Why Some Children Progress Faster Than Others (And Why That’s OK)
Parents often notice differences in how quickly children progress.
One child seems to pick things up straight away, while another takes longer to gain confidence or master skills. It’s natural to wonder whether something is wrong — or whether progress should be faster.
At Absolute Martial Arts, supporting families across Carshalton, Caterham, Ewell, North Cheam, and Redhill, we see this variation all the time — and it’s completely normal.
Progress Is Not a Straight Line
Children don’t develop at the same pace.
Progress is influenced by:
• Age and maturity
• Confidence levels
• Learning style
• Emotional regulation
• Previous experience
Some children move quickly early on, then slow down. Others build steadily and quietly.
Neither path is better.
Fast Progress Isn’t Always the Goal
Children who progress quickly early on may:
• Be confident trying new things
• Learn well through imitation
• Feel comfortable being watched
But fast early progress doesn’t always mean deeper understanding or long-term confidence.
Slow, steady progress often builds stronger foundations.
Why Slower Progress Can Be Powerful
Children who take longer often:
• Develop resilience
• Learn to cope with frustration
• Build confidence through effort
• Value improvement deeply
These skills are invaluable — and they last.
How Martial Arts Supports Different Learning Speeds
In our children’s martial arts classes across Surrey, progress is individual.
Children:
• Train together
• Learn at their own pace
• Are encouraged, not compared
• Progress when ready
There’s no race.
Progress is based on readiness, not pressure.
Comparison Can Undermine Confidence
Comparing children can:
• Create unnecessary anxiety
• Reduce motivation
• Damage self-belief
Every child’s journey is different — and comparison often hides the bigger picture.
What Parents Often Notice Over Time
Parents often tell us that children who progress more slowly:
• Become more confident long-term
• Show greater resilience
• Stick with training longer
• Develop stronger self-belief
Because they’ve learned how to work through challenge.
Supporting Healthy Progress at Home
Parents can help by:
• Focusing on effort
• Avoiding comparisons
• Trusting the process
• Celebrating improvement
Confidence grows at the pace it’s meant to.
Supporting Children Across Surrey
At Absolute Martial Arts in Carshalton, Caterham, Ewell, North Cheam, and Redhill, we support every child’s journey — fast, slow, and everything in between.
Final Thought for Parents
Progress isn’t a competition.
Children who move at their own pace often build confidence that lasts longer — and runs deeper.