What to Do When Things Don’t Go to Plan: A Lesson in Resilience and Confidence

As a parent, you’ve probably seen your child face moments when things don’t go as planned (I know I have). It’s a universal experience—whether it’s a school project, a sports match, or a friendship that hits a bump in the road.

These challenges can leave children feeling frustrated, upset, or even defeated. But the truth is, those are the exact moments where the real lessons lie.

I’ve recently had one of those moments myself, and it reminded me just how important resilience and confidence are—skills we teach daily in our judo classes for children in Woking and Guildford.

My Story: The Great South Run That Didn’t Go to Plan

A few weeks ago, I was set to run The Great South Run—a 10-mile race. Now, I’m no stranger to physical challenges. I used to be a full-time judo athlete, but let’s just say I’m 25kg heavier these days, and running long distances isn’t exactly my strength anymore!

Leading up to the event, my training wasn’t ideal.

Every time I ran, my calf muscles would tighten up, and eventually, I couldn’t run at all.

Determined to figure it out, I visited my physio regularly. We worked together on exercises, stretches, and assessments to correct the problem. It wasn’t an overnight fix. We discovered my running shoes were contributing to the issue, and while new trainers helped, it was the consistent work with my physio that made running bearable again.

But here’s the kicker—just when I’d started making progress and was ready to face the 10-mile challenge, the event was cancelled due to high winds.

Some might say, “Lucky escape!” But I didn’t see it that way.

I had a goal, I’d committed to it, and I wasn’t about to let a cancelled event stop me. I’d even raised money for The Brain Tumour Charity (raising nearly £3,000), so backing out wasn’t an option.

What did I do? I set up my own version of the Great South Run in the Woking and Chobham area, and a good friend of mine joined me. On 23rd October, we set off and ran the full 10 miles. It was hard, but we did it, and that feeling of crossing the finish line, despite all the setbacks, was worth it.

The Link Between Judo and Real-Life Challenges

Why am I telling you this? Because it perfectly mirrors what we teach in our children’s martial arts classes in Woking and Guildford. Life doesn’t always go to plan, and that’s okay.

What matters is how you react and adjust when things go wrong.

At Fighting Fitness Judo, we’re not just teaching kids how to throw or grapple—we’re helping them build resilience, confidence, and a can-do attitude that will serve them throughout their lives.

How to Build Resilience in Children Through Martial Arts

One of the biggest benefits of children’s martial arts is the way it builds resilience. Kids learn that not every challenge will go smoothly. Sometimes, they’ll struggle with a technique or lose a match. But with the right mindset, they’ll understand that these setbacks are temporary and part of the journey.

Here’s how our judo classes help build resilience in children:

• Goal Setting: Whether it’s working towards the next belt or perfecting a new move, judo teaches kids to set goals and work steadily towards them. When they hit obstacles, they learn to adjust and keep going.
• Handling Setbacks: In judo, just like in life, things don’t always go to plan. Maybe a technique isn’t coming together as expected, or a competitor gets the better of them in a match. But instead of quitting, our students learn to face setbacks head-on, making them more robust and more adaptable.
• Personal Discipline: Discipline is at the heart of martial arts. In judo, children learn the importance of regular practice, listening to coaches, and applying themselves fully. This self-discipline carries over into their everyday lives, helping them with school, friendships, and future challenges.

Building Confidence in Children Through Judo

Resilience is just one side of the coin. The other is confidence. As children master judo techniques, they gain a sense of accomplishment that boosts their self-esteem. They begin to believe in their ability to overcome challenges—not just on the mats but in life as well.

• Positive Reinforcement: Every class, every move, and every belt earned gives kids a sense of achievement. They see their own progress, and that builds confidence.
• Respect and Humility: Judo isn’t about winning at all costs. It’s about learning to respect your opponent, your instructor, and yourself. This balance of confidence and humility is something we focus on in every session.
• Real-World Skills: The lessons learned in judo go far beyond the dojo. Kids who train in martial arts become more confident in handling social situations, school challenges, and even standing up to bullies.

Why Choose Fighting Fitness Judo?

At Fighting Fitness Judo, we pride ourselves on being more than just a martial arts club.

We’re a community that helps children in Woking and Guildford become the best versions of themselves. We don’t just teach throws and grappling—we teach life skills like resilience, confidence, and goal-setting that set kids up for success both on and off the mats.

If you’re looking for a martial arts programme that not only gets your child physically active but also helps them develop lifelong character traits, we’d love for you to check out our classes.

By teaching children how to adapt to challenges and persevere through setbacks, we’re helping them become more resilient, confident, and prepared for whatever life throws their way.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a cancelled race or a tough judo match, life is full of moments when things don’t go to plan. What matters is how we respond. Through judo, children learn to face challenges head-on, build resilience, and grow in confidence—and that’s a skill they’ll carry for life.

Are you ready to help your child develop these essential life skills? Get in touch today and find out how our classes in Woking and Guildford can make a lasting impact.