All posts by edhjiujitsu

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Tournaments

ADCC North American Trials Champion

Eliot Kelly, head instructor of El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense, qualified for the most prestigious submission wrestling tournament in the world last weekend in Bayville, New Jersey at the ADCC North American Trials. The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Championships, often referred as the Olympics of grappling, will be held in Helsinki, Finland in September, 2017.

15138581_1298638326853621_3990788437185146723_oThe ADCC North American Trials featured some of the best grapplers in North America. Eliot had three bouts to secure his invitation. In his first,  he won by referee decision after no points in overtime. In his semi final match, he won by 2 points in the overtime round. In the final match, he won by 2 points in the regulation round. His bouts can be found on flograppling.com

15085560_1159304874155298_2924207230747964222_n“It’s never easy to travel all the way across the country and compete, but I was able to qualify and make it to the championships. There’s plenty of time to prepare so I’m getting together my coaches from EDH Jiu Jitsu, One Body Pain & Performance, and Apex Wrestling now to represent our community and the United States!”

Camp, Kids Jiu Jitsu

El Dorado Hills Kids Camp during Thanksgiving at EDH BJJ

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Thank you, to all the children and parents who participated in this year’s Thanksgiving Week Kids Camp!

The camp was held on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, leading up to Thanksgiving. It gave children the opportunity to spend more time in the dojo to explore other engaging activities that coincide with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self defense, and teamwork. The camp also gave our instructors the opportunity to connect with the children in an even more meaningful fashion than just learning and practicing BJJ.

15134554_1160365437382575_5885546125256103671_nEven though we had a scheduled agenda before the children arrived each day; we stepped out of the agenda and followed the interests of the children. Each day started with games and free play, to let the children socialize and become more comfortable with each other. That led to learning the basic and foundational movements and positions of BJJ. The campers expressed what they were thankful for by making cards and drawing pictures for their families. And we had plenty of snack breaks to feed our hungry learners!

15109355_1161485187270600_4703711507340850035_nChess seemed to be the most interesting daily activity for the group. For over an hour the children worked harmoniously together, as they helped each other setting up the Chessboard and learning how the pieces moved. We worked on game-planning and strategies. Does that sound like some familiar concepts we use for another game?

15171097_1162054420547010_623634796777894843_nYes! The camp was structured around getting each student to THINK. Not only about what they were thankful for, but that their actions have consequences, how to work together in groups or with a partner, and that the cross over between chess, jiujitsu and other activities off the mat. 

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu
916.595.4064

Camp

Thanksgiving Week Kids Camp in El Dorado Hills

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battle

El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense is hosting  a Kids camp during Thanksgiving week. The kids camp will include several different activities for kids ages 7 and up. NO JIU JITSU EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! 

What will the kids do: 

  1. CHESS: Chess is jiujitsu for the mind. Through chess coaches will be talking to the kids about following rules, knowing limitations, decisions having consequences, and other life skills that can be shared and learned through the fun activity of chess. Don’t know how to play? No problem, we will teach you!
  2. JIU-JITSU for ANTI BULLYING:  Bullying is always going to be an issues kids need to learn and think about. The more tools they have to deal with verbal, psychological, and physical altercations the better they will be. We will be covering each topic and going over how to diffuse and defend difficult altercations.
  3. JAPANESE GAMES: Campers will be exposed to Japanese language and culture lessons to invoke a curiosity for different cultures and languages. They won’t leave the camp fluent in another language, but hopefully they will become more curious about different cultures and have an interest in learning another language in the future.
  4. THANKFULNESS ACTIVITIES: Campers will be asked to think about what they are thankful for. Thankfulness and gratitude is a character trait we look to reinforce from the time during this camp.
  5. GAMES & PLAY: Campers will be playing a game of some type if they are not taking a snack break or participating in one of the activities. The games will vary from dodgeball, gymnastics, and more. (plan on giving them time to nap after camp)

Call for questions or register online!

