Tag Archives: Junior Jiu Jitsu

Ruckus in the Hills: A Success for Competition and Community

This past Friday, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu hosted our highly anticipated “Ruckus in the Hills” in-house competition, and it was a tremendous success! The energy in the room was electric as competitors from all levels showcased their hard work, skill, and determination on the mats. From our youngest Peewees to seasoned adults, everyone brought their A-game in what turned out to be a night full of exciting matches and valuable lessons.

Not only did this event give our students a chance to test their abilities in a friendly but competitive environment, but it also served as a fundraiser for the Guardian El Dorado Hills project. Thanks to the generosity of our participants and supporters, we raised nearly $1,000 for our scholarship program, which helps provide financial assistance to youth athletes who want to train but may face financial barriers. We are incredibly grateful for this support, as it ensures that Jiu Jitsu remains accessible to all.

A Huge Thank You

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort of our volunteers. A special thank you goes out to the coaches who spent extra time helping prepare our competitors and offering guidance throughout the event. To those who worked the score table, ensuring everything ran smoothly, and to the photographers who captured all the amazing moments, we appreciate your dedication. We also want to extend our gratitude to our on-call medic, who provided peace of mind and was ready to assist if needed. Your contributions made “Ruckus in the Hills” an unforgettable experience!

Transition to Gi Training

As we wrap up this thrilling competition, we’re shifting gears to focus on training in the gi for all Peewee, Kids, and Junior classes. With the fall season approaching, it’s the perfect time to get back to the fundamentals of traditional Jiu Jitsu. Gi training teaches patience, grip fighting, and technical precision in ways that complement the no-gi lessons learned during competition preparation.

For our Peewee students, the focus will be on familiarizing themselves with gi grips and basic techniques, laying a solid foundation for their future growth. Kids and Juniors will dive deeper into advanced concepts, such as guard passing, sweeps, and submissions with the added challenge of controlling grips and utilizing the gi.

We look forward to seeing the continued development of all our students as we embrace this new phase of training! Whether you’re coming off the excitement of “Ruckus in the Hills” or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, there’s so much to learn in the gi.

Youth Jiu Jitsu Classes at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: Tailored Training for Every Age Group

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we understand that children develop at different paces, both physically and mentally. To ensure each child receives the best possible training experience, we’ve organized our youth program into three distinct classes: Peewees, Kids, and Juniors. Each class is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of its age group, allowing every student to grow in confidence, skill, and character.

Peewees (Ages 4-7)

The Peewee class is perfect for our youngest students, ages 4 to 7. At this stage, children are full of energy and eager to explore their abilities. Our focus in the Peewee class is to introduce them to the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) through fun, engaging activities that emphasize movement, coordination, and balance.

In each session, Peewees learn fundamental techniques like breakfalls, basic positions, and simple escapes, all within a playful environment. Our instructors make sure that learning is enjoyable, using games and activities that keep the children excited and motivated. Importantly, we also teach essential social skills like teamwork, following instructions, and respect for others, laying a strong foundation for both their martial arts journey and everyday life.

Kids (Ages 7-10)

The Kids class is designed for children aged 7 to 10, who are ready to build on the basics and start learning more structured Jiu Jitsu techniques. At this age, students are capable of grasping more detailed instructions and can begin to understand the strategic elements of BJJ.

In the Kids class, we introduce more advanced techniques and drills, focusing on body mechanics, leverage, and positional control. Students also start to engage in light sparring, where they apply what they’ve learned in a safe and controlled environment. Beyond physical skills, this class emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and maintaining composure under pressure. These are essential life skills that extend beyond the mats and into everyday challenges.

Juniors (Ages 11-17)

Our Juniors class is for older students, ages 11 to 17, who are ready to take their training to the next level. This class is more intensive, focusing on refining techniques, improving conditioning, and preparing students for potential competition.

In the Juniors class, we delve deeper into advanced Jiu Jitsu concepts, including submissions, guard passes, and sweeps. Students are encouraged to think strategically about their movements and to develop a personal style that suits their strengths. This class also emphasizes the importance of discipline, perseverance, and respect—values that are integral to both Jiu Jitsu and personal development. For those interested in competition, we provide guidance and support to help them succeed in a competitive setting.

Why Age-Specific Classes Matter

By dividing our youth classes by age, we create an environment where every child can thrive. Younger students get the opportunity to learn in a playful, low-pressure setting, while older students can challenge themselves and develop leadership skills.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re committed to helping each child reach their full potential, both as martial artists and as individuals. Our Peewee, Kids, and Juniors classes provide the perfect balance of fun, challenge, and support, ensuring that every student can grow and succeed.

If you’re looking for a positive and nurturing environment for your child to learn Jiu Jitsu, we invite you to try a class with us and see the benefits firsthand!