Tag Archives: leadership

community

Coaching Lessons from Ken Ravizza at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

Ken Ravizza, a pioneer in applied sport psychology, transformed how athletes and coaches think about performance, mental resilience, and leadership. His philosophy offers invaluable lessons for coaches in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where mental toughness and focus are as critical as physical skills.

1. Stay in the Moment

One of Ravizza’s core teachings is the importance of staying present. In his book Heads-Up Baseball, Ravizza emphasized focusing on the current play, not past mistakes or future outcomes. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, this mindset can be applied during sparring or competition. Encouraging students to focus on each roll or exchange, rather than dwelling on errors, fosters adaptability and keeps their minds clear.

2. Trust the Process

Ravizza advocated for athletes to trust their training and preparation, even under pressure. As a coach, this means reinforcing confidence in students’ techniques and game plans. By consistently building skills and emphasizing discipline in practice, students develop trust in their abilities, especially in high-stress moments like tournaments.

3. Embrace Mental Skills Training

Ravizza’s approach involved teaching athletes to manage stress and maintain composure. Techniques such as controlled breathing, visualization, and creating pre-competition routines can help students perform at their best. Incorporating these tools into warm-ups or post-class discussions can benefit Jiu Jitsu practitioners of all levels.

4. Control the Controllables

In Ravizza’s philosophy, athletes are taught to focus only on what they can control—such as their attitude, effort, and reactions. For Jiu Jitsu, this could mean staying calm in difficult positions and focusing on technique rather than external factors like the referee or opponent’s behavior.

5. Develop Leadership and Resilience

Ravizza contributed to the Positive Coaching Alliance’s concept of the Triple-Impact Competitor®, which emphasizes personal mastery, leadership, and honoring the game. Coaches can encourage these values by modeling respect, fostering teamwork, and holding students accountable for their behavior both on and off the mats.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in cultivating not just skilled grapplers, but well-rounded individuals. Integrating Ravizza’s principles into coaching can inspire students to achieve personal growth, resilience, and excellence—qualities that extend beyond the mat.

For more on Ravizza’s approach to coaching and performance, explore resources like his book Heads-Up Baseball or the Positive Coaching Alliance.

Camp

Kids Camp Adventure: A Day of Fun and Learning

Today was an action-packed day at our kids camp, filled with excitement, learning, and lots of laughter. The day kicked off with a Jiu Jitsu class, where the older kids took on the role of leaders, guiding the younger ones through some essential techniques. It was inspiring to see the camaraderie and teamwork as they practiced the knee cut pass, single-leg takedown, and hip bump sweep.

Learning Through Leading

Our Jiu Jitsu session was a highlight of the day. The older campers showed remarkable patience and skill as they taught the younger kids. This peer-led approach not only reinforced their own understanding of the techniques but also fostered a sense of responsibility and leadership. The knee cut pass, single-leg takedown, and hip bump sweep became more than just moves; they became a shared experience that bonded the kids together.

Game Time Galore

After the Jiu Jitsu class, the camp erupted into a whirlwind of games and friendly competition. The boat races were a hit, with each team creatively transporting their “boats,” which were mats, across to the finish line. It was a test of coordination and teamwork as campers laughed and strategized together. Relay races had everyone cheering, while sumo matches brought out the competitive spirit in the kids, as they tried to outmaneuver each other in a fun, safe environment. Dodgeball and soccer were crowd favorites, offering high-energy fun and a chance for the kids to showcase their athletic abilities.The unique addition of Jiu Jitsu chess added a strategic twist to the day. This game combined the mental challenges of chess with the physical movements of Jiu Jitsu, encouraging kids to think several steps ahead and apply their Jiu Jitsu knowledge in a new way. Hurdles were the perfect way to channel their energy into overcoming physical challenges, promoting agility and determination.

A Lesson in Integrity

In between the games and activities, we took some time to discuss the importance of integrity. We explored how the lessons learned on the mat can be applied off the mat in our everyday lives. The kids shared ideas about how they can practice integrity at home and school, emphasizing honesty, responsibility, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It was heartwarming to hear their thoughtful insights and commitment to personal growth.

