If you’re not getting what you want, leave.

I’m honest with my students and remind them that my school isn’t for everyone. Some want to spar hard every night. Some want to show off their skills to white belts. Some want to compete in tournaments and win medals. That’s not what my school is for, and I tell them that.

I heard today from a parent that their kid (one of my students) trains at another school as well. I have no problem with that. It’s a sport school, and they’re providing something I don’t. And if they decide the other school is where they want to be full-time, that’s great.

I never want to convince anyone to stay with me. I offer what I offer, and I believe it’s actually best for everyone, but they need to come to that conclusion themselves.

I think about some school owners, and how they lie to their students to keep them around. One described his strategy on how he uses stripes and belt promotions to keep students. I told him he’s doing them a disservice¹, and he replied, “It’s just business.” He said if it keeps someone active on billing, he’ll keep promoting. He’s promoted people who train ten times a year to purple, brown, and even black belt, because they keep paying. One of these students told me they want to leave, but is afraid of being labeled a traitor, after being promoted.

This makes me think about belts, and how they’re not always helpful on the path of mastery.

If you care that much about belts, your approach to training is wrong.

If you think you need to swear allegiance to someone, you’re going about it wrong.

It’s a hobby. Think carefully about what’s going on. Maybe someone lied to you.