Ten Reasons to Sign Up for the NoGi Tournament this Weekend

     Our NoGi in house tournament clinic is coming up this weekend. If you have been thinking about signing up but haven't yet, here are a few reasons to get your name on the list. There is no particular order of importance to the list.

1. $5 of your registration will go towards the Heart walk in September.

2. Your Jiujitsu will be tested and win or lose, your jiujitsu will improve.

3. You will receive personal feedback from your match. 

4. The referee will be there to protect the safety of the competitors. 

5. The awards were handmade and look really really cool! 

6. If you've never participated in a tournament you should at least do one in your BJJ career. 

7. Win or lose, your motivation to train will become more clear. 

8. Unlike a regular class, you will experience excitement, adrenaline, and learn how to control it.

9. If your friends or family come, they will get to see what real jiujitsu looks like.

10. It helps your instructor see an evaluate your jiujitsu. 

     Even if you don't sign up for the tournament, we highly recommend coming in to watch and support your teammates. Believe it or not, just coming to watch will make an impact on your jiujitsu. Not to mention your teammates will feel supported and appreciate you being there to cheer you on.

EDH Jiujitsu

916.595.4064

The Mat is a Mirror: Jiujitsu Lessons from Professora Caren Camblin

     A few days ago we had the opportunity to host Professora Caren Camblin from Santa Cruz. She taught a women's only jiu-jitsu class followed by a jiujitsu class for teens and adults. This was the first time for El Dorado Hills Jiujitsu to host a female black belt. Here is a little background on Professora Caren Camblin:

     Professora Caren Camblin received her Black Belt from Claudio França in 2010 after 14 years of training. She holds a masters degree in philosophy from Stanford University and her philosophical training deeply influences her approach to practicing and teaching jiu-jitsu.  Her primary interests are in the underlying principles of jiu-jistu, and how the realms of self-defense, art, and sport intersect.  Caren's teaching style is relaxed, collaborative, detail-oriented, and a bit cerebral.  She is forever open to questions and to troubleshooting problems on the spot.

     Caren is a Core Lecturer at University of California, Santa Cruz and she serves on the governing board of the nonprofit Nonviolent Communication Santa Cruz. Her husband, Mike Roberts, is also a Black Belt under Claudio França. 

     One of the concepts Professora Caren Camblin shared with the students during the seminar was on the reflective properties of the mat. The "mat is a mirror" of how you are feeling, your strengths and weaknesses, your frustrations, fears, excitement, pessimism and optimism, your joys and satisfactions, the list goes on. Training and being on the mat is a time of reflection, a time to see who you really are and assess or reflect on the things that you are feeling and going on around you. (I'm probably butchering what Professora Caren said with my limited vocabulary... SORRY Sensei!) Interestingly, this is a concept that is also embraced in the study of Yoga. I've heard some masters say that Jiujitsu has it's origins in India where the Martial Art or lifestyle of training included elements of jiujitsu, yoga, and  medication. (Could anyone help me expand on this?) 

Thank you Professor Caren Camblin for sharing with us the lifestyle of Brazilian Jiujitsu. We look forward to seeing you again soon! 

Eliot Kelly

916.595.4064

EDH Jiujitsu

Self Defense and Jiu-Jitsu for Women Seminar in El Dorado Hills with Professora Caren Camblin

     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!

EDH Jiu-Jitsu 

916.595.4064

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, Taekwondo, or Jiu-jitsu, which is Best?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, Taekwondo, or Jiu-jitsu, which is Best?

This is an article full of shopping advice. If you’re shopping for a martial arts school, for training, then you’ve come to the right place.

Professor Eliot teaching Kids NoGi in 2011

I’ve been studying the martial arts since I was in 6th grade, I’m a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, I wrestled at UC Davis, a division 1 school, and have had the opportunity to work at some of the most prestigious wrestling camps in the country. In addition to training martial arts, I teach. I'm currently working towards a Masters degree in teaching Japanese as a foreign language and have been a teacher, teacher's assistant, and tutor for more than 10 years.

Here are three piece of advice for you, regardless of the kind of martial arts you might be interested in:

• It’s the coach, the teacher, that makes the “style,” not the other way around. Look for a coach you respect, look for a teacher you feel you have rapport with. If a martial arts teacher treats you poorly, leave. If he or she treats you with respect, you might be in the right place.

• Find a teacher that has a kind of training that speaks to the kind of training you like to do (or think you would like to do). If the class is too easy or too slow for you, say so. If it’s too hard core, consider finding another teacher (or at least address the issue with the instructor). Some teachers will use apparatus to train, some will only need mats or mirrors or a hardwood floor.  If you have the luxury of choices, then choose a kind of training that fits your fitness level and interests.

• Every good school offers and introductory program that allows prospective students to try classes before they enroll. If a school does not offer a free trial class or classes, don't enroll.

