In a world full of distractions, instant gratification, and endless choices, commitment is fast becoming a lost art. And yet, it remains one of the most important qualities any person, young or old, can develop.
As someone who’s been involved in martial arts for over 40 years, I often reflect on how the lessons learned on the mats go far beyond self-defence or physical fitness. The dojo is a classroom for life, a place where discipline, respect, perseverance, and most importantly, commitment, are taught not just in theory, but in practice.
The Culture of Quitting
Today, we live in a society where it’s easier than ever to move on the moment things get difficult. Faced with a challenge, many young people are encouraged, even expected, to give up and try something new. And while exploring different interests is part of growing up, constantly walking away from difficulty does more harm than good.
It’s not uncommon for me to hear parents say, “My child just isn’t interested anymore, so we’re going to try them with something else.” But would that same logic apply if their child decided they weren’t interested in school anymore? Unlikely. In that situation, we’d explain the value of sticking with it, of working through the challenges, and of seeing things through, because we understand the long-term benefit.
So why don’t we apply the same thinking to other aspects of life, like sport, music, or martial arts? Why do we allow quitting to become the default response to adversity?
Commitment Is a Skill
At Stealth, where I taught martial arts for over 20 years, I’ve helped guide over 50 young students to earn their Junior Black Belts, with another five well on track to achieve theirs this year. That journey doesn’t happen overnight. It takes five, six, sometimes seven years of regular training, hard work, setbacks, frustration, and, crucially, perseverance.
These young people have all faced moments when quitting would have been easier. But they didn’t quit. And the result? They’ve not only achieved something very few their age can claim, but they’ve also developed life skills that will stay with them forever.
They are physically fit, emotionally resilient, and socially confident. They make good decisions, they’re not easily led by peer pressure, and they can stand up in front of a room of adults and lead with presence and authority. These aren’t just good students, they’re young leaders in the making.
Creating the Right Environment
Children learn by example and by experience. If we want them to grow into strong, capable adults, we must surround them with environments that reinforce values like discipline, consistency, and responsibility. We must encourage them not just to try new things, but to stick with them when the going gets tough.
At Stealth, that’s the culture we’ve worked hard to build. We don’t just teach kids how to kick and punch, we teach them how to persevere, how to stay the course, and how to grow from failure. And we celebrate the journey just as much as the result.
Because true growth doesn’t come from hopping between activities or looking for the next easy win. It comes from committing to something meaningful, pushing through the hard parts, and emerging stronger on the other side.
A Brighter Future
The young people I work with have bright futures, not because they’re exceptional by nature, but because they’ve developed exceptional habits. Habits of commitment. Habits of resilience. Habits of showing up.
And in a world where those habits are becoming rare, they stand out for all the right reasons.
Craig Smith
Principal Coach, Stealth
40+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Proud Coach of over 50 Junior Black Belts, and counting.