Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Child Quit Jiu-Jitsu (or Anything Too Early)

Every parent has been there. Your child starts a new activity—Jiu-Jitsu, piano, soccer, you name it—and within a few weeks (or sometimes days), they say they want to quit. Maybe it’s too hard. Maybe they’re not having fun. Maybe they didn’t win right away or they don’t feel “good” at it. And as a parent, it’s tempting to give in. After all, we don’t want to force our kids to do something they don’t enjoy… right?

But what if letting them quit is doing more harm than good?

Quitting Early Sends a Message That Effort Doesn’t Matter

When we allow our kids to quit something simply because it’s uncomfortable or challenging, we teach them that it’s okay to walk away when things get tough. The problem is, life is tough. School gets hard. Jobs get hard. Relationships get hard. Jiu-Jitsu, like life, is full of setbacks and obstacles. But unlike many other activities, Jiu-Jitsu gives children a safe, structured space to face those obstacles—and overcome them.

When a child learns to stick it out through the difficult moments in class—whether it’s learning how to shrimp, tie their belt, or deal with the emotions of a tough sparring round—they are building mental and emotional resilience. Letting them quit too early short-circuits that growth.

Psychologically, Quitting Can Trigger a Pattern

There’s a deeper layer too. Repeated quitting builds a behavioral loop that sticks: discomfort → avoidance → relief. That relief becomes addictive. Instead of learning that effort leads to improvement, they learn that quitting is the way to escape feeling challenged, anxious, or “not good enough.”

Over time, that mindset can seep into other areas: schoolwork, friendships, future jobs, and more. Kids start to define themselves not by what they can overcome, but by what they avoid.

So What Happens When You Don’t Let Them Quit?

Something incredible.

They struggle. They cry. They whine. But then—they adapt. They realize they’re stronger than they thought. They learn that feelings of failure are just temporary and that growth is on the other side of effort. They develop discipline, pride, and a sense of identity rooted in perseverance, not avoidance.

We’ve seen it over and over again here at Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club. The kids who wanted to quit early on often turn out to be the ones who end up competing, helping coach the younger classes, and becoming the most confident leaders on the mat.

Final Thoughts

If your child is currently training and hitting a rough patch—good. That means they’re learning. Help them push through. Encourage them, support them, and remind them that quitting is not the only option.

And if you’re a parent who’s been thinking about getting your child into Jiu-Jitsu, now is the perfect time to start. Let them experience the challenge, the growth, and the confidence that comes from stepping on the mat and sticking with it.

Enroll your child in a free trial class today at Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club.
📍2120 Jimmy Durante Blvd #121, Del Mar, CA 92014
📞 (858) 265-8982
🌐 www.delmarjiujitsuclub.com

Let’s build grit, confidence, and resilience—one roll at a time.
#DelMarJiuJitsuClub #MoreThanJiuJitsu