The Archetypes Of Martial Arts

[@seasickviking]

I definitely started out as a "Hostage", mainly because I got into Martial Arts to regain hand-eye coordination after years of seizures. Trust me, being electrocuted in your brain by your own body tends to screw up your sense of balance and movement. That said, its a safe bet that I fall into the "Scholar" category these days. I've trained in multiple styles ranging from Kyokushin to TKD to Tai Chi to Gymnastics to Judo, and while I try to stick with one system, I used to move a lot growing up and would pick a new style every time my family took up residence in a new city.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

ABT - always be training. Way to get after it.

[@mohammadtausifrafi8277]

Nice character arc.

[@pablotirado3993]

I’m a combination of hobbyist and monk, training is extremely fun for me and I dedicate as much time to martial arts as my work schedule allows (5-6 days a week), skill wise still far from being a master (bjj blue belt) but is definitely something I want to do for life.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Love to hear that!

[@simoneriksson8329]

I was a "hostage" doing tai-chi for a couple of years wich helped me survive a deep depression. Now my mental health is better and I am more of a hobbyist doing HEMA

[@CombatSelfDefense]

That’s awesome!

[@gw1357]

This is a great framework for looking at it. Only two things I'd add... First, people often transition between archetypes because of some change in their life or attitude -- especially as they age. Hobbyists or Hostages often turn into Scholars or Athletes when they really "get bit" by the art. Athletes and competitors often become scholars or fighters as they age out of some of the more exquisite physical aspects and are left with just the mental or "martial spirit" aspects. etc etc. Lots of people become monks as they combine parts of all the archetypes over the long run. I do think you left one off. The "fantasist" -- that's the person who is not really interested in doing martial arts, but is more interested in SAYING that they do martial arts. Sometimes they're saying it to other people because they think it sounds cool, sometimes they're saying it to themselves because it feeds a delusion of physical confidence. The fantasist doesn't push themselves, doesn't focus, doesn't fight much -- but they loves having a snappy set of kit, the love learning jargon that they can use to signal they're cool, etc. Fantasists are the lifeblood of McDojos and bullshido schools. There's a specific sub-species of fantasists that focuses on self-defense. (You see fantasists alot in the gun community too.) They want to feel like a tough guy and they may often be wrapped up in paranoid fantasies about crackhead home invasions that they will have to fight off. I guess if I have to say one good thing about the fantasist is that they can bring enthusiasm/encouragement to the gym when they try to fanboy associate with others in the gym.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

I could agree with that, but I could also say a fantasist is a subset of the princess

[@gw1357]

@@CombatSelfDefense I think that's fair, yes.

[@camiloiribarren1450]

I get the feeling I’m a hobbyist, scholar, a little of the monk because all 3 shows that I enjoy, learn and simply can see how martial arts is a part of life in different ways. All of it fulfills me

[@CombatSelfDefense]

That’s what’s gonna keep you training

[@lusitanus6504]

When I stop working shifts and can train regularly and consistently again, I will be a disciplined monk again. Right now I can only aford to be a hobbyist.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Monk is a mindset not a schedule

[@alhfgsp]

With a touch of many of these, I'm mainly the competitor. My primary reason for doing martial arts (BJJ) is to win comps (or podium nonetheless). Because I'm a little insecure I need to win to feel good, and poor performances cause me psychological pain and an insatiable desire to just train harder. I'm working on keeping myself in check because my mindset has already lead to numerous injuries from overtraining. Hopefully I'll chill out a little after I've accomplished something and gain security.

[@PaulAllen8.30]

you nailed it with the scholar/athlete tension. I'd call myself a scholar and I struggle with partners who prefer a high pace and focus on conditioning and power rather than setups and technique/creativity...

[@shinobix4925]

I love the duality of it all Scholar : Interested primarily in the intellectual side Athlete : Interested primarily in the physical side Hobbyist : Here to pass the time when they're not achieving their main goals in life. Competitor : Here to actively use the time because it specifically is one of their main goals in life Fighter : Always looking to spar Princess : Never looking to spar Hostage : Running full speed away from something they hate Monk : Running full speed towards something they love. Just goes to show that there really is something in martial arts for everyone, even if that includes a few toxic people, it's still inclusive nonetheless

[@CombatSelfDefense]

You know, kudos to you. I didn’t even realize that parallel.

