Tag Archives: mindfulness

Adults Jiu Jitsu

The Mental Health Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Beyond Physical Fitness

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’ve seen firsthand how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) impacts not just the body, but the mind as well. While many start BJJ for its physical benefits, what often surprises them is the profound effect it can have on their mental health. Training in BJJ offers a powerful blend of stress relief, resilience-building, confidence-boosting, community connection, and mindfulness, all of which contribute to a sense of well-being and personal growth.

In fact, studies, like one published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, highlight that regular BJJ practice leads to significant improvements in cognitive function, attention span, and mental acuity. This shows that the mental demands of BJJ training do more than just teach techniques; they also help sharpen the mind over time.

Stress Relief

BJJ is a full-body workout that requires intense mental focus, allowing practitioners to temporarily disconnect from the stresses of daily life. Whether you’re navigating a difficult day at work or managing personal challenges, stepping onto the mat provides an opportunity to release that built-up tension. The physical exertion and concentration required during training help clear the mind, leaving you feeling more relaxed and refreshed by the end of class.

Building Resilience

One of the key aspects of BJJ is learning to face and overcome challenges—both physically and mentally. Whether it’s being stuck in a difficult position or struggling to master a new technique, BJJ teaches resilience. You learn to stay calm under pressure, find solutions in uncomfortable situations, and keep going even when things get tough. This mental toughness often translates to life off the mats, with many of our students reporting improved clarity and problem-solving skills in their careers, academics, and personal lives.

Boosting Confidence

As practitioners progress in their BJJ journey, they naturally develop a sense of confidence. Each milestone—from learning a new move to successfully sparring with an opponent—builds self-esteem. This confidence doesn’t just stay in the gym. Many of our students find that the skills they develop on the mat enhance their overall self-image and carry over into other areas of their lives.

A Strong Sense of Community

One of the best things about training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is the community you become part of. BJJ fosters camaraderie and friendship, and you quickly build a network of supportive, like-minded individuals. Our students often speak about the strong bonds they form with their teammates, who not only push them to be better in training but also offer emotional support outside the gym. That sense of belonging and shared goals can have a powerful impact on mental health.

Enhancing Mindfulness and Focus

BJJ demands a high level of focus and presence. Whether you’re defending against a submission or executing a sweep, every moment on the mat requires concentration and mental clarity. This mindfulness practice can reduce anxiety and improve overall focus in life outside the gym. As you learn to be more aware of your movements and reactions in class, you’ll notice an improvement in your ability to stay calm and focused in other situations.

A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in the power of BJJ to offer more than just physical fitness. The mental benefits—stress relief, resilience, confidence, community, and mindfulness—combine to create a holistic approach to health and well-being. If you’re looking for a way to improve both your mind and body, we invite you to step onto the mats and experience the life-changing benefits of BJJ for yourself.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

The Mental Health Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Beyond Physical Fitness

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’ve seen firsthand how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) impacts not just the body, but the mind as well. While many start BJJ for its physical benefits, what often surprises them is the profound effect it can have on their mental health. Training in BJJ offers a powerful blend of stress relief, resilience-building, confidence-boosting, community connection, and mindfulness, all of which contribute to a sense of well-being and personal growth.

In fact, studies, like one published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, highlight that regular BJJ practice leads to significant improvements in cognitive function, attention span, and mental acuity. This shows that the mental demands of BJJ training do more than just teach techniques; they also help sharpen the mind over time.

Stress Relief

BJJ is a full-body workout that requires intense mental focus, allowing practitioners to temporarily disconnect from the stresses of daily life. Whether you’re navigating a difficult day at work or managing personal challenges, stepping onto the mat provides an opportunity to release that built-up tension. The physical exertion and concentration required during training help clear the mind, leaving you feeling more relaxed and refreshed by the end of class.

Building Resilience

One of the key aspects of BJJ is learning to face and overcome challenges—both physically and mentally. Whether it’s being stuck in a difficult position or struggling to master a new technique, BJJ teaches resilience. You learn to stay calm under pressure, find solutions in uncomfortable situations, and keep going even when things get tough. This mental toughness often translates to life off the mats, with many of our students reporting improved clarity and problem-solving skills in their careers, academics, and personal lives.

