Is your child ready to build confidence, discipline, and resilience while having fun? El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is excited to announce open enrollment for our kids’ classes! Whether your child is just starting their martial arts journey or looking to sharpen their skills, we offer a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all levels.
Our kids’ program is divided into age-specific classes:
• Peewee (ages 4-7): Introducing our youngest students to the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a fun and playful way.
• Kids (ages 7-10): Developing essential techniques while teaching life skills like focus, teamwork, and perseverance.
• Juniors (ages 10-17): Preparing older students with more advanced techniques and strategies, while continuing to build character and leadership.
At EDH BJJ, we focus not only on self-defense but also on helping kids build life skills that will benefit them both on and off the mats. Our dedicated instructors work with each child to foster personal growth, build confidence, and encourage positive habits in a safe and fun atmosphere.
We invite parents and students to come in for an introductory lesson to see what makes our gym special. If you’re ready to see your child thrive in a supportive community, email us today at edhbjj@gmail.com to schedule a lesson and secure your spot for the upcoming session!
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your child through martial arts!
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that training isn’t just about mastering techniques—it’s about shaping the entire person. For teenagers, this training becomes a form of physical education that goes far beyond learning how to grapple or defend oneself. Jiu Jitsu teaches essential life skills that foster personal growth, both on and off the mat.
Building Discipline and Focus
Training in Jiu Jitsu requires a high level of discipline. It’s not just about showing up to class, but about consistently working on improvement, setting goals, and pushing past mental barriers. For teens, learning this kind of discipline can translate into their academic and personal lives, giving them the tools to stay focused and manage their time effectively.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Every roll in Jiu Jitsu presents a new problem to solve. How can I pass my opponent’s guard? How do I escape a difficult position? Teenagers learn to approach challenges methodically and keep a calm, solution-oriented mindset. This kind of critical thinking is not just valuable in sports but also in navigating life’s obstacles, from exams to peer pressure.
Emotional and Mental Resilience
Jiu Jitsu is hard—both physically and mentally. Teenagers are taught how to handle losses, frustrations, and setbacks, which are natural parts of training. By learning to deal with the emotional ups and downs that come with Jiu Jitsu, they build resilience and grit. Over time, this makes them more capable of handling stress and adversity outside of the gym, whether it’s in school, relationships, or other aspects of their lives.
Physical Fitness and Health Education
Jiu Jitsu provides teenagers with a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance. More importantly, it teaches them about their bodies, helping them understand movement, nutrition, and injury prevention. Rather than viewing fitness as a chore, they begin to see it as a lifelong practice tied to their overall well-being.
Respect, Humility, and Community
Training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is about more than individual performance—it’s about being part of a team. Teenagers learn the importance of respecting their training partners and instructors. The camaraderie that develops through hard training fosters humility, as even the best practitioners will have days when they struggle. This environment helps teenagers build meaningful relationships, while understanding the importance of respect and support in a healthy community.
Real-World Self-Defense and Confidence
Of course, one of the most practical benefits is that Jiu Jitsu gives teenagers the ability to defend themselves. The confidence that comes from knowing how to handle real-world situations—whether it’s through actual self-defense techniques or simply learning how to remain calm in stressful situations—can be life-changing.
More Than Just a Sport
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we view training for teenagers as a form of education that teaches valuable life lessons. It’s more than just learning moves; it’s a way to develop mentally, emotionally, and physically. For teens, this can be an essential part of growing up—teaching them how to handle challenges, take care of their bodies, and become better individuals.
If you have a teenager looking for more than just a physical activity, consider Jiu Jitsu. It’s a path to personal growth that extends far beyond the mats.
El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is celebrating an incredible achievement with Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, who has trained with our coach Eliot Kelly, secured a dominant victory in his UFC main event. This win represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Anthony’s performance in the Octagon showcased not only his grit and heart but also his technical mastery. His striking and ground game were on full display, but perhaps the most impressive aspect was his ability to stay calm under pressure—something that’s been a cornerstone of his training.
Coach Eliot has been a part of Anthony’s journey since 2021, helping to refine his Jiu Jitsu skills and prepare him for the top levels of competition. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a respected coach with a wealth of grappling knowledge, Eliot’s guidance has made a contribution to Anthony’s success in the cage. Whether it’s drilling submissions, refining transitions, or developing fight strategy, Anthony is a constant student of the sport.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in building not only strong competitors but also strong individuals. Anthony’s victory is a testament to the perseverance, discipline, and dedication that martial arts instills in its practitioners. We are incredibly proud to have been part of his journey, and we look forward to seeing even more success in his future.
For anyone inspired by Anthony’s win, remember that the path to success starts right here on the mats. Join us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, whether you’re looking to compete or just improve your fitness, discipline, and mental strength, we’re here to help you on your journey.