[@tadeasstavek2927]

I've started with martial arts because of bullying in school. I love to go through those struggles with training just to accomplish my goal to learn the moves I need. I want to become as powerful as I can and help others to get stronger. I do martial arts for ten years by now and I love it (Japanese Jiu Jitsu). I know I have my cons and I sometimes use martial arts to clear my head but That won't stop me from training. Thank you my friend I will by all means to become the Monk. Have a great day everyone. I think I am the mix of the monk competitioner (maybe fighter) and maybe a little princess but I am getting away from that one.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

We all have a little bit of everything in us. Some of them come naturally to us, some of them we aspire to, and some of them we need to minimize.

[@Myidealbody]

This is honestly one of my favorite videos of yours yet.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Thank you! Looking forward to your new content as well!

[@thewanderer6542]

I was a combination of the hostage and the competitor when I first started training. Started as a means of coping with depression, and competition gave me goals to work towards that I felt I lacked in my life at the time. I sucked at first, but I got better over time. Just had a lot of injuries though. Decided to pursue a different career path, and I'm much more content in life now, but I still compete in grappling. Just not MMA. I suppose nowadays I'm somewhere between a monk and competitor.

[@Trick-Framed]

Regarding the monk archetype you are describing, I understand that. That some days you are there just to feel the energy in the room and flow with it. It can rejuvenate you and clear your mind as well as recharge your batteries and help your outlook. It can turn a bad day into a good day in just a few hours. I totally understand that. I'd love to see a video dedicated to your archetype of "The Monk". More people should know what spartan training is and what it's rewards are as well as it's downsides. Which includes not being understood by every martial artist you meet.

[@kayp89]

Blessed to have the monk mindset pretty much my entire career. Started out as scholar/athlete(love the mental +physical puzzle) but eventually evolved into the monk.

[@nem3908]

im a competitor and i agree with the camp mindset point I train muay thai and i find it hard to stay consistent without my coach having a fight date for me.

[@shawnsalvetti1793]

I am a chuck norris. I don't go to train martial arts, martial arts come to me for training.

[@Dave-ti2ue]

You always had the Martial Arts Historian. The one that knew everything about every style.

[@socialgelo7719]

You don't have Conan the barbarian. I self identify as the Conan archetype.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Ok princess

[@socialgelo7719]

@@CombatSelfDefense dammit. Now I regret not going with my original comment.

[@EpherosAldor]

Great video! I would describe myself as the Scholar but I have more of the negative aspects than the positives. I've realized my "intellect" is getting in the way, my training feels like it's not optimized, I need to understand why we are doing a technique, a move, or a particular skill so that way I can train it better than just doing over and over. To me, to me it feels like if I can better understand something then I can shortcut the boring aspects of repetitive training to entirely focus on the incorporating the skill faster. This really ends up frustrating me because getting the reps in is how you build the skills and integrate it into your physical response, but to me that seems like I have a whole brain to make things more efficient but it doesn't matter when it comes to doing the training. Ultimately, I end up attending classes in waves, where I'm in for training and learning but then when it seems like I'm not being efficient I end up quitting for a little while. I think maybe what it boils down to is that I don't really understand or know how training actually works, because mindless repetition bores me so quickly. So, I constantly fight with myself. Thanks for the video, it's really interesting!

[@pascal0868]

All knowledge is ultimately self knowledge. Words from a Monk archetype. Martial arts is my medium but I express the same qualities in everything I do. That’s the ideal. We are here for a short time. Let’s train brothers.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Here for a good time, not a long time.

[@lainhikaru5657]

I user to be the fighter archetype but the sensei taught me a lesson. There was only one kid in our dojo, a 11 years old and the sensei said "you gonna spar him, and only him from now on until you learn control, and if you hurt him Imma beat you up." 😂 Turned out it did me good. I've learned to attack in weird angles and to be more precise since the kid despite lacking strenght(for obvious reasons) was very fast. Then a guy in his 20's that came from muay thai started doing karate with us and he was such a good partner for me we hurted each other a lot then we went to hang out after training, what a great guy I miss him.

