Why Do So Many Blue Belts Quit Jiu Jitsu?

The blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu signifies progress, it can feel like a big leap as you take this step beyond the novice white belt stage. Yet, for many, it's where the journey ends. Why do so many blue belts tap out on their hobby at this point? After all, It takes a good amount of time to get a blue belt.

I've been there. I remember the mix of excitement and frustration that comes with being a blue belt. The initial thrill of your first big promotion quickly fades for many reasons, and this is when many people quit BJJ.

Why Blue Belts Consider Quitting Jiu Jitsu

The blue belt phase presents distinct challenges, often leading practitioners to contemplate quitting jiu jitsu. One common reason is the feeling of plateauing.

The Plateau Is Real

As a white belt, every class felt like a revelation. You were constantly learning and progressing quickly. At blue belt, these gains feel smaller. This plateau is enough to make many frustrated enough to not show up anymore.

The gains shift from rapid to slow, which some mistake as stagnation. It is common for people quit at this belt level.

Increased Intensity and Pressure

The training environment also intensifies. White belts look up to you, putting you in a mentorship position. This can cause stress if you're considering quitting due to low self-esteem.

Meanwhile, you also realize that many of the higher belts (purple belt, brown belt, and black belt ranks) were taking it easy on you as a white belt, making you feel like maybe you aren't as good as you thought you were.

Self-Doubt Creeps In

Many blue belts compare themselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Thoughts like, "I'm just not cut out for this" become common. One of the main reasons blue belts quit is due to imposter syndrome. This belt takes a long time for some.

The consistent feeling of defeat overshadows potential and past wins. People quit for personal life reasons too.

You Think You Know It All

Another common reason that blue belts quit is they coveted the blue belt so much as a white belt they considered it an advanced rank. Because of this they don't feel like they have much more to learn or that they have a good enough understanding of jiu jitsu to defend themselves on the street.

Well, news flash - your blue belt is just a glorified white belt. Truth hurts, doesn't it? This realization is also a reason blue belts quit.

Overcoming the Blue Belt Blues and Pushing Through

How do you navigate these waters and push past the nagging feeling of quitting? The key is to shift your mindset and approach training. At the blue belt level, success shifts from submissions and rapid progress to resilience, discipline, and grit. Many reasons people quit can be tied to mindset.

Stop Showing Up, Start Training With Intention

Transitioning from just showing up to training with intention makes a difference. This means setting realistic goals. For instance, target specific areas for progress or getting better at certain positions or situations like guard retention or closed guard.

Think about the positions that give you the most trouble. Then, plan each practice and sparring session with improving in those areas as the primary focus.

When I was at blue belt I would have monthly "themes" where I would really try and hyper focus on either getting to a specific position or finishing a specific technique. While of course I would take anything obvious that I saw in the meantime, but the main goal always remained the same. I would even tell my training partners what I wanted to do sometimes if I wanted more of a challenge - "Hey, I'm going to try and armbar you from closed guard - try and stop it".

Embrace the Grind, Not Just Showing Up to BJJ

Jiu Jitsu becomes a grind, especially when gains slow or halt. Focus on improving your lifestyle alongside BJJ training. How a blue belt takes it will be personal to them. Jiu jitsu is a martial art and martial arts training takes consistent regular training.

Consistency is key to pushing through. Make Jiu Jitsu a habit to minimize reasons for quitting.

One of my favorite quotes is "if you are tired, then do it tired".

I think there is a lot to be said in that quote, we can make an excuse every day if we want on why we can't make it to class. But I guarantee you can find a way to get there more often than not and I can also guarantee you'll most likely thank yourself afterwards for going.

Put on your jiu jitsu gi and train.

Conclusion

As you know quitting BJJ when you reach blue belt is a common thought. But it's something you can get through. By changing your perspective and finding enjoyment in training with personalized goals, you can overcome the blue belt blues. You're not alone in this feeling as you can see why blue belts quit.

There are many reasons why blue belts quit. Hopefully the tips in this post can get you through. You may have heard this before, but remember every black belt was once a white belt - and the same can be said that every black belt was also once a struggling blue belt.

But remember, It's about more than the belt promotion, it's about the journey.