The path of least resistance

A few months ago, Sterling did some sparring for his taekwondo class. He did great. It was just Sterling and another kid and lots of screaming fans. I was extremely surprised how aggressive he was. He never let up. The kids were dancing around like boxers and kicking the hell out of each other. Watching the video, I thought he won. The winner must score the most points by attacking certain points on the body. Sterling was the aggressor both matches just not attacking the correct areas. During a recent belt test, he was asked to spar again with the same result. Great attacking just no victory. I told someone at the competition that Sterling was more aggressive than me at that age. I was really impressed. One of the parents told me that Sterling was better than his kid, at this beginning level. I was stoked.
Recently, Sterlings' taekwondo instructor, Mr Scott, asked if he wanted to join the sparring class. For a couple of weeks he told Mr. Scott, "I'll think about it." Finally, I asked Sterling to give Mr. Scott a "yes" or "no." I didn't feel it was fair to waste the instructors time if Sterling wasn't going to do it.
"I don't want to take the sparring class," he told me.
"Why not? You're awesome at it. A bit of coaching up and you'll kill those other kids," I told him.
"It's too hard and it gets too hot."
I thought long and hard on this point. I can't force him to do it. It would be a great learning experience. If I could just get him to hear what he was saying. It sounded so lazy.
"OK then, I want you to tell Mr. Scott that."
"What?" he asked.
"That the sparring makes you to hot and it's too hard."
"No way dad. I can't say that!"
"Why?" I asked.
"It makes me sound like a...a...a"
"Pussy?" I said with a smile on my face.
"Ya!" he said.
"You need to tell him the truth."
"Can I tell him that I want to spend more time with my friends?"
"Is that the truth," I asked.
"Kinda."
Sterling is not taking the sparring classes. Maybe in the Winter.