Tag Archives: life skills for kids

Match Night: A Fun and Exciting Experience for Youth at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that learning goes beyond drilling techniques. It’s about building confidence, testing skills, and fostering a love for the art of Jiu Jitsu. That’s why we host Match Night for our youth students once a month during class—a thrilling event where our young athletes get the chance to experience live matches in a supportive and fun environment.

What Is Match Night?

Match Night is an opportunity for our Peewee, Kids, and Junior students to put their skills to the test in a structured yet relaxed setting. Coaches create matchups based on size, age, and skill level to ensure fair and exciting rounds. These live matches help students gain valuable experience, develop mental toughness, and practice sportsmanship—all while having fun!

For many kids, Match Night feels like a mini-tournament, but without the pressure. Parents can cheer from the sidelines while their children showcase what they’ve learned. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about growth, effort, and having the courage to step onto the mat.

Why Match Night Matters

1. Skill Development: Live matches help students apply their techniques under real-time pressure.

2. Confidence Building: Overcoming nerves and performing in front of others boosts self-esteem.

3. Sportsmanship: Kids learn how to handle wins and losses with grace and respect.

4. Collaborative learning: Match Night is a way for students and to connect, fostering a sense of teamwork to learn from one another.

Join Us!

If you’re in El Dorado Hills or a neighboring community like Cameron Park, Folsom Ranch, Shingle Springs, or Rescue, we invite your child to experience the excitement of Jiu Jitsu with us. Whether they’re new to Jiu Jitsu or seasoned grapplers, our classes offer a safe and welcoming space to grow.

New to Jiu Jitsu? Don’t worry! Our experienced coaches will ensure your child feels comfortable and confident stepping onto the mat. Match Night is part of the monthly curriculum, so every student gets the chance to participate and learn.

Why El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu?

• A Proven Curriculum: Designed to help students progress in a structured, meaningful way.

• Life Skills Focus: Our program emphasizes values like bravery, humility, and integrity.

• Top-Notch Coaching: Led by passionate instructors who care about each student’s journey.

• A Supportive Community: Families from all over El Dorado County come together to train, learn, and grow.

Ready to give your child an unforgettable experience? Visit us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu for a trial class. Let them see firsthand why so many families trust us to help their children develop on and off the mats.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact us today!

Teaching Safety to Our Students: Mat Chat at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our goal is not just to teach martial arts but to instill important life skills in our students. One of the most critical lessons is safety. This month, we dedicated our mat chat to discussing what it means to stay safe both on and off the mats.

Why Safety Matters

Whether our little ones are rolling on the mat or playing with friends, understanding safety helps them stay out of harm’s way. At this age, children are still developing their awareness, which makes it essential to teach them how to protect themselves and those around them. Here’s how we broke down this important lesson in our latest mat chat:

3 Key Safety Lessons We Shared:

  1. Listening to Your Coach:
    We emphasized the importance of listening to coaches during class. Coaches give instructions not only to teach new techniques but also to keep everyone safe. If a student isn’t following directions, they could unintentionally hurt themselves or their training partners.
  2. Taking Care of Your Friends:
    We teach our students to work together, not against each other. When practicing techniques, being gentle and aware of our partner’s comfort is key. Understanding the importance of tapping out and stopping immediately when their partner taps is something we reinforce every day. It’s a vital part of learning mutual respect and ensuring no one gets hurt.
  3. Being Aware of Your Surroundings:
    Whether they’re rolling on the mats or playing outside, we teach our kids to always be aware of their surroundings. Bumping into others, tripping, or even moving too close to the edge of the mat are common risks we address. By teaching them to keep an eye on where they are and what’s happening around them, we help them avoid unnecessary accidents.
Safety mat chat poster

Safety On and Off the Mats

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe these safety skills extend beyond Jiu Jitsu. Whether at home, at school, or out with friends, kids need to be mindful of the people and environment around them. The values of listening, caring for others, and staying aware of their surroundings are essential for every part of their lives.

By teaching these lessons early, we help our youngest students grow into responsible martial artists who understand that safety comes first—both in training and in everyday life.

Join Us in Teaching Life Skills Through Jiu Jitsu

Interested in learning more about our youth programs? Our classes for Peewees (ages 4-7) offer a fun, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu while building life skills that will benefit them for years to come. Come visit us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and see how we’re helping kids grow stronger, safer, and more confident every day!