Determination & Perseverance: The Power Twins of Martial Arts

Kristine Jones • December 10, 2025

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Cartoon kids practicing Karate and BJJ, showing determination and perseverance on the dojo mats.

In every Karate stance and every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu position, two invisible forces are always at work: determination and perseverance. Determination is the decision to keep going even when something feels new, scary, or challenging. Perseverance is the ability to stick with that decision day after day — especially when progress feels slow. Together, they create students who don’t just train harder… they grow stronger in character.


You can see determination the very first time a child steps onto the mat. Maybe they’re nervous about trying a new kick in Karate or unsure how to escape side control in BJJ. But they try anyway, even if they wobble or fall. That moment — the “I’m going to do this” moment — is determination. It’s the spark. And every time they choose to try again, even after making a mistake, they’re building a habit that will follow them long after class ends.


Perseverance shows up in the small battles that students face every week. Like practicing their kata until it flows smoothly, even when they want to stop. Or drilling a sweep in BJJ over and over until their timing finally clicks. Perseverance is what gets a student through a stripe test, a belt promotion cycle, or a challenging class where everything feels “off.” It reminds them that mastery isn’t about being perfect — it’s about refusing to quit.


Every student has goals, and determination and perseverance are the tools that turn those goals into reality. A white belt in Karate might dream of earning their yellow belt. A young BJJ athlete might set a goal to escape mount without panicking. These goals don’t happen overnight, but they do happen through steady effort. Encourage your child to set simple weekly goals like: “I will practice my front kick ten times every day” or “I will try the hip escape three times during open mat.” Small steps lead to big victories.



In the end, martial arts teaches kids that success isn’t about being the fastest or the strongest — it’s about being the one who keeps showing up, keeps trying, and keeps believing in themselves. Determination gets them started. Perseverance gets them to the finish line. And together, they help build confident, resilient, unstoppable young martial artists.

By Kristine Jones December 11, 2025
At The Pound, we’re passionate about helping children grow into confident, focused, and resilient individuals. What many parents don’t realize is that our entire program is built on neuroscience—the science of how the brain develops and learns. This means every drill, every interaction, and every class experience is designed not just to teach martial arts skills, but also to support your child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Here’s a look at how neuroscience shapes what we do—and why it matters to your child’s success. The Science Behind SKILLZ Children’s brains grow rapidly during childhood and adolescence. The right activities can strengthen neural pathways for improved focus, coordination, confidence, self-control, and problem-solving. That’s why SKILLZ uses age-specific drills grounded in developmental neuroscience.  Our curriculum intentionally activates four key “happy brain chemicals” that support learning and well-being: Dopamine – The Motivation Chemical Dopamine is released when your child experiences success. Our drills are built with quick wins and achievable challenges so students stay motivated, excited, and eager to learn. Oxytocin – The Connection Chemical Oxytocin is produced when children feel safe, connected, and valued. Our instructors intentionally build trust, create bonding moments, and maintain a nurturing environment so children feel comfortable trying new things. Serotonin – The Confidence Chemical Serotonin increases when children feel capable and supported. Through positive feedback, skill progressions, and leadership opportunities, we help boost their confidence and emotional stability. Endorphins – The Joy Chemical Endorphins are released during physical activity and fun challenges. Our playful, energetic training style keeps kids smiling while reducing stress and increasing resilience. When these neurochemicals are activated, children learn faster, behave better, stay more engaged, and enjoy the process of growth. Why This Matters for Your Child Integrating neuroscience into martial arts training has powerful benefits: Improved focus, concentration, and listening skills Greater self-confidence and emotional regulation Enhanced social skills through positive relationships Stronger memory retention and faster skill development More motivation and enthusiasm for learning Parents often tell us, “I see changes in my child not only in class, but at home and school too!” That’s the neuroscience at work. SKILLZ: More Than Just Martial Arts While many programs teach kicks and punches, SKILLZ is different. We teach the whole child. Our instructors are trained in child development, brain science, and age-specific teaching methods so they can bring out the best in every student. Every drill, every class, every mat chat has a purpose. Your child isn’t just learning martial arts—they’re building the brain connections needed for lifelong success. Join Us on the Journey We’re committed to helping your child thrive—physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. With neuroscience as our foundation, SKILLZ gives your child the tools to grow into their best self. If you have any questions about how our brain-based approach works or how it benefits your child, we’re always here to help!
By Kristine Jones December 10, 2025
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