As parents, we’ve all heard it before: “This is too hard,” or “I don’t like it anymore. I want to quit.” It’s a familiar refrain, especially when our kids face challenges that stretch their limits. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), with its intense physical and mental demands, is no exception. But as difficult as it might be to hear these words, it’s an opportunity to teach our children a life-changing lesson: perseverance.
Life is not always sweet and easy. The challenges our kids face on the mat mirror the ones they’ll encounter off the mat—whether it’s in school, relationships, or their future careers. By encouraging them to push through their frustration and fatigue, we’re giving them tools to navigate a world that won’t always cater to their comfort.

The truth is, quitting often seems like the easiest solution when things get tough, but perseverance is what builds champions—not just in sports but in life. Imagine if every successful person quit when things got hard. No state champions, no great leaders, no trailblazers. Wrestling with adversity is how we grow.
One of the most valuable aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is its ability to develop resilience. Kids learn to fail gracefully, adapt to obstacles, and strategize to overcome them. They discover that being “tapped out” is not the end—it’s a moment to reset, refocus, and try again. These are lessons that stick with them long after they leave the gym.
When your child comes to you and says, “I want to quit,” it’s okay to acknowledge their feelings. But it’s equally important to remind them of the bigger picture. Life will bring challenges, and their ability to persevere will determine how they rise above them. As a parent, you have the unique privilege of guiding them through these moments, helping them see that temporary discomfort leads to long-term rewards.
And when words don’t seem enough, sometimes the best response is action. As one parent put it: “That’s when I simply look at them and say, ‘Put your uniform on, and let’s go to class.'”
Your child might not thank you immediately, but years from now, when they’re thriving in their personal and professional lives, they’ll remember the lessons they learned through BJJ. They’ll look back and appreciate the times you pushed them to keep going when they felt like giving up.
So, the next time your child wants to quit, take a deep breath, stay calm, and encourage them to step onto the mat one more time. Because the most valuable lessons in life often come from the hardest battles.