Understanding the Mystery of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Belt Graduation

   
     Have you been wondering how the belt promotion system in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu works? I've heard and read many different explanations on how to understand the belt promotion system in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Every system or school of thought has a unique way of assessing their students and promoting them to the next belt color. After doing lots of investigating, thinking, and reflecting, I've found Grandmaster Francisco Mansor explanation as a great measuring stick for all those training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

    Think of each belt as an accumulation of points. For each stripe promotion there is roughly 100 points associated. Every activity you are involved in for the betterment of your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu leads to the accumulation of points. (Please note this is not Master Mansor's system but my simple interpretation of it) For example; each training session is one to two points. Each seminar attended is two to three points. Each tournament is two to three points with an additional two to three points for earning a medal at the tournament. Each private lesson is two to three points. If your academy offers other grappling based training classes, that may be incorporated into the general accumulation of points depending on the class and instructors perception. The underlying theme behind the system is that consistency and experience are the only way to progress and validate you promotions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

     At EDH BJJ every students attendance and participation in tournaments, seminars, etc are recorded for each and every student. I randomly selected a few of these cards and assessed where each student was ranked and applied the point system their records. Interestingly enough their progress and point accumulation matched very closely. Thank you Master Mansor for sharing your knowledge and Jiu-Jitsu experiences with us in El Dorado Hills!

Eliot Kelly

EDH Grappling

Wrestling, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu

This Week in BJJ high lights Our Instructor Eliot Kelly

     Our El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Eliot Kelly was featured in a portion of "This Week in BJJ Part 28." The clip featured the finals of the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials in San Diego, CA. Eliot Kelly (YEMASO BJJ) vs Roberto Alencar (Gracie Barra) in the finals of the 202 lbs division. The clip shows both competitors trading advantage points on throws that were nearly completed. Roberto, most often referred to as Tussa, wins the match with about 20 seconds remaining in the match by executing a beautiful fireman's carry. Although Eliot missed the opportunity to step on the top of the podium and win an all expenses paid trip to the Abu Dhabi Pro Championships in April, he did improve on his third place finish from last year.

     Some other notable moments of the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials in San Diego were Eliot defeating Eduardo Telles (99) on Saturday in the semi-finals that put him in the championship finals on Sunday. Although Eliot pulled through the semi-final match with an advantage point, he showed great skill competing against a seasoned veteran and legend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For those who are not in the know, Eduardo Telles is renown for his turtle guard attacks and has published several technique series on his mastery of this unorthodox attacks and counter attacks. 

     Another instructor competitor from El Dorado Hills competing for Yemaso BJJ was Garrett Aldrich. Garrett, also known as Sensei Garrett, instructs the Judo classes and holds a black belt in the martial art. He has some very dynamic throws that he has incorporated into his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, winning the world championships as a white belt in 2010. Congratulations to both competitors for the accomplishments at the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials. We are looking forward to more success in 2013! 

     

EDH Jiujitsu 

(916) 595. 4064

Wrestling, Judo. Jiu Jitsu.

Learn Jiu Jitsu: Total Body Fitness

     El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Martial Arts Academy for kids as young as age 5 and adults willing to learn, train, and strive towards black belt excellence. For those who are new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this art is more than just a martial art. In addition to being a martial art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective forms of self-defense, a comprehensive fitness program, and dynamic sport. Today we are going to explain to you some of the benefits of learning Jiu-Jitsu as a way to enhance your level of fitness. 

     There are many different ways to define fitness. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we often use the phrase "total body fitness,"to help us better understand what the martial art is. Total body Fitness includes strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina. All of these elements are essential to be mastered en route to becoming a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A black belt understands the importance of finding a personal balance with all areas of Total Body Fitness to learn and execute the technical movements. More importantly, total body fitness promotes the martial art student to be aware and assess their body for pain and injury.

Sign up today for a FREE private introduction lesson or our 5 days $5 trial program.

EDH BJJ

(916) 595 4064

Training for Black Belt Excellence!