EDH Kids Camp
916.595.4064

Tournaments

IBJJF World Master 2016 Results & Performances

14188489_10153893487628181_8753936075757770927_oEl Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu had an excellent showing this last week at the IBJJF World Master Championships. This was an exclusive world class event for Master competitors age 30 and above. The Master age divisions are divided in five year increments all the way up to Master 6.

Here are the competitors from EDH in action and their results:

Black Belt:
Michel Miyashita – eliminatory round
Eliot Kelly – Silver Medal
Brown Belt:
Sean Gonsolin – qtr finalist
Purple Belt:
Kiet Se – Silver Medal
Allan Scott – Bronze Medal
Blue Belt:
Kyle Parker – qtr finalist
Pedro Santos – eliminatory round
Mark Swisher – qtr finalist
Zack Smith – Silver Medal

The IBJJF World Master held in Las Vegas, NV was the largest event in the history of World Masters with competitors from all over the globe.  Hosted at the convention center, the tournament also featured sponsored booths like Adidas, Fighter’s Line, Gameness, Acai Sambazon, Evexia fit expo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminars by classic icons like Jacare, Almeida, Vieira, and 2016 Olympic Silver medalist in Judo Travis Stevens.

The Black belts opened the tournament this year. Michel, visiting from Sao Paulo, Brazil made is debut in the World Master category. He had a nail biting qtr final match, down by 2 advantage points he fought to hold a guard pass, but was unable to secure the points before time ran out. He lost the match by an advantage point. Eliot won his first by an advantage against an opponent from the Middle East. In the second round he was able get ahead by 18 points before finishing his opponent with a chock from the mount. In the third round, Eliot beat 7 time world champion, Xande Ribeiro in a close 2-0 match. Eliot faced Rafael Lovato jr. in the finals and was downed by a choke in the beginning of the match. This gave Eliot a Silver medal in the standings. Eliot also participated in the open class division later in the evening. He was downed by Rafael Formiga in a 2-2 referee decision.

The brown belts also competed on the opening day of the tournament. Sean Gonsolin had an impressive attack sequence in his first match showing total dominance. In the qtr final round he was set short in a tight back and forth match of sweeps and wasn’t awarded a sweep from a technicality in the rule book. Compared to last year, it was a noticeable improvement in his technical game!

Kiet Se had an impressive series of rounds in the preliminary rounds attacking from the feet, on top, and from guard. In the semi final match he came through on a very close back to back match to win the judges decision and advance to the championship finals. In the finals, he faced a seasoned purple belt veteran. While Kiet had an impressive series of attacks, his opponent was able to make strong counter attacks, taking the lead. While Kiet continued to attack, he was unable to come back to secure the victory. He finished with an impressive Silver medal.

The blue belts competed on the second day of the tournament. Zack opened the tournament with some impressive wins in the preliminary rounds. In the finals he faced an opponent with an extremely strategic game. He came two points short of the victory, fighting hard to secure some points before time had expired. He had an impressive performance!

Mark, Pedro, and Kyle all made the Master World Championships debut with this tournament. Mark played a solid attack from his guard working for sweeps and submissions from his back. He was barely stopped from advancing to the medal rounds in the quarter finals. Pedro made a move to attack early in his match but was stopped short by the eventual champion of his bracket. Kyle dominated in the early rounds with an impressive series of flow attacks from submission to submission, position to position. He met a tough battle in the quarter finals and was stopped from advancing to the medal rounds.

Congratulations on the team and competitors!!

EDH Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense

 

 

Uncategorized

Folsom Lake clean up! Tapping out litter bugs

On Labor Day, September 5th, EDH Jiu Jitsu is organizing a clean up at Folsom Lake. While the lake is at a low, it’s a great opportunity to talk about the importance of water preservation, cooperation, responsibility, and community while picking up litter left behind after recreational use of the lake.

This is a family friendly community event. Please feel free to invite your friends and family.

  • \Time: 8:00am-9:30am
  • Folsom Lake entry: Beals Point
  • Bring: gloves and trash bags and a “grabber” if you have one.More information on parking waivers will be on the facebook event page, but parking will be free!

