El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is celebrating an incredible achievement with Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, who has trained with our coach Eliot Kelly, secured a dominant victory in his UFC main event. This win represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Anthony’s performance in the Octagon showcased not only his grit and heart but also his technical mastery. His striking and ground game were on full display, but perhaps the most impressive aspect was his ability to stay calm under pressure—something that’s been a cornerstone of his training.
Coach Eliot has been a part of Anthony’s journey since 2021, helping to refine his Jiu Jitsu skills and prepare him for the top levels of competition. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a respected coach with a wealth of grappling knowledge, Eliot’s guidance has made a contribution to Anthony’s success in the cage. Whether it’s drilling submissions, refining transitions, or developing fight strategy, Anthony is a constant student of the sport.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in building not only strong competitors but also strong individuals. Anthony’s victory is a testament to the perseverance, discipline, and dedication that martial arts instills in its practitioners. We are incredibly proud to have been part of his journey, and we look forward to seeing even more success in his future.
For anyone inspired by Anthony’s win, remember that the path to success starts right here on the mats. Join us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, whether you’re looking to compete or just improve your fitness, discipline, and mental strength, we’re here to help you on your journey.
Congratulations to Anthony Hernandez on this amazing accomplishment! The entire El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu community is behind you as you continue to make waves in the martial arts world.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we take immense pride in the achievements of our athletes and coaches. One of the most recent and remarkable successes comes from Ryan Loder, who has been crowned The Ultimate Fighter champion! This incredible accomplishment not only highlights Ryan’s dedication and skill but also underscores the importance of the mentorship provided by our very own Coach Eliot Kelly.
Ryan Loder: A Champion’s Journey
Ryan Loder’s journey to becoming The Ultimate Fighter champion is a testament to his relentless work ethic, technical prowess, and mental toughness. A former Division 1 wrestler with a deep-rooted passion for martial arts, Ryan has always been a fierce competitor. His transition to mixed martial arts was marked by his determination to master all aspects of the game, from striking to grappling, and everything in between.
In the octagon, Ryan’s wrestling background has been a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to control his opponents and dictate the pace of the fight. But what truly sets Ryan apart is his ability to blend his wrestling with high-level jiu jitsu and striking, making him a well-rounded and formidable fighter.
Coach Eliot Kelly:
Behind every great fighter is a great coach, and for Ryan Loder, Eliot has been involved as a coach in the grappling arts. Eliot’s extensive experience in jiu jitsu and his deep understanding of the sport have been instrumental in Ryan’s development as a mixed martial artist. As one of the coaches at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, Eliot has consistently emphasized the importance of discipline, strategy, and adaptability—qualities that have clearly paid off for Ryan.
Eliot’s coaching philosophy is centered around the idea of continuous improvement, or “kaizen.” He encourages his students to always seek out areas for growth, whether in technique, conditioning, or mental fortitude. This mindset has not only helped Ryan refine his skills but also prepared him to face the toughest challenges in The Ultimate Fighter competition.
A Celebration for the Community
Ryan Loder’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it’s a win for the greater Sacramento area. It serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and the right guidance. For our students, both young and old, Ryan’s success is an inspiration to strive for greatness in their own martial arts journeys.
As we celebrate Ryan’s victory, we also extend our deepest gratitude to Coach Eliot Kelly for his unwavering commitment to his students and his role in shaping champions both on and off the mat.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Ryan Loder, and we’re excited to see what’s next for this rising star in the world of mixed martial arts. As for our community at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we will continue to support and learn from both Ryan and Eliot, as they exemplify the spirit of excellence that we strive for every day.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your martial arts journey, Ryan Loder’s story is a powerful example of where dedication and the right coaching can take you. Join us on the mats at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and be part of a community where champions are made.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic martial art that continuously evolves, with practitioners developing and refining techniques to gain a competitive edge. One such technique that has gained prominence in recent years is the leg drag. This powerful guard-passing method is especially effective in the gi, where grips and control are paramount. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the leg drag, exploring its mechanics, key details, and strategies to help you master this essential technique.
Understanding the Leg Drag
The leg drag is a guard-passing technique that involves controlling and redirecting your opponent’s legs to create a clear path to advance to dominant positions like side control or back control. The beauty of the leg drag lies in its versatility; it can be used to counter various guards and is effective at both high and low levels of competition.
Key Mechanics of the Leg Drag
To execute a successful leg drag in the gi, it’s crucial to focus on a few fundamental principles:
1. Grip Control
In the gi, grips play a vital role in establishing control and maintaining pressure. For the leg drag, you’ll typically want to establish a cross grip on your opponent’s pants near their knee or shin. This grip allows you to manipulate their leg effectively.
