Black Belt Regrets: Why Perseverance Matters

Every week I find myself in conversations about karate where someone casually mentions that they regret quitting before earning their black belt. Over time, I started asking what made them stop, and the most common answer surprised me.

The number one reason was simple: it got hard. Instead of persevering and pushing through the challenge, many chose to step away and try something else.

The Challenge of Distractions

Today’s kids are surrounded by distractions. Video games, social media, and endless digital entertainment can make it all too easy to skip class or avoid putting in the work. We often hear parents say, “All he does is sit inside and play games” or “She spends so much time on her phone.”

The reality is that many of our children’s habits are shaped by what we allow. When there are no boundaries, it becomes harder for them to develop discipline and stick to something long enough to see real progress.

Creating Structure and Responsibility

My wife and I made the decision early on to limit distractions for our kids and keep them busy with meaningful activities. For example, our teenage daughter would love to spend her day on her phone, but we put limits in place. She has a set amount of screen time, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. If she wants more, it has to be for educational purposes like DuoLingo, where she now has an incredible 712-day learning streak.

Throughout the year, she works and earns the things she wants. She plays volleyball, runs track, joins drama club, mows lawns, cat-sits, waters plants, and has daily reading requirements. She doesn’t get the option to be idle, but she does get to choose which activities she participates in. The one non-negotiable is that she can never quit just because something gets difficult.

The Lesson Behind the Belt

This is what I want to encourage every parent and student to understand. A black belt is not about the belt itself. In the beginning, it may feel like a cool goal or a badge of honor. But over time, it becomes much more. It’s proof of perseverance. It’s a symbol of learning to face challenges head-on, adapt, and push through obstacles.

The journey to black belt is not meant to be easy. It’s meant to shape resilience, build confidence, and develop the mindset that quitting is not an option when life gets tough.

Final Thoughts

If you or your child are on this path, remember that the hard parts are where the growth happens. Encourage your student to embrace the difficult moments, adapt, and overcome them. The reward is not just a belt, but the lifelong knowledge that they can take on challenges and succeed.

by Aaron Richmond, Owner and Chief Instructor of PKSA Karate Royal Oak