At Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center, testing week is always an exciting time. Students are focused, instructors are cheering them on, and parents are bursting with pride. One of the biggest lessons we teach at our school is that trying your best shouldn’t just happen during testing—it should be a way of life.
We believe that giving your best effort every day builds more than just strong martial artists. It builds strong, confident people. Here’s why:
💡 Belief Starts With Effort
Believing in yourself doesn’t just happen—it’s earned. Every time a student pushes through a challenge, asks a question instead of staying silent, or finishes a drill even when they’re tired, they’re proving to themselves that they can do hard things. The more effort they give, the stronger that belief becomes.
🌱 Self-Esteem Grows From Consistency
Real confidence comes from showing up, even when no one is watching. Whether a student is at the top of their class or just starting out, their self-esteem is shaped by the effort they put in—not just their results. Kids who learn to try their best regularly build self-worth that isn’t shaken by a single mistake or failure.
🗣️ Effort Strengthens Communication
When we give our best, we also communicate more honestly and clearly—with ourselves and with others. At our dojo, students practice explaining techniques, giving peer feedback, and asking for help when needed. These are all acts of effort and courage, and they teach that strong communication is a life skill, not just a classroom skill.
🙌 Honesty and Respect Go Hand-in-Hand With Trying
When a student doesn’t give their best, they know it. So do we. But trying your best is a way to show respect—for your teachers, your training partners, your family, and most importantly, for yourself. It’s also an act of honesty: “I may not be perfect, but I’m giving everything I’ve got.”
📏 Discipline Is Built by Effort, Not Talent
It’s easy to show up when something is fun or exciting—like belt testing. But true discipline means showing up and trying hard even when it’s tough or repetitive. The students who improve the most over time aren’t always the most naturally talented—they’re the ones who stay consistent, focused, and committed to growth.
At Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center, our students aren’t just learning punches, blocks, and throws—they’re learning how to live with purpose. When we teach kids to always try their best, we’re not just helping them earn their next belt. We’re helping them become strong, respectful, honest leaders—on and off the mat.
So keep giving your best. Not just during testing week, but every time you step onto the mat, into school, or into life, because every moment is a chance to grow.