(Note: Click this link or call this phone number 916.595.4064 to get a one-week free trial program at our school)

• Don’t sign any sort of long term contract for lessons with an instructor until you know him or her very, very well. If you know the teacher, go ahead and support them. If you don’t know the teacher, simply wait until you do. If a school owner tries to pressure you into a long term or high ticket contract, find somewhere else to spend your money.

In the end, in today’s world, most martial arts teach many of the same things. Remember however, it’s not “the martial art” that teaches you, it’s the teacher. Look to his or her experience and demeanor before you look at the style.

See you on the mat!

EDH Jiu-Jitsu

916.595.4064

Professora Caren Camblin: Visiting Black Belt on Tuesday, August 20th El Dorado Hills, CA

     On Tuesday, August 20th, El Dorado Hills Jiu-Jitsu will be hosting Professora Caren Camblin to teach a ladies only class from 6:00-7:30. All who might have the slightest interest in Martial Arts, Self-defense, Fitness, and Health should make this a priority for the evening. It will be an experience to treasure. 

     Professora Caren Camblin received her Black Belt from Claudio França in 2010 after 14 years of training. She holds a masters degree in philosophy from Stanford University and her philosophical training deeply influences her approach to practicing and teaching jiu-jitsu.  Her primary interests are in the underlying principles of jiu-jistu, and how the realms of self-defense, art, and sport intersect.  Caren's teaching style is relaxed, collaborative, detail-oriented, and a bit cerebral.  She is forever open to questions and to troubleshooting problems on the spot.

     Caren is a Core Lecturer at University of California, Santa Cruz and she serves on the governing board of the nonprofit Nonviolent Communication Santa Cruz. Her husband, Mike Roberts, is also a Black Belt under Claudio França. 

For more information contact EDH Jiu-Jitsu at 916.595.4064 See you on the mat! 

Bullyproof Transformation with Jiu-Jitsu: Thank you for sharing Rener and Ryron!

     Austin McDaniel is a 14-year old boy from Indiana who loves video games and electric guitar. He gets good grades, has loving parents, and is kind to others. On one fateful day in September 2012, he had his dignity ripped away by a heartless bully who viscously assaulted him at school in front of his peers. Austin was choked from behind and subsequently knocked unconscious by a barrage of punches to the face...all of which was caught on camera by the school's security surveillance system. 

     After seeing the footage of the assault, Rener Gracie reached out to the McDaniel family to invite them to come to California so that Austin could rebuild what was taken from him during the attack. They accepted the offer, and in this short documentary you will witness the transformation that took place over a single week of intensive training (20+ hours of instruction) at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in June of 2013. 

     Before the assault, Austin didn't think it was possible for someone to be kind, courteous, and respectful while ALSO being strong, confident, and assertive. Now he knows otherwise. Learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has given him the confidence to take a stand against bullies and the technique to defend himself non-violently should he ever need to. 

     Every time a child commits suicide as a result of bullying, it could have been avoided. Please help us save lives by sharing this video with parents everywhere. 

     To learn how you can empower your child from home, or to find a Certified Gracie Bullyproof Training Center near you, visithttp://www.GracieBullyproof.com

     EDH Jiu-Jitsu supports every student in the area who is in need of help. As we begin another new school year we want everyone to know that there is nothing worse than a child afraid of going to school. We would like to support the local teachers and administrators in helping build a student body of confidence, safety, and happiness. All students in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Jackson, Cameron Park, Rancho Cordova, Shingle Springs, Granite Bay, Plymouth, and in general the greater Sacramento area, we would like to help and support your child's well being.

     For more information on EDH Jiu-Jitsu visit http://www.edhbjj.com or give us a call 916.595.4064

916.595.4064

EDH Jiu-Jitsu 

Female Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt: Caren Camblin in El Dorado Hills this Tuesday

All ladies living in the Sacramento area, heads up: 

This Tuesday, August 20th, El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be hosting a guest Female instructor. This will be a unique opportunity for everyone in the area to learn from a Female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt! 

EDH Jiu-Jitsu (www.edhBJJ.com) will be hosting Caren Camblin from Santa Cruz, CA. She holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is one of the instructors at Claudio Franca's academy.

She holds an MA in philosophy from Stanford University and is a lecturer at UCSC.

Her jiu-jitsu classes offer practical drills, core-strength conditioning, and instruction tailored to students’ needs. 

ALL Ladies: Mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins are encouraged to participate in this FEMALE ONLY event! YES! A class for women by women! Even if Jiu-Jitsu is "NOT MY THING" this will be a unique and special event to take part in. 

Here are the details: 
WHEN: Tuesday, August 20
WHERE: El Dorado Hills, CA 
TIME:
     Ladies only 6:00-7:30 
     Adults 7:30-8:30 
     Social Hour: 9:00 (Relish Bar & Grill)

PRICE: FREE (Donations go 100% towards Caren)  

EDH Jiu-Jitsu 

916.595.4064