Congratulations to Anthony Hernandez on this amazing accomplishment! The entire El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu community is behind you as you continue to make waves in the martial arts world.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, one of the keys to long-term success on the mats is simple but powerful: consistency. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics or a seasoned practitioner fine-tuning advanced techniques, showing up regularly is essential to improvement. While life can be busy with work, family, and other responsibilities, committing to training just 2-3 days a week can make a significant difference in your progress.
Building Muscle Memory and Technique
Jiu Jitsu is a highly technical martial art that requires repetition to master the various movements, transitions, and submissions. Training 2-3 times per week allows you to build the muscle memory needed to react fluidly in live situations. With consistent practice, techniques begin to feel more natural, and your body learns how to instinctively respond to different positions.
Avoiding Burnout and Overtraining
Some students, especially early on, may feel the urge to train every day, thinking more equals better. However, overtraining can lead to burnout or injuries, slowing your progress in the long run. By sticking to a schedule of 2-3 days per week, you’re giving your body enough time to recover while still maintaining the regularity needed to improve.
Steady Improvement Without Overwhelm
Training Jiu Jitsu consistently, even if only a few times per week, allows you to gradually build on what you’ve learned without feeling overwhelmed. Each class reinforces the previous one, and over time, you’ll notice that techniques that once seemed difficult begin to click. This steady, incremental improvement is the key to long-term growth in Jiu Jitsu.
Consistency Over Perfection
It’s easy to feel frustrated when you don’t feel “perfect” in a particular move or technique, but it’s important to remember that consistency is more important than perfection. Every time you step on the mat, you’re learning, whether you’re winning or losing in sparring. Even on days when things don’t go your way, showing up is half the battle.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to adopt a sustainable approach to training. Coming to class 2-3 times a week, week after week, builds discipline, improves skills, and fosters a lifelong love for the art. Keep showing up, stay consistent, and the progress will follow.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often see new students come in with mixed feelings about competition. Some are excited by the challenge, while others feel a sense of pressure or anxiety. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing competition as a win-or-lose scenario, where victory means everything and defeat feels like a failure. However, Jiu Jitsu teaches us that competition is far more complex—and, when approached correctly, it can become a tool for personal growth and learning how to be competitive in a healthy, sustainable way.
Facing the Reality of Competition
The reality of competition in Jiu Jitsu is that you won’t always win. Even at the highest levels, athletes experience losses. It’s part of the game. But that doesn’t mean failure. Instead, each match—win or lose—is an opportunity to learn more about your technique, mindset, and approach. Whether you’re competing in a small in-house tournament like our Ruckus in the Hills or stepping onto the mat at the IBJJF Nationals, you will always face moments that test your patience, composure, and skill.
What Jiu Jitsu reveals is that success isn’t just defined by standing on the podium but by the progress made on the journey. Every time you step on the mat, you have an opportunity to be better than you were before. Sometimes, the biggest gains come from facing the toughest losses.
Healthy Competition Starts on the Mat
The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is how it teaches you to be competitive in a healthy way. Training on the mat isn’t about dominating your opponent every round; it’s about improving yourself. You develop grit, learn how to handle pressure, and push beyond your limits without sacrificing respect for your training partners or yourself. The competitive environment in Jiu Jitsu fosters camaraderie—everyone is there to help each other get better.
Healthy competition in Jiu Jitsu means that you compete to improve, not to “beat” the other person. Your teammates are your biggest supporters, and together, you lift each other up. By sharpening each other’s skills, you develop a mindset that goes beyond a need to “win at all costs.”
Learning to Lose Gracefully
Jiu Jitsu teaches you that losing is inevitable, but how you handle it can make all the difference. In life, just like in Jiu Jitsu, setbacks happen. What matters is how you bounce back from them. After a tough loss, it’s important to reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve, rather than focusing on disappointment. This process builds resilience, confidence, and a sense of humility that goes far beyond the mat.
For example, one of our members, Jon Chan, faced numerous challenges on his journey to becoming a black belt, including moments where things didn’t go his way. But through perseverance, reflection, and dedication to improving his craft, he not only became one of our top competitors but a role model for what it means to embrace competition with a growth mindset.
Applying This Mindset Outside the Gym
One of the most important lessons Jiu Jitsu can teach is how to apply this healthy competitiveness to life outside of the gym. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal projects, Jiu Jitsu instills a mindset that values progress over perfection, humility over arrogance, and resilience over short-term success. You learn to compete against yourself first and foremost, always striving to be the best version of you, rather than worrying about how you compare to others.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in fostering an environment where students, from our Peewees to our adults, learn how to handle competition in a way that builds them up rather than tears them down. It’s about developing mental toughness, discipline, and an appreciation for the journey, both on and off the mat.
