Quitting the Martial Arts

Actually, quitting the martial arts is not possible. The martial arts help develop who we are, and they can help shape us into the person we want to be. The lessons and techniques you learn are yours to keep and they will stay with you for the rest of your life. To stop going to your club is another thing, and relatively easy, yet can cause anxiety if not thought through properly.

A martial arts program will be very exciting in the beginning, as all the moves and culture is usually very “new”. This excitement will wear off and should be replaced with a much deeper satisfaction of the knowledge being attained. If this deeper satisfaction doesn’t happen, then either you’re in the wrong club (see Changing Martial Arts Studios), or the martial arts is just not for you.

Can you remember why you started the martial arts in the first place? This is important, as you may have fulfilled your initial reasons, and do not have any more for continuing. This is important for parents to understand, as many children start a martial arts program to help build confidence. As the child’s confidence grows, so does their desire to try other things. Then, with all their new activities, there becomes less and less time for martial arts class, and eventually an end to training altogether. In this case, the martial arts program did its job. The student used the martial arts as a stepping stone to other activities — becoming a black belt was never the goal. A good instructor will understand.

“Great teachers help students to fly, and they can fly higher when the teacher lets go.”

Blake Paterson

A great teacher will be one who is happy for you to continue on your journey. They will understand your desire to do something else with your time, and be proud of your accomplishments.

Ask yourself this question, “Do I usually see things through?” If your desire to quit is part of an ongoing behaviour pattern, then you may want to rethink your decision. Set a short term goal, i.e. next belt level, one more month, etc., and achieve it. Then re-evaluate whether or not you want to stop.

The best thing to do is take an official break from training. If your studio is open to this, congratulations, you’re in a wonderful place that is easy to join, easy to quit, and easy to come back to. This way, later, if you are left wanting more, it is easy to return. If your studio is not open to this, then it’s in your best interest to leave at once. Everyone deserves a break.

And by the way, you should stop paying.

Happy kicking
The Karate Guy