 

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

We all get into jiujitsu for different reasons

Everyone gets into jiujitsu for different reasons. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of those martial arts that allows a wide range of people with different interests and at different stages in their life to begin training. Boys and girls as young 3 or 4 can start training and so can men or women in their 30s, 40s, or 50s start learning the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

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Anthony Bourdain competing in one of the annual IBJJF New York Opens

Anthony Bourdain is one example. Most of us know Anthony Bourdain from his famous traveling cousin show, No Reservations. His humor and observations that he shares with everyone casts a delightful light on the different cuisines and cultures of the world. Interestingly, Anthony is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fanatic. When traveling he looks to find a place to train when there is down time. Born in 1956, that puts him at the ripe age of 60. Having started jiujitsu in his 50s, and currently a blue belt in rank, I’m going to guess it’s been an uphill battle since he started training. He says jiujitsu “appeals to some part of my brain I haven’t visited before.”

On the other end are these girls in the gi. This video was taken from the Kids American Nationals in 2015. These two girls were around age 5.
It’s fun to see them compete without any hesitation to try their best. No second guessing. Probably tapping into the same part of the brain that Anthony Bourdain talks about.

Never the less these girls and Anthony both have something in common. They share the passion to learn and have fun on the mat. To compete as a measurement of self improvement. They give their most even on days when they think that there is nothing more to give. They are competitors.

On the other hand, there are others who get into jiujitsu and never step into competition. Instead, they enjoy the relaxed learning environment of training and competitive rolling done in the safety of class with a partner they can get to know and trust. Some look to reap the benefits of getting in great shape, and being the most fit they have been in their life. While others look to learn jiujitsu from a more practical self defense perspective.

There are many angles we can think about self defense. There is the physical self defense jiujitsu can teach us how to protect ourselves when we go to our back and other positions from the feet and ground. However, there are many other self defense benefits to learning jiujitsu as well. The benefit of patience when put under adversity or high stress situations. The benefit of understanding consistency in training as opposed to short term intensity with little to no consistency. The benefit of a lifestyle of activity and movement while interacting with others on the mat. There are so many psycho social benefits to jiujitsu that are applicable to modern day self defense.

While some step onto the mat to become a world champion competitor,  some wanting to learn self defense, get in shape, or start a new hobby, everyone enters the dojo with the idea of self improvement. This idea is universal in jiujitsu. Everyone wants to improve and better themselves with each and every class. If you are looking to associate with strong, healthy minded people, give jiujitsu a try!

Eliot Kelly
EDH JiuJitsu
916.595.4064

Tournaments

Fight to Win Pro 8 San Francisco

On July 23rd,  Fight to Win Pro 8 card took place at the Kezar pavilion in San Francisco, CA. This was a professional submission only jiujitsu event with each competitor paired up against another for a one match, winner takes all type of event. The card featured 20 plus competitors mostly from northern California. The unique atmosphere set by the organization added fuel to the already exciting match ups. The atmosphere could be described as rock concert meets jiujitsu meets MMA event. By the end of the night over $30,000 were paid out in salary and commission!

The main event featured jiujitsu and MMA superstars Dean Lister v Yuri Simoes, Gary Tonon v Dustin Akbari, and Baret Yoshida v Woolf Barnato. The event also featured black belts as well as some up and coming blue, purple, and brown belts. Eliot Kelly, an instructor at EDH Jiu Jitsu was also one of the black belt competitors featured in the event. 13731611_10153826955279226_658550669447576090_n Eliot faced Gustavo Siri Pires, a formidable opponent representing Gracie Barra with several world titles under his belt. The match was an exciting back and forth battle from the feet and on the ground with submission attempts by both competitors. Having been matched up previously in the finals of the 2015 Master World championships, both competitors were well prepared strategically to beat each others game. In the end with about 2 minutes remaining in the 8 minute match, Eliot was able to secure a toe hold to win by submission. 13612113_1176123599077629_8647826087221111541_n

While the card featured several Sacramento area submission grapplers and jiujitsu martial artists, it was a winning night for team Yemaso.13767128_10207220425928453_5494518050556606771_o

Marcos Torregrosa and Eliot Kelly, who both represented Yemaso BJJ were able to secure a submission in their matches, adding excitement into the night. Both had prepared a specific play book to use in their matches agains their specific opponents. Clearly they had planned and prepared well in anticipation of their opponents strategies. Congratulation to both Eliot & Marcos on their submission victory!

