Tag Archives: Resilience

A Training Analogy: Money in the Bank

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often hear people say they’ll get back on the mats when life calms down. But here’s the reality: whether you’re actively training or taking a break, you’re always paying a price—mentally, physically, and emotionally. The question is, are you making a deposit or a withdrawal?

Training as an Investment

Every time you train, you’re depositing into an account that pays lifelong dividends—better fitness, sharper focus, and increased resilience. But even the “not training” phases can be productive if approached intentionally.

The Hidden Value of Breaks

Taking a step back isn’t “lost time.” In fact, it’s an essential part of long-term growth. Structured breaks allow your body to recover, your mind to recharge, and your perspective to reset. This is called periodization—cycling through high-intensity training, technical refinement, and rest phases. Each phase plays a role in preventing burnout and maximizing gains.

During rest periods, you can also focus on complementary activities like mobility work, strength training, or even just reflecting on your progress. These moments off the mat are like pruning a tree—they create space for stronger growth.

The Cost of “Not Training”

Skipping training entirely without intention has its own price. Physically, you lose strength and endurance. Mentally, you miss the focus and stress relief that Jiu Jitsu provides.

Training doesn’t have to mean hours every day. A few classes a week can keep your account growing. Like financial planning, the consistency of your effort matters more than the size of the investment. Even when life gets hectic, showing up—however imperfectly—keeps you in the game.

The Hidden Cost of “Later”

The mindset of “I’ll train later” can be a trap. Every day you wait is another missed opportunity to improve. And the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to return. The best time to start training was yesterday; the second-best time is today.

Invest in Yourself

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage you to think of training as a commitment to yourself. Like money in the bank, it builds security, confidence, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or someone looking to start, each session strengthens the foundation for a healthier, more resilient you.

Consistency Over Perfection

Training doesn’t have to mean hours every day. Even one session a week keeps your progress moving forward. And when life demands a break, remember: downtime, when done right, is just another way of investing in yourself.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here for every phase of your journey. Whether you’re on the mats or taking the time to recharge, you’re building something valuable. Ready to invest in your growth? Join us this week and make a deposit!

The Value of Martial Arts: Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is a Life-Impacting Practice

Martial arts have long been celebrated for their ability to transform lives, instilling discipline, confidence, and resilience in those who practice them. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’ve seen firsthand how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) becomes more than just a sport or self-defense system—it can shape how we eat, think, and behave.

Building Physical and Mental Strength

BJJ is often called “the gentle art” because it allows practitioners to overcome stronger opponents using technique and leverage rather than brute force. This focus on technique helps build a deep connection between body and mind.

• Physical Benefits: Improved strength, flexibility, cardio, and overall fitness.

• Mental Benefits: Problem-solving under pressure, improved focus, and stress relief.

As students learn to navigate the challenges on the mat, they develop the confidence to handle challenges off the mat, too.

Fostering a Growth Mindset

Jiujitsu is unique in that progress is earned through consistent effort and perseverance. There are no shortcuts—progress represents dedication and improvement. This teaches students that setbacks are opportunities to grow and refine their skills.

This mindset, known as kaizen (continuous improvement), extends to other areas of life, such as work, relationships, and personal development.

Creating a Community of Support

Martial arts thrive on a dedicated team. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our mats are a place where people from all walks of life come together to train, learn, and grow.

• Inclusive Environment: Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced competitor, everyone is welcome.

• Shared Goals: Training partners push each other to improve while fostering mutual respect and encouragement.

• Lasting Friendships: The bonds formed on the mat often carry over into lifelong friendships.

Practical Self-Defense Skills

In today’s world, self-defense is an invaluable skill. Jiujitsu equips practitioners with the tools to stay calm and protect themselves in real-life situations. It emphasizes control and de-escalation, ensuring safety for all parties involved.

A Path to Wellness for All Ages

From kids learning discipline and respect to adults finding an outlet for stress, jiujitsu offers something for everyone:

• Youth Programs: Teaching focus, humility, and bravery.

Adults: A way to stay active, challenge yourself, and achieve personal goals.

• Older Practitioners: A low-impact way to maintain fitness and mobility while enjoying the mental stimulation of problem-solving.

Join the Journey

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that martial arts are more than a workout—they’re a path to personal growth, resilience, and community. Whether you’re looking to build strength, develop discipline, or simply try something new, jiujitsu is a transformative experience that can enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

Come try a class and discover the value of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for yourself!