[@seanjua]

Great content sir, keep up the good work!

[@Yaxye.]

I might be a cross between a fighter and a monk. My primary reason for training is to spar, learn to defend myself if needed and remain physically active. Martial arts ticks all these boxes. Whilst I have spent a decent portion of life watching countless videos, reading excerpts, pondering combat systems and styles to identify strong and weak points. Having consumed so much theoretical data, I've gotten to the point where I just want to fight to test myself and confirm what I believe I know. I'm fine with sparring in gyms or entering some form of tournament. Fighting is fighting.

[@jonasfrisjel582]

Awsome video dude! I haven't trained any martial arts, but am in the prosess of checking out a couple of local clubs, one Muay Thai and a Taekwondo club. For now leaning more towards Muay Thay. Really nice to have this input before starting out. Thank you!

[@hilarymalcolm5446]

I guess I’d be an athlete/fighter/competitor. At first I thought I wanted to do it just for fun but then realized that what’s fun for me is overcoming a physical challenge, achieving goals/skills/abilities/tricks and breaking physical limits, power, strength and winning 😂 also building mental strength and winning mentally. Power and strength = freedom, and pushing myself to the limit even when I’m bad at something in the beginning is fun, motivating and hilarious to me, but also irritating and I can’t let it slide until I master it 😂. This was enlightening! Thank you!

[@Harubeyu]

Nice video!!! It reminded when I first started and went through most of those archetypes. As for now I run a Taekwondo club & I do my best to be as close as the monk archetype😊

[@garvwadhwaney306]

Someone called me a MMA scholar in my Muay Thai gym. But I have the schedule of a hobbyist because of exams, but I started off as a hostage. I've had a lot of childhood trauma, abuse, bullying, and dealing with a narcissistic parent through my teenage years and university. I always give 110% when training in Muay Thai because I see martial arts as a way for me to become a better person and battle my demons.

[@y_s4021]

I'm not a martial artist anymore, but the archetypes fit in a lot of cases. I'm 40% hobbyist 40% hostage and 20% competitor or something. I run (sometimes competitively) and do cycling. For fun and to stay away from my screen addiction. I also tend to not drop any of my activities, even when they aren't fun

[@Brysonsadventures007]

I’ve been training in a couple martial arts for a while and I must say I definitely was that hostage stereotype at first but then I started learning self-control and discipline and started getting back into my life. I still feel depression and I’m still working through a lot of shit and you know but I take breaks and I’m there for learning and not just there for depression and I think it’s really fun now after doing it for so long. I really enjoy it.

[@FranzLorenzDivina]

Currently a “Fighter” workin’ towards becoming a high-level “Competitor”, because my Sensei always told me to “tone down” my movements since I’m still an amateur-level Green Belt in Judo. So, there’s no need to go “all-out” with my fellow practitioners. 💪🏼😅🥋

[@descoutinho-e1y]

I am gonna suggest being a ninja troll acolyte who mainly comments about martial arts that you're during your transition stage now you're actually a princess but I mean that in a good way. The modern disney anti-princess princess. And now I disappear into the mysts. Where I go you dare not follow.

[@voluspa4448]

I was definitely a Hostage when I started, did karate for some time and practiced every kata in my room before going to the training sessions. After that, I trained other martial arts and became kind of the Monk, I just enjoy being there, training any martial art, to learn and improve.

[@wesleypipes5673]

I'm Somewhat of a Scholar (I obsess over the minutia, I slow down and analyze every movement to maximize efficiency when I speed it back up, love martial arts lore), Athlete (Trained track & Field, Volleyball etc.. before MA, almost made nationals one year so I was athletic and had a good physical base upon starting MA but admittedly didn't like pushing through adversity at first I trained myself to enjoy it like pushing through a good pump working out, now when it gets rough I get a second wind) & Monk ( I have a few monk aspects but it's more something I aspire to be). I would call my Archetype the "Philosopher", it seems like a good fit. I always say things like "Martial Arts is knowledge physically applied" & I believe that the greatest martial artists were great because they were actually philosophers first & martial artists second. Just my opinion but that is my personal perspective on martial arts. BTW great video! Martial arts, psychology & philosophy all in one video? Well you can consider me subscribed good sir!