In Jiu Jitsu, as in life, competition is inevitable. But the way you approach it can shape your experience. At our gym, we encourage students to view competition as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than just a way to measure success. With the right mindset, Jiu Jitsu can teach you how to be competitive in a healthy, sustainable way—one that helps you thrive both on the mat and in life.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re committed to offering a well-rounded grappling experience that goes beyond traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. By incorporating techniques from Judo and wrestling, we’re not only broadening our students’ skill sets but also enhancing their overall effectiveness on the mat. Both disciplines bring unique elements that complement and elevate Jiu Jitsu, providing our students with a more diverse and complete game.
Why Incorporate Judo?
Judo, with its emphasis on balance, leverage, and throws, offers key advantages in transitioning from standing to ground. Many Jiu Jitsu practitioners find themselves starting in positions where both opponents are standing, and Judo provides a structured, efficient way to take the fight to the ground while maintaining control. Classic techniques like hip throws (ogoshi) and sacrifice throws (hikikomi gaeshi) give our students the ability to execute dynamic takedowns with precision and power. By mastering these moves, students learn how to control the momentum of a match right from the start, gaining an edge in competition or self-defense situations.
Why Wrestling Matters
Wrestling’s contribution to our Jiu Jitsu program lies in its unparalleled focus on takedowns, control, and explosiveness. The application of single-leg and double-leg takedowns provides our students with efficient ways to bring their opponents to the mat without compromising their own base or stability. Wrestling also emphasizes positional dominance, which is a key concept in Jiu Jitsu—being able to control your opponent from top positions like side control or mount is crucial to setting up submissions.
Additionally, the grit and work ethic emphasized in wrestling help develop mental toughness, persistence, and the ability to scramble out of tough situations—all important traits for success in Jiu Jitsu.
The Integration at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu
At our gym, we have the unique advantage of having coaches with high-level experience in both Judo and wrestling. Barrett, a former Division 1 wrestler, leads our efforts to incorporate these powerful elements into our curriculum. His expertise in setups, chain wrestling, and transitions ensures that students not only learn the techniques but also understand how to apply them in live rolling situations. For those interested in Judo, we offer classes that explore essential throws and grips, connecting them directly to the Jiu Jitsu game, so students can apply these skills in real time.
We believe that by offering a mix of Judo, wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu, our students develop a more dynamic and adaptable style. Whether you’re competing in tournaments or training for personal development, this integration allows you to be comfortable standing or on the ground, increasing your chances of success in any grappling situation.
The incorporation of Judo and wrestling into our Jiu Jitsu program is about offering the best possible training environment. We want our students to be complete grapplers, capable of handling any position, whether standing or on the ground. By embracing these disciplines, we not only honor the roots of Jiu Jitsu but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in grappling.
If you’re ready to expand your game and learn how to seamlessly blend these powerful arts, join us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Let’s take your training to the next level.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often get asked if there’s a class “for older adults,” especially from people in their 50s or beyond who are just starting out. And while we don’t have a specific class labeled for older adults, we have great news: you won’t need one! Out of the 100 or so adults training with us, only 5 are under 30. That means most of our students are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, training and improving every day.
Jiu Jitsu is a lifelong art. It’s not about brute strength or being the fastest person in the room—it’s about technique, strategy, and patience. Our students, many of whom began their journey in their 40s and 50s, prove that age is no barrier to learning and enjoying the benefits of Jiu Jitsu. The community you’ll find at our school is supportive and understanding, and your training partners will work with you at a pace that suits your fitness and skill level.
If you’re worried about being too old to start, consider this: some of our members are in their 60s and thriving on the mats. Jiu Jitsu provides a fantastic way to stay active, build confidence, and develop self-defense skills—all while being part of a community of people with similar goals.
So, if you’re in your 50’s and wondering if there’s a place for you, the answer is a resounding yes. You’ll fit right in. There’s never a perfect age to start Jiu Jitsu—there’s only the perfect time: now!
This month marks an exciting return to gi training for our youth classes at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu after a summer of nogi training. Students will now have the chance to build upon their nogi skills by adding the intricate techniques of gi training, where grips, fabric control, and different submissions come into play.
To ensure all of our students are ready for this transition, we’re hosting a Gi Swap. Here’s how it works:
Trade: Swap your old gi for one that fits better.
Leave One: Got an extra gi? Leave it for someone else to use.
Take One: If you need a gi, grab one for free from the swap pile.
This is a great way to make sure everyone has what they need, and it reinforces the sense of community we’re building at our gym.
Guardian El Dorado Hills Scholarship for Teens
We’re also proud to offer the Guardian El Dorado Hills scholarship, which provides financial assistance for teen students to train in Jiu Jitsu. This scholarship is part of our commitment to making martial arts accessible to all and helping teens benefit from the physical and mental growth that Jiu Jitsu fosters.
