Toxic Martial Artist Personality Types: Part 2

A short time ago I wrote a brief article titled Toxic Martial Arts Personality Types. It was received well, but the main criticism was that it was incomplete. Now, I never intended that piece to be a totality of the many personality failings that can exist in any group – in our case, martial artists.

Four More Martial Artist Personality Types to Avoid

The feedback did point to a few common types that were left out, however, and we shall explore them here, in part two.

The Accomplisher

There is a line between being prideful and bragging, and the accomplisher jumps over it enthusiastically. These martial artist personality types spend the next six weeks telling everyone what a great job they did at doing so. These are the sort of martial artists who will enter a competition, and then find ways to work the results into each and every story they tell over the next few weeks. Months. Years? “Oh, right. We went to that restaurant down the street from the place I won my fourteenth 3^rd place trophy for forms competition.”

The Sexist

Though typically male, I’ve witnessed sexism in a variety of ways over my years of training. Sadly, I suspect most people reading this will be able to relate. The sexist doesn’t just acknowledge physical differences between students – they relish in pointing them out in order to make certain people (themselves?) feel better or worse about their training or results. Typically, these types won’t speak in generalities, rather resorting to pointing out how certain students can or cannot do certain things, simply because of their gender. Is there a time and a place for acknowledgment of differences? Absolutely. When it becomes a common theme in training that chases others out the door, it’s become something to avoid.

The Narcissist

A successful career in martial arts requires a bit of confidence. We’re exploring some physically difficult principles, after all. This nature of training will often bring in those who think well of themselves – or at least want to. Narcissism, though, is wholly different.

These martial artist personality types look to be in charge of anything and everything possible and then leverage that position for a benefit that blurs the lines of what’s appropriate. Promising things in return for a non-related exchange, be it money, personal favors, etc, is a frequent occurrence of this type. (For clarity, this would be something unequally applied to students, unlike the financial exchange of monthly dues or testing fees.)

Said another way, this is not the instructor whose students show up voluntarily to help them move, out of love or reverence. It is the instructor who makes their students feel compelled to help them move, else they may be excluded or not promoted appropriately.

The Ladder Climber

Most groups have someone who will look to climb a social hierarchy by finding ways to stand out. When it goes too far, though, this same person may throw others under the bus. Ultimately, this benefits the ladder climber as they are able to make themselves seem better in comparison. Best not to share anything private or personal with these types, else they’ll look for ways to use the information to their own advantage. Usually, this takes the form of spinning the stories in a negative way when telling the instructor, casting a shadow on you and your training.

What to Do About Toxic Martial Artist Personality types?

It’s unlikely you have the full authority and ability to correct or avoid this behavior. When possible, do so, but keep in mind that martial arts is a place to learn and grow. There are times to show someone the door, yes, but also times to help someone grow into a better version of themselves. Only you can decide the proper course for you.

One exception, though: if you find that your instructor fits one or more of these categories, and you’re witnessing the negative consequences of the behavior, it’s likely time to move on.