[@aspiesoft]

You mentioned how scholor and athlete might not get along too well. I feel like I could be both scholar and athlete. Im not sure whether that means I would get along with both, or get along with neither. I've taken the time to try and understand the difference between a 90deg angle vs a 45deg angle in a stance, but I also like to put it to the test in a sparring match. I also see exercise and strength as an important thing in martial arts, and work hard to build up my endurance as well.

[@Myidealbody]

I’m pretty sure I’m a combo of both athlete and hobbyist.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Athletist

[@rickeymckissick2065]

I like how you broke it down

[@robcherry4504]

Interesting video. In my youth when I had the time to dedicate to martial arts I was definitely a scholar-monk. Now I am older with commitments and family (who account for most of my commitments) I am a scholar-hobbyist who dreams of being a monk.

[@thelaundryman9287]

I definitely started out as the "Hostage" but I think I'm the one that stayed. I train 6 days a week, (mostly 5 days a week now because of my work) but I mostly started to escape depression and just do something with myself besides sitting in my room in my free time. Don't enjoy things like gaming and stuff and kind of ran away from my problems and was unsocial. But I was very physically fit. I trained calisthenics and ran everyday but wanted more. Found a dutch kickboxing gym near me (I didn't even know what style I was even training the first few months lol) and the transition in terms of personality, mental strength and confidence from when I started early last year until now is night and day. I remember my first sparring session, I was terrified of a light punch, forget hard lol. But throughout my training, I get good, then my skill in sparring, or mental strength dips due to different things, up and down. And now a year later, as I write this, recovering from one of my skill dips, I have a black eye from sparring my coach last night, bruises, and a limp but also a big smile on my face because I loved it and learned so much and can't wait for the nexr opportunity 😂❤. Don't know which archetype I am now though lol. My coach is definitely the "Monk" and "Scholar" archetype. He has trained in western boxing, kyokushin karate, taekwondo, muay thai, japanese jiu jitsu and finally "dutch kickboxing" the style he trains me and his other students in. But when he talks to us it's like he oozes knowledge, you can tell the way he explains and speaks it's like he lives and breathes fighting. It's an energy in the room during his demonstrations. And he'll get into the nitty gritty details and foot angles that make the difference between a shit lowkick, a good lowkick and a tree trunk shattering one.

[@ProductionsFromBeyon]

I like to think I’m the scholar. I’m a college professor, but also I love the cultural side of martial arts and can delve into the history books about a style I’m interested in.

[@svramon]

Started as a hostage and still am 3 years later. I love it though haha. I’m a jiu jitsu hostage but a Muay Thai hobbyist where I will do jiu jitsu about 4-6 times a week and do Muay Thai about 2-3 times a week but sometimes I completely drop Muay Thai and go to jiu jitsu 6-10 times a week

[@shakafo00o]

I would like to be the monk for something, not necessarily martial arts but something i could devote myself to. Dunnellon Definitely a hobbyists, lol feel called out; jumped from gym to gym n even got into bouldering for a bit

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@tonytomahawk5160]

I grew up in a harsh environment so martial arts for me was strictly about hurting bad people. There's also the fact that I'm ambidextrous and martial arts was my only real outlet where that's a huge plus.

[@Skipwulf]

Great video. I started as a hostage, went through scholar (which I still am) but definitely a monk nowadays. So a scholar-monk, if that is a thing I guess... ahahhaha

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Doesn't sound like a bad thing.

[@Thrillr]

👏🏾 gr8 video mate. Now ima going to be subconsciously hunting “princesses” on sparring day 😅 -I’ve been formulating a anime/manga style power system for in-real life fighting/martial arts. & I want to incorporate your ideas/archetypes.

[@bullymaguire4431]

Athlete and the competitive guys can be the best martial artists. Athletes are naturally more gifted than others That's why they can learn moves easily. And competitive guys are Hardworking, disciplined and have indomitable will power.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Agreed. They’re definitely who we look to as the cream of the crop of a given style.

