Karate is a CULT! (well some groups are)

My friend, Joe in Cork, recently made an observation which highlights a significant and often uncomfortable aspect of martial arts culture, particularly in karate and other traditional budo practices. The phenomenon you're describing – where a former member becomes the target of disdain or ostracism – is not unique to Budo but is undoubtedly amplified by the hierarchical and loyalty-driven structure of many traditional martial arts organisations.


Why This Happens in Budo
1. Identity Tied to Group Membership:  
   For many practitioners, their Ryuha (style or school) is central to their identity. Leaving or questioning the group is perceived not just as an individual decision but as a personal betrayal of the master, the system, and even fellow students.


2. Loss of Control by Leadership:  
   When someone departs, especially on critical terms, it challenges the authority of the group's leadership. If the individual becomes successful outside the Ryuha, it can be seen as a direct threat to the organisation's legitimacy.


3. Myth vs. Reality:  
   Traditional martial arts often perpetuate myths about lineage, invincibility, and ancient wisdom. However, someone who leaves may dispel those myths, thereby challenging the group's collective belief system and fostering personal growth and enlightenment.


4. Cult-like Behaviours:  
   While not every Ryuha is a cult, some exhibit cult-like tendencies. These include demands for unwavering loyalty, discouragement of questioning authority, and fostering an 'us vs. them'mentality. Former members become convenient scapegoats to reinforce internal unity and loyalty. These behaviours can lead to a lack of diversity of thought and a stifling of individual growth within the martial arts community.


Karate and the 'Cult' Label.
Karate's spread in the 20th century, particularly after the Meiji Restoration and later during its internationalisation, contributed to the fragmentation of its systems. This fracturing led to intense competition between styles, organisations, and instructors, sometimes fostering a culture of exclusivity and rivalry.


For some, belonging to a Ryuha is driven by a desire for identity, recognition, or access to an exclusive "truth." This need can overshadow critical thinking or the recognition of personal growth outside rigid traditions.


Dispelling Myths for Belonging
This tension between myth and reality is profound in martial arts:

• The Myth: Traditional martial arts are often presented as pure, unbroken lines of wisdom passed down through generations.
• The Reality: Many traditions have been shaped by political, cultural, and personal agendas, often prioritising loyalty over individual growth or innovation.

Practitioners may cling to myths to feel they belong, even if those myths are historically inaccurate or counterproductive to their personal development.


Breaking the Cycle
To address these issues, it is essential for martial artists to:

• Encourage Critical Thinking: Martial arts should welcome scrutiny and historical inquiry rather than treating lineage and practices as dogma. This intellectual stimulation is essential for the growth and evolution of martial arts.
• Focus on Personal Growth: Emphasise the practitioner's journey over the group's reputation.
• Deconstruct Hierarchies: While respect is crucial, rigid hierarchies can foster dependency and limit growth.
• Build Open Communities: It's crucial to foster spaces where practitioners can freely share ideas and train across styles without fear of retribution. This inclusivity is key to making every member feel valued and part of the community.

Final Thoughts:
From what I have observed, karate being " cult for many"has some merit, though it may not apply universally. Budo's cultural and historical underpinnings contribute to its beauty and challenges. Recognising these dynamics is essential for navigating them and for ensuring that martial arts serve as tools for empowerment rather than confinement.