As parents, we’ve all been there. Our child starts something new with enthusiasm and excitement, only to lose interest when the novelty wears off or when things get challenging. It’s no different with martial arts. One of the most common concerns we hear from parents is this: “I want my child to stay in the martial arts program because I know it’s good for them long term, but they don’t want to continue.”
In moments like these, it can be difficult to know the right decision. You don’t want to push your child too hard, but you also know that quitting prematurely might rob them of valuable life lessons and growth opportunities. Let’s explore why sticking with martial arts, even when your child wants to quit, is one of the best decisions you can make for their long-term development.
The Benefits of Martial Arts Go Beyond the Mat
Martial arts is about so much more than learning punches and kicks. It teaches discipline, perseverance, focus, and respect—qualities that are critical for success in school, relationships, and future careers. It helps children build confidence, resilience, and the ability to tackle challenges head-on. These skills and values don’t develop overnight; they require time, practice, and a commitment to the journey.
When a child wants to quit, it’s often because they’re facing difficulty or boredom. They might be struggling with a new technique, feeling intimidated by a test, or simply not feeling as motivated as they once did. But this is where the true magic of martial arts happens. By encouraging your child to persevere, you’re teaching them that challenges are not roadblocks—they’re opportunities for growth.
The Power of Parental Guidance
As parents, it’s our job to make decisions that our children might not always agree with in the moment. We’re not just raising kids; we’re shaping future adults. That means guiding them through temporary discomfort to achieve long-term success and happiness. There are many things we ask our children to do because we know they’re important for their well-being, even if they don’t fully understand at the time—eating vegetables, going to school, getting enough sleep. Sticking with martial arts falls into the same category.
Quitting because something feels hard or less exciting isn’t a lesson we want to teach our children. Instead, we want to show them the value of perseverance, commitment, and seeing things through. These lessons will serve them far beyond their time in martial arts.
Trust the Process—They’ll Thank You Later
It’s natural to worry about pushing your child too hard. But consider this: many adults look back on their childhood and appreciate the moments when their parents didn’t let them quit. Whether it was piano lessons, sports, or academics, they recognize the value of the experiences their parents encouraged them to stick with. Your child might not thank you today, but one day, they’ll understand that your decision to keep them in martial arts wasn’t about forcing them to do something they didn’t want to do. It was about believing in their potential and setting them up for success.
How to Support Your Child Through the Struggle
If your child is expressing a desire to quit martial arts, here are a few ways you can support them while reinforcing the importance of commitment:
1. Listen to Their Concerns: Ask your child why they want to quit and acknowledge their feelings. Sometimes, simply feeling heard can make a big difference.
2. Set Short-Term Goals: Help your child focus on the next milestone, like earning their next belt. Breaking the journey into smaller steps can make it feel less overwhelming.
3. Remind Them of Their Achievements: Celebrate how far they’ve already come and remind them of the skills they’ve learned and the confidence they’ve gained.
4. Be a Role Model: Share examples of times when you pushed through challenges and the positive outcomes that followed.
5. Communicate with Their Instructor: Martial arts instructors are experienced in helping students overcome these moments of doubt. They can work with your child to re-engage and motivate them.
A Gift for Life
Martial arts isn’t just an activity; it’s an investment in your child’s character and future. By keeping them enrolled, even when they’re resistant, you’re giving them the gift of resilience, self-discipline, and confidence. Trust that one day, they’ll look back and appreciate your unwavering belief in their potential.
Remember, parenting isn’t about making decisions that are always easy or popular. It’s about making the right decisions for your child’s growth and future. Staying the course in martial arts is one of those decisions, and we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Master Steve Holly is the Co-Owner and Chief Instructor at Family Kicks Championship Martial Arts in Lewisville, NC. If you would like more information on his school, or if you have additional questions on finding the right martial arts school, you can email him at [email protected] or you can visit his school’s website at FamilyKicksCMA.com.