The hardest part is starting
Literally the hardest part about BJJ is starting. Once you’ve made it down to your first session you’re already past that point. Unlike other Martial Arts, BJJ takes a long time to practice and learn. The process is a long grind of practical training and mental strengthening, which ultimately takes you place that can’t be bought with money or reached via cheating the system etc.
Quitting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at white belt is very common, and there are a few consistent reasons why that happens. If you understand these pitfalls, you can avoid them and stick with training long enough to see real progress.
Common Reasons White Belts Quit BJJ:
- Unrealistic Expectations
- Many beginners think they’ll progress quickly or dominate because of prior athletic experience or watching MMA. When the reality hits — that BJJ is humbling and complex — it can be discouraging.
- Frustration with Progress
- BJJ progress is slow and non-linear. You might feel like you’re not improving, especially when you’re constantly getting tapped. But small improvements (like surviving longer or recognising positions) count too.
- Physical Discomfort & Injuries
- Soreness, minor injuries, and the intensity of rolling can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to contact sports. Some people are shocked by how physical BJJ is.
- Ego
- Getting tapped out regularly bruises egos. If you can’t check your ego, BJJ will feel like punishment, not growth.
- Poor Gym Culture or Coaching
- A toxic, overly competitive, or unsafe training environment can drive people away. Same with a coach who doesn’t teach well or support beginners.
- Life Gets in the Way
- BJJ requires a time investment. People often drop out due to changes in schedule, work stress, family obligations, or finances.
How Not to Be a white belt for life:
- Set Realistic Goals
- Don’t aim to be a black belt yet — just aim to show up consistently for the next few months. Focus on learning, not winning.
- Track Your Progress
- Keep a journal of what you’re learning or improving. Celebrate small wins like escaping side control or holding a dominant position.
- Manage Expectations
- Understand that getting tapped is part of learning. Everyone goes through it — even black belts.
- Train Smart, Not Hard
- Avoid injury by tapping early, listening to your body, and focusing on technique over strength. Rest is part of the process.
- Find the Right Gym
- A welcoming, safe, and supportive gym with good instruction and culture makes all the difference. Try different schools if needed.
- Build a Routine
- Treat BJJ like brushing your teeth: something you do regularly, not just when you feel like it.
- Connect with Teammates
- Building relationships on the mat makes training more enjoyable and gives you accountability to keep coming back.
- Stay Curious
- Watch instructionals, ask questions, and try to understand why techniques work. Curiosity fuels long-term interest.
See you on the mats.
Let’s Roll!