Tag Archives: starting jiujitsu

Starting Martial Arts: Do I need to be in great shape? Start Your Journey Here at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

Embarking on a journey in martial arts might seem daunting, especially if you feel you’re not in the best shape. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that starting where you are is the key to long-term success and growth. Here’s why you should dive in, regardless of your current fitness level.

Embrace the Journey

Starting martial arts is about more than just physical fitness; it’s about personal growth, learning, and empowerment. Our community is built on support, encouragement, and a shared passion for Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who hasn’t exercised in years, you’ll find a welcoming and motivating environment here.

Progress at Your Own Pace

One of the greatest aspects of Jiu Jitsu is that it allows you to progress at your own pace. Our instructors are skilled in adapting techniques and workouts to suit your individual needs. You won’t be thrown into the deep end; instead, you’ll be guided through a step-by-step process that builds your skills and fitness gradually.

Comprehensive Training for All Levels

Our curriculum is designed to cater to beginners as well as advanced practitioners. You’ll start with fundamental techniques that not only introduce you to the art of Jiu Jitsu but also build your strength, flexibility, and endurance. The beauty of this martial art is that it uses leverage and technique over brute strength, making it accessible to everyone.

A Supportive Community

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, you’re joining more than just a gym; you’re becoming part of a family. Our community is filled with individuals who started exactly where you are now. They understand the challenges and triumphs of beginning a new fitness journey and are here to support you every step of the way.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Jiu Jitsu is not just a physical endeavor; it’s also a mental and emotional journey. As you train, you’ll develop discipline, focus, and resilience. These skills translate into all areas of life, providing benefits far beyond the mat.

Getting Started

If you’re ready to take the first step, here’s what you need to know:

  1. Sign Up for a Trial Class: Experience a class firsthand and see what our community is all about.
  2. Wear Comfortable Clothing: For your trial class, wear something you can move in easily, like workout clothes.
  3. Hydrate and Fuel Up: Drink plenty of water and have a light meal before class.
  4. Bring a Positive Attitude: Come with an open mind and readiness to learn.

Final Thoughts

Starting martial arts without being in shape is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to guide you on this transformative journey. Remember, the hardest part is taking that first step. Once you do, you’ll discover a path filled with growth, achievement, and a supportive community that cheers you on every step of the way.

Ready to start your journey? Contact us today to schedule your first class!


Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or find a new community, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is here to help you achieve your goals. We look forward to welcoming you to our family!

Mastering the Standards: El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu’s Curriculum

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that a strong foundation is crucial for success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Our written standards curriculum for all belts is designed to ensure that our students learn in an organized and systematic manner. This curriculum covers 12 essential positions and 350 movements, providing a comprehensive roadmap for beginners to develop their skills effectively and experienced practitioners to review and deepen their understanding of their standards.

The Importance of Structure in Learning BJJ

Starting your BJJ journey can be overwhelming. With countless techniques and positions to learn, it’s easy to feel lost. Our structured curriculum helps white belts navigate this complexity by breaking down the learning process into manageable sections. By focusing on 12 fundamental positions and their associated movements, we provide a clear path for progression.

The 12 Essential Positions

Our curriculum includes the mastery of 12 key positions. These positions form the foundation of standard Jiu Jitsu techniques and strategies. They include:

  1. Butterfly Guard: Learn to defend and attack from this versatile position.
  2. Closed Guard: Control your opponent while setting up submissions and sweeps.
  3. Open Guard: Use leverage and mobility to keep your opponent at bay.
  4. Half Guard: Develop sweeps, passes, and submissions from this transitional position.
  5. Collar Sleeve Guard: Transition smoothly and set up attacks from this often-overlooked position.
  6. Spider Guard: Utilize grips and leverage to control and attack from the bottom.
  7. Side Control: Control your opponent and set up attacks from a dominant position.
  8. Mount: Maintain control and apply submissions from the top.
  9. Back Control: Secure dominant control and execute high-percentage submissions.
  10. Turtle: Defend and counter-attack from a defensive posture.
  11. Standing: Engage and initiate takedowns from a standing position.
  12. Knee on Belly: Apply pressure and control while transitioning to submissions.

350 Movements: Building a Comprehensive Skill Set

Within these 12 positions, our curriculum outlines 350 specific movements. These include:

  • Escapes: Learn to free yourself from inferior positions.
  • Sweeps: Master techniques to reverse your opponent and gain a dominant position.
  • Passes: Neutralize the guard and move into dominant positions like side control, the back, and mount.
  • Submissions: Develop a repertoire of joint locks and chokes.
  • Transitions: Smoothly move between positions to maintain control and pressure.
  • Self Defense: Understand the untrained reactions you might experience in self defense positions.

Each movement is broken down step-by-step, with visual aids to ensure clarity and precision. By practicing these movements systematically, white belts build muscle memory and develop a deep understanding of the mechanics of BJJ. Upper belts who understand the standards curriculum benefit from a strong grasp of the basics and an opportunity to further deepen their understanding and elevate their baseline standards.

Benefits of the Written Standards Curriculum

  1. Consistency: All students receive the same high-quality instruction, ensuring a uniform learning experience.
  2. Progress Tracking: Our curriculum allows students to track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
  3. Confidence Building: Mastering fundamental positions and movements instills confidence, encouraging students to push themselves further.
  4. Foundation for Advanced Techniques: A strong grasp of basics provides the groundwork for learning more complex techniques and strategies.

Join Us on the Journey

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are committed to helping our students succeed. Our standards belt curriculum is designed to provide a structured and comprehensive approach to learning BJJ. By mastering 12 essential positions and 350 movements, our white belts are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to progress in their BJJ journey.

Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, our curriculum is tailored to guide you through the fundamentals of BJJ. Join us on the mats and start your journey towards becoming a skilled and confident practitioner.