Last week, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu had the honor of hosting a special guest instructor: Barrett Abel! With his impressive background as a Division One wrestler and the 2023 IBJJF World Masters Champion at blue belt, Barrett’s visit was highly anticipated and did not disappoint.
About Barrett Abel
Barrett Abel’s athletic achievements are truly remarkable. As a former Division One wrestler, he has competed at the highest levels of collegiate wrestling, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication. Transitioning to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Barrett continued to excel, recently winning the 2023 IBJJF World Masters Championship at blue belt. His visit provided our students with an invaluable opportunity to learn from an athlete who understands both wrestling and Jiu Jitsu.
Highlights from the Small Group Lesson
Barrett Abel’s guest class was a unique and enriching experience for all who attended. Conducted as an intimate small group lesson, students received personalized attention and detailed instruction on specific techniques to enhance their game.
Key Highlights Included:
- Whizzer-Seatbelt Position: Barrett provided a detailed breakdown of the whizzer, or overhook, position. He demonstrated how to effectively use the whizzer to control opponents and set up attacks.
- Dogfight (jiujitsu) Position: Students learned the intricacies of the dogfight position, a critical transition point where the battle for control often takes place. Barrett emphasized the importance of maintaining balance and leverage in this position.
Student Reactions
The small group format of the lesson was a huge success, with students expressing their excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to learn from Barrett in such a personalized setting. With clarity and precision of his instruction, his techniques and insights have already made a positive impact on their training.
One student shared, “Learning from Barrett in a small group setting was an incredible experience. His approach to integrating wrestling and Jiu Jitsu was eye-opening, and I feel more confident in my takedown and control techniques now.”
A Lasting Impact
Barrett Abel’s visit left a strong impression on our community at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. His expertise and passion for the sport inspired our small group, and his techniques and strategies will continue to influence our training for a long time to come.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Barrett Abel for sharing his knowledge and making this event such a memorable experience. We look forward to more opportunities to learn from well rounded athletes like Barrett in the future.