What to expect when you step into Eldorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

     When you walk into El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you will immediately realize that you have stepped into a place unlike any other in the area. There are five things you will notice when you step inside out 1,100 sqr foot studio. The level of energy, level of respect, attention to details, friendship, lifestyle approach to jiu jitsu is unlike any other place around. If you don't believe us, come see your yourself, mention this article and you will get a free session of training for that day!
ENERGY
     Do you need more energy? Are you tired or stressed out and have difficulty sleeping at night? Then you need to be on the mat. When you walk into the studio you will experience another meaning of energy. It's not a joke when we say our warm up is your work out. We have a very high energy training designed to get rid of stress and give you healthier energy levels through out your day.
RESPECT
     These days it's easier and easier to walk into a store or meet new people without ever being acknowledged. That will never happen at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. Every person is treated with respect when they walk in the door. It's not easy to walk into a new place with new people and try something new. We respect your decision to live a healthier, stronger life and will treat you with respect when you come into our dojo. (On another note, please don't walk into our studio with your chin up and chest out, we will probably ask you to never come back.)
DETAILS
     We believe that technique that can be applied under the most stressful situations is the greatest neutralizer of all. Not only are we constantly seeking out the best way to improve a flaw, but also focus on laying a solid foundation in the fundamentals. Our fundamentals class is designed for beginners to be introduced to jiu jitsu in a fun and challenging way while allowing those that have been involved with the martial art to perfect something they have already learned. The more experienced students are expected to mentor and guide the newer, less experienced to assist with their learning.
FRIENDSHIP
     What is the point in spending hours, days, months, and years in the same facility if you never get to know the person you are training with. The people we train with are training partner, not training opponents and therefore it's essential that we approach our training sessions as an opportunity to develop life lasting friendships with one another. In addition to some very intense training sessions, we have a few social events planned throughout the year. In addition to Jiu Jitsu tournaments, jiu jitsu seminars, and jiu jitsu training sessions, we also have a weekly social hour at a local pub and several pot luck events for all family members to participate in!
LIFESTYLE
     Ultimately, we believe that jiu jitsu is our life work. A product we continue to transform, mold, adapt, and reform over our lifetime. Therefore we continue to live our lifestyle around training and challenging ourselves on the mat, and realizing each day how we can implement those lessons from the mat into our daily life off the mat. This lifestyle approach is a unique concept we have been developing in El Dorado Hills over the last several years. As a result of stepping up to the jiu jitsu lifestyle we have students who have had life transforming weight loss testimonials, physical health transformations, mental health transformations, and most importantly a support network of people who are dependable and trustworthy.

El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu 

916 595 4064

Learn, Train, Make a difference

Why do we Bow in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

       This past weekend I was at the Grappling X Tournament in Elk Grove where there were many exciting gi and no-gi matches. In addition to some exciting moves, one thing that stood out from that day was the act of bowing. Some chose to bow and some didn't. It seemed many didn't really understand the significance of bowing. A few years ago I would have said that bowing didn't matter, and I didn't think much of bowing. However, a few recent experiences have helped change my perspective.

        At the high school in Japan where I taught English and coached wrestling, the wrestling club practiced alongside the Kendo Club. In general, Kendo clubs are known for being very meticulous about following protocol. I remember one time when a young student neglected to bow to one of the visiting teachers. That student ended up receiving a harsh lecture on bowing for a solid hour. In many Japanese Martial Arts, especially in Kendo, there is a phrase, "start with a bow and end with a bow"「礼」にはじまり「礼」に終わる. People explain that it is not enough to just remember to bow. Rather, it is important to have the spirit or feeling of respect and honor while doing so. Many similarities can be drawn between Jiu-Jitsu and Kendo.

        Jiu-Jitsu, like kendo, began as a Military Art with one objective, destroy your opponent. Over the years Jiu-Jitsu has changed into a Martial Art, a Self Defense, a way to build people with integrity and strengthen the body, mind and spirit. Going at it only with the intentions of obliterating your opponent would be uncivilized, and might as well be the same as a violent fistfight. Therefore, in Jiu-Jitsu, where character building is the emphasis, following proper etiquette is a must. 

Obviously, bowing is an important way to show your respect toward someone.  The act of bowing is also a way to quickly adjust your mind, body, spirit, and attitude. It is said that your body reflects your state of mind and spirit, and that the feeling of respect can be communicated through your bow. In Japan, where bowing goes hand in hand with greetings, bowing is considered a requirement for all human relationships. Bowing should not only reflect a sense of respect to your training partner, but also your thankfulness for your instructor, training grounds, and even to yourself and where you are in your daily life.

At the Grappling X Tournament some competitors would slap the mat out of frustration in defeat, and some would slap the mat and cheer out of joy for victory. Doing this would be looked down upon in many Japanese Martial Arts or not be tolerated at all. The reasoning behind this is that you should never forget to feel thankful and remain respectful towards your opponent who tried their very best in competition and trained with just as much emotional intensity for your battle.

From a layman's perspective, Jiu-Jitsu is a contest where two people are trying to break each others limbs or choke each other out. The reason Jiu-Jitsu is able to remain a contest and not turn into a brawl or quarrel is because the act of bowing is included. The bow signifies a spirit of mutual agreement to train together and make each other better. Since there exists a feeling of mutual modesty and humility, people are able to go at it with the utmost intensity and at the same time have no intention of hurting each other. 

        Some may say that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a Japanese Martial Art and therefore you don't have to bow. If that's the case I recommend you go back to the top of the page and read the article again! 

Eliot Kelly

916-595-4064

www.edhbjj.com