SPEAK UP AGAINST TOXIC COACHES: DON‘T BE A BYSTANDER

What is a bystander?

Bystanders in a martial arts club refer to practitioners who witness or are aware of toxic behavior or coaching practices but do not take any action to intervene or address the issue.

Social Conformity and Cognitive Dissonance

Bystanders in martial arts clubs support toxic coaching environments through social conformity and cognitive dissonance. The silence and passive behavior reveal a complex interplay of psychological mechanisms.

A Desire to Fit in & Avoid Conflict

Firstly, bystanders conform to toxic coaching practices due to a desire to fit in and avoid conflict, triggering brain areas associated with social cognition and emotions.

Normalising Unacceptable Behaviour

Secondly, bystanders normalize unacceptable behavior by downplaying it, reducing cognitive dissonance, involving brain regions linked to conflict resolution. They experience a psychological discomfort arising from the inconsistency between their values and the observed behavior.

Endorsing Toxic Coaches

By not speaking up or taking action, bystanders endorse toxic coaches through a process akin to classical conditioning. Coaches may interpret the silence of their students as consent or indifference, leading to the reinforcement of their harmful methods.

Leaving a Toxic Coach

Making the decision to leave a toxic martial arts club might seem daunting at first but ultimately it is a liberating choice. Realise that you will find a more supportive and harmonious training space filled with like-minded peers.

The emotional experience of departing from a toxic club can be likened to the feeling of shedding a heavy burden, much akin to those who have managed to break free from cults.