[@wilkeesia7710]

Great video! I started out back then as a "scholar" and now turned out as a combination of an athlete, fighter and a monk lmao

[@Lilpidgeon]

I'm most likely the hobbyst with a joy for compediting...😊

[@zachariaravenheart]

I'm 100% the Scholar and Monk with a bit of Competitor in how I train. I train to get better at fighting first and I love to study any martial art I can to learn as much as I can. I want to have extensive knowledge so that I can better deal with any fighter and better be able to teach.

[@darkythecrazyninja5228]

Astro projection Miss frame -🛡️

[@darkythecrazyninja5228]

Wanna Copp a fiel? armchairs of gun I don't have a problem living

[@giuliasies1956]

I do goju ryu karate do and i guess i fit into the scholar category. i dont really ask many questions during class cause my sensei is very traditional so i just tend to shut up and do what i have to do, but as soon as i get home i just spend hours doing the katas and researching the history of karate and learning the language etc. i do wish i was the monk archetype, but im not too good at sparring yet and sometimes it makes me sad cause im the only girl in my class so the physical aspect is a bit harder for me. im working on it tho, i love karate

[@user-xf4yl6vw9x]

Started boxing almost a year ago, it is the best thing to happen to me

[@lucajustluca8257]

A mix of fighter and hobbyist. Martial arts are undeniably fun, and the fight is a part of it. I do struggle to do the "boring" part like kata or drills, im a big believer than tbe best way of learning is light sparring. Also i love conditioning days.

[@combatsportsarchive7632]

13:00 - 13:36 Blame Gichin Funakoshi, his associates and Dai Nippon Butokai for making those egotistical princesses who don't spar realistically into a reality. The reason why those dysfunctional dojos exist is because the previous council abandoned freestyle and hard types of sparring (Kakedamashi and Bogu Kumite) as well as Tegumi (the wrestling art of Okinawa) as they shifted their Karate systems from self defense into recreational sport and physical education for Japanese schoolchildren. That was a big and an asinine mistake that actually ruined the native arts of Ryukyu for several decades. This is especially the case with those "Karate" branches which don't even bother to bring those practical structures back into the curriculum for pressure testing like Tetsuhiro Hokama's branch of Goju Ryu Karate and George Dillman's made-up branch of Ryuku Kempo. Here is a relevant quote from Motobu Choki regarding those princesses: “Funakoshi karate was fake. He could only copy their elegance by performing the outer portion of what they taught and used that to mislead others into believing he was an expert when he was not. His demonstrations were simply implausible. This kind of person is a good-for nothing scalawag. In fact, his tricky behavior and eloquent explanation easily deceives people. To the naïve person, Funakoshi’s demonstration and explanation represents the real art! Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense. If that stupid person opens a dojo then let him fight with me and I’ll make him go back to Okinawa. This would be a real benefit to the world.” Online Source: On Choki Motobu Part 2

[@CombatSelfDefense]

The princess personality type far exceeds any one style or source. Like I said, where there’s martial arts, there’s insecurity and ego.

[@hobowithawaterpistol9070]

This is a very good video! I’m definitely not a princess, but I am better than everyone else! I have the highest rank in every art, but I can’t talk about it!

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Sounds princess like to me.

[@TheAlfarasjohn]

I'm a combination of scholar, hobbyist and fighter in martial arts. But my big commitment in my life in sports are hiking, swimming and cycling

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Sounds like you've got a good Renaissance Man style of life.

[@DanielPerry-n5g]

I started out as a monk but then over time I became a mix of both monk and hostige because I love all aspects of training but then again my crappy job and mental issues martial arts just help mitigate that

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Sometimes you can be a bit of both.

[@Trick-Framed]

In all of my years of training I have never come across a princess that wasn't under 16.

[@descoutinho-e1y]

They usually become Queens around then or maybe you're still a teenager yourself

[@jayrobinson5925]

I consider myself a hobbyist cuz my work schedule conflicts with my gym time but I definitely myself as a fighter and a bit of a monk cuz there are guys at my gym I’ve become well acquainted with that Id love to have a friendly match but I also appreciate the training that makes me wanna challenge myself

[@jmurrayathletics]

i find it absolutely hillarious you said the scholar is like the athlete, but they may annoy each other. im a mutual member of several groups where this one individual is also a member, and this guy is convinced he knows more than guys who actively fight or have been in combat. its funny for a while, then you realize many of the ""scholars" are guys who just never got humbled. many of these guys fall into the category of trickers, they like to act and talk like bruce lee and much like the original they lack the skill sets too.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

I’d definitely call Bruce Lee a scholar

[@robcherry4504]

If I am understanding correctly, the behaviour you are describing sounds more princess than scholar.