EDH Jiu Jitsu
916.595.4064

Kids Jiu Jitsu

How is our EDH JiuJitsu Kids program different?

Like many quality martial arts schools we stress the importance of discipline, self control, and mutual respect. However, we also emphasize other elements that sets us apart from most martial arts schools. In our teachings we seek out coaching moments to teach collaborative effort through games and play, verbal communication to resolve conflict and share information,

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT:

Starting with the games we play to the partner drills, we work hard to create an environment where the students are rewarded when they cooperate. Cooperation is a skill students will utilize for the rest of their life as they progress through their schooling and into their careers. The ability to work together with others, even if they are not friends, is an important skill we all need to learn in order to accomplish an assigned task. This is done mostly with the games we play in class and the partner drills we learn in our training. and to think ahead knowing that all actions have consequences.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION:

While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Martial Arts is an art we practice with our body, we stress the importance of communication. Students are encouraged to use their words to express when something is not right, uncomfortable, or needs to change. In between classes students have the opportunity to run around on the mat, while this is free play time, it’s also valuable time for them to learn how to better express themselves and communicate with one another. Intermittently during the year we incorporate opportunities for the students to give presentations and share information or events they take part in.

THINKING AHEAD: 

Strategy is an important part of any sport. Needless to say in a game like jiujitsu strategy can make a big impression on the outcome of a match. We teach strategy not only to win but also to plan ahead. To know that decisions have consequences, just like actions have reactions. The ability to think ahead reinforces the idea that all actions, good or bad, have consequences. We look for coaching moments to help the student better understand this process.

Think Strong
916.595.4064
Eliot Kelly

 

Tournaments

IBJJF: American Nationals Results & Reflections

The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) Gi and NoGi American Nationals took place from July 8-9 in the Las Vegas Convention Center along with UFC 200 expo. The multi martial art event featured multiple world class competitors including Boxing, kick boxing, International Mixed Martial Arts (IMMAF), Wrestling, 3 part fighting, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This event was also a historical event in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the 8 man Black Belt Grand Prix tournament. The winner taking $40,000 and the runner up taking $10,000 in prize money. UFC-200-e1466714324809

El Dorado Hills had two participants, Zach and Eliot, both putting on a spectacular performance a this national event. Here are the quick results from the tournament:

Zach: GOLD (Adult Rooster NoGi) Blue belt
Zach: BRONZE (Adult Rooster Gi) Blue belt
Eliot: SILVER (Adult Super Heavy NoGi) Black belt
Eliot: SILVER (Adult Open NoGi) Black belt
Eliot: SILVER (Adult Super Heavy Gi) Black belt

Zach had a close yet dominant finish in the finals of his NoGi division. He started off very strong with a power double leg takedown. After a strong battle and nearly passing the guard multiple times, he was swept to tie the score. He quickly recomposed his guard and found his way back to the top where he was up again by two points. He finished the match attacking to finish for the submission. 13620300_1047799118639208_8333244524386953840_n

Zach had to make weight twice in one day, which is no easy task for someone competing in the Rooster weight division. Competing in the Gi later in the day, he won his first match and advanced to the semi final match to face this year’s world bronze medalist. He had a very close game of strategy and was downed by two points. This was a great opportunity for Zach to compete with some of the best and further reinforce his potential as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor. “There are still some technical positions I need to improve and learn, but I was able to try things I wouldn’t have down in the past. This tournament was a great show of my progress as a jiujitsu competitor.” Congratulations to Zach on becoming the 2016 National Champion! 13615174_1047802838638836_8022646647084710424_n

Eliot came into the tournament with some unsettled business from 2015, where he finished with three silver medals and one bronze. He fell short again, but seemed satisfied with his performance. “I didn’t improve in my placings, but I definitely see an improvement in my performance and ability. Now it’s just a matter of consistency and patience.”

