Photo: Jared Lopper
If you’ve been in Jiu Jitsu for a long enough time, a simple thought will inevitably cross your mind one day: „Should I quit training BJJ?“
And when that question comes to you (and it will come) you need to immediately counter it with another one – do you have a legitimate reason to quit or are you just giving yourself excuses?
WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT QUIT
Excuses are just like flies in the summer – they are everywhere and some of them are bigger and nastier than others. These nastier ones can often disguise themselves as legitimate causes for quitting, so it is imperative for us that we show their true face!
„I AM NOT MAKING PROGRESS“
We all train in order to become better. So, it is reasonable that, after a long period of what does not seem like much of a progress on the mats, a thought of quitting will appear.
Instead, what you need to do is one or all of the following, simple things: focus on the small improvements you make every day (like understanding one position just a little bit better each time you train). Create goals. Ask your professor what you need to put more effort into. Consider taking private lessons.
You can always make progress, if your perspective and focus are in their right place.
INJURIES
Yes, injuries happen and they can be rather annoying to deal with. Furthermore, they can be a source of fear for well-being and therefore a motivation to give up.
Unless you already have one, you can take steps to prevent those fearful „high-level“ injuries: warm up and stretch before and after class, strength train, perform proper technique, tap on time, don’t roll with people who are known to jump guard in a confined space with over 30 people inside…
Injuries can be avoided if you do the right things. Don’t let the fear of „getting really injured“ stop you from doing what you love to do.
WORK/SCHOOL
Sure, we all get overwhelmed by work or school sometimes, and sometimes they require us to miss a training or two. But, ask yourself this – is it really work/school that you’re missing training and considering quitting for (as if, you are working overtime in order to become a CEO or are studying non-stop to get into Harvard), or is it that you’re simply tired from work and want to doze off in front of a TV?
If it is the second case, get off the couch and get rolling.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
BJJ is not cheap and sometimes money just isn’t there. But, before making any decisions, consider your current lifestyle: are there some things that you don’t need to spend as much money on? Jiu Jitsu is a great return on investment, so eliminate unnecessary stuff first.
Also, talk to your professor and ask to help him around the gym. You can always give something in return for his time.
WHEN YOU SHOULD QUIT
However, there certainly are situations when you should actually quit BJJ (if not forever, then for a longer period of time at least). These are:
SERIOUS SICKNESS OR INJURY
Listen to your doctor. Jiu Jitsu is not more important than getting your pneumonia healed up or than avoiding further spine injuries, risking a wheelchair.
Just rest and find other activities to immerse yourself in – your health is most important.
FAMILY
Come on, your newborn kid is much more important than leglocks. Focus on your health and family first, and Jiu Jitsu will come and be beneficial when the time is right for you.