Building Strong Youth Through Sports: Insights from Dr. Dan Gould

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our youth program is about more than just learning techniques and building physical fitness—it’s about creating confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. Recently, we’ve been reflecting on the work of Dr. Dan Gould, director of the Michigan State University Center for Youth Sports. Dr. Gould’s research offers invaluable insights into how coaches, parents, and programs like ours can positively influence young athletes.

The Role of Youth Sports in Life Skills Development

Dr. Gould emphasizes that youth sports should be a vehicle for teaching critical life skills like discipline, teamwork, leadership, and emotional resilience. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we see these skills come alive on the mats every day. Whether a young student is learning to persevere after a tough round of sparring or practicing respect through bowing to a training partner, these lessons transcend the sport itself.

As Dr. Gould highlights, sports don’t automatically teach life skills—they must be intentionally woven into training. This is why we hold monthly Mat Chats in our youth program, focusing on values like integrity, humility, safety, and bravery. By combining Jiu Jitsu with meaningful life discussions, we help students make connections between their practice and their daily lives.

Creating a Positive Youth Sports Environment

Dr. Gould’s research stresses the importance of a positive sports environment—one that balances competitiveness with encouragement and learning. For us, this means fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow. A child may not always hit the perfect technique, but through patient coaching and reinforcement, they’ll learn to embrace challenges rather than fear failure.

We also encourage parents to focus on effort and progress over winning or losing. As Dr. Gould points out, parents and coaches who highlight a child’s personal improvement rather than external results are more likely to keep kids motivated, confident, and happy.

Avoiding Burnout and Keeping Sports Fun

One of Dr. Gould’s most important messages is that sports should be fun, especially for younger athletes. Overemphasizing competition can lead to burnout and cause kids to drop out of sports altogether. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we ensure that fun remains a priority—whether it’s through games to teach new techniques, friendly in-house competitions like Ruckus in the Hills, or celebrating milestones in class.

By keeping Jiu Jitsu engaging and rewarding, we help kids develop a lifelong love for movement, fitness, and personal growth.

The Long-Term Impact of Jiu Jitsu for Youth

Dr. Gould’s findings remind us that the true value of youth sports lies in the long-term impact on a child’s character and mindset. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re proud to contribute to this journey. Every young student who steps on the mat learns to be a little braver, a little more focused, and a little more resilient—skills they’ll carry with them long after they leave the gym.

We’re inspired by Dr. Gould’s vision of youth sports as a transformative experience, and we remain committed to providing the best possible environment for young athletes in our community.

If you’re a parent looking for a program where your child can build physical skills and grow as a person, come visit us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Let’s help your child reach their full potential—on and off the mat.

Discipline as a Skill: Unlocking Your Potential

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that discipline is not just a personality trait—it’s a skill that anyone can develop and refine. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or training for a world-class competition, discipline is the key to unlocking your potential in Jiu Jitsu and beyond.

But what exactly is discipline, and how can we cultivate it in our training and daily lives?

What Is Discipline?

Discipline is the ability to stay committed to your goals, even when the journey gets tough. It’s choosing consistent effort over fleeting motivation and prioritizing long-term growth over immediate comfort.

In Jiu Jitsu, discipline means showing up to class even when you’re tired, drilling techniques repetitively to perfect them, and keeping your emotions in check during a match. Off the mat, it can mean maintaining a healthy lifestyle, setting clear goals, and consistently working toward them.

How to Practice Discipline

The good news is that discipline isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s a skill you can build with intentional practice. Here are a few ways to develop discipline both on and off the mat:

    1. Start Small

    Discipline begins with small, manageable habits. For example, commit to attending one additional class per week or set aside 10 minutes a day to review techniques. As you succeed in these smaller goals, you’ll build the confidence and momentum to tackle bigger challenges.

    2. Embrace Consistency

    Consistency is the foundation of discipline. It’s better to train regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week, than to overtrain sporadically. Consistency helps you establish routines that make discipline feel natural rather than forced.

    3. Focus on the Process

    Discipline is about falling in love with the journey, not just the outcome. Celebrate the small victories, like mastering a new guard pass or maintaining focus during a challenging roll.

    4. Practice Self-Control

    Discipline requires controlling impulses. On the mat, this might mean resisting the urge to muscle through a technique and instead focusing on precision. Off the mat, it could mean choosing meal prep over fast food or study time over Netflix.

    5. Learn from Setbacks

    Setbacks are inevitable, but disciplined individuals use them as opportunities to grow. Missed a class? Reflect on why and recommit. Lost a match? Analyze what went wrong and come back stronger.

    Why Discipline Matters in Jiu Jitsu

    Discipline isn’t just about improving your skills in Jiu Jitsu; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself. Here’s why it matters:

    Resilience: Discipline helps you push through tough times and bounce back from failure.

