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
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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.

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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!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

6AM training for the early birds

We started a 7am class in 2013 and in 2015 we moved it forward to 6am. This is a great class for those that have a busy work schedule and an evening full of family activities that just don’t allow them to get on the mat, or for those that have an evening work schedule and are only able to come train in the early am. The training is quick, it’s efficient, and we get things done.

Here are some basic facts about the 6am class at our dojo in El Dorado Hills:

1. Class ends exactly at 7am (If you need to leave early we understand)
2. Class level is for ALL LEVELS from white belts to black belts.
3. Each class includes, warm ups, drills, and rolling

On most occasions the most difficult part of class is getting out of bed. Hearing your alarm at 5:00am or 5:30am and not hitting snooze to wait and delay for another day of training. The reality is once you get out of your comfortable bed and get going it’s really not that bad. There’s much more to be gained from the 6am jiujitsu class than just a good workout. You begin to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. You become okay with removing yourself from the soft and comfortable pillow and embrace the day that’s about to take place. The facial expression each student has as they walk out the door at 7am to go to work says “I’m just got done kickin’ my ass and I’m ready to kick this day’s ass!” There’s nothing like it.

If you need a jump start to your day to challenge your mind and body, then give jiujitsu a try.

EDH JIU JITSU
916.595.4064

Kids Jiu Jitsu

Summer Kids do Research, Writing & Presentations

During breaks we try to involve and engage the kids students (age 4-16) in different manners off the mat and bring that back to the mat. One theme we’ve been following through with each break especially during the summer and winter breaks are the RWP program we’ve established. Here is what we mean by RWP:

R = Research / Read

W = Write

P = Present

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Kenny giving a presentation in 2016

Students start with researching or reading about a topic. The research can be a very simple conversation with a parent, friend or family member or an excursion to the library. Once they’ve gathered some information they write a little summary to present to their peers and parent’s in attendance at class on that day. The presentation lasts about 30 seconds to 60 seconds a student and we typically have 1-3 presentations a class during the summer months. It’s an engaging activity that allows the students to express themselves in a different way amongst their jiujitsu peers.

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Drago giving his presentation in 2015 Summer NoGi Jiu Jitsu.

All of these projects are optional. No one is forced to do anything they are not interested in, but they are reminded that it does influence how they earn their stripes on their belt. While some topics are related to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Martial Arts,  we open things up to other topics as well. Our first topic was on Memorial Day and our second topic on the describing what “Never Give Up” means. Students can bring in a picture to go with this topic. This is always fun to share with everyone, including the adults. In the past, we’ve covered topics like; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champions, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Legends, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grand Masters, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense, How do you think strong, What is July 4th, etc. Some topics are open to interpretation and other topics are very specific and require the students to go online or to the library to find out some information. As a result, students are able to showcase their different skills. In the future I would love to have a study lounge for the students to hang out before or after class to prepare their presentations.

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A few of the writings with some visual photos by Keegan, Ethan, Ryan, and others.

Most importantly, we want to engage our students in activities off the mat that promotes and develops reading, writing, and presentation skills. These are skills that they will be able to utilize for the rest of their life, and the more we practice the more comfortable we will become when asked to research a topic, write about it, or even present it. Public speaking is a skill no one is born with, and not practiced very often in schools. We hope to challenge the students comfort levels and get them feeling at ease when speaking in front of a crowd of people.

A new element to our RWP program we began doing this summer is for the students to ask questions at the end of the speech. Doing so has been a great addition to the entire presentation process. I’m excited to hear all of our interesting presentations this summer!

Think Strong Be Strong
Eliot Kelly

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Kids Train NoGi in the Summer

At El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu our Pee Wee (age 4-6), Kids (age 6-9), and Juniors  (age 9-13) class changes it up to train NoGi. Some people who are new to Jiu Jitsu might be wondering what NoGi means. NoGi is a simple way to talk about a uniform that is basically t-shirt and shorts. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and many grappling organizations have adopted this NoGi uniform to give professionalism to the look while considering safety of the participant. Uniform-No-GI-garment

There are a few safety measures to consider when we make the uniform switch from Gi to NoGi. First, it’s important that the uniform doesn’t have any pockets. Hands and feet can get caught in pockets and in a faster paced NoGi training this can be very dangerous. Another important part of the uniform is that there are no metallic parts to the uniform. Many shorts might have zippers or buttons that with pressure can hurt, scratch, and even cut someone. The last thing to consider is the tightness of the shirt. We strongly recommend tight fitting rashguard type shirts. When the shirt is too loose it can become a hazard much like pockets do and trap a hand or foot causing injury.

Here are a few reasons for transitioning to NoGi with our 4-13 year old jiu-jitsu classes.

1: It’s HOT!

2: Learn different skills that don’t allow grips

3: Challenge yourself to our EDH-BJJ NoGi Tournament in September

Brands we recommend:
Komainu Apparel (discount code EK)
Aromor Kimonos (discount code ek)

We will have team NoGi uniforms available for purchase in July!

EDH Jiu Jitsu
916.595.4064

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IBJJF World Championships & EDH Jiu Jitsu Results

The 2016 International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation World Championships took place in Long Beach, CA at the CSULB Walter Pyramid. As with every year we saw an even more diverse group of international competitors and spectators from all over the world to cheer on their favorite competitors.

El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu  Jitsu had three competitors. Steve Chaffin in the adult white belt division, Zack Smith in the adult blue belt division, and Eliot Kelly in the adult black belt division.  Pictures and short clips from the championships can be viewed on our instagram (follow us!).

