Jocko Underground: What To Do if a Heavy Duty Ex-Con is in Your Jiu Jitsu Class.
In this episode of Jocko Podcast, Jocko Willink examines the complexities of integrating individuals with criminal backgrounds into martial arts training environments. He explores the philosophical questions around forgiveness and rehabilitation, drawing distinctions between different types of crimes and discussing whether certain offenders can be truly rehabilitated.
The discussion delves into practical considerations for martial arts schools managing students with criminal histories, including the challenges of transparency and disclosure. Willink addresses common assumptions about martial arts instructors and examines a specific case involving Gracie University BJJ, where a student weighs the decision to leave their training program due to potential conflicts, highlighting the importance of personal judgment in such situations.
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1-Page Summary
Philosophy of Forgiveness and Rehabilitation for Serious Crimes
Jocko Willink explores the complex relationship between forgiveness, rehabilitation, and serious crimes. He admits to struggling with forgiveness for certain heinous acts, acknowledging that some crimes might be unforgivable and warrant vengeance rather than forgiveness.
When it comes to rehabilitation, Willink draws an important distinction between different types of crimes. He believes that rehabilitation is possible for crimes driven by addiction or survival needs, citing examples of reformed drug addicts and thieves. However, he expresses significant skepticism about rehabilitating sexual predators, suggesting their behavior stems from fundamentally different psychological wiring rather than circumstantial factors.
Training Considerations for Someone With a Criminal Past
In discussing the management of students with criminal histories in martial arts schools, Willink addresses the delicate balance between transparency and potential consequences. He notes that disