As someone who's been training Martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu my whole life, I often see the high dropout rate among people in lower belt levels. It’s unfortunate, but it’s a reality that cannot be ignored.

After giving this some thought, I've come to realise that there are several reasons why white belts quit BJJ, and I’d like to share them with you.

1. Unrealistic expectations Many people come into BJJ with high expectations, expecting to learn everything quickly and become experts overnight.

However, this is not the case. BJJ is a complex art, and it takes time, dedication, and consistent training to progress.

It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that progress comes in small steps, not leaps and bounds.

2. The learning curve can be steep BJJ can be challenging and intimidating for new students. White belts are often overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to learn and the physical demands of the sport.

It can be discouraging to feel like you’re not making any progress, but the key is to keep showing up and keep practicing.

3. Lack of consistency Consistency is key in BJJ, and it’s essential to train regularly if you want to make progress.

Many white belts start off strong, but eventually, life gets in the way, and they begin to skip classes. Missing a few classes here and there may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to a loss of motivation and a lack of progress.

4. Injuries BJJ is a physically demanding sport, and injuries are a common occurrence. Unfortunately, some white belts get injured and decide to quit, rather than rehabilitating the injury and returning to training.

Should I Roll In Jiu Jitsu? Blog

It’s essential to take injuries seriously, seek medical attention when necessary, and work with your coach to develop a plan for recovery.

5. Lack of support A supportive training environment is critical for success in BJJ. Unfortunately, some white belts don’t feel supported by their coaches or teammates, and this can lead to a loss of motivation and a decision to quit. 

It’s important to find a school and a team that is welcoming and supportive and to communicate with your coach if you’re struggling. 

As it can be intimidating even walking into a Martial arts or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gm in the first place, just remember that your coaches are there for you. 

There are several reasons why white belts quit BJJ. It’s important to set realistic expectations, be consistent with training, take injuries seriously, find a supportive team.

If you’re a white belt struggling to stay motivated, remember that progress takes time, and it’s essential to keep showing up and practicing. BJJ is a rewarding sport, and with patience and dedication, you can achieve your goals.

Jiu Jitsu Ranking System

How To Stay Motivated As A White Belt

As someone who has been training in Jiu-Jitsu for over 25 years, I understand that staying motivated at any belt can be challenging. Especially when you are new to the sport.

However, there are some key concepts that can help you stay motivated and continue progressing in your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

First and foremost, it's important to set goals for yourself. This can include short-term goals, such as mastering a specific technique, or long-term goals, such as earning a specific belt rank or even competing for the first time.

By setting these goals, you have something to work towards and can track your progress along the way.

Additionally, make sure your goals are realistic and achievable within a reasonable timeframe.

Another way to stay motivated is to track your progress. Keep a notebook or training log where you can record the techniques you've learned, and any victories or setbacks you've experienced. Even if its as simple as what techniques you recently learned in class.

This can help you see how far you've come and remind you of the progress you've made, even on days when you may feel like you're not improving.

Training with a consistent partner or group of partners can also help with motivation. You can work together to set goals and encourage each other along the way.

Additionally, having regular training partners can help you develop trust and familiarity with specific techniques, making it easier to implement them during sparring/ rolling sessions.

Another great way to stay motivated as a white belt is to supplement your in-person training with online resources. For example, Jiu-Jitsu Grappling is an online platform with a wide variety of instructional courses and videos for students of all levels.

How Much Should I Train BJJ? Blog

By taking advantage of online resources, you can continue learning and improving even outside of regular training sessions.

It's also important to remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure you're getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated.

Jiu-Jitsu can be physically demanding, and taking care of your body can help prevent injuries and improve your performance on the mat. 

Additionally, remember to take breaks when needed and not to push yourself too hard, as burnout can quickly lead to a lack of motivation.

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to stay motivated as a white belt is to remember why you started in the first place.

Perhaps you were drawn to Jiu-Jitsu for self-defence, or maybe you were interested in the sport of Jiu Jitsu for competition or maybe you just wanted to learn a new skill.

Whatever your reason, keep it in mind as you train and use it as motivation to continue pushing yourself. 

Just remember we are all going to have those days where we feel like our Jiu Jitsu is just going backward, don't worry, black belts also have those day to. 

Staying motivated as a white belt in Jiu-Jitsu can be challenging, but there are many ways to help yourself stay on track.

Set realistic goals, track your progress, train with consistent partners, supplement your training with online resources, take care of yourself physically and mentally, and that anything in life thats worth achieving does not have an easy road.