Budo Herpes Pt. 3

Part 3:

 

And now the breakdown, for this example, let’s break down Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) — our “HIV/AIDS” equivalent — in full depth, as it’s arguably the most dangerous and contagious "infection" in the martial arts world.

Carrier Profile: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

DSM-5 Code: 301.81

Martial STD Equivalent: HIV/AIDS

Label in the Martial World: The “Grandmaster Syndrome”

DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosis (must meet 5 or more):

1. Grandiose sense of self-importance

(“I am the only living inheritor of the true lineage without some kind of undisputed proof.”)

2. Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or ideal love

(“I trained with the CIA. I was personally mentored by Bruce Lee.”)

3. Belief that they are special and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people.

(“I don’t waste time teaching white belts. Only real warriors.”)

4. Need for excessive admiration

(“Bow deeper. You didn’t show enough respect.”)

5. Sense of entitlement

(“I deserve rank just because I’ve existed longer than you.”)

6. Interpersonal exploitative

(Uses students for money, labor, or blind loyalty.)

7. Lack of empathy

(Dismisses injuries, ignores emotional needs, humiliates students only cares about what a person can do from them.)

8. Often envious of others or believes others are envious of them

(“He only got that rank because of politics/he paid for it he didn't earn it or deserve it like me.”)

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

(“Your little modern stuff isn’t real martial arts.”)

 Martial Artist Carrier Characteristics (NPD):

Age Range?

Typically 45 & up, as narcissistic traits become calcified into identity without intervention. They tend to reach peak toxicity after decades of unchallenged ego reinforcement.

Martial Rank:

Usually self-promoted and not supported, or their rank was given by someone with equally questionable credentials (This can be debated). They will often create titles like Hanshi, Soke, Supreme Master, or 10th Dan Founder without credible boards (This can be Debated).

 Backstory Flags:

Multiple divorces (often blame their exes) This has nothing to do with said persons ability.

Past criminal charges (often domestic abuse and so much more, but always someone else’s fault)

Former addiction issues (untreated or replaced by addiction to power)

 

Hasn't owned or operated an actual school/location in years

 

Has never produced a single black belt or instructor level

  

Daily Behaviors:

Runs a cult-like dojo with high fees and rigid loyalty expectations (Lets not confuse structure and order with cult like behavior).

Demands praise and validation online constantly

Blocks anyone who questions them

Uses students’ respect as emotional currency

Gaslights others: “You wouldn’t understand, you weren’t there.”

Speaks in vague, exaggerated terms: “I’ve done things I can’t talk about.”

 

Never follows through with the bad ass challenge matches they talk about. 

Talks more crap online and avoids training as much as possible floor.

Online Presence:

Posts motivational quotes… about themselves

Constantly reminiscing about “the old days”

Accuses others of rank fraud while never presenting their own promotion history and even then they have no argument because legit rank is a whole other debate. 

Attacks the group and or organizations that they swore was the say all be all, until the person in question is validated by the only "NGB" for said art then all of a sudden that organization is now trash and should not be supported.

Inserts themselves into discussions they weren’t invited to, then plays victim when called out

Real-World Statistics Supporting NPD Behavior in Toxic Martial Artists:

NPD is more common in men (up to 75% of cases per APA studies)

Prevalence: 0.5% to 1% of the general population, but anecdotal evidence suggests a much higher concentration in traditional martial arts systems with closed-rank structures

Comorbidity: Frequently coexists with Substance Use Disorders and Antisocial Personality Disorder

Aggression & abuse: Studies show narcissistic men with a history of substance abuse are statistically more likely to commit domestic violence, especially when their authority is challenged

How It Spreads in the Martial Arts World:

Through authority worship: Students are trained to not question rank or background

By toxic tradition: Systems that reward seniority over skill enable narcissistic carriers

Through trauma bonding: Students with low self-esteem are attracted to "strong leaders"

Via social media: The infected feed off algorithms that reward outrage and drama

How to Spot & Avoid a Carrier:

1. Ask for verifiable rank history — if you’re called disrespectful for asking, that’s a red flag

2. Observe how they speak about others — especially former students or peers

3. Watch how they handle disagreement — do they explode, shame, or ghost?

4. See who surrounds them — yes-men or critical thinkers?

5. Check their credentials — are they honorary titles from friends, or an actual grading?

 

 

6. Ask them to discuss things in private and or meet somewhere to share the space and train together.

Contact Information:

casper.mcfadden@mail.com