At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re proud to celebrate the success of one of our students—Tim, who took home gold in his debut BJJ tournament at the BJJ Tour! Competing as a white belt for the first time, Tim showcased the heart, discipline, and technique we strive to instill in every student who walks through our doors.
Stepping onto the competition mats can be intimidating, especially at the beginning of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. But Tim embraced the challenge, trusted his training, and delivered a performance that reflects the values we teach at our El Dorado Hills martial arts academy—grit, composure, and constant improvement.
From day one, Tim has been consistent in his training, attending classes regularly and absorbing the details that make a difference in both self-defense and sport Jiu Jitsu. His success is a reminder that with the right guidance and community, anyone can take that first step and achieve something meaningful.
Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or have years of experience, we’re here to support your goals—whether it’s fitness, self-defense, or competition.
Interested in starting your own journey? Come try a free class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and see what makes our academy one of the most trusted BJJ programs in the area. We offer classes for adults and kids of all levels in a safe, welcoming environment.
Congratulations again, Tim! The gold medal is just the beginning.
As we wrap up our spring gi training cycle at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, it’s time for one of our favorite events of the year—Ruckus in the Hills, our in-house youth tournament! This special event brings together our Peewee, Kids, and Juniors for a day of friendly competition, celebration, and learning.
Scheduled just before our transition into summer no-gi training, the Ruckus in the Hills gives students the chance to apply all they’ve learned over the past few months in a supportive, fun, and safe environment. Whether it’s their first time competing or they’re already seasoned scrappers, each competitor will step onto the mat surrounded by coaches, teammates, and family cheering them on.
And of course—what’s a tournament without medals?
This year’s Ruckus in the Hills features unique custom-designed medals created just for our tournament. These one-of-a-kind awards are more than just metal—they’re a symbol of hard work, courage, and growth. Every child who steps out to compete is a winner in our eyes, and we’re proud to celebrate their effort and attitude.
We warmly invite all families and friends to come out and support these young athletes. Bring your energy, your cheers, and your cameras—this is a moment your kids will remember. The studio will be full of smiles, high fives, and community spirit as our students put their skills to the test one last time in the gi before we dive into a summer of no-gi fun.
We believe competition is one of the best tools for building confidence, character, and resilience. That’s why we keep it in-house and accessible for all levels—no travel, no pressure, just great energy and good rolls.
If you’re serious about leveling up your Jiu Jitsu game, look no further than the Saturday morning Competition Class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re preparing for your next tournament or simply looking to push your limits, this class is designed for adult athletes who want to train with intensity, purpose, and focus.
What Is the Saturday Competition Class?
Every Saturday, our adult competitors come together for a fast-paced, high-level training session focused on the demands of competition. The class blends technical drilling, positional sparring, and hard rounds, all under the watchful eye of our experienced coaches. It’s where skill is sharpened, conditioning is tested, and mental toughness is built.
Who Is It For?
Active competitors preparing for local or national tournaments Adult students who want to push themselves with a more intense training environment our students from El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Cameron Park, and surrounding areas looking for high-level rolls Anyone serious about growth and willing to put in the work
Why Train With Us?
Proven Coaching: Led by experienced coaches and accomplished competitors
Focused Environment: Everyone on the mat is working toward competition goals
Team Culture: Supportive, disciplined, and driven — no egos, just effort
Year-Round Training: We’re not seasonal. We train 12 months a year
Looking to Compete in BJJ?
Whether you’re training for IBJJF, local tournaments, sub-only events, or just want to see what you’re capable of, our Saturday competition class gives you the tools, guidance, and atmosphere to thrive.
Come Train With Us
Located in the heart of El Dorado Hills, our academy welcomes serious students from Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, and the greater Sacramento area.
Tomorrow, our team from El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu will be representing our art and our academy at Japan Day 2025 at CSU Sacramento. We’re honored to be part of this celebration of Japanese culture and heritage, and we’ve been preparing with focus and excitement for the Jiu Jitsu demonstration we’ll be putting on for the crowd.
What is Japan Day?
Japan Day at CSU Sacramento is a family-friendly festival hosted by Sacramento State’s Department of World Languages and Literatures. The event brings together traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture — from tea ceremonies and calligraphy to anime, martial arts, and music. It’s a celebration of the beauty, philosophy, and spirit of Japan, open to the public and free to attend.
