Martial Arts Cults

Matt Thornton discusses why many Martial Arts can be regarded as cults and why he avoids them.

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Sports

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• Matt
• Thornton
• Straight
• Blast
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• SBGi
• Martial
• Arts
• Cults

[Jonobos]

I think it is important to make the distinction that not all asian arts are like this. It is sad, because I think almost any TMA could be stripped of all the nonsense and trained in a way to make it functional. They would not look the same. Aikido would start to look like Judo, and TKD would look more like kickboxing, but looks are not important. Function over form right?

[Gabkicks]

most "traditional" martial arts schools, the pupils just follow their master without really questioning or challenging anything like sheep. In an environment where instructors are more approachable and the training is more practical, students will learn more. Just because something was practiced for hundreds of years doesnt mean it should still be toaught today in its original form. When's the last time you saw anyone practicing alchemy?

[TheJerseyassasin]

I wasted over 30 years in hapkido (cult). the last 10 years I have done bjj and kick boxing and I see things for what they are. when I hear anyone say "my master says" before giving me words of advise I remember that I was once in that cult and I try to help the person get out. Do not believe that jumping 9 feet in the air or beating 3 people at once who are not well trained means you are somehow a superior being. He is a person just like you, believe it or not bruce lee was also a person lol.

[sdboatpainter]

Nice Matt! Agreed.



[SuperMerlot]

Agree, Before anything else, martial arts schools are businesses in America. Of all the school I went, I can tell they all had the same thing on common. From Karate Do to TKD to Kung Fu, the idea is to make you spend as much as possible for the longest time possible. Whether you become competent as a fighter is not relevant; heck, I've seen fat black belts unable to make a head-kick for lack of elasticity.

[Shademastermcc]

While he did mess up with some words, he is not wrong. I know it's hard to look at your culture or martial arts group or even your church and think "cult" but for you, that very may well be the case. If you are learning without questioning or are not being given a higher understanding as to why you are performing the rituals you are, you may be a victim of a cult. Take time to think for yourself each day and it makes this impossible.

[DuykRuyk]

@Gabkicks I remember I questioned my krav maga instructor one time. He was cool with it and showed me the technique and answered my questions. Later, a couple other students who had a karate past got pissy about em asking so many questions. I tried to tell them that the only way you learn is by asking questions but they were adamant in their beliefs.

[Neurocantrix]

Solid advice. As an aikidoka, I have to dodge not so thinly veiled indoctrination and conversion attempts now and then. I have never met an instructor who could read the mind of a dead man, but I've met enough sensei who claimed to know the ONE and TRUE Way. Whatever the hell that is. They're the sort of teacher that enforce a rigid 'style' or forbid certain (e.g. live) training. IMO tradition should be validated by technique.

[tommotomt]

@Gabkicks in many cases challenging and questioning your instructor would be like challenging and questioning your maths teacher when you were 10 years old - such is the difference in knowledge. a good instructor gives information as and when you need it, and your questions will eventually be answered. they will certainly not be told what to do by you. obviously, if you are going to follow someone "like a sheep" its important to find an instructor who you are sure knows what they are doing.

[RoyalDragonusa]

Very well said!!

[H0tkebab]

This guy is almost spot on, I don't mind people being referred to as Sensei (or other title) out of tradition and respect towards the art, but to fuel ones ego... forget it. I've seen it too often.

As with any martial art, a head teacher with an inflated attitude = Martial hell.

Ego, insecurity and self denial is the basis of any cult.