... Don Quixote replied, "The pursuit of my calling does not allow or permit me to go in any other fashion; easy life, enjoyment, and repose were invented for soft courtiers, but toil, unrest, and arms were invented and made for those alone whom the world calls knights-errant, of whom I, though unworthy, am the least of all."

- Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

The martial arts comprise a fascinating, challenging, and endlessly rewarding field of human endeavor.  Because the arts are inextricably tied to primal concepts of conflict, self-preservation, and contest, they are also rife with certain very specific problems.  These include complex politics and psychological issues.

The Ego and the Ergo

No single psychological issue is a greater factor in the martial arts today than that of ego.  So much of the endless arguing among martial artists that takes place on the Internet is related to strutting, puffing expressions of insecurity and overblown pride.  This manifests itself quite often as criticism of others' martial arts credentials.  Specifically, obsessive would-be fraud busters reach amazing heights of petty excess in attacking those they believe to be unworthy or otherwise illegitimate.

Now, this is not to say there are not frauds and pretenders in the martial arts.  Many of the editorials here are devoted to just that phenomenon.  As in anything, however, it is possible to take too far one's desire to expose illegitimacy.  When this happens, it's time to evaluate one's online (and real life) activities to see if one has a problem.

"Senor, devil take it if there's a sign of any man you talk of, knight or giant, in the whole thing; maybe it's all enchantment, like the phantoms last night."

"How canst thou say that!" answered Don Quixote; "dost thou not hear the neighing of the steeds, the braying of the trumpets, the roll of the drums?"

"I hear nothing but a great bleating of ewes and sheep," said Sancho; which was true, for by this time the two flocks had come close.

"The fear thou art in, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "prevents thee from seeing or hearing correctly, for one of the effects of fear is to derange the senses and make things appear different from what they are; if thou art in such fear, withdraw to one side and leave me to myself, for alone I suffice to bring victory to that side to which I shall give my aid..."

...So saying, he dashed into the midst of the squadron of ewes, and began spearing them with as much spirit and intrepidity as if he were transfixing mortal enemies in earnest. The shepherds and drovers accompanying the flock shouted to him to desist; seeing it was no use, they ungirt their slings and began to salute his ears with stones as big as one's fist.

- Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

The Warning Signs of Windmill Tilting

None of these signs are definitive by themselves, but if you experience one or more of the items listed here, you may have a problem.  It may indeed be time to step back and examine critically your online and real-world behavior.

Do you frequently find yourself drawn into very long, extremely angry debates with those you believe you've "outed" (or with their supporters)?

Have you had to change your phone number, start screening your calls, and/or conceal your e-mail address because you're receiving frequent hate mail and even death threats?

Do you feel the need to congratulate yourself smugly whenever you think you've found even the most tenuous piece of "evidence" proving you "right?"

Do you worry at least once a week that online arguments will lead to problems in your "real life?" 

Have you engaged in intellectual dishonesty or rhetorical ploys in an effort to more easily win arguments you were not winning?  Have you felt the need to "win" at any cost for the sake of others who might be reading such exchanges?

Are you widely known for your "fraud busting" activities, to the extent that people you've never met hold negative opinions of you for it?

Have your online activities caused friction between you and friends or members of your family?

Have teachers warned you or otherwise expressed concern about your activities?

Do you speak often of the terrible burden that is your fraud busting, playing the martyr while insisting that you don't desire the title or reputation of fraud-buster?

Examining ourselves in this fashion is never easy.  None of us likes to look in the mirror and acknowledge that we have erred, that we have "gone too far."  If, however, you've experienced any of these symptoms, it's time to take that look.  Do you really want your life to be an endless cycle of bickering and hatred?  Is your self-esteem really so shriveled and underfed that the only way you can salve your wounded ego is to viciously attack others?

A Sense of Perspective

This is not a plea to remain silent where frauds and poseurs in the martial arts community are concerned.  It is, however, the suggestion to use caution and maintain a sense of perspective when approaching such issues.

"Be not angry or annoyed at what thou hearest, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "or there will never be an end of it; keep a safe conscience and let them say what they like; for trying to stop slanderers' tongues is like trying to put gates to the open plain. If a governor comes out of his government rich, they say he has been a thief; and if he comes out poor, that he has been a noodle and a blockhead."

- Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

The "middle path" is often a winding one.  It isn't always the right one, either, as there are times when standing in the middle of the road will leave you trampled.  In some areas of life, however, moderation is advisable.  Some stretches of the path have no shoulder.  To stray from it at these is to fall onto the jagged rocks below, shouting all the way about one's need for vindication.  

Walk cautiously.