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Steve with his Bronze medal and Coach Eliot at the 2016 IBJJF World Championships

Steve, competing in his first World Championships finished with a BRONZE medal! He had a dominating performance in the quarter final round winning on points. In the semi final he fell short of getting to the finals after being outscored by his opponent who went on to win the Gold. With two children and working a full time job, Steve worked very hard to get to the world championships in the best physical and technical condition possible! We’re excited to see his progress from this experience.

Zack made his debut for worlds in the lightest rooster weight division. Another full time family man and with a full time job, Zack has was on a roll winning the Pan American Championships and American Cup leading up to the World Championships. Although he lost his first fight, Zack came away with a new appreciation for learning some of the different attacks and positions. We’re excited to see his improvement into 2016.

Eliot began with the black belt open class (all weights combined) and won his first fight by an advantage. In his second fight he faced the reigning world champion Marcus Almeida (Buchecha) and fell short 6-0. Following the open class, Eliot lost his opening match and fell short from making it to the placing rounds. Eliot has a new sense of enthusiasm to compete and train after competing with the best in the world.

Here are the champions from the 2016 IBJJF World Championships:

MALE CHAMPIONS:
Rooster: Bruno Malfacine
Light Feather: Paulo Miyao
Feather: Rafael Mendes
Light: Lucas Lepri
Middle: Otavio Sousa
Medium Heavy: Leandro Lo
Heavy: Andre Galvao
Super Heavy: Leandro Nogueira
Ultra Heavy: Marcus Almeida
Open: Marcus Almeida
FEMALE CHAMPIONS:
Rooster: Rikako Yuasa
Light Feather: Gezary Bandeira
Feather: Mackenzie Dern
Light: Beatriz Mesquita
Middle: Monique Elias
Medium Heavy: Andresa Correa
Heavy: Fernanda Maio
Super Heavy: Dominyka Obelenyte
Open: Dominyka Obelenyte

EDH JiuJitsu 
916.595.4064

Tournaments

BJJ Tour: American Cup 2016 Results

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In April, EDH JiuJitsu participated in one of the BJJ Tour – All Star competitions held in San Francisco, CA. The ALL STAR was held in the Cow Palace, an big and exciting venue for tournament competition.

Zack with a double leg takedown to start the match and score 2 points! 

EDH JIu Jitsu had 5 competitors in the kids / teens divisions and 6 competitors in the adult/master divisions. The All Star is one of the professional cash prize tournaments for black belts, offering prize money for the champions of the black belt weight divisions and open class division.

Angel Scrambles to finish on top!

The team did an incredible job preparing and training for the tournament. We always want to approach training for competitions in a three part process. The first being the preparation. Getting the body and mind prepared for tournament performance. The second being the actual event or tournament. The third being the reflection and corrections based on the event. Following the three part process ensures that each competitor gets the most out of their time training and make conscious technical and mental improvements to better our performance next time.

Tanner transitions from submission to submission and gets the win!

The next California BJJ Tour competition takes place in Santa Cruz, CA at the end of June. We look forward to seeing the competitors improvements over the last few months and how their changes and technical additions have improved them on the mat!

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Some of the guys after day one of the All Star BJJ Tournament in San Francisco.

Tournaments are a constant reminder of the spirit of kaizen (written 改善 in Japanese). This idea is the spirit of constant improvement and growth. Making small and incremental improvements each and every day. This idea took precedence in Japan during the post war era when the Japanese automobile industry saw incredible growth. While the process reshaped the entire automobile industry, at the core and emphasis of the process was on the individual. The individual worker or laborer taking responsibility for their work and progress. With every tournament and training experience, we look to apply the idea of Kaizen. Congratulations to all the competitors!

KIDS/TEENS COMPETITORS
Keegan: Bronze
Keaton: Competitor
Drago: Bronze
Javen: Gold 
Michael: Silver
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Drago from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Bronze at the All Star. Big improvement from last year!
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Keegan from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Bronze at the All Star. Tough semi-final match that ended with a referee decision.
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Michael from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Silver at the All Star. A big jump in progress as he prepares for the Kids Worlds this summer!
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Javen from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Gold at the All Star. An impressive technical performance in the finals!
ADULT/MASTER COMPETITORS: 
Josh: Competitor 
Zack: Gold 
Angel: Competitor 
Tanner: Bronze
Drahomir: Silver
Dave: Silver / Bronze (absolute)
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Dave from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Bronze in the open at the All Star. His brown belt debut matches were great! Keeps improving from match to match.
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Drahomir from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Silver at the All Star. Another most improved!
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Zack from EDH Jiu Jitsu takes Gold at the All Star. On a roll from Pan Ams he secures another gold in his division.

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Uncategorized

Pan American Championships IBJJF Bringing home Gold & Bronze

El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sends 6 competitors and brings home 3 medals from the IBJJF Pan American Championships. This is one of the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament in the world and definitely the largest in the United States of America. From El Dorado Hills, we had 6 competitors train and participate in the event. Here is a list of the competitors and medalists:

Adult Blue belt division: Angel DeSantiago

Master 1 Blue belt division: Zack Smith – GOLD

Z

Master 1 Purple belt division: Garrett Aldrich – BRONZE

G

Master 5 Purple belt division: Allan Scott – BRONZE

A

Adult Black belt division: Eliot Kelly

Master 1 Black belt division: Michel Miyashita

This was the first time for El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to bring home a GOLD from the IBJJF Pans event. The team made some great leaps heading into the tournament with the highly anticipated Pans Mini Training Camp as well as the addition of another Black Belt Michel Miyashita visiting from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Congrats to all the competitors and team on a great showing and performance!