[@descoutinho-e1y]

@@CombatSelfDefense There are only three types of martial artists those who admire Bruce the utter utter God of martial artists Lee and those who disparage him.

[@combatforlife.31]

Unfortunately all archetypes have their personal and subjective confinements and this new read on A/on titled Myths and blind spots in the fighting arts’ world by Alex Tomaras, can help all detect those. While it is a difficult book at places, it was definitely one of a kind for me, an awakening experience for most if not all actually. I suggest it for you and your viewers.

[@zshakur]

Excellent job sir. I'd say I'm an Athlete/Scholar/Monk or at least I think that's what my students would categorize me as....

[@atvanael]

I guess I'd be a Scholar/Competitor. I'm not that interested in competing for it's own sake, like to win trophies or whatever- for me it's more just a test of whether I'm actually any good and "doing it right" (goes back to "scholar", I guess), and I have no problem training when that specific end goal isn't there. Which is maybe why the "competitor" approach of training appeals to me. As a primarily "scholar" person it helps me make sure I actually am really progressing in specific measurable ways, focusing on addressing my weaknesses and sharpening my strengths, not just dabbling and accumulating a bunch of granular academic knowledge of whatever looks shiny to me at the moment without developing any practical, durable skill in any of it.

[@ImpulsoCreativo9322]

After hearing about all the archetypes I would say I'm a mix of the monk and competitor.

[@chrismenary3340]

I don’t think I’m a scholar or an athlete because I’m interested in both the physical and mental aspects of martial arts though I don’t think I’m committed enough to say I’m a monk or a competitor either and I’m definitely not a princess I’d say I’m a fighter because I practice martial arts to improve myself, to learn self defence, and because I like it, though I think I’m also a little of a hobbyist because I do it for something to do and a pinch of a hostage because it helps for stress relief

[@CombatSelfDefense]

It is possible to be a little bit of everything.

[@chrismenary3340]

@@CombatSelfDefense true but that’s just how I am

[@UoAProductions]

Very interesting, definitely feel like I have been all of these at one time or another. Currently somewhere in-between the scholar and the hostage I think ATM... Maybe progressing towards monk but definitely not there yet lol

[@VTdarkangel]

Interesting video. Based on what was presented here, I started off as a hobbyist/princess, but I've become a monk and scholar.

[@landenayers5436]

This video made me realize im a hostage. I've actually had nightmares before about not having enough money to pay for my gym membership lol.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but something to take note of!

[@DUMMYPLUG77]

Great video. I think the term "Hostage" can be a little tough, but true. Maybe for the lack of other things it became the only place to be honest to myself. At the end of the day, I'm a "Hostage". At least as for the imperative why. So as for the how I train, probably "Monk", but it sounds so pretentious to say so! But even then, one with the time economy of a "Hobbyist".

[@xvie_z2900]

8:26 yeah i often forget that😅

[@samiharb2643]

You left out 'The Bully'

[@roycehuepers4325]

You forgot 1. The Ronin. Similar to the monk, but will devote themselves to an art they love even if they for whatever reason can't do so officially or with any gym. The thanos "fine, I'll do it myself " type. Heyo, that's me. 😂 Unfocused, they're the KZbin expert. But if taken the cue from the scholar and the monk, you can have whole new styles developed. The trick I've learned is don't take it so seriously, but seriously train. Meaning if you come across any martial artist, don't be afraid to spar

[@jacobmansfield-go9fz]

watching too much anime

[@Honest_Grifter]

I think I'm most closely a combination of athlete and monk, with the scrappiness of a fighter when i spy a princess... my step father was my boxing coach, my father was my wrestling coach, and I was blessed with a natural athleticism that allowed me to compete in multiple sports disciplines throughout my entire life... I'm older now, but i still train daily becaus it was practically programmed in me from childhood. Oh my God, maybe I've been a hostage all along?! 😂