Coaching Concepts: Understanding Linguistic Psychology as you Teach

     I was listening to a lecture series by Steven Pinker, a researcher of psychology at Harvard University, and realized the importance of word choice while teaching, coaching, or instructing. The lecture was based on linguistic psychology, and focused mostly on how the words and sentences we use are recognized, processed, and interpreted by our minds. When you begin to think about the idea, it's a pretty interesting field of study. When we teach, we use our words to express our thoughts, actions, and explain things to help clarify problematic areas. When we learn, most of us would have difficulty recalling what we heard or read word for word. However, we would be able to explain the content of the subject matter in concepts and ideas. A beautiful example of teaching/coaching/instructing by the use of concepts would be the shampoo bottle:

Wet Hair, Lather, Rinse, Repeat

     We know the "Repeat" doesn't mean continue to do it over and over again. It's a one time process. We also know that "Wet Hair" is a one time process and doesn't need to be redone after the first time. Although the words alone don't form a sentence, it is able to relay the concept it a short and concise manner. The learner is able to understand/interpret the words and carry out the process.
     As instructors of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo and the physical art of grappling it is essential we are able to communicate with our students with effective word choices, and explain the concepts while allowing the students to fill in the blanks and read between the lines.

Eliot Kelly

(916) 595 4064

EDH Grappling

Become An All Star Grappler!

What is Jiu Jitsu?

     What is Jiu Jitsu? I've been asked this question by many people since I started learning the Martial Art. Many people have been exposed to Martial Arts. Some people know about Tae Kwon Do, a Korean based martial art with an emphasis in kicking. Some people know about Karate, an Japanese, Okinawa based martial art with an emphasis in striking. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Martial Art that has an interesting beginning, and in many ways is a hybrid of several different Martial Arts.

     We could take a look at understanding Jiu Jitsu through history, through philosophy, or asking some of the best black belts in the world, but the most real answer might be from asking those that are currently learning the Martial Art. Check out the video below, and see how members of El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu answer the question, "what is jiu jitsu?"

     At EDH, we like to talk about Jiujitsu being more than just a martial art. Instead, it is a lifestyle of training where the lessons and growth on the mat are meant to be carried over into our daily activities off the mat. As we train to improve ourselves, we quickly realize we are also training those around us. Most importantly, we are looking for ways to make a difference. A difference in ourselves, our relationships, and our community. We hope everyone gets to experience and belong to the community of martial artists, devoted to bettering themselves and those around them on and off the mat.

Eliot Kelly

El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

(916) 595 4064

Martial Arts from the Ground Up! 

BJJ Seminar in EDH: All Proceeds to Wounded Veterans

El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will be hosting the first Jiu-Jitsu Seminar of 2013 with Professor Chad Robichaux. This will be Professor Chad's first time teaching in Northern California and El Dorado Hills, CA. Professor Eliot Kelly of EDHBJJ/YEMASO BJJ met Professor Chad while vacationing with the family in Westcliffe, Colorado. Since their first meeting in 2012, they have had the opportunity to share their passion for jiu-jitsu and martial arts and are looking forward to spreading the joy of jiu-jitsu in the el dorado hills and surrounding community, while raising awareness on PTSD and wounded veterans. All members of the Jiu-Jitsu community are invited to attend this seminar on Wednesday, March 6th. Those with no Jiu-Jitsu experience are also invited to join us on the mat for this once in a lifetime experience! 

Learn Jiu-Jitsu and help make a difference!

EDH BJJ

916 595 4064

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Wrestling Dojo: Pursuing Victory with Honor and Integrity

Wrestlers Training at the Wrestling Dojo JAN 2013

     The Wrestling Dojo of EDH Grappling hosted it's second group of wrestlers from 2013 this week. These middle school wrestlers are all competitive wrestlers looking to make some big improvements as they get deep and deeper into the heat of the season. The 1 hour session focused mostly on mat wrestling, using shoulder pressure, and getting the ultimate goal in wrestling, the pin. While coach Eliot Kelly instructed the larger group, coach Beau Weiner had instructed a smaller group rotating every 10 minutes. This allowed for the wrestlers to receive some individualized attention while training in a large group setting.
     In addition to the technical instruction by both coaches, the session emphasized the importance of respect. Respect for themselves, their training partners, coaches, and extending that respect off the mat as well. Respect to teacher's, parent's, family, and women. Although the Wrestling Dojo is a training site for grapplers of all levels to take their training and performance to the next level, the ultimate goal is building citizens of within our community with honor. Our philosophy at the Wrestling Dojo in El Dorado Hills, CA is that training and technical development without respect and honor is the only way to attain victory!

Wrestling Dojo

EDH Grappling

(916) 595 4064