Tag Archives: jiujitsu

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Tournaments, Uncategorized

IBJJF San Jose Open Gi & NoGi Results

Zack wins Gold

On January 28th and 29th at the San Jose Community College the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) San Jose Open took place. The tournament was a two day tournament in the Gi and NoGi. This was a great opportunity to test their skills in a local northern California competition. Probably the biggest tournament outside of the BJJ Tour Championships; US Open, American Cup, and All Star Championships. Members of EDH BJJ, competing as Yemaso BJJ,  finished with the following results:

Gi:
Mark Swisher – Competitor
Jamie Gomez – Bronze
Zack Smith – Bronze
Allan Scott – Silver
Aaron Martinez – Silver
Jerel Tengan – Silver
Eliot Kelly – Gold

NoGi:
Jamie Gomez – Bronze
Zack Smith – Gold
Aaron Martinez – Silver
Jerel Tengan – Silver
Eliot Kelly – Gold & Silver (absolute)

Eliot win Gold

The tournament was a great opportunity to start the year with a competition. A few high lights of the tournament came with Zack Smith taking Bronze in his division but coming back the next day to win the Gold in the NoGi division. This showed great persistence and determination. Another big victory of the weekend came from coach Eliot Kelly winning gold in the Ultra Heavyweight division beating Vinicius de Magalhães of Vinny Magalhaes BJJ in the finals. Vinny is an incredibly talented prize fighter in MMA, Jiu Jitsu and Grappling. He is an ADCC champion, IBJJF World Champion, EBI and UFC competitor.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Coach Eliot Kelly wins Fight to Win Pro 23 in San Jose

Coach Eliot made his second performance on the Fight to Win Professional submission only show in San Jose, CA on January 27th, 2017. The Gi and NoGi profession jiujitsu and grappling show travels the United States showcasing local talent. F2W Pro’s submission only format was one of the most exciting shows of 2016 among grappling and jiujitsu entertainment. The show in San Jose paid out over $30,000 in prize money and with the live audience of over 2,500 and an online viewership over 30,000 the event was a grand success. More on the event can be found here.

Coach Eliot matched up with Kyle Kingsbury, a BJJ black belt and former MMA fighter in the UFC. Their match was NoGi at 230lbs. Their match was one of the anticipated fights of the night along with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legends, KURT OSIANDER, OSVALDO QUIEIXINHO MOZINHO, BRUNO FRAZZATTO, and RHALAN GRACIE.

ELIOT KELLY (EDH BJJ) VS KYLE KINGSBURY (CHECKMAT BJJ)

The match finished with a unanimous judge decision with 3-0 voting for Eliot’s victory. Needless to say, Kyle and Eliot put on a great show for the audience in attendance with a dynamic display of takedowns, guard attacks, and submission attempts.

Eliot and his family in attendance

 

Tournaments

Grappling X competition in Fresno, CA

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Rich participated in the Grappling X tournament series held in Fresno, CA on February 12th. He came back from the experience with 3 matches. 1 win and 2 losses. The tournament was a good experience building opportunity, competing as a purple belt in the Gi and NoGi. In his reflection Rich said, “It was a very positive tournament experience for me. The organizer called me and assured me that I would be getting several matches. I’m thankful for them following through on their promise.” Rich also remarked, “I was able to go out there with a positive mind. I’ve been really working on the competition mindset and I feel I was able to overcome some obstacles this weekend.” Congratulations to Rich on this success at the Grappling X Fresno tournament. 

 

Uncategorized

Sparring Tips

Guard-Play or Passing Guard?

It’s good to decide, before the sparring match, if you would like to Play Guard or Pass Guard. If both fighters want to pass and the match begins on the feet (opposed to the knees) then someone will have to takedown or throw their opponent to the mat, which forces the opponent to play guard. If both fighters want to play guard, the one who pulls guard first is playing guard.

Generally, the fighter passing guard will make grips on the opponent’s lower body (knees, hips, ankles) to control the legs and hips of the guard player. The fighter playing guard will make grips on the opponent’s upper body (Not always, but this is a good way to start off with until you develop a more advanced guard) to control the distance of the passer, as well as their posture, and their ability to move around you in either direction.

It’s good for the guard passer to keep a leading knee between themselves and the guard player to prevent the guard player from closing the guard around their waist. This adds another (dangerous) step between being in their guard and passing guard. The guard player will try to keep their feet, knees, or (butterfly) hooks between themselves and the passer’s body and legs to prevent them from pressuring their guard with their weight.

The basic objective of the guard passer is get passed their guard into side-control, knee on belly, or mount. The basic objective of the guard passer it to sweep (their opponent to the ground: reversing the positions), Submit, or take the back (To back-control with the hooks).