2. Leg Positioning
Your goal is to move your opponent’s leg across their body, shielding it on your leg while simultaneously stepping your own leg over to block their hip. This positioning disrupts their guard and opens a pathway for you to advance.
3. Hip Movement
Effective hip movement is key to solidifying the pass. As you control your opponent’s leg and apply pressure with your upper body, use your hips to slide into a dominant position, such as side control or back control.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Leg Drag
1. Establish Grips
Clearing the feet from the legs and hips with grips on the shins. As you progress in the leg drag it’s important to “climb the ladder” and work your way to control their hips.
2. Initiate the Drag
Pull your opponent’s leg across their body using your grip on their pants. Simultaneously, step your leg across laterally to turn their hips and prevent them from regaining their guard.
3. Apply Upper Body Pressure
As you drag their leg, use your chest and arm positioning to block the leg from getting back inside. Maintain a strong grip on their collar to control their upper body and prevent them from escaping.
4. Settle Your Hips
With your opponent’s leg pinned and your upper body pressure in place, settle your hips into a dominant position. Jumping into side control instead of settling into position can result in losing the position. Be patient and settle in.
5. Maintain Control
Once you’ve passed the guard, focus on maintaining control. Use your grips, pressure, and positional awareness to prevent your opponent from escaping or regaining their guard.
Tips for Mastering the Leg Drag
1. Drill Regularly
Repetition is key to mastering any technique. Incorporate leg drag drills into your training routine to build muscle memory and improve your execution.
2. Focus on Timing
Timing is crucial for the leg drag. Practice recognizing the right moment to initiate the drag, such as when your opponent’s guard is open or when they pull their knee up to the shoulder.
3. Combine with Other Techniques
The leg drag is highly effective when combined with other guard passes and transitions. Experiment with different sequences to find combinations that work well for you.
4. Study High-Level Practitioners
Watch high-level competitors and instructors who excel at the leg drag. Analyze their techniques, setups, and transitions to gain insights and improve your own skills.
The leg drag is a versatile and powerful guard-passing technique that can elevate your game in the gi. By focusing on grip control, leg positioning, upper body pressure, and hip movement, you can effectively disrupt your opponent’s guard and transition to dominant positions. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering the leg drag. Incorporate this technique into your training, and you’ll find yourself passing guards with greater ease and efficiency. Happy training!
In the world of Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ), it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your skills to those of your peers. With each roll, every sparring session, and every competition, we often measure our success by how well we perform against others. However, true mastery and fulfillment in Jiujitsu come from a different approach: evaluating your skills and progression over time, rather than through the lens of comparison with another practitioner.
The Pitfalls of Comparison
Comparison can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can push you to train harder and strive for improvement. On the other hand, it can also lead to frustration, self-doubt, and even burnout. Here’s why relying too heavily on comparison can be detrimental:
Varied Journeys: Everyone’s path in Jiujitsu is unique. Factors like natural talent, physical attributes, training frequency, and personal circumstances all influence progression. Comparing yourself to someone who may have started at a different time or under different conditions can skew your perception of your own growth.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Progress: BJJ is a marathon, not a sprint. Short-term comparisons may overlook the gradual and significant improvements you’ve made over months and years. Progress can be slow and incremental, making it crucial to keep the long-term perspective in mind.
Psychological Toll: Constantly measuring yourself against others can create unnecessary mental stress. This stress can affect your enjoyment of the sport and hinder your overall development. Jiujitsu should be a source of joy and personal growth, not a constant source of anxiety.
The Benefits of Self-Evaluation
Focusing on your personal progression over time offers numerous advantages:
Personal Growth: By evaluating your skills based on your previous performance, you can clearly see your own improvement. This personal growth is more satisfying and sustainable than trying to match someone else’s achievements.
Goal Setting: Self-evaluation helps you set realistic, personalized goals. Whether it’s mastering a specific technique, improving your endurance, or simply becoming more confident on the mat, setting and achieving your own goals fosters a sense of accomplishment.
Resilience and Motivation: Tracking your progress over time can keep you motivated, especially during plateaus. Recognizing how far you’ve come can reignite your passion and commitment to the sport, helping you push through challenging times.
Positive Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset, where you focus on learning and improvement rather than winning or losing, creates a more positive training environment. This mindset encourages experimentation, learning from mistakes, and ultimately becoming a more well-rounded practitioner.
How to Evaluate Your Progress
To illustrate how you can measure progress over time in an individual sport, let’s look at examples from swimming and running.
Swimming:
Time Trials: Record your times for various distances. Over time, you’ll be able to see improvements in your speed.