As students and practitioners of Jiu Jitsu, we understand that our art is rooted in Japanese traditions. Jiu Jitsu originated as a battlefield art among the samurai, designed to defend oneself when weapons were not an option. While our modern expression has evolved — especially through the Brazilian lineage — we still bow before stepping on the mat, use Japanese terminology, and respect the spirit of bushido, or the martial way.
Our Demo: Sharing Jiu Jitsu With the Community
For tomorrow’s demonstration, our team has been preparing a series of techniques that showcase both the beauty and practicality of Jiu Jitsu. From takedowns to submissions, self-defense sequences to live-flowing drills, we want to give the audience a sense of how dynamic and effective this martial art can be — not just for sport, but for personal growth, confidence, and discipline.
Students from our youth program, adult classes, and competition team will all take part in the demo. For many of them, this will be their first time performing in front of an audience outside the academy. It’s a chance to step outside the comfort zone, represent our team with pride, and connect with the larger community.
We’re proud to be a small part of this incredible cultural event. Thank you to the organizers of Japan Day for including us, and we hope to see some familiar faces out there tomorrow!
*2019 US Open No-Gi Champion Purple Belt (weight class/absolute)
*2019 US Open Gi Champion Purple Belt (weight class/absolute)
*2019 IBJJF Masters Gi World Champion Purple Belt
*2023 IBJJF Sacramento Open Gi Champion Brown Belt
*2023 IBJJF Sacramento Open No-Gi Champion Brown Belt
First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Professor Eliot and every member of El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I could not ask for a more supportive group of people to train, learn, and grow alongside. This moment is the result of 15 years of hard work, struggle, and improvement—not just on the mat, but in every part of my life. Writing here today, thinking about accepting my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come and how much this journey has shaped me.
I first got into grappling when I joined my high school wrestling team at 14 years old. Growing up in an impoverished, dysfunctional family, with parents who struggled with drugs and alcohol, it often felt like getting their attention or admiration was impossible. I grew up feeling looked down upon. I was undersized and bullied often. But wrestling was the first thing I found that made me proud of myself. It gave me something to focus on, something to fight for. I worked incredibly hard, sometimes too hard. I felt like I needed to get good quickly—to earn a scholarship, to leave my family’s lifestyle behind, and to build a future that was different than the one I’d grown up in.
Through my training in wrestling, I was able to do just that. I placed 3rd in the state of California in High School, and I was able to earn a scholarship to wrestle at the NCAA Division 1 level at UC Davis. But it wasn’t just about winning matches or earning accolades—it was about proving to myself that I was capable of overcoming my circumstances. That mindset of hard work, persistence, and pushing through adversity carried me through the toughest times in my life. Wrestling blessed me with so many great mentors and taught me so many extremely valuable life lessons and skills.
After finishing my college career with a body that had taken a lot of abuse, I turned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a way to continue grappling, but with less strain on my body. And I loved it right away. In my very first tournament, I won a IBJJF World Championship at blue belt in the adult division. A testament to how great of a coach Eliot is. The power of the mind is incredible. I was very nervous about skipping white belt competition completely and competing at the highest level at blue belt in my first competition, but Eliot just kept re-stating that I was more than capable of winning the tournament. I started to believe him and just went out there and competed with a level of confidence I never had before. I then went on to train for the IBJJF Gi World Championships but at the US Open I injured my MCL and meniscus. I received my purple belt just after this injury. After surgery on that knee, they discovered I also had a torn ACL from my time wrestling in college. I was forced to take a full year off from all athletics to recover from 2 knee surgeries that year.