Boosting Confidence

As practitioners progress in their BJJ journey, they naturally develop a sense of confidence. Each milestone—from learning a new move to successfully sparring with an opponent—builds self-esteem. This confidence doesn’t just stay in the gym. Many of our students find that the skills they develop on the mat enhance their overall self-image and carry over into other areas of their lives.

A Strong Sense of Community

One of the best things about training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is the community you become part of. BJJ fosters camaraderie and friendship, and you quickly build a network of supportive, like-minded individuals. Our students often speak about the strong bonds they form with their teammates, who not only push them to be better in training but also offer emotional support outside the gym. That sense of belonging and shared goals can have a powerful impact on mental health.

Enhancing Mindfulness and Focus

BJJ demands a high level of focus and presence. Whether you’re defending against a submission or executing a sweep, every moment on the mat requires concentration and mental clarity. This mindfulness practice can reduce anxiety and improve overall focus in life outside the gym. As you learn to be more aware of your movements and reactions in class, you’ll notice an improvement in your ability to stay calm and focused in other situations.

A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in the power of BJJ to offer more than just physical fitness. The mental benefits—stress relief, resilience, confidence, community, and mindfulness—combine to create a holistic approach to health and well-being. If you’re looking for a way to improve both your mind and body, we invite you to step onto the mats and experience the life-changing benefits of BJJ for yourself.

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Kickstart Your Day: The Value of a Morning Routine with Meditation and Fitness

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we know that the way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Incorporating a morning routine that includes meditation and fitness can be a game-changer, whether you have just a few minutes or a couple of hours to spare.

The 3-Minute Morning Routine: A Quick Start for a Powerful Day

Even if you’re pressed for time, a short morning routine can have a profound impact. Here’s how you can make the most of just three minutes:

  1. One Minute of Meditation: Begin by sitting comfortably in a quiet space. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on your breath. Allow yourself to be present, releasing any tension or stress. This simple practice helps center your mind and sets a calm, focused tone for the day.
  2. Two Minutes of Fitness: Transition into two minutes of physical activity. This could be as simple as a series of push-ups, squats, or a quick set of yoga stretches. The goal is to get your blood flowing and energize your body. Even this brief burst of movement can boost your mood and increase your energy levels throughout the day.

The 2-Hour Morning Routine: A Deep Dive into Wellness

If your schedule allows, dedicating two hours to your morning routine can transform your entire day:

  1. 30 Minutes of Meditation: Start with a longer meditation session. This could involve mindfulness meditation, guided visualization, or deep breathing exercises. This extended practice helps you develop greater mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances your emotional resilience.
  2. 90 Minutes of Fitness: After meditation, engage in a comprehensive workout. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we recommend a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility work. You might choose a jog, a strength circuit, or even some jiu-jitsu drills. This routine builds physical strength, increases stamina, and improves overall well-being, setting a powerful foundation for the rest of your day. Join us for a 6am class on Monday, Wednesday, Friday!

Why Morning Routines Matter

Starting your day with meditation and fitness isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about creating habits that lead to lasting success both on and off the mat. Whether you have three minutes or two hours, these practices can:

  • Increase Focus: Meditation helps clear mental clutter, allowing you to approach challenges with a calm, focused mind.
  • Boost Energy: Physical activity jumpstarts your metabolism, giving you the energy you need to tackle the day.
  • Improve Mood: Both meditation and exercise release endorphins, naturally elevating your mood and reducing stress.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our members to embrace the value of a morning routine. Whether you’re training for a competition or simply striving for personal growth, these practices can make all the difference.

So tomorrow morning, take a few minutes—or a couple of hours—for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how it transforms your day, your training, and your life.

community

The Art of Simplicity: Lessons from “The Book of Tea” for Jiu Jitsu

In the world of martial arts, there’s a harmony between the physical and the philosophical. “The Book of Tea,” a profound work by Kakuzō Okakura, explores the intersection of tea and Zen philosophy, offering lessons that resonate deeply with the practice of Jiu Jitsu. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in embracing these timeless ideas to enrich our training and lives.

The Way of Tea and Jiu Jitsu: Simplicity and Discipline

“The Book of Tea” emphasizes simplicity, a concept that’s essential both in tea ceremonies and in Jiu Jitsu. Just as the preparation of tea requires a focused, disciplined approach, so too does mastering a technique on the mat. In both practices, there’s beauty in simplicity—stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence. Whether you’re perfecting a basic guard pass or refining a submission, the pursuit of simplicity leads to mastery.