    Focus: It sharpens your ability to stay present and intentional in your training.

    Growth: Discipline ensures steady, incremental improvement over time.

    Leadership: As you develop discipline, you inspire those around you to do the same.

    A Lifelong Skill

    The beauty of discipline is that it transcends Jiu Jitsu. The habits you build on the mat—showing up, working hard, and staying consistent—will serve you in every area of life.

    So the next time you tie your belt, remember: every class, every drill, and every roll is an opportunity to practice discipline. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up and doing the work.

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to help you develop the discipline to succeed—not just in Jiu Jitsu, but in everything you set out to achieve.

    Ready to Start?

    Join us on the mat and begin your journey toward greater discipline and self-mastery. Your future self will thank you.

    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.

    Embracing Wabi-Sabi Through Jiu Jitsu

    In Jiu Jitsu, as in life, perfection is an elusive ideal. We strive to master techniques, refine movements, and build strength, but the journey is filled with imperfections, failures, and moments of vulnerability. This is where the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi offers profound insight—a way of seeing beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the incomplete.

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we see wabi-sabi reflected every day on the mats. The philosophy reminds us to embrace the process, not just the outcome, and to find value in the journey of growth, regardless of how messy or flawed it may appear.

    What is Wabi-Sabi?

    Rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi encourages us to appreciate the simple, the transient, and the imperfect. It teaches that cracks and flaws—like those in an old ceramic bowl—are not blemishes to hide but markers of resilience and history. This mindset resonates deeply with the path of Jiu Jitsu, where progress often comes through trial, error, and overcoming challenges.

    The Beauty of Imperfection in Jiu Jitsu

    In Jiu Jitsu, no roll or match is ever perfect. You might miss a sweep, fail to secure a submission, or leave a small gap that allows your opponent to escape. These “mistakes” are not failures—they are lessons. They represent the cracks in the ceramic bowl of your practice, shaping your growth and deepening your understanding of the art.

    Like wabi-sabi, Jiu Jitsu encourages you to find meaning in these moments. It’s not about achieving flawlessness but about embracing the effort and the authenticity of your journey.

    The Impermanence of Mastery

    Mastery in Jiu Jitsu is never a static achievement. Techniques evolve, your body changes, and the art itself is constantly in flux. This impermanence can be frustrating, but it also keeps the journey exciting and dynamic. Wabi-sabi reminds us to find peace in this ever-changing landscape, knowing that the temporary nature of mastery is part of its beauty.

    Applying Wabi-Sabi on the Mats

    • Appreciate the Small Wins: Celebrate the little improvements, like tightening a grip or executing a clean escape, even if they seem minor.

    • Accept Mistakes: When you get caught in a submission or struggle with a technique, view it as an opportunity to learn.

    • Value the Process: Focus on the joy of showing up, rolling with your teammates, and growing at your own pace.

    A Team Built on Growth

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we strive to create an environment where everyone—beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—can embrace the philosophy of wabi-sabi. Whether you’re chasing your first stripe or refining advanced techniques, remember that imperfection is part of the process. Together, we celebrate progress, resilience, and the unique stories that each journey brings.

    So the next time you tie your belt, step onto the mats, and face the challenges of Jiu Jitsu, remember: there’s beauty in the struggle, and the cracks in your journey make your story uniquely yours.

    Let’s continue to embrace the art of imperfection, one roll at a time.

    Ready to Begin Your Journey?

    Join us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and experience a supportive team dedicated to growth, resilience, and the beauty of the journey. Your imperfections are welcome here.

    The Value of Martial Arts: More Than Just Self-Defense

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we know that martial arts is much more than learning how to defend yourself. It’s a journey of personal transformation, offering benefits that extend far beyond the mats. Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, practicing martial arts cultivates valuable life skills that can improve every area of your life.

    Discipline and Consistency

    In martial arts, success isn’t achieved overnight. Progress comes from showing up consistently, embracing challenges, and putting in the effort over time. This teaches discipline, a skill that applies everywhere—whether it’s school, work, or personal goals.

    Our structured curriculum, especially for white belts, emphasizes this approach. By mastering 12 positions and over 350 movements step-by-step, students learn the importance of focus and persistence, setting the stage for lifelong growth.

    Confidence Through Achievement

    Few things build confidence like overcoming obstacles. Every new technique mastered, every successful roll in sparring, and every stripe earned represents hard work and progress. This sense of accomplishment carries over into other areas of life, reminding students they can tackle challenges with resilience.