After my time rehabilitating , my body felt better than it had all through college. I was able to lift and train at a level I hadn’t in many years. With renewed hope my focus shifted from BJJ back to wrestling. Although I had a very successful college career, it did not end the way I wanted it too. And after graduating college, I did not have the financial support to continue to pursue Olympic level wrestling, so instead I entered the work force. I became a teacher and a wrestling coach. It was perfect for me, and I enjoyed being able to give back to the next generation of students and athletes. But with each passing year the hunger to compete again grew. I felt like I had a lot still to prove. I began to compete in the age-level national championships initially as a way to challenge myself after recovering from my ACL surgery. It went great. I won my first national championship. Then proceeded to win it for the next 3 years. My training in BJJ was very limited over these 4 years as I focused on teaching and improving in wrestling. Then here comes coach Eliot again. Getting in my ear, building up the idea that I could be an Olympian after 10 plus years away from the sport. He made me determined to make the 2016 US National Team and qualify for the Olympics. At 34 years old, I was no spring chicken, but I was determined to prove I could be competitive at the highest levels of the sport. My training in BJJ was non-existent at this time and Eliot still stayed late in the evening after his BJJ classes to train with me in Freestyle wrestling and continue to offer training guidance he didn’t have to provide.
Although I fell short of making the team, I proved to myself that I could compete at the highest levels of the sport. I may not have reached the Olympics, but the experience taught me the value of perseverance. However, my body was starting to give out. A nagging back injury made even walking difficult, and I realized it was time to step away from the competitive side of wrestling and focus on rehabilitating my body again. My daughter was born at this time and my duties as a father shifted my focus to my family and recovery.
Although it took a great deal of time, I once again felt like I could make a return to grappling and begin training in BJJ. When I returned as a purple belt, I found great success once again, winning 4 gold medals at the US Open and following that up with gold at the IBJJF World Championship in the Masters Division at purple belt. Shortly after, I was promoted to brown belt, and I was eager to continue my growth in the sport. But then, the pandemic hit. For a time, there was no training, no contact, and no competitions. My focus shifted to my family—my son was born during this time, and my kids became my primary focus. But I didn’t give up on my journey. Even though my mat time was limited, I studied more technique videos than ever, refining my game and developing a deeper understanding of Jiu-Jitsu.
Along the way, I dealt with more injuries—a bicep rupture surgery and a bad concussion slowed my training. But I kept going, and eventually, I returned to competition winning double gold at the Sacramento Open at Brown Belt.
Reflecting on my journey, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that, due to my upbringing, I always felt I had to rush to get good. I was driven by a sense of urgency—if I didn’t make it quickly, I feared I’d miss my chance. That mindset worked for a time, and it helped me to get to a high level, but it also came at a cost. My body paid the price for that intensity. But Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taught me a better approach. It has shown me that “consistency beats intensity.” I’ve learned to train with a longer-term view, to pace myself and focus on sustainable growth. As a result, my body stays healthier, I miss less training, and I am able to continue learning and improving.
This black belt is not just a reflection of my abilities, but a reflection of my journey—the struggles, the injuries, the setbacks, and, most importantly, the lessons learned along the way. I have come to understand that Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. It’s a journey of continuous improvement, a journey that doesn’t end at black belt but continues for the rest of my life.
I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey. To my coaches, thank you for your unwavering belief in me, for your guidance, and for pushing me when I needed it most. To my training partners, you’ve been my teachers, my challengers, and my motivators. Every roll has been a lesson in perseverance, and I am thankful for each one. To my family, especially my wife and children, thank you for your support and understanding, for your patience during the times when I wasn’t able to be fully present because of training. And thank you most for the unconditional love you give me.
And to my friends, my teammates, and the BJJ community at large, thank you for the camaraderie and for inspiring me to be better every day. We are all in this together, and that spirit of community is what has kept me going through the toughest times.
As I approach the day of accepting this black belt, I know that my journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is far from over. This is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. There is always more to learn, more to teach, and more to share. I look forward to continuing this journey, to passing on the knowledge I’ve gained, and to helping others grow as I’ve grown.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this incredible journey. It has helped me to improve as a father, a husband, a teacher, and a coach. I am honored, humbled, and grateful to be in the place I am here today.
BJJ isn’t just about strength or speed—it’s about strategy, problem-solving, and muscle memory. One of the best ways to improve, even when you’re off the mats, is visualization.
What is Visualization?
It’s mentally rehearsing techniques, movements, and scenarios without physically doing them. This builds neural pathways in your brain, making it easier to execute moves in real time.
Benefits of Visualization for BJJ
Enhances Muscle Memory – Mentally drilling moves helps reinforce them, making them feel natural when you roll.
Improves Reaction Time – Visualizing different scenarios helps you react faster in live sparring.
Reduces Anxiety & Boosts Confidence – Seeing yourself succeed in your mind makes you more prepared and confident on the mat.