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Sounds like it

[@kirkbest3238]

I’m monk in karate

[@Phoenix_thaiwarrior_martinez]

I started off as a monk and trickster that’s my combination

[@joaoguilhermebastos519]

Well there is something i never stopped to wonder about cause im busy actually training but my master and some peers have called me monk quite often. But looking at your description i would work a bit as scholar.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Cool

[@wintermute1]

When I started I was a Fighter, after nearly 50 years of training I'm a Monk. Back then I would literally fight anything and anyone. Nowadays I train constantly and I relate everything I do to Martial Arts

[@CombatSelfDefense]

That’s admirable

[@johno5605]

I'd say a mix between scholar and monk. Fighting isn't just a means to an end it is a way of life, an identity and one aims to teach this to others. The way I see it geezer, is that in the modern-day world too many people just refuse to get off the sofa and do something. This can be explained as exhaustion due to the 9-5 however, martial arts can teach many things, not just mental and physical but also contain a wonderful history.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Love to hear that

[@brucehuddler7518]

Great Video, I moved and have a nice gym but no training partners? I went from Monk to hobbyist lol.

[@stegmonjurvinweirdt1834]

Right, so I'm a mix of the The Scholar & The Hobbist. I do go through a very short lived Princess stage

[@blaa443blaa2]

I'm a scholar, but also a hobbyist ... and a hostage xD Fighters are the worst and in many occasions they are almost exluded from the gyms. I'm beginning to suspect our leading teacher and a practical sensei of our dojang is a princess.. lol Good video! I liked especiallty the last thing you mentioned. Don't get stuck into the idea, what your architype is. Eveerything is in constant process of change ☯

[@CombatSelfDefense]

The best style is no style

[@BigBrandonMarcel]

I would have to say I'm a good blend of monk + hobbyist. Which is probably the best way to be. It's probably because i fell in love with Martial arts thru the movies and video games of the 70s and 80s.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

It definitely sounds like the best way to be at peace..

[@BigBrandonMarcel]

@@CombatSelfDefense It's also a product of aging in martial arts. You grow and go thru different phases in your MA life. You then find the perfect balance for you to keep you going and loving it.

[@JackShen]

Ahhhh I went backwards! I used to be a Monk, now I can only afford to be a hobbiest 9 hrs a week at the Wing Chun school, then a 2 hr drive to train Amok! on Saturdays, and help with the gym. Then travel for weekend long seminars.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

I don’t think that’s backwards

[@JackShen]

@@CombatSelfDefense I left out a period, that was my 'monk' schedule lol. Now I can only get about 1-2 hrs in a week.

[@Raiden4019]

Goodness, I'm a mess! Categorically I align probably most between a scholar and a hobbyist, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't start my journey as a hostage. And to a certain degree, I still am. Currently trying to push myself to be more of a competitor (cause I have very little athletic talent), but it's a long hard road to get there for me.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

As long as you’re training, you’re succeeding

[@kenb2908]

Athlete, Hobbyist and monk lol. I compete here and there and will train in anything throughout the week and see myself training till i cant no more

[@CombatSelfDefense]

That’s the way to be

[@Liam1991]

What about those of us who took up martial arts for self defence?

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Everyone can have a myriad of reasons for training, but why you stay is your archetype.

[@jankarieben1071]

Two archetypes you WONT see in gyms: the Philosopher; only really interested in the spiritual/philosophical side of MA, usually Tai-Chi, Kenpo, and Kung-Fu practitioners. The Home Schooler; passionate about MA beyond their means, cherry picks easy to practice, straight forward moves, learns alone or with other home schoolers, can be really good and one or two things, but technique will be sloppy from unguided practice. Possibly took MAs as a kid. (👈me)

[@oubliette862]

I train alone typically. don't know what drives me, I suppose I'm obsessed with power. I'll study any fighting system that I feel may have something useful to offer. I don't accept fear I project it. so many try to justify their fears as something useful, possibly, if we were animals' incapable of rational thought. I don't like being noticed and I don't want attention, so I avoid places like a gym. I may lose a battle but, in the end, win the war, I'll find a way.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

While you were partying, I studied the blade.