    Physical Fitness and Health

    Martial arts is a full-body workout that enhances strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. It’s a way to stay active while having fun, making it easier to stick to a fitness routine. For many adults, especially those starting in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s, it’s a path to reclaiming physical health and vitality.

    Community and Camaraderie

    One of the most overlooked values of martial arts is the community it creates. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’ve built a supportive environment where teammates cheer each other on, celebrate victories, and help each other grow. See for yourself from the 6 a.m. adult classes to our thriving youth program.

    Life Skills for Kids and Teens

    For our younger students, martial arts offers life lessons that go beyond the mat. Monthly “mat chats” in our youth program teach essential skills like integrity, humility, safety, and bravery. These conversations help kids develop strong character and become better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

    A Lifelong Practice

    Unlike many sports, martial arts is a lifelong journey. There’s always something new to learn, refine, or master, no matter your age or experience level. It’s a practice that evolves with you, offering continuous opportunities for growth.

    Join the Journey

    Whether you’re looking to build confidence, improve your fitness, or find a supportive community, martial arts has something for everyone. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re passionate about helping our students unlock the full value of training.

    Ready to start your journey? Visit us for a class and discover the transformative power of martial arts. Your future self will thank you!

    Gratitude on the Mat: A Core Value at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

    As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on one of the most profound values we can cultivate in life and in Jiu Jitsu: gratitude. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling—it’s a mindset that shapes how we train, interact with others, and grow both on and off the mat.

    Gratitude for the Journey

    Every training session, every competition, and every technique mastered represents countless hours of effort, perseverance, and support from others. Gratitude allows us to appreciate the journey rather than just the destination. Each roll teaches us something new, whether it’s the thrill of a submission, the humility of being tapped, or the resilience built from starting over.

    Take a moment to thank your training partners—the ones who challenge you, push you, and celebrate your victories. Without them, there would be no progress.

    Gratitude for the Team

    Our El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu community is special because of the people who come together to train, learn, and grow. From coaches who dedicate their time to passing on knowledge, to teammates who show up consistently to drill and roll, we are surrounded by individuals who contribute to our success. Gratitude reminds us not to take this camaraderie for granted.

    This season, consider how you can express your appreciation. A simple “thank you” after class or an encouraging word during a tough roll can go a long way in building a stronger team.

    Gratitude for Challenges

    It’s easy to feel grateful when everything is going smoothly, but what about during tough times? In Jiu Jitsu, challenges are inevitable. Injuries, plateaus, or even a bad day on the mat can feel discouraging, but they’re also opportunities to grow.

    When we face adversity with gratitude, we shift our perspective. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, we view them as necessary steps on the path to mastery. Each struggle teaches us resilience, patience, and problem-solving.

    Practicing Gratitude Off the Mat

    The lessons we learn in Jiu Jitsu extend far beyond the gym. Gratitude helps us stay grounded, even in the chaos of daily life. It reminds us to appreciate the small things—a kind word, a supportive friend, or the privilege of good health that allows us to train.

    This month, we encourage everyone to practice gratitude daily. Write down things you’re thankful for, share a kind gesture with someone, or simply take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come.

    Thank You for Being Part of Our Community

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Your dedication, positivity, and hard work make this community what it is. Whether you’ve been training with us for years or just started your journey, thank you for trusting us to be part of it.

    Let’s continue to lift each other up, celebrate our progress, and approach every roll with gratitude. See you on the mat!

    — The El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu Team

    The New Competition: Insights for Jiu Jitsu from Start with Why

    In Simon Sinek’s Start with Why, Sinek explores how businesses and organizations thrive by focusing on their purpose rather than getting caught in endless battles for market share. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, these ideas resonate deeply with how we approach training, competition, and community.

    Competing Against Yourself

    Sinek emphasizes that true success doesn’t come from beating others—it comes from staying true to your “why.” In Jiu Jitsu, this aligns with the idea of personal growth over external validation. While competition is a valuable tool for testing skills, the real opponent is often yourself:

    Improving consistency: Did you show up on the tough days?

    Measuring progress: Are you better than you were last month?

    Focusing on fundamentals: Have you deepened your understanding of key techniques?

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to embrace these questions, ensuring that their journey on the mats is driven by internal motivation rather than external comparisons.

    Infinite vs. Finite Games

    Sinek contrasts finite games (with set rules and winners) with infinite games (focused on continued growth and contribution). Jiu Jitsu is both. While tournaments are finite, the art itself is infinite—there’s always something new to learn, refine, or teach.

    Our gym embodies this infinite mindset. Whether you’re a white belt mastering escapes or a black belt honing subtle details, the path never ends. It’s about engaging with the process, not just chasing medals.

