The Power of Perseverance in BJJ

In a bustling academy in Colorado Springs, the echoes of students learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu filled the air. Among the students was Lucas, a boy who had initially embraced every challenge with energy and determination. He wasn't alone; his journey was shared with others, each bringing their own personality and spirit to the mats.

Professor Alec, the head instructor and a respected Professor, was known not only for his technical skills but also for his wisdom and compassion. He had a keen eye for his students' struggles and triumphs. Olivia, a fierce competitor with a kind heart, often helped new students acclimate, her laughter and encouragement a constant presence in the academy. Charlotte was meticulous—she drilled every move until it was perfect, her precision often admired by others. Then there was Adam, the youngest of the group, whose unyielding spirit and curiosity made him a favorite among his peers.

Lucas, despite his initial enthusiasm, began to struggle as the training grew tougher. He loved learning new moves and techniques, but when it came time to roll—to spar—he found himself constantly outmatched. Every time he stepped onto the mat, he faced opponents who seemed faster, stronger, and more skilled. He would tap out again and again, each loss chipping away at his confidence. “It’s just too hard,” he would say, shaking his head after another round. His frustration mounted until one day he decided he wanted to quit.

Lucas’s mother, Emily, had been supportive when he first joined the academy. But as she watched her son become more and more disheartened, she began to waver. “Maybe it’s just not the right time for him,” she told herself. When Lucas came to her, saying he wanted to quit, she hesitated but eventually agreed. “If it’s too hard, maybe we can find something else for you,” she said gently, wanting to protect her son from the pain of failure.

Professor Alec and Adam were the first to hear about Lucas’s decision. They were saddened by the news. “He thinks it’s too hard,” Adam told Professor Alec, the head instructor. Professor Alec sighed deeply. He had seen it before—a student overwhelmed by the struggle, choosing to walk away instead of facing the difficulty.

Later that day, as Emily came to pick up Lucas, Professor Alec approached her. “Emily, I understand why you might want Lucas to step away,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “But I want you to consider something. Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about learning how to fight—it’s about learning how not to give up when things get tough. If we teach Lucas that it’s okay to quit whenever something feels hard, we’re not setting him up for success in life.”

Emily frowned, a mixture of concern and guilt crossing her face. “I just don’t want to see him so frustrated,” she said. “It breaks my heart.”

Professor Alec nodded. “I get it. But the frustration is part of the process. Every single person on this mat has felt that way at some point. The difference is in how we respond to it. We can let it break us, or we can push through it and grow stronger.”

Emily looked over at Lucas, who was watching his friends roll, his expression a mix of longing and hesitation. “Just give it a bit more time,” Professor Alec added gently. “Let’s help Lucas see that he’s stronger than he thinks.”

Emily hesitated, then finally nodded. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll talk to him.”

Later, as Lucas sat on the bench, watching his friends train, Emily approached him. “You know, Lucas,” she began, “Professor Alec thinks you should keep trying. And I think he might be right. It’s okay to be frustrated, but I don’t want you to give up just because it’s hard. You’ve come so far already.”

Lucas looked at the mat, then back at his friends. He hesitated, the weight of his decision clear on his face. But in that moment, something changed. He realized that quitting wouldn’t make life any easier. It would only take away his chance to grow, to learn, to become stronger. He nodded slowly and smiled. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll stay.”

A few claps echoed through the academy as Lucas stepped back onto the mat, his friends giving him nods of encouragement, ready to face the challenges ahead.

The Lesson

The story of Lucas and his friends teaches us that the true value of Jiu-Jitsu—and life—lies in facing challenges, not avoiding them. It’s easy to walk away when things get tough, but real growth comes from perseverance. When we teach children (and ourselves) that it’s okay to quit just because something is hard, we rob them of the opportunity to grow stronger. Embrace the struggle, stay on the mat, and you’ll discover just how resilient you can be.

The hardest battles often bring the greatest rewards. Stay, struggle, and grow—on the mats and in life.