Frauds persist and thrive in the martial arts not only because they exploit the idealism, trust, and institutional respect among legitimate martially enlightened practitioners, but also because these practitioners are often slow to confront or too cordial toward such individuals. This hesitation creates a protective buffer for frauds, allowing them to embed themselves deeper within martial arts communities.
Reluctance to Act
Legitimate martial artists, invested in etiquette and harmony, may avoid direct confrontation with suspected frauds to maintain community peace or out of respect for perceived seniority and tradition. This cultural tendenicy toward politeness or non-confrontation allows fraudulent instructors and schools to avoid scrutiny and public accountability, sometimes for years.
Cordiality as a Shield
Respectful engagement, even with clear red flags present, can be misconstrued by outsiders as endorsement—thus lending fraudulent figures further legitimacy. When respected practitioners remain cordial or neutral, frauds often capitalize on these interactions to bolster their own image and credibility in the eyes of less experienced students.
Community Impact
Frauds exploit slow or hesitant responses by legitimate peers, continuing to recruit and mislead students unchallenged.
Shunning or discouraging whistleblowers creates a climate where frauds persist even after being exposed, as loyalty to community or harmony outweighs the will to address unethical behavior directly.
Fraudulent instructors often become skilled at manipulating reputation and suppressing dissent, further reducing the likelihood that their actions will be promptly or forcefully confronted by legitimate leaders.
This cycle underscores the need for robust, transparent standards and the courage to name and address fraudulent behavior promptly within martial arts communities.