[@lesliekho2640]

…should add one more: the victim; trains hard for personal trama, relates very punch and blow to his facet in life. Doesn’t care about competition or glory. Can be an asset to the class if he deemed you are worthy of a cause.

[@timleard6105]

This is pretty good stuff and interesting food for thought. Would you be interested in turning this into a 60-minute presentation for a convention of martial arts professionals?

[@CombatSelfDefense]

I would be. Can you shoot me an email and tell me more? [e-mail]

[@descoutinho-e1y]

@@CombatSelfDefense If you are required to pay dollar bucks to register then its not a real convention. And to the other guy if this chap drops out I'll do it for ya but you're gonna have to lower the fee.

[@Guardian179]

I think there's one more. The warrior. The warrior is someone that is training not for competition or self improvement, but as a facet of their occupation. Whether it's military, security, or law enforcement, the warrior is training because they may very well have to use their skills with their life on the line. The pros of the warrior is that they are dedicated to learning and are constantly wanting to pressure test their capabilities. Better to sweat in the gym than bleed on the street. They will challenge techniques for real world application. The cons is that they can bring a toxic level of seriousness to the gym. They aren't there for fun, and anything that they see taking from their precious training time is seen as wasteful. They also bring their own real life experience to the gym, and will be the first to tell you what will and won't work on the street. They will "what if" every technique. This can be good if your style is grounded in self defense, but can also be quite aggravating. You'll see them in different reality based martial arts, or in combat sports like Muay Thai or BJJ, but always looking for how to apply it to the street, not the mat.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

Ooh that’s a good one. I’ll also add the antithesis of this is the warrior who says they don’t NEED to train because they carry a weapon with them, so they come with a smug attitude about all of it

[@Guardian179]

@@CombatSelfDefense Ah yes, the "I'd just shoot them" guys. As though all defensive encounters warrant the use of deadly force, and that they will always have the time and distance necessary to employ their weapon.

[@tommartin1223]

I'm a blend of about 4 of those archetypes. Scholar. Hobbyist. Hostage. Monk

[@jean-marclapierre9413]

Omg! I'm an hostage with monk seasoning ! I need to train or ill be miserable and I'm a better person when i train!

[@FabianBlack2k]

I started as hobbyist or even hostage "wanted to get in shape and weight lifting wasn't fun" but i fell in love with muay thai, i have my amateur debut in august Edit: i maybe became a "monk" 😅

[@goku843]

I would say I'm a cross between the monk and the athlete. While I like to push myself to become the martial artist I can be. I get much fulfillment in my martial arts training. My style is Taekwondo 🇰🇷

[@darksoth2133]

The old man or old timer. Like the monk but more relaxed about it. More likely to help clean or fix something so the training for others can be better. Very rarely gives advice or instruction. Respected by the coaches and teachers but maybe not known to the others that are training.

[@ubcroel4022]

I remember dealing with a princess, dodged everything he through during kickboxing and jabbed him to death like Khabib did to Al. Afterwards, we did rolling starting from standing; took him down and tapped him out repeatedly. Afterwards, he said he 'won' during stand up but that I 'did better' in the grappling department.

[@PinoyAdventurers]

John Danaher is a scholar who complete archetypes

[@enochkioko6605]

Definitely a Monk, two times a day training, a karate Instructor, a gym instructor, and training 5 styles of martial art in a week, self taught though, the baseline being karate 😅

[@daanvandijk166]

This is such a amazing video for coaches and aspirant coaches. I am a 50% hostage and 50% fighter, also referred to as the CTE sweetspot *Sean strickland chefs kiss*. You are pretty smart dude, shame that you also like getting punched in the head. You could have been a real asset to society.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

This is the most insulting compliment I’ve ever got.

[@aguslugiman9067]

Interesting analysis 😊

[@johnreidy2804]

They had Steven Seagal representing a fighter LMAO 😂 The only thing he's ever fought was the temptation to have another donut. And he lost

[@TheMercuryEmperor]

Yeah seagal is the epitome of a princess for all its bad qualities. No one can tell him hes wrong and he loves to beat on people who wont or cant fight back.