Whether you’re coming back after a summer of nogi or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, we’re excited to support you with the tools and opportunities you need.
If you’ve been thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu, there’s no better time to start than now. Whether you’re from El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Folsom, or anywhere in the greater El Dorado County area, El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu welcomes you to step onto the mats and begin a transformative experience. Our trial program is the perfect way to see what Jiu Jitsu is all about while experiencing the supportive and skilled environment we’ve built over 15 years.
Why Start Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu offers a unique blend of physical and mental development, teaching you self-defense, discipline, and resilience. It’s an incredible workout that challenges your body while sharpening your mind, improving focus, problem-solving, and perseverance. Whether you’re looking for a new fitness routine, a self-defense skill set, or a way to meet new people in the community, Jiu Jitsu provides all of that and more.
Our Trial Program: A No-Risk Way to Begin
We understand that starting something new can be intimidating, especially when it comes to martial arts. That’s why our trial program is designed to make it easy and enjoyable for beginners. With a one-week free trial, you can attend any of our classes for your age and skill level. Whether you’re an adult or want to enroll your child in one of our youth programs, we have classes tailored to everyone—from those completely new to Jiu Jitsu to seasoned practitioners looking to sharpen their skills.
During your trial, you’ll be introduced to fundamental techniques by our experienced instructors, many of whom have years of competition and coaching experience. You’ll also get a sense of our welcoming community, where teammates help each other grow on and off the mats.
Training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize a structured learning environment that focuses on individual growth. For beginners, we’ve developed a standards curriculum that breaks down the essentials of the sport into manageable steps. All students receive weekly technique videos, so you can continue to learn and review outside of class. This system has helped countless students in El Dorado County start their Jiu Jitsu journey with confidence.
Our classes run throughout the day, with options for all levels, including early morning sessions, evening practices, and weekend training. No matter your schedule, we make it easy to find a time that works for you.
Building a Jiu Jitsu Community in El Dorado County
The El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu team is more than just a place to train—it’s a community. People from all over the region, including El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Shingle Springs, and beyond, join us to practice, learn, and grow together. Many of our students in their 30s, 40s, and 50s have found Jiu Jitsu to be a great way to stay active, connect with others, and challenge themselves in a new way.
With our strong community focus, we offer programs and events beyond daily training, including in-house competitions, seminars, and youth camps. Plus, our team often competes at local and national tournaments, where you can support or even participate as you progress.
Start Today
Ready to begin your Jiu Jitsu journey? Visit El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu and take advantage of our trial program to see firsthand what makes our gym a special place to train. No matter where you’re coming from in El Dorado County or the surrounding areas, you’ll find a team that’s ready to welcome you, support your goals, and help you grow through Jiu Jitsu.
Sign up today to start your trial and see why so many people are choosing Jiu Jitsu for their fitness, self-defense, and personal growth. We can’t wait to see you on the mats!
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in fostering a community of martial artists that transcends the walls of our own academy. Whether you’re in town for vacation, work, or visiting family, we welcome drop-ins from all over. Our doors are always open to travelers who want to train, learn, and share knowledge on the mats.
A Space for All Jiu Jitsu Practitioners
No matter where you train, we understand the desire to keep up with your training while away from home. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced practitioner, or a competitor, we invite you to join us for a class. We offer a range of options, from early morning sessions to evening classes, to fit any schedule. Our focus is on creating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable rolling and improving, regardless of their academy or background.
What to Expect as a Drop-In
El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu provides high-quality instruction in a friendly environment. We encourage drop-ins to jump into our classes, participate in our training, and share their own perspectives on the sport. Our coaches and students alike enjoy the chance to train with new faces, offering a great opportunity for cross-academy learning and growth.
If you’re visiting us, here’s what you can expect:
Welcoming Atmosphere: We prioritize creating a positive training environment where everyone feels welcome and included.
Structured Classes: Our curriculum is organized to ensure a great training experience. You’ll jump right into technique drills, positional sparring, and rolling sessions.
Diverse Training Partners: Whether you’re rolling with one of our competitors or someone new to the sport, you’ll find a variety of partners to work with during your visit.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting
If you plan to drop in for a class, we recommend reaching out ahead of time to let us know when you’re coming. This way, we can help make sure you’re prepared with all the details, including our class schedule, visitor fees, and any equipment you may need.
Here’s what to bring:
A clean gi (if you’re attending a gi class) or rash guard (for no-gi).
A positive attitude and a readiness to train.
Your knowledge and enthusiasm to share with the group!
Join Us on the Mats!
Whether you’re in El Dorado Hills for a short stay or just passing through, we’d love to have you on our mats. We believe that Jiu Jitsu is a universal language, and every visitor brings something unique to the academy. If you’re traveling and looking to keep your training going, we invite you to come train with us at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu—where community, learning, and fun are always at the forefront of what we do.