Technique Analysis: Video your strokes and analyze your form. Small adjustments can lead to significant performance gains.
Endurance Tests: Measure how long you can maintain a specific pace. Increased endurance is a clear sign of progress.
Running:
Pace Tracking: Use a GPS watch or smartphone app to track your pace per mile. Over weeks and months, you should see your average pace improve.
Distance Goals: Set incremental distance goals. If you started running 5Ks, challenge yourself with a 10K or a half-marathon.
Consistency Metrics: Track how frequently you run and for how long. Increasing the consistency and duration of your runs can indicate better fitness and discipline.
Jiujitsu can adopt similar metrics to analyze personal progress:
Keep a Training Journal: Document your training sessions, techniques learned, and personal reflections. Over time, you’ll be able to look back and see the progress you’ve made.
Record and Review: Video your rolls and sparring sessions. Watching these videos can provide insights into areas where you’ve improved and aspects that need more work.
Set Milestones: Establish short-term and long-term goals. Celebrate small victories along the way, as these are stepping stones to larger achievements.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask your coaches and training partners for feedback. Constructive criticism from others can help you see your progress from a different perspective and identify areas for improvement.
Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your BJJ journey. What have you learned? How have you grown, both on and off the mat? Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal development.
In Brazilian Jiujitsu, the true measure of success is not how you compare to others, but how you evolve over time. Embrace your unique journey, focus on your own progression, and celebrate your personal achievements. By doing so, you’ll find greater fulfillment, resilience, and joy in the gentle art of Jiujitsu. Remember, the only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.
In 2024, “The Blue Angels” movie soared into theaters, captivating audiences with the breathtaking maneuvers and disciplined teamwork of the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Michael Bay, this film is a high-octane tribute to the skill, dedication, and precision that define the Blue Angels. But beyond the roaring engines and stunning aerobatics lies a deeper narrative that resonates profoundly with the principles of jiu-jitsu.
Precision and Timing: The Core of Excellence
In “The Blue Angels,” we witness pilots executing maneuvers with pinpoint accuracy. Every roll, loop, and formation demands exact timing and flawless coordination. Similarly, in jiu-jitsu, practitioners strive for perfect timing and precise technique. Whether executing a sweep, a guard pass, or a submission, the effectiveness of a jiu-jitsu move often hinges on millisecond-perfect execution. Just as a slight error in the sky can lead to disaster, a small mistake on the mat can mean the difference between success and failure.
Discipline and Repetition: The Path to Mastery
Both the Blue Angels and jiu-jitsu practitioners understand that mastery comes through relentless practice and unwavering discipline. The pilots train rigorously, flying countless hours to ensure they perform as one cohesive unit. This mirrors the jiu-jitsu journey, where repetition and consistent training are crucial. Techniques must be drilled repeatedly to become second nature, much like the pilots’ routines, which must be performed instinctively even under immense pressure.
Meticulous preparation
This video shows all the different methods of preparation done to successfully coordinate for a performance. It’s inspirational!
Teamwork and Trust: The Foundation of Success
The Blue Angels exemplify the importance of teamwork and trust. Each pilot relies on the others to maintain formation and execute complex maneuvers safely. In jiu-jitsu, training partners play a vital role in one’s development. Rolling with different partners exposes practitioners to various styles and techniques, fostering growth and adaptability. Trust is essential; knowing your partner will respect the tap and provide constructive feedback is foundational to a safe and effective training environment.
Mental Toughness and Adaptability
“The Blue Angels” highlights the mental toughness required to remain calm and focused in high-stakes situations. Pilots must adapt quickly to changing conditions and make split-second decisions. Jiu-jitsu also demands mental fortitude. Practitioners face the challenge of staying composed while trapped in difficult positions and must think several moves ahead to outmaneuver their opponents. The ability to adapt and remain calm under pressure is a shared trait between these elite pilots and dedicated jiu-jitsu practitioners.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Ultimately, “The Blue Angels” movie is a celebration of the pursuit of excellence. The pilots’ dedication to their craft is inspiring, reflecting a commitment to continual improvement and a relentless drive to be the best. This pursuit mirrors the ethos of jiu-jitsu, where practitioners constantly seek to refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and push their limits. Both the Blue Angels and jiu-jitsu enthusiasts understand that the journey to mastery is ongoing and that true excellence is a lifelong pursuit.
“The Blue Angels” is more than just a thrilling aviation movie; it is a testament to the virtues of discipline, precision, teamwork, and mental toughness. These same principles are the bedrock of jiu-jitsu, making the film not only a visual spectacle but also an inspiration for martial artists. As we marvel at the Blue Angels’ aerial prowess, we can draw valuable lessons for our own journeys on the mat, embracing the spirit of excellence that drives both aviators and jiu-jitsu practitioners alike.