Respect and Humility

Okakura speaks of the humility required in the Way of Tea, where respect for the tools, the space, and the people involved is paramount. In Jiu Jitsu, humility is equally crucial. Every time we step onto the mat, we bow to show respect to our partners and our art. We recognize that no matter how skilled we become, there is always more to learn. This respect and humility foster a community where everyone, from white belt to black belt, grows together.

Mindfulness in Movement

The tea ceremony is an exercise in mindfulness, where each movement is deliberate and meaningful. In Jiu Jitsu, mindfulness is the key to fluid and effective technique. By staying present and fully engaged in the moment, we can anticipate our opponent’s moves and react with precision. Whether it’s a drill or a live roll, being mindful allows us to execute techniques with grace and efficiency.

Harmony Between Opposites

Okakura’s exploration of harmony extends to the balance between yin and yang, light and dark, stillness and movement. This duality is at the heart of Jiu Jitsu. The art is a constant interplay between offense and defense, strength and flexibility, aggression and patience. Just as tea and Zen teach us to find balance in life, Jiu Jitsu teaches us to find balance on the mat, knowing when to push forward and when to yield.

Continuous Growth

“The Book of Tea” encourages a lifelong pursuit of refinement—a concept that aligns perfectly with the philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, that we embrace at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. In both tea and Jiu Jitsu, there is no final destination, only a continuous journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery.

Conclusion: Brewing a Stronger Spirit

As students of Jiu Jitsu, we can draw inspiration from “The Book of Tea” to cultivate a deeper understanding of our art. By embracing simplicity, respect, mindfulness, and harmony, we not only improve our techniques but also enrich our lives off the mat. Just as each cup of tea brings warmth and clarity, each training session at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is an opportunity to brew a stronger spirit and a more focused mind.

community

Embracing the Journey: The Art of Enjoying the Process

In a world that often glorifies the destination, it’s easy to fall into the trap of fixating on end results and overlooking the beauty of the journey. Whether it’s striving for career success, personal goals, or even just getting through the day-to-day grind, we can become so focused on reaching our desired outcomes that we forget to savor the process along the way.

But what if we shifted our perspective and learned to embrace the journey, finding joy and fulfillment in each step we take? What if we acknowledged that life is not just about the destination, but about the experiences, lessons, and growth that occur along the way?

The truth is, the journey is where the magic happens. It’s where we discover our strengths, confront our fears, and forge meaningful connections with others. It’s where we learn, evolve, and become the best versions of ourselves. And yet, all too often, we rush through it in pursuit of some elusive end goal, only to find that once we reach it, we’re left feeling empty and unsatisfied.

So how can we learn to enjoy the process and embrace the journey? Here are a few tips to help shift your focus from the destination to the path that leads you there:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Take time to be fully present in the moment, appreciating the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Whether you’re going for a walk in nature, sipping your morning coffee, or working on a project, immerse yourself fully in the experience without judgment or distraction.
  2. Set intentions, not expectations: Instead of rigidly fixating on specific outcomes, focus on setting intentions for how you want to show up and engage with the world. This allows for greater flexibility and openness to whatever unfolds, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder along the way.
  3. Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small or incremental it may seem. Each step forward is a testament to your efforts and dedication, and deserves to be recognized and appreciated.
  4. Cultivate gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the support of loved ones, the beauty of nature, or the opportunities that come your way. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance, allowing you to see the blessings that surround you.
  5. Find joy in the process: Seek out activities and pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment, regardless of the outcome. Whether it’s pursuing a creative passion, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in acts of service, prioritize activities that nourish your soul and bring you happiness.

Ultimately, life is a journey, not a destination. By learning to embrace the process and find joy in the journey, we can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose in our lives. So take a moment to pause, breathe, and appreciate the journey you’re on. After all, it’s not just about where you’re going, but how you get there that truly matters.

– Coach Danny

community

Embracing the Journey: The Art of Enjoying the Process

In a world that often glorifies the destination, it’s easy to fall into the trap of fixating on end results and overlooking the beauty of the journey. Whether it’s striving for career success, personal goals, or even just getting through the day-to-day grind, we can become so focused on reaching our desired outcomes that we forget to savor the process along the way.

