Persistence Over Talent: What Karate and BJJ Teach Us About Success

In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell explores what makes people successful. One of the most powerful ideas he shares is that the difference between someone who solves a hard math problem and someone who doesn't often comes down to one thing: how long they're willing to stick with it. Success, he argues, isn't about raw intelligence, it's about persistence.

That mindset applies perfectly to martial arts. Especially Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

In Karate, we see this all the time. A student struggles to learn a kata. Their kicks are off, their rhythm feels awkward, and they can't remember the sequence. But the ones who improve aren't always the most athletic. They're the ones who keep coming back, asking questions, repeating the moves until things begin to click.

In BJJ, it might take months before a sweep works in live rolling. New students can feel lost trying to remember techniques, transitions, or escapes. But those who stick with it—who show up, fail, adjust, and try again—start to see results. Not because they're naturals, but because they refused to give up.

Gladwell references a study where students were given a nearly impossible math problem, not to test whether they could solve it, but to see how long they'd try. The longer they stuck with the problem, the more likely they were to succeed. The lesson is simple but powerful: the willingness to persist is often more important than ability.

Karate and BJJ both give students a space to develop that kind of mindset. They teach us how to struggle productively, how to stay focused under pressure, and how to keep working even when progress feels slow.

So whether you're battling with a kata or stuck in side control, remember—your breakthrough may be just one more attempt away. Stick with it. That's where the real growth happens.

Looking for karate in Maple/Vaughan/King City

or Woodbridge? At NKS Maple, we offer a variety of programs for kids, teens, and adults, including traditional karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve fitness, or learn practical self-defense, our programs provide a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Book a free trial class and experience it for yourself!