Maximizes Training Off the Mats – If you’re injured or can’t train, visualization keeps your game sharp.
How to Use Visualization
Pick a technique (e.g., armbar from guard). Close your eyes & picture each step in detail. Feel the movement—grips, weight shifts, control. Repeat regularly—just like physical drilling.
BJJ is just as much mental as it is physical. Spend a few minutes visualizing daily, and watch your game improve!
Are you looking for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or the Sacramento area? At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our competitors continue to showcase high-level skills in tournaments, proving why our academy is a great place to train in Northern California.
On March 22, our team competed at the JJWL (Jiu Jitsu World League) tournament in Stockton, bringing home two individual championship titles!
Jerel Wins the Black Belt Division
Jerel displayed elite-level technique in the black belt division, defeating tough opponents to claim gold. His dominant performances in passing, guard work, and submissions highlight his skill and dedication he brings to EDH Jiu Jitsu for practitioners of all skill levels.
Sean Takes Gold in the Purple Belt Division
Sean battled through the purple belt division, securing victory with a mix of precision and resilience. His win showcases the high-quality training and competitive mindset he has developed through training in Jiu Jitsunear Folsom and El Dorado Hills.
Why Train at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu?
Whether you’re interested in self-defense, fitness, competition, or just looking for a great place to train BJJ in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or Cameron Park, our academy offers:
✅ Expert instruction from coaches
✅ Classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors
✅ A welcoming and supportive community
✅ A structured curriculum that helps you improve
✅ Opportunities to compete and test your skills
If you’re searching for “Jiu Jitsu near me” in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or Placerville, come try a class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu!
Congratulations again to Jerel and Sean for their victories at JJWL Stockton! If you’re ready to start your own BJJ journey, contact us today and take the first step on the mats!
On March 16, our El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu team made a strong statement at the BJJ Tour Bay Area event, bringing home multiple medals in both youth and adult divisions. Our competitors showcased their hard work, discipline, and technical skill, proving once again that EDH Jiu Jitsu is a force to be reckoned with on the competition scene.
Youth Competitors Dominate the Mats
Our young athletes put on an incredible performance, bringing home a total of four gold medals and four silver medals.
🥇 Gold Medalists:
• Hazel
• Brett
• Geoffrey
• Urijah
🥈 Silver Medalists:
• Claire
• Koa
• Eli
• Aiden
Each of these young competitors displayed resilience, sharp technique, and outstanding sportsmanship throughout their matches. Their commitment to training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu was evident in their performances, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.
Adult Division Success: Purple Belt Podium Finishes
Our adult competitors also had a stellar day on the mats in the highly competitive purple belt division.
🥇 Sean took home the gold medal, proving his dominance in the division with technical precision and strategic control.
🥈 Danny earned a silver medal, displaying resilience and high-level grappling against tough competition.
These results reflect the dedication and hard work that both Sean and Danny put into their training at EDH Jiu Jitsu. The purple belt division is known for its intensity, and securing podium finishes is a huge accomplishment.
The Road Ahead
This event was just another step in our journey. With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, our competitors will continue to sharpen their skills and test themselves on the mat. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just beginning your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey, there’s no better time to train at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.
Join Us on the Mats
If you’re looking to take your training to the next level or want to get started in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in El Dorado Hills, we invite you to join us for a class. Our experienced instructors, supportive team environment, and structured training approach will help you reach your goals—whether that’s competition, self-defense, or personal growth.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we understand that competitive success is important. Parents want their kids to excel, gain confidence, and perform well in competition. But some of the most valuable lessons in Jiu Jitsu—the ones that help kids grow into strong, capable adults—happen in ways that don’t always look like traditional learning. Moments of peer-to-peer coaching, collaboration, and mentorship build critical life skills that go beyond winning medals.
Learning to Teach, Learning to Learn
Example: Your child is paired with a newer student who is struggling with a technique. Instead of rushing ahead, they slow down, explain the movement, and offer guidance.
Why It Matters: Teaching reinforces understanding. If a child can explain a technique to someone else, it means they truly understand it themselves. More importantly, they learn patience, leadership, and communication—skills that are just as valuable in school, sports, and eventually, their careers.