But what if we shifted our perspective and learned to embrace the journey, finding joy and fulfillment in each step we take? What if we acknowledged that life is not just about the destination, but about the experiences, lessons, and growth that occur along the way?

The truth is, the journey is where the magic happens. It’s where we discover our strengths, confront our fears, and forge meaningful connections with others. It’s where we learn, evolve, and become the best versions of ourselves. And yet, all too often, we rush through it in pursuit of some elusive end goal, only to find that once we reach it, we’re left feeling empty and unsatisfied.

So how can we learn to enjoy the process and embrace the journey? Here are a few tips to help shift your focus from the destination to the path that leads you there:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Take time to be fully present in the moment, appreciating the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Whether you’re going for a walk in nature, sipping your morning coffee, or working on a project, immerse yourself fully in the experience without judgment or distraction.
  2. Set intentions, not expectations: Instead of rigidly fixating on specific outcomes, focus on setting intentions for how you want to show up and engage with the world. This allows for greater flexibility and openness to whatever unfolds, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder along the way.
  3. Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small or incremental it may seem. Each step forward is a testament to your efforts and dedication, and deserves to be recognized and appreciated.
  4. Cultivate gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the support of loved ones, the beauty of nature, or the opportunities that come your way. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance, allowing you to see the blessings that surround you.
  5. Find joy in the process: Seek out activities and pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment, regardless of the outcome. Whether it’s pursuing a creative passion, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in acts of service, prioritize activities that nourish your soul and bring you happiness.

Ultimately, life is a journey, not a destination. By learning to embrace the process and find joy in the journey, we can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose in our lives. So take a moment to pause, breathe, and appreciate the journey you’re on. After all, it’s not just about where you’re going, but how you get there that truly matters.

– Coach Danny

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Wim Hof Method Workshop with Reed Shelger: Breathing & Meditation


The wim hof method workshop led by personal trainer Reed Shelger at el dorado hills brazilian jiu jitsu was a great spark to better understand the science, theory and application of breath work, yoga and extreme cold to better the body on and off the mat.

There is an incredible sense of focus and deep degree of mindfulness that can be attained through the process of meditation and commonly talked about as the wim hof method.

EDH BJJ is a martial arts school for the community. We focus on technical training to develop the individual and team while talking about our community and ways we can better ourselves and the people surrounding us. Our community is El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Placerville, Folsom, and in general the greater Sacramento area.

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu is more than learning technique it’s discovering what works for you

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an interesting blend of learning and training. Students can go online and login to a training website to study movements and techniques. Students can also watch jiujitsu on flograppling, youtube and instagram to learn from their favorite athletes or coaches.

The most important element of bridging the gap from learning a variety of techniques and drilling them methodically to successfully executing them in practice or competition exists in self awareness.

Self awareness for your own personal style of jiujitsu. This comes from multiple places.

  1. Personality
  2. Body type
  3. Athletic ability
  4. Mobility / flexibility

There are universal concepts in jiu-jitsu that exist as a result of human mechanics and physics, but there also exists efficient movements that make a difference in how you are able to move efficiently. While your initial pursuit of jiujitsu might exist in learning the fundamental concepts and the basic understanding of different positions and movements, there will eventually be a need to practice what works best for your body.

At EDH Jiu Jitsu we have a weekly question and answer class that allows students to better understand those unique positions under some guidance from an instructor. While discovering what works for you is an individual development, it is very helpful to have a coach or training partner to ask and think about specific positions. The Q&A class allows the students to ask those questions and from there drill them. In the drilling process more questions may arise and it’s acceptable to ask more questions based on the feedback you receive from your drilling.

Ultimately, what jiu-jitsu is striving for is a higher, enlightened level of awareness. An awareness of the dangers of specific positions and what prevents their execution. An awareness of where your strengths are and how you can bring the “game” back to that position to better control the match. An awareness of the style of jiujitsu you play and the need to embrace that style when you are rolling or in competition.

Therefore, strive for awareness. Take the time to ask questions on the mat. Something to keep in mind when taking steps to better awarenss is the THREE R’s. Something we emphasize at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.

  • Reflect
  • Review
  • Refine

Reflect on your previous performances and ask questions. Review the adjustments with a training parter or a coach. Refine the adjustments while you are rolling and drilling. This process loops back to the beginning as you refine your technique you should be reflecting on the movements and thinking about the strengths and weakness of the position.

Make Progress

Eliot Kelly