It’s good to practice both, but it’s better to know what you want to practice before your opponent decides for you.

Etiquette:

It’s good form to bow and shake hands, before and after a match. It’s also good form not to celebrate when you win and not sulk when you lose.

Being too aggressive with strength and size (rather than technique) might also be perceived as disrespectful and unnecessary. The term “Sparring” implies training to fight by simulating the movements and technique of Jiu-Jitsu. There is force, endurance, strength and agility involved, but the idea behind sparring is that you can do it with anyone, both of you walk away without any injuries or sore feelings toward one another.

Learn by Example:

Watch the upper-belts and pay attention to how they spar when you roll with them. Most upper belts have training long enough to know what makes for a long term sparring partnership as well as avoid injuries on both sides.

Coach Aaron

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Camp

Fundamentals Camp in El Dorado Hills

Fundamentals Camp this weekend! No Class or Open Mat on Saturday or Sunday. We have a great camp planned to start the year! It’s not too late to register: CAMP DETAILS

– 11 hours of instruction & drilling
– 2 hours of Open Mat
– 3 Guest Speakers (details below) 
Allan Scott (Surviving & Thriving with JiuJitsu)

Allan will talk about his experiences and lessons learned over the last 5+ years of training jiu jitsu and how it has influenced all the different aspects of his life. He will offer tips on what has worked and what hasn’t while trying to make jiu jitsu into a balanced, lifelong passion.

Ryan Flager (Lasting Impact of Leadership)

Ryan has been deployed 6 times to Afghanistan and Iraq serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Jobs included rifleman, sniper, sniper team leader and Sniper section leader. He took part in many combat operations and was awarded for his work while under fire. He took part in the rescue and recovery of the the extortion 17 helicopter crash, arguably one of the most catastrophic events from the war on terror. After the military he worked for the state department providing security for the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Ryan will be talking about the lasting of impact of leadership. 

Jackson Gudel (Perseverance Through Adversity) 

Jackson was born in Sacramento, CA and attended Casa Robles HS where he was captain of the football team. After graduation from Humboldt State University in 2000, he worked for 5 years as the operations manager of a ceramic tile installation company in the family business. Joining the Army in November 2005, he went thru OSUT as an infantryman at Fort  Benning, GA, Airborne School, Ranger Indoctrination Program, and assigned to 3rd PLT B CO 3/75th Ranger Regiment in 2006. He graduated Ranger school in 2008.

He was deployed six times in support of OIF/OEF, 3 times to Iraq, and 3 times to Afghanistan. While deployed to Mosul, Iraq he was wounded in action and received a Purple Heart. His wounds included gunshots to the pelvis and shoulder, a suicide bomber detonation resulting in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and a gunshot wound resulting in a fractured pelvis. 7 months later, he deploy to the same position and did 3 more deployments as Fire Team Leader after his injuries. Medically retired from the Army in December of 2013, he is now married with 3 children.
Camp, Kids Jiu Jitsu

El Dorado Hills Kids Camp during Thanksgiving at EDH BJJ

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Thank you, to all the children and parents who participated in this year’s Thanksgiving Week Kids Camp!

The camp was held on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, leading up to Thanksgiving. It gave children the opportunity to spend more time in the dojo to explore other engaging activities that coincide with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self defense, and teamwork. The camp also gave our instructors the opportunity to connect with the children in an even more meaningful fashion than just learning and practicing BJJ.

15134554_1160365437382575_5885546125256103671_nEven though we had a scheduled agenda before the children arrived each day; we stepped out of the agenda and followed the interests of the children. Each day started with games and free play, to let the children socialize and become more comfortable with each other. That led to learning the basic and foundational movements and positions of BJJ. The campers expressed what they were thankful for by making cards and drawing pictures for their families. And we had plenty of snack breaks to feed our hungry learners!

15109355_1161485187270600_4703711507340850035_nChess seemed to be the most interesting daily activity for the group. For over an hour the children worked harmoniously together, as they helped each other setting up the Chessboard and learning how the pieces moved. We worked on game-planning and strategies. Does that sound like some familiar concepts we use for another game?

15171097_1162054420547010_623634796777894843_nYes! The camp was structured around getting each student to THINK. Not only about what they were thankful for, but that their actions have consequences, how to work together in groups or with a partner, and that the cross over between chess, jiujitsu and other activities off the mat. 

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu
916.595.4064

Camp

Thanksgiving Week Kids Camp in El Dorado Hills

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battle

El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense is hosting  a Kids camp during Thanksgiving week. The kids camp will include several different activities for kids ages 7 and up. NO JIU JITSU EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! 

