My friend Jamale is the first person I heard use the term
"elitist" in reference to martial arts. What it refers to is a person
that is only interested in self gain through martial arts. An elitist is
not interested in helping others improve. They are only interested in
using others as a resource for their own skill development. They are
motivated by ego/vanity.
The Elitist believes that he is above rules and etiquette. He believes that to be humble is to be weak. If he feigns being part of a team, it is only because he believes that he is the best part of the team and that any success for they have is due to his presence. He is loyal only to himself.
This type of attitude goes totally against the principles laid down by Jigoro Kano when he developed Kodokan Judo. Jita Kyoei translates to "mutual welfare" or "mutual benefit". This is one of the two main principles of Judo. The other is seiryoku zenyo or "maximum efficiency with minimal effort". Kano's vision was the betterment of society as a whole through these principles of Judo. Work smart instead of hard and seek to help others improve alongside yourself.
Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan Karate) said, "Without etiquette, there is no dojo". The dojo kun or morals he wrote as part of the etiquette were:
For people that are seeking traditinoal martial arts, these principles and guidelines are a major part of the "self cultivation" we are hoping to achieve. We search out an instructor that teaches these character building traits and expects us to adhere to them. It is not the instructor's goal to be a dictator or to put anyone in a subservient position. Martial arts is a powerful tool that requires great self discipline. The goal of the traditional instructor is to help the student improve their quality of life through the education they receive inside the dojo.
Entitlement, egocentric behavior, and instant gratification are not part of the traditional dojo atmosphere.
Some examples of Elitist behavioral traits:
The best way to truly develop one's self through martial arts is to learn and adhere to dojo etiquette. This will assure internal character growth along with the physical skills learned. Avoid elitist behavior and avoid elitists in the dojo. Behavior is contagious, especially to children.
In the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community, there is a term "Creonte" that refers to this elitist behavior. In this video, Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhães, explains what the term means.
The Elitist believes that he is above rules and etiquette. He believes that to be humble is to be weak. If he feigns being part of a team, it is only because he believes that he is the best part of the team and that any success for they have is due to his presence. He is loyal only to himself.
This type of attitude goes totally against the principles laid down by Jigoro Kano when he developed Kodokan Judo. Jita Kyoei translates to "mutual welfare" or "mutual benefit". This is one of the two main principles of Judo. The other is seiryoku zenyo or "maximum efficiency with minimal effort". Kano's vision was the betterment of society as a whole through these principles of Judo. Work smart instead of hard and seek to help others improve alongside yourself.
Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan Karate) said, "Without etiquette, there is no dojo". The dojo kun or morals he wrote as part of the etiquette were:
- Strive for the completion of character
- Be loyal
- Endeavor
- Respect others and have good etiquette
- Refrain from violent behavior for self gain
For people that are seeking traditinoal martial arts, these principles and guidelines are a major part of the "self cultivation" we are hoping to achieve. We search out an instructor that teaches these character building traits and expects us to adhere to them. It is not the instructor's goal to be a dictator or to put anyone in a subservient position. Martial arts is a powerful tool that requires great self discipline. The goal of the traditional instructor is to help the student improve their quality of life through the education they receive inside the dojo.
Entitlement, egocentric behavior, and instant gratification are not part of the traditional dojo atmosphere.
Some examples of Elitist behavioral traits:
- no sense of loyalty or has a false loyalty to dojo
- only attends practices/events to benefit himself
- being demanding of others, but not generous with their own time/knowledge
- sparring only with someone lesser skilled or weaker (dojo bully)
- seeking ways to defeat training partners rather than aid their growth
- excessively celebrating or counting "dojo" victories
- poor attitude when suffering "dojo" defeats
- being disrespectful to dojo etiquette, teammates, and instructors
- blames others for failures and claims all credit for success
- expecting favoritism or complaining that others are receiving it
The best way to truly develop one's self through martial arts is to learn and adhere to dojo etiquette. This will assure internal character growth along with the physical skills learned. Avoid elitist behavior and avoid elitists in the dojo. Behavior is contagious, especially to children.
In the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community, there is a term "Creonte" that refers to this elitist behavior. In this video, Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhães, explains what the term means.