So, the next time you watch “The Blue Angels” or step onto the mat, remember that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the closed guard is a fundamental and indispensable position that forms the core of many practitioners’ skill sets. This position, where the practitioner on the bottom wraps their legs around their opponent’s waist, serves as a powerful tool for control, defense, and offense. Its significance in BJJ cannot be overstated, as it provides a strong foundation for understanding the art’s mechanics and strategies. However, mastering the closed guard is no easy task. It requires a deep understanding of technical intricacies, adaptability to different opponents, physical conditioning, mental acuity, and a commitment to continuous learning. Despite these challenges, the closed guard remains a vital element of a successful BJJ game, offering both strategic depth and versatility.
Importance of Closed Guard
Fundamental Position: The closed guard, also known as full guard, is one of the most fundamental and widely taught positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It forms the bedrock of many practitioners’ games, particularly for beginners. Mastering the closed guard offers a strong foundation for understanding more complex positions and transitions.
Control and Defense: From the closed guard, a practitioner can effectively control their opponent, limiting their movement and offensive options. This position provides a defensive stronghold, preventing the opponent from passing guard and advancing to more dominant positions. The practitioner can use their legs and hips to keep the opponent close, reducing the risk of strikes in self-defense scenarios or MMA.
Offensive Opportunities: The closed guard is rich with offensive possibilities. It allows for a wide range of submissions, such as arm bars, triangles, and omoplatas, as well as sweeps that can reverse the position. The versatility of the closed guard enables practitioners to launch attacks while maintaining a secure position.
Energy Efficiency: Unlike some other positions that might require constant adjustment and high energy expenditure, the closed guard can be maintained with relatively low energy, allowing practitioners to conserve their stamina. This makes it a valuable position, particularly in long matches or when facing a more aggressive opponent.
Difficulty of Mastering Closed Guard
Technical Complexity: While the closed guard might seem straightforward, mastering it requires a deep understanding of mechanics, leverage, and timing. Effective use of the guard involves precise control of the opponent’s posture and balance, which can take years to perfect. Each technique, from sweeps to submissions, requires intricate details and timing to execute correctly.
Adaptability to Opponents: Different opponents will react differently to the closed guard, necessitating the ability to adapt dynamically. Practitioners must learn to anticipate and counter a variety of defensive maneuvers and guard passes. This adaptability only comes with extensive practice and experience against diverse training partners.
Physical Demands: While the closed guard can be energy efficient, maintaining it and executing techniques effectively still demands significant core strength and flexibility. Developing the physical attributes needed to excel in the closed guard—such as hip mobility and leg dexterity—can be challenging and requires dedicated conditioning.
Mental Focus: Effective use of the closed guard demands high levels of mental focus and strategic thinking. Practitioners must constantly monitor their opponent’s movements, anticipate attacks, and plan their own offensive and defensive actions. This mental aspect adds another layer of difficulty, as split-second decisions can mean the difference between maintaining control and losing the position.
Continuous Evolution: The landscape of BJJ is ever-evolving, with new techniques and counters being developed continuously. Staying ahead in the closed guard game requires ongoing learning and adaptation. Practitioners must stay updated with the latest developments and incorporate them into their practice, which can be a lifelong endeavor.
In summary, the closed guard is a cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that offers immense strategic value both defensively and offensively. However, mastering it is no small feat due to its technical complexity, the need for adaptability, physical demands, mental focus, and the continuous evolution of techniques. Despite these challenges, the rewards of a proficient closed guard make the effort worthwhile for any dedicated practitioner.
Come try jiujitsu with us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. The academy that pioneered jiujitsu in the hills in 2009. EDHBJJ is a martial arts academy for the entire family. Send us an email or give us a call to get started with a trial lesson.
Transitioning from gi to no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) involves several adjustments in technique, strategy, and mindset due to the differences in attire and grips. Here are the key aspects of this transition:
Differences in Attire
Gi: The gi (kimono) includes a jacket, pants, and a belt, which provides numerous grip opportunities for both offensive and defensive techniques.
No-Gi: Practitioners wear a rash guard and shorts, eliminating the use of clothing for grips. Students can also wear gi pants for practice sessions. Please wear the gi belt for stripes and belt promotions during the summer session.
Technical Adjustments
Grips and Control: In gi, grips on the collar, sleeves, and pants are fundamental. No-gi requires more reliance on body grips, such as underhooks, overhooks, and wrist control, since there are no gi grips available.