Looking Ahead: Kids Night Out

As the day wrapped up, excitement began to build for our upcoming Kids Night Out on August 3rd. This event promises to be an evening filled with fun activities, games, and the chance to build even stronger friendships. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to enjoy a night of adventure and camaraderie in a safe, supervised environment.

Today’s camp was a testament to the power of play, learning, and leadership. The kids not only honed their Jiu Jitsu skills but also learned valuable life lessons about integrity and teamwork. We can’t wait to see them continue to grow and thrive, both on and off the mat. Mark your calendars for August 3rd, and get ready for an unforgettable Kids Night Out!

Guardian el dorado hills is a youth scholarship program 501c3
community

Embracing the Gentle Art: How Learning Jiu-Jitsu at EDHBJJ Cultivates Leadership Skills

The journey of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often likened to a transformative path, one that builds not just physical prowess but also mental and emotional strength. As practitioners navigate the complexities of this martial art, they inadvertently develop key leadership skills that translate seamlessly into everyday life. Here’s how we foster leadership qualities at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.

  1. Resilience and Perseverance

In BJJ, every practitioner experiences moments of defeat and frustration. Whether it’s being caught in a chokehold or struggling to master a technique, the mat humbles everyone. This resilience to keep going despite setbacks is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders often face challenges that test their patience and resolve. Jiu-Jitsu teaches them to persevere, adapt, and eventually overcome obstacles, instilling a mindset that views failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock.

  1. Humility and Confidence

BJJ is a unique blend of humility and confidence. On the mat, there is always someone better, and this reality keeps practitioners grounded. This humility is critical for leaders who need to stay open to feedback and continuous improvement. At the same time, successfully executing techniques and progressing through ranks builds confidence. Leaders must balance humility with the confidence to make decisions and inspire others, a balance finely tuned through Jiu-Jitsu training.

  1. Problem-Solving Skills

Each roll (sparring session) in Jiu-Jitsu is a dynamic puzzle. Practitioners must constantly assess their position, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and react accordingly. This environment sharpens analytical and strategic thinking. Leaders benefit from this enhanced problem-solving ability, enabling them to navigate complex situations, devise strategies, and make informed decisions under pressure.

  1. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication is vital in BJJ. Whether asking for advice, giving feedback, or coordinating with a training partner, clear and respectful communication is a must. Leaders need these skills to build strong teams, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive work environment. The respectful culture of Jiu-Jitsu, where everyone learns from each other, directly translates to a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

  1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Jiu-Jitsu cultivates empathy as practitioners often experience both dominant and vulnerable positions. Understanding and managing one’s emotions and empathizing with others’ perspectives are critical aspects of emotional intelligence. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can build stronger relationships, manage stress, and create a supportive atmosphere for their teams.

  1. Discipline and Time Management

Consistency and discipline are essential to progress in Jiu-Jitsu. Regular training requires time management and prioritization, skills that are equally important in leadership. Leaders must balance various responsibilities, set goals, and maintain focus on long-term objectives. The disciplined approach learned through Jiu-Jitsu helps leaders stay organized and productive.

  1. Building a Growth Mindset

Jiu-Jitsu is a never-ending journey of learning and self-improvement. Practitioners embrace the process of continuous learning, understanding that mastery is a lifelong pursuit. This growth mindset is invaluable for leaders who need to adapt to changing circumstances and encourage innovation within their teams. A leader who embodies a growth mindset inspires others to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Learning Jiu-Jitsu at EDHBJJ is much more than acquiring self-defense techniques; it’s a holistic practice that shapes character and cultivates leadership skills. From resilience to empathy, the principles and experiences gained on the mat foster qualities that make effective and inspiring leaders. As you tie your belt and step onto the mat, remember that each roll is not just a test of physical skill but a step towards becoming a better leader.

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.