What will the kids do: 

  1. CHESS: Chess is jiujitsu for the mind. Through chess coaches will be talking to the kids about following rules, knowing limitations, decisions having consequences, and other life skills that can be shared and learned through the fun activity of chess. Don’t know how to play? No problem, we will teach you!
  2. JIU-JITSU for ANTI BULLYING:  Bullying is always going to be an issues kids need to learn and think about. The more tools they have to deal with verbal, psychological, and physical altercations the better they will be. We will be covering each topic and going over how to diffuse and defend difficult altercations.
  3. JAPANESE GAMES: Campers will be exposed to Japanese language and culture lessons to invoke a curiosity for different cultures and languages. They won’t leave the camp fluent in another language, but hopefully they will become more curious about different cultures and have an interest in learning another language in the future.
  4. THANKFULNESS ACTIVITIES: Campers will be asked to think about what they are thankful for. Thankfulness and gratitude is a character trait we look to reinforce from the time during this camp.
  5. GAMES & PLAY: Campers will be playing a game of some type if they are not taking a snack break or participating in one of the activities. The games will vary from dodgeball, gymnastics, and more. (plan on giving them time to nap after camp)

Call for questions or register online!

EDH Kids Camp
916.595.4064

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

We all get into jiujitsu for different reasons

Everyone gets into jiujitsu for different reasons. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of those martial arts that allows a wide range of people with different interests and at different stages in their life to begin training. Boys and girls as young 3 or 4 can start training and so can men or women in their 30s, 40s, or 50s start learning the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

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Anthony Bourdain competing in one of the annual IBJJF New York Opens

Anthony Bourdain is one example. Most of us know Anthony Bourdain from his famous traveling cousin show, No Reservations. His humor and observations that he shares with everyone casts a delightful light on the different cuisines and cultures of the world. Interestingly, Anthony is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fanatic. When traveling he looks to find a place to train when there is down time. Born in 1956, that puts him at the ripe age of 60. Having started jiujitsu in his 50s, and currently a blue belt in rank, I’m going to guess it’s been an uphill battle since he started training. He says jiujitsu “appeals to some part of my brain I haven’t visited before.”

On the other end are these girls in the gi. This video was taken from the Kids American Nationals in 2015. These two girls were around age 5.
It’s fun to see them compete without any hesitation to try their best. No second guessing. Probably tapping into the same part of the brain that Anthony Bourdain talks about.

Never the less these girls and Anthony both have something in common. They share the passion to learn and have fun on the mat. To compete as a measurement of self improvement. They give their most even on days when they think that there is nothing more to give. They are competitors.

On the other hand, there are others who get into jiujitsu and never step into competition. Instead, they enjoy the relaxed learning environment of training and competitive rolling done in the safety of class with a partner they can get to know and trust. Some look to reap the benefits of getting in great shape, and being the most fit they have been in their life. While others look to learn jiujitsu from a more practical self defense perspective.

There are many angles we can think about self defense. There is the physical self defense jiujitsu can teach us how to protect ourselves when we go to our back and other positions from the feet and ground. However, there are many other self defense benefits to learning jiujitsu as well. The benefit of patience when put under adversity or high stress situations. The benefit of understanding consistency in training as opposed to short term intensity with little to no consistency. The benefit of a lifestyle of activity and movement while interacting with others on the mat. There are so many psycho social benefits to jiujitsu that are applicable to modern day self defense.

While some step onto the mat to become a world champion competitor,  some wanting to learn self defense, get in shape, or start a new hobby, everyone enters the dojo with the idea of self improvement. This idea is universal in jiujitsu. Everyone wants to improve and better themselves with each and every class. If you are looking to associate with strong, healthy minded people, give jiujitsu a try!

Eliot Kelly
EDH JiuJitsu
916.595.4064

Tournaments

Fight to Win Pro 8 San Francisco

On July 23rd,  Fight to Win Pro 8 card took place at the Kezar pavilion in San Francisco, CA. This was a professional submission only jiujitsu event with each competitor paired up against another for a one match, winner takes all type of event. The card featured 20 plus competitors mostly from northern California. The unique atmosphere set by the organization added fuel to the already exciting match ups. The atmosphere could be described as rock concert meets jiujitsu meets MMA event. By the end of the night over $30,000 were paid out in salary and commission!