Building a Better Community Through Collaboration
Example: Your child and their training partner can’t quite get a new move to work. Instead of getting frustrated, they start problem-solving—adjusting grips, angles, and timing until they figure it out together.
Why It Matters: This teaches adaptability and teamwork. In competition, athletes often face unpredictable situations, and the ability to think critically under pressure is what separates good competitors from great ones. The habit of working through challenges with others helps build resilience and a growth mindset.
However, collaboration doesn’t mean tolerating bad behavior. If a training partner is being overly aggressive or unsafe, it’s important that your child knows when to speak up. Teaching kids to advocate for themselves and communicate concerns to a coach is an essential part of leadership and self-respect.
Mentorship and Accountability
Example: Your child loses a tough round in training. Instead of sulking, they watch a more experienced teammate offer advice to a struggling white belt. Inspired, they shift their mindset and start helping others as well.
Why It Matters: Jiu Jitsu is a long journey. Success isn’t just about physical skill; it’s about attitude, mindset, and perseverance. By mentoring others, kids learn accountability—not just for their own progress, but for the well-being of their teammates. That sense of responsibility creates better competitors and, more importantly, better people.
At EDH Jiu Jitsu, we train champions—not just in competition, but in life. The ability to teach, collaborate, and mentor is just as crucial as technical skill. While medals and trophies are exciting, the long-term benefits of learning how to lead, adapt, and support others are what truly set athletes apart.
One of the most valuable skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just about speed or submissions—it’s about pressure. High-level grapplers can make even the simplest positions feel unbearable for their opponents by applying steady, controlled pressure. But how do you develop this skill? At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe learning to apply pressure is a journey that takes time, technique, and experience.
What is Pressure in Jiu Jitsu?
Pressure in BJJ isn’t just about weight—it’s about how you distribute force, use leverage, and control space. Whether it’s a crushing top game or a suffocating guard, proper pressure can make opponents feel trapped and exhausted. Some key components of effective pressure include:
Connection: Staying tight to your opponent to limit their movement.
Weight Distribution: Using your body weight effectively, often shifting it to maximize discomfort.
Structure: Maintaining a strong base so your pressure remains stable.
Timing: Knowing when to apply more or less pressure to keep your opponent off balance.
How to Develop Pressure Over Time
1. Start with Positional Control
Before you can apply pressure, you need to understand how to control a position. Focus on staying tight in side control, mount, and half guard, preventing unnecessary space between you and your opponent. When drilling, concentrate on keeping your hips heavy and eliminating any gaps.
2. Learn to Use Your Hips and Chest
Good pressure comes from more than just dropping your weight—it’s about where you apply it. Instead of relying on arms to pin someone down, use your hips, chest, and shoulders to create discomfort. A well-placed shoulder in side control, for example, can feel like a ton of bricks.
3. Improve Your Base and Balance
Pressure without balance is useless. If you’re applying heavy pressure but can easily be swept, you’ll lose control. Work on your base by practicing low, stable stances and staying aware of your opponent’s movements.
4. Focus on Micro Adjustments
The difference between good and great pressure is in the details. Small adjustments, like angling your hips differently or adjusting your grip, can significantly increase the discomfort your opponent feels. These adjustments take time and experience to master, so pay attention to how small changes affect your control.
5. Train with a Purpose
When rolling, make pressure a focal point. Instead of rushing for submissions, see if you can make your opponent carry your weight. Try slow, methodical rolling, where you force yourself to maintain pressure before advancing.
6. Learn from Experienced Grapplers
One of the best ways to develop pressure is by feeling it yourself. Train with black belts or higher-level grapplers and take note of what makes their pressure effective. Ask questions and observe how they distribute weight and maintain control.
7. Be Patient
Developing crushing pressure isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes months—sometimes years—of refining your technique and body mechanics. Trust the process and focus on small improvements each time you train.
Final Thoughts
Mastering pressure in Jiu Jitsu is like sculpting—it requires patience, precision, and time. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to slow down, focus on control, and refine the details that make their pressure game more effective. If you’re looking to improve your top game and overall control, start incorporating these principles into your training.
The next time you roll, remember: good pressure isn’t about strength—it’s about skill. Keep training, and over time, you’ll develop the kind of pressure that makes your opponents wish they were somewhere else!