In the finals of the  NoGi division Eliot lost a 0-0 referee decision. He went on to compete in the open weight division where all the athletes compete against one another regardless of weight division. Eliot won his quarter final match 17-0 to advance to the semi finals. In the semi’s Eliot had a very close match with Vladir, a professional MMA fighter from Fight Sports Miami, winning by 3-2 on advantage points. In the finals Eliot went against Barbosa, an up and coming black belt, from Atos Jiu-Jitsu. He suffered a takedown and guard pass from an early slip up to counter the takedown, putting him behind 5-0. Eliot pressed for some attacks after recovering guard and even brought the match back to the feet, but time ran out as he pressed for the attack. Giving him a Silver in the all weights combined (open class) division. 13592562_1047811225304664_731655693664537251_n

The black belts competed in the Gi the following day. Eliot faced off with Valdir again in the semi finals of the tournament. He was winning 4-2 when the match was stopped for too many blood time outs. Since an athlete is allowed three time outs per injury, the trainers gave it their best to stop the bleeding, but were unable to, giving Eliot the victory. The two athletes had a very exciting and competitive match. However, Eliot noticed signs of a concussion after walking off the mat. An assessment with the on staff doctors led to a positive diagnosis taking him out of the tournament. 13654307_1048678898551230_6100092079655689032_n

Think Strong
916.595.4064

Tournaments

BJJ TOUR: ALL STAR Results & Observations

The 2016 BJJ TOUR ALL STAR Tournament took place in Santa Cruz, CA on the weekend of June 25th. This is a full day of action packed jiu-jitsu from kids as young as 4 years old to Masters in their 40s and 50s. The pinnacle of the tournament was the Black Belt Pro division with cash prizes going to the winner of the division and absolute (open class) category. The BJJ TOUR is a local jiujitsu organization that brings the highest quality of tournament production across the nation. We’re very grateful to have them based out of northern California.

From El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we had five participants, and three of the participants were competing for the very first time.

Here are the quick results: 
– Michael: SILVER (Kids Yellow belt)  
– Brenda: SILVER (Adult White belt)
– Trixie: GOLD (Adult White belt)
– Mark: BRONZE (Master Blue belt)
– Allicia: BRONZE (Adult Blue belt) SILVER (open class)

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Mark takes Bronze in his first Tournament

This was also the first time we had three female competitors in the same tournament. It was great to see them prepare diligently and take on the challenge of competition. There were some great learning moments both in victory and defeat for each competitor. We look forward to see them bring back their experiences into the academy.

Trixie and Allicia took the breath away  from everyone in the audience with their stellar performances. Trixie, making her tournament debut fell behind in the opening of the match, but after a few breaths to regain her composure, quickly regained control of the match. She ended up winning by arm bar, but only after taking a near 10 point lead in the match. Allicia fell to a tough opponent by a close margin in the semi finals of the weight category, but when matched up agains the same opponent later in the afternoon in the open class, fought tooth and nail to beat the same opponent. Both competitors showed a lot of persistence and patience in their matches.

13529104_1039827269436393_6706062779435633241_n
Michael takes Silver at the All Star

The Adult Black Belt Pro featured some of the best in the world at the BJJ TOUR ALL STAR Tournament this year. starting with Tarsis Humphreys, Joao Gabriel Rocha, Manny Diaz, Nathan Mendelsohn, Diego Hertzog, Jonatas Novaes, it was great to be able to watch some world class jiu jitsu take place in northern California. We look forward to training and participating in the next BJJ TOUR event, the US OPEN, at the end of October.

Here is one of the finals matches from the Adult Black Belt Pro divisions. Enjoy!