The main event featured jiujitsu and MMA superstars Dean Lister v Yuri Simoes, Gary Tonon v Dustin Akbari, and Baret Yoshida v Woolf Barnato. The event also featured black belts as well as some up and coming blue, purple, and brown belts. Eliot Kelly, an instructor at EDH Jiu Jitsu was also one of the black belt competitors featured in the event. 13731611_10153826955279226_658550669447576090_n Eliot faced Gustavo Siri Pires, a formidable opponent representing Gracie Barra with several world titles under his belt. The match was an exciting back and forth battle from the feet and on the ground with submission attempts by both competitors. Having been matched up previously in the finals of the 2015 Master World championships, both competitors were well prepared strategically to beat each others game. In the end with about 2 minutes remaining in the 8 minute match, Eliot was able to secure a toe hold to win by submission. 13612113_1176123599077629_8647826087221111541_n

While the card featured several Sacramento area submission grapplers and jiujitsu martial artists, it was a winning night for team Yemaso.13767128_10207220425928453_5494518050556606771_o

Marcos Torregrosa and Eliot Kelly, who both represented Yemaso BJJ were able to secure a submission in their matches, adding excitement into the night. Both had prepared a specific play book to use in their matches agains their specific opponents. Clearly they had planned and prepared well in anticipation of their opponents strategies. Congratulation to both Eliot & Marcos on their submission victory!

EDH Jiu Jitsu
916.595.4064

Tournaments

IBJJF: American Nationals Results & Reflections

The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) Gi and NoGi American Nationals took place from July 8-9 in the Las Vegas Convention Center along with UFC 200 expo. The multi martial art event featured multiple world class competitors including Boxing, kick boxing, International Mixed Martial Arts (IMMAF), Wrestling, 3 part fighting, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This event was also a historical event in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the 8 man Black Belt Grand Prix tournament. The winner taking $40,000 and the runner up taking $10,000 in prize money. UFC-200-e1466714324809

El Dorado Hills had two participants, Zach and Eliot, both putting on a spectacular performance a this national event. Here are the quick results from the tournament:

Zach: GOLD (Adult Rooster NoGi) Blue belt
Zach: BRONZE (Adult Rooster Gi) Blue belt
Eliot: SILVER (Adult Super Heavy NoGi) Black belt
Eliot: SILVER (Adult Open NoGi) Black belt
Eliot: SILVER (Adult Super Heavy Gi) Black belt

Zach had a close yet dominant finish in the finals of his NoGi division. He started off very strong with a power double leg takedown. After a strong battle and nearly passing the guard multiple times, he was swept to tie the score. He quickly recomposed his guard and found his way back to the top where he was up again by two points. He finished the match attacking to finish for the submission. 13620300_1047799118639208_8333244524386953840_n

Zach had to make weight twice in one day, which is no easy task for someone competing in the Rooster weight division. Competing in the Gi later in the day, he won his first match and advanced to the semi final match to face this year’s world bronze medalist. He had a very close game of strategy and was downed by two points. This was a great opportunity for Zach to compete with some of the best and further reinforce his potential as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor. “There are still some technical positions I need to improve and learn, but I was able to try things I wouldn’t have down in the past. This tournament was a great show of my progress as a jiujitsu competitor.” Congratulations to Zach on becoming the 2016 National Champion! 13615174_1047802838638836_8022646647084710424_n

Eliot came into the tournament with some unsettled business from 2015, where he finished with three silver medals and one bronze. He fell short again, but seemed satisfied with his performance. “I didn’t improve in my placings, but I definitely see an improvement in my performance and ability. Now it’s just a matter of consistency and patience.”

In the finals of the  NoGi division Eliot lost a 0-0 referee decision. He went on to compete in the open weight division where all the athletes compete against one another regardless of weight division. Eliot won his quarter final match 17-0 to advance to the semi finals. In the semi’s Eliot had a very close match with Vladir, a professional MMA fighter from Fight Sports Miami, winning by 3-2 on advantage points. In the finals Eliot went against Barbosa, an up and coming black belt, from Atos Jiu-Jitsu. He suffered a takedown and guard pass from an early slip up to counter the takedown, putting him behind 5-0. Eliot pressed for some attacks after recovering guard and even brought the match back to the feet, but time ran out as he pressed for the attack. Giving him a Silver in the all weights combined (open class) division. 13592562_1047811225304664_731655693664537251_n

The black belts competed in the Gi the following day. Eliot faced off with Valdir again in the semi finals of the tournament. He was winning 4-2 when the match was stopped for too many blood time outs. Since an athlete is allowed three time outs per injury, the trainers gave it their best to stop the bleeding, but were unable to, giving Eliot the victory. The two athletes had a very exciting and competitive match. However, Eliot noticed signs of a concussion after walking off the mat. An assessment with the on staff doctors led to a positive diagnosis taking him out of the tournament. 13654307_1048678898551230_6100092079655689032_n

Think Strong
916.595.4064