We may not remember every single jiu-jitsu class we have had on the mat, but there are a few special classes we will always remember. Yesterday was one of those classes at El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professora Caren Camblin, a black belt under Claudio Franca of Santa Cruz, was in El Dorado Hills to teach a ladies only seminar followed by a seminar for teens and adults.
The ladies only seminar included women from Rocklin, Folsom, Granite Bay, Roseville, Cameron Park, and El Dorado Hills. First time beginners joined the class as well as seasoned veterans with broken in gi's and belts. The seminar began with an introduction that included a discussion on how they got started with jiu-jitsu and what kept them coming back. Professora Caren's special attention to teaching with detail showed as the students quickly grasped the concepts she was showing. In addition to her technical explanation, the seminar included an opportunity to think about the philosophy that accompanies jiu-jitsu, training, and being a woman on the mat. Professora Caren shared with us some very specific positions that would traditionally not be considered as essential positions to know and understand for self-defense.
Just as the jiu-jitsu class for women was a great hit, the teens and adults class was a very fun and exciting experience for everyone. The teens and adults class began with a series of fun warm ups that activated the core, worked on balance, and helped practice a movements pertinent to jiu-jitsu. The theme for the one hour class focused on the idea of "position before submission"and "position before passing." Again, her detailed technical instruction with a focus on explaining and understanding the concept behind the movement/position was very insightful and mind opening.
Her lesson included more than technical instruction. In addition to her detailed explanation of different positions, the class included a deeper sense of understanding of what jiu-jitsu has to offer. How the practice and struggles of jiu-jitsu can be a reflection of our struggles off the mat. How the practice of jiu-jitsu creates a special bond of friendships. And how the practice of jiu-jitsu is the gradual understanding of the philosophy of the gentle art.
Thank you Professora Caren for helping EDH Jiu-Jitsu send a message to our community that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone! We can't wait for your next visit!
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