your own. Keep breathing, keep flowing, and keep growing.

community

3 Helpful Tips When Starting Jiu Jitsu as a Family

Starting Jiu Jitsu as a family is a unique and rewarding journey that fosters not just physical fitness but also strengthens the bond between family members. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’ve seen firsthand how families that train together, grow together. To help you make the most out of this experience, here are three helpful tips to keep in mind as you embark on your Jiu Jitsu journey as a family.

1. Set Clear Goals Together

Before stepping onto the mat, it’s important to have a family discussion about what you all hope to achieve through Jiu Jitsu. Whether it’s to improve fitness, learn self-defense, or spend quality time together, understanding each other’s goals will help keep everyone motivated. Setting both individual and collective goals ensures that each family member has something to strive for while also working towards a common purpose. This shared vision can be a great source of encouragement on the tougher days.

2. Support Each Other’s Learning Pace

In Jiu Jitsu, everyone progresses at their own pace. This is especially true when training as a family, where ages and physical capabilities vary. It’s crucial to be patient and supportive of each other’s progress. Children might pick up techniques faster due to their flexibility, while adults may need more time to adapt. Encourage each other, celebrate small victories, and remember that every family member’s journey is unique. By creating an environment of support and understanding, you’ll ensure that training stays a positive experience for everyone.

3. Embrace the Opportunity for Bonding

One of the most beautiful aspects of training Jiu Jitsu as a family is the time spent together, both on and off the mat. Use training sessions as an opportunity to bond and have fun. Whether it’s practicing drills together at home or attending classes, these moments of shared learning can strengthen your family ties. Additionally, the life lessons learned in Jiu Jitsu—such as discipline, perseverance, and respect—are values that you can reinforce within your family, creating a strong foundation for your relationships.

Starting Jiu Jitsu as a family is a fulfilling endeavor that offers countless benefits. There are many new homes in Folsom Ranch, El Dorado Hills, and Cameron Park. We welcome our new neighbors and new families to join us on the mat! By setting clear goals, supporting each other’s learning pace, and embracing the opportunity for bonding, your family can thrive both on and off the mats. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to support your family every step of the way, ensuring that your Jiu Jitsu journey is as rewarding as possible. Whether you’re just beginning or continuing your training, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination—especially when you’re sharing it with the people you love most.

Guardian El Dorado hills