You’re on the mat, pushing through a tough roll. You feel like you could give up at any moment, but you keep pushing yourself and soon enough the round is over. You feel exhilarated and proud of yourself.
But then you start to notice something. Slowly but surely, your training partners are beginning to drop out of Jiu-Jitsu, citing time constraints or just plain burnout as excuses. You may wonder why they don’t see the beauty in the art that you see, or why your own motivation is seemingly everlasting while theirs is waning.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why so many people quit Jiu-Jitsu and how to overcome these hurdles. We’ll discuss the importance of setting goals, finding a community to support you, and more importantly—remembering why it’s all worth it in the end. So grab your gi and let’s get rolling!
What Is Jiu-Jitsu and Why Do People Quit?
Jiu-Jitsu is one of the oldest and most respected martial arts. It emphasizes control, technique, and leverage over strength or size. It can be used in competition or self-defense, and because of its popularity, many people decide to give it a try.
Unfortunately, a number of those same people end up quitting Jiu-Jitsu. Reasons vary; for some, it’s a lack of support from friends or family; for others, it’s a feeling that the training environment isn’t supportive; and still others find that their goals don’t line up with the instructors’ expectations.
Still others find themselves burned out. Months of practice can take its toll on even the most dedicated students and leave them feeling overstretched and exhausted. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to make sure to take breaks every now and then to restore energy and motivation.
Finally, financial constraints may prevent some from continuing with their training—or lead them to switch to a different program or gym that may be cheaper but have fewer resources. Whatever the reason behind leaving Jiu-Jitsu may be, there are ways to overcome those obstacles—especially if you’re passionate about the sport.
The Importance of the Right Gym and Instructor
Selecting the right gym and instructor is key if you want to stick with Jiu-Jitsu. A great gym will have a diverse array of students of all skill levels, a welcoming atmosphere, safe and clean facilities, and top notch instructors. It’s essential to find an instructor who is knowledgeable, patient and motivating.
When it comes to Jiu-Jitsu, the culture of the gym matters just as much as the technique instruction. A good instructor will make sure that everyone feels welcome and respected in the gym—not just the more advanced students. They will also focus on building your confidence in yourself by helping you understand why certain techniques work better than others.
Before joining any gym, take the time to look around and see what kind of environment it is. Speak to current members about their experience with the instructor or head coach; are they supportive and encouraging? Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing – this will help ensure you’ve found an environment where you can grow comfortably as a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner for years to come!
Unrealistic Expectations in Jiu-Jitsu
One of the biggest pitfalls in Jiu-Jitsu is having unrealistic expectations. After all, it takes time to learn a complex art like Jiu-Jitsu – if you try to jump in and expect to be a master immediately, it won’t end well.
Lack of Patience
The main problem is that many people lack patience – they want to achieve success overnight and they give up if they don’t get instant gratification. Unfortunately, this attitude isn’t going to help anyone reach their goals in Jiu-Jitsu. It’s not going to happen overnight—it requires slow and steady progress, which requires focus and dedication.
Unrealistic Goals
Another issue is that many people set unrealistic goals – for example, reaching a black belt in just 6 months or achieving a certain level of proficiency without putting in the necessary hours of practice. This can lead to frustration and disappointment when those goals are inevitably not met.
It’s important for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to set realistic expectations and understand that it takes time and effort for real progress – even for something as simple as learning a few fundamental techniques or mastering one specific kind of defensive technique. With enough patience and dedication, anyone can succeed in Jiu-Jitsu– but you need to take it one step at the time!
The Fear of Being Overwhelmed and Overwhelmed
Are you feeling overwhelmed when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu? You’re not alone. Many people who start the martial art are overcome by the complexity of its techniques and concepts, and feel that they may never make it from white belt to black belt.
This perceived overwhelming nature of Jiu-Jitsu can be a strong enough reason for a lot of people to quit. After all, who wants to feel like they’ll never be good enough?
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid feeling overwhelmed:
- Break down complex concepts into simpler ideas that you can understand more easily.
- Ask your instructor or training partner questions if something doesn’t make sense—Jiu-Jitsu is new to everyone at one point, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!
- Set realistic goals that you can achieve with dedication and practice. Setting too lofty of a goal right away might be difficult to reach and could lead to discouragement.
- Take classes consistently and have fun with your training sessions—remember that learning something new takes time and patience!
Frustration of Not Mastering It Fast Enough
Frustration can be a huge factor when it comes to quitting Jiu-Jitsu. You might expect to immediately grasp the techniques and be able to execute them perfectly—but that’s not how it works. It takes a considerable amount of time and practice to really get comfortable with Jiu-Jitsu, especially since one mistake can lead to your opponent stepping up their game.
You should remember that you can only move at your own pace, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you find yourself feeling frustrated with your progress, focus on the growth you’re making—no matter how small it may seem. Celebrate even the smallest victory and make sure you enjoy the process of learning and mastering Jiu-Jitsu.
Take note of training partners who are more experienced than you and make an effort to learn from them—ask questions, take whatever tips they may offer, and look at their mistakes as learning opportunities for yourself. You’ll come to realize that no one is perfect – even black belts still make mistakes from time to time! You will get there as long as you keep up the hard work and stay positive throughout the journey.
Strategies for Staying Motivated in Jiu-Jitsu
No matter how much you love Jiu-Jitsu, it can be tough to stay motivated. But there are strategies you can use to help prevent quitters remorse and keep your time on the mat both enjoyable and productive.
Make goals
The first thing to do is make a goal—personal, progress-related, or competition-oriented. This gives you a definite aim and helps keep things in perspective. Setting small goals for each training session helps you stay focused and motivated as well.
Set a routine
Having a set routine of when and where to train helps squash the dreaded boredom that often comes with staying motivated over long periods. Working a routine into your already hectic day or week will help make sure Jiu-Jitsu gets done no matter what else is going on that week.
Find the right team/instructor
Finding the right team or instructor can make all the difference in keeping your love of Jiu-Jitsu alive. A great instructor will be able to push you to reach your goals while also making sure that everyone’s having fun. Surrounding yourself with others who are passionate also helps keep things interesting while providing support on the mat and off!
Finally, remember that progress isn’t always linear—there will be days when it feels like you’re not going anywhere, just keep pushing, stay positive, and remember why you started practicing Jiu-Jitsu in the first place!
Conclusion
It’s clear that Jiu-Jitsu can be a difficult sport to get into; it takes dedication and hard work to excel, and it can be intimidating for beginners. But the rewards are worth it. With the right attitude, focus, and effort, you can become a skilled Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and make the most of your time.
If you do find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a good coach and listen to the advice they give you. Make sure you’re stretching and doing drills regularly; you’ll find that your techniques become much more efficient with practice. And finally, don’t give up! Quitting isn’t an option. With persistence and dedication, you’ll find yourself enjoying every minute of your Jiu-Jitsu journey.
You will also want to take advantage of the new instructional series by the legendary Bernardo Faria, Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Bernardo is a five time world champion and one of the most sought after instructors in the world. As one of the sports most accomplished competitors, he has done something that many athletes are unable to do. He has been able to translate his BJJ knowledge in a way that is applicable to EVERYONE. You do not need to be a gifted athlete to benefit from Bernardo’s knowledge. Do not miss this one. You will not be disappointed.
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