Everyone who trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will tell you that, at one point in time, they’ve had a thought or two about quitting. Be it because of the injuries, (perceived) lack of progress, or whatever else… They were on the verge of turning their back to the Gentle Art.
However, if you muster up the mental strength to keep training in those moments – if you don’t quit – then you’ll be so much more satisfied with yourself.
Zoltan Bathory, founder and rhythm guitarist of heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch – as well as a BJJ and Judo black belt – shared his advice in a recent interview for BJJEE:
Never ever quit! If your life becomes busy and you have to slow down then slow down, but don’t quit.
If you’re forced to take a break then take a break physically but not mentally! You can still watch BJJ videos, you can still keep your mind sharp and your technique intact.
And why should you keep training in the first place? Bathory answers:
If you quit, it’s not just the stamina and the technique that fades away but also your warrior mind state. And once you stop seeing the world as a martial artist, it’s 100% that other areas of your life will also suffer.
Have you ever heard someone say: “My life got so much better after I quit martial arts”? Me neither.
Zoltan Bathory with Royler Gracie as a white and black belt