Friction: No-gi tends to be faster-paced because the lack of friction from the gi and increased sweat make it harder to maintain control, leading to more scrambles and dynamic movement.
Submissions: Certain submissions and sweeps that rely heavily on gi grips, like collar chokes and spider guard sweeps, are not applicable in no-gi. Instead, practitioners focus more on techniques that don’t require cloth grips.
Strategic Adjustments
Speed and Athleticism: No-gi often demands higher levels of athleticism and speed due to the decreased friction and grip options, which results in faster transitions and more explosive movements.
Positioning and Pressure: Controlling positions in no-gi can be more challenging, necessitating tighter control and better body mechanics to prevent escapes.
Guard Playing: Guards like spider guard or lasso guard, which depend on gi grips, are replaced by guards like butterfly guard, half guard, and variations of the open guard that rely more on hooks and underhooks.
Mindset Shifts
Adaptability: Practitioners must adapt their game to the absence of gi grips, which often involves developing a different set of techniques and refining those that are gi-independent.
Defensive Awareness: Without the gi to slow down the pace, defensive awareness and reaction times need to be sharper to prevent submissions and positional losses.
Training and Drilling
Cross-Training: Many BJJ practitioners train both gi and no-gi to become well-rounded. This cross-training enhances their adaptability and overall grappling proficiency.
Specific Drills: Practicing specific drills that focus on no-gi grips, positional control, and transitions helps in developing the necessary skills for effective no-gi grappling.
The transition from gi to no-gi BJJ can be challenging but also rewarding, as it broadens a practitioner’s skill set and adaptability. By focusing on the unique aspects of no-gi grappling and continuously refining techniques, practitioners can smoothly transition and excel in both styles.
In the bustling world of martial arts academies, there exists a beacon of innovation at the EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy. More than just a place to train, EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy embodies a philosophy that celebrates the extraordinary in every aspect of martial arts practice. In this post, we delve into the ethos of EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy and how it fosters a culture where doing extra of the ordinary is embraced as the pathway to greatness.
Embedded in our core principles, EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy stands apart from traditional martial arts schools by challenging its students to push beyond the boundaries of conventional training. Here, practitioners are encouraged to explore innovative techniques, experiment with new approaches, and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth.
At the heart of EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the belief that excellence is not achieved by following the status quo but by daring to venture into uncharted territory. Instructors empower students to tap into their full potential by encouraging them to go beyond their comfort zones and challenge themselves both mentally and physically.
In the dojo of EDH Jiu-Jitsu, every training session is an opportunity for students to unlock their inner greatness. Through drills, sparring sessions, and personalized instruction, practitioners hone their skills and develop the resilience needed to overcome obstacles.
Moreover, EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among its members. Students support and uplift each other, celebrating not only individual achievements but also collective progress. In this inclusive environment, everyone is encouraged to strive for excellence, knowing that their journey is supported by a network of like-minded individuals.
What sets EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy apart is its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. In addition to traditional Jiu-Jitsu techniques, instructors incorporate elements from other martial arts disciplines, sports psychology, and strength conditioning to provide students with a well-rounded training experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or a beginner taking your first steps onto the mat, EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers a transformative journey toward self-discovery and mastery. By embracing the philosophy of EDH and daring to do extra of the ordinary, students unlock the extraordinary within themselves and emerge as empowered individuals both on and off the mat.
In a world where conformity often stifles creativity and growth, EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy stands as a beacon of inspiration—a place where the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unlock your full potential, come join us at EDH Jiu-Jitsu Academy, where greatness awaits.
Kenny has been doing jiujitsu for over two decades. In EDH he has been the person that practices perseverance, patience, and has always sought to understand jiujitsu as a art and expression of himself. He trains with the intent to help himself as well as his training partner improve. Kenny takes the challenges he is given as motivation to progress, improve, and better realize his weakness.
In his journey, he has trained at several different academies depending on his place of work and living, always loyal to his coaches and we are happy to have him in El Dorado Hills. He embraces the journey as an opportunity to better understand himself. Through this, his awareness for others in work, family, and life are exceptional. We appreciate the sense of dedication and commitment he brings to the mat.
Tanner and Jamie both won gold at the Gentle Art Challenge in San Jose. The Gentle Art Challenge was a submission only tournament with EBI-style overtime rules to decide the winner in the case the match regulation didn’t end with a submission.
Tanner and Jamie both won with submissions to decisively win their divisions at the tournament in San Jose.
The submission style tournament is one of the growing forms of competition styles in the sport. In the submission only tournament there is no points for advancement in position or attacks, but only when you submit your opponent with a viable attack are you declared the winner.
