A few weeks before I made this video, a lady on the news said that all men matching my description, middle-aged and white, are privileged, sexist and racist. I had no idea I was all those things. I do know I am middle-aged and white. In this video I talk about that, and about how confusing these sweeping claims have become.

It is for anyone who wants to think clearly about what they hear, and it ties into how I approach learning and the martial arts: question things, and judge on evidence.

The Problem With Sweeping Labels

She went on to say other things too, later adding English to the mix, and then saying that all police are racist. Then, after some discussion, I found out that I am also apparently a victim of racism. At that point I had no idea what was going on.

The problem with claims that start with the word all is that they are almost never true. Every group is made up of individuals. Some are good, some are not. Judging a whole group by a label tells you nothing useful about the person in front of you.

Why This Matters for Martial Artists

In the martial arts, we learn very quickly that labels mean little. A black belt does not guarantee skill. A small, quiet person may be the most dangerous person in the room. A style with a big reputation may have poor instructors, and a little-known club may have excellent ones.

You learn to judge people by what they actually do. That habit is useful everywhere:

  • Look at behaviour, not labels
  • Be wary of any claim that begins with all or never
  • Ask what the evidence is
  • Listen to the reasoning, not just the conclusion
  • Be prepared to change your mind when the facts change

Keeping a Clear Head

Things can get heated when people talk about these subjects. Staying calm, asking questions and refusing to be pushed into a corner is a skill. It is the same skill you use in self-defence when someone is shouting at you: keep your head, think clearly and do not let someone else decide how you react.

Think for Yourself

My message is simple. Do not accept something just because it is said loudly or on the news. Think it through. Look at the evidence. Treat people as individuals. That is how you learn properly, in the martial arts and in life.

Take It Further

If you want a clear, evidence-based approach to the martial arts, read Pressure Point Fighting: The Complete Guide. For honest, one-to-one coaching, see my Private Mentoring.