    Inspiring Through Purpose

    Organizations that succeed inspire people by sharing their “why.” For us, our “why” goes beyond teaching techniques—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a supportive community. This purpose drives everything we do, from kids’ classes teaching life skills like bravery and humility to adult classes that foster camaraderie and personal growth.

    Applying These Lessons

    Here’s how you can bring the lessons to your Jiu Jitsu journey:

    1. Define your “why”: Why did you start training? Why do you keep showing up? Keep this purpose front and center.

    2. Focus on improvement: Compete with the person you were yesterday, not the person across the mat.

    3. Celebrate the journey: Remember, the medals and belts are milestones, not destinations.

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we aim to create an environment where everyone is inspired to keep growing—on and off the mats. Whether you’re preparing for your first competition or simply looking to improve your fitness and mindset, let your “why” guide the way.

    Want to explore this mindset for yourself? Join us on the mats and discover how Jiu Jitsu can align with your purpose.

    Legacy on the Mat: Lessons from the All Blacks for El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we strive to build a strong, resilient team culture—one that doesn’t just focus on wins and losses but on long-term growth, humility, and camaraderie. There are few teams in the world that exemplify these values better than New Zealand’s All Blacks. Known as one of the most successful and respected teams in sports history, the All Blacks’ commitment to excellence both on and off the field is a powerful model. Legacy by James Kerr explores the principles that drive their culture, and many of these lessons resonate deeply in Jiu Jitsu.

    Here are some key takeaways from the All Blacks’ philosophy that we can bring to the mat:

    1. “Sweep the Sheds” – Humility at Every Level

    The All Blacks have a famous saying, “No one is too big to sweep the sheds,” which means no one is above the team, regardless of their role or status. After every game, players themselves clean the locker rooms, reinforcing a sense of humility and mutual respect. In Jiu Jitsu, this lesson reminds us that no one—no matter how experienced—is above the basics or too important to help out. Whether it’s setting up for a class, rolling out mats, or helping a beginner with a technique, humility is at the core of our practice. It’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves.

    2. “Champions Do Extra” – Committing to Mastery

    The All Blacks emphasize going above and beyond. In their world, “champions do extra”—they practice longer, watch more film, or perfect their fitness routines. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our members to do just a little bit more every day, whether it’s drilling a technique a few extra times, attending open mat sessions after class, or reviewing a move at home. This “extra” mindset is what leads to mastery and sets champions apart.

    3. “Leave the Jersey in a Better Place” – Building Legacy

    The All Blacks view the jersey as a symbol of the team’s legacy. Every player sees it as their duty to “leave the jersey in a better place” for the next person. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our team members to embrace a similar mindset. Every time we step onto the mat, we’re contributing to the legacy of our gym. Through our commitment, discipline, and respect for each other, we aim to leave a positive mark for future generations of students.

    4. “Embrace the Pressure” – Strength Through Adversity

    Pressure is something the All Blacks thrive under. They see it as a privilege—a sign that they’re in a position to do something meaningful. In Jiu Jitsu, pressure is a constant, whether it’s during a match, a challenging class, or even overcoming personal obstacles. Embracing pressure rather than fearing it helps us build resilience, both mentally and physically. It’s a chance to grow, adapt, and find strength in the face of challenges.

    5. “Know Thyself” – Finding Purpose and Identity

    The All Blacks focus deeply on self-awareness, knowing that success on the field starts with understanding who they are and what they stand for. In Jiu Jitsu, we also recognize that each individual brings a unique style, purpose, and personality to the mat. Knowing your “why” for training can make a huge difference in your progress and dedication. Are you here to challenge yourself, learn self-defense, compete, or just stay active? Whatever it is, knowing yourself helps you stay connected to the journey.

    6. “Follow the Kaizen” – Constant Improvement

    The concept of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement, is central to the All Blacks’ philosophy. Instead of chasing perfection, they focus on making small, incremental gains every day. Jiu Jitsu is the ultimate journey of Kaizen. Each time we practice, we improve bit by bit, day by day. It’s about recognizing that progress is rarely fast, but with patience and dedication, growth is inevitable. At our gym, we emphasize the journey over the destination, embracing every opportunity to learn and get better.

    Bringing It All Together

    At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our goal is not just to develop skilled athletes but to create individuals who embody humility, resilience, and an endless drive to improve. The values that have guided the All Blacks are timeless principles that build strong teams and even stronger individuals. Through Jiu Jitsu, we aim to instill these values, creating a legacy that goes beyond the mat and into every area of life.

    Let’s keep pushing, keep learning, and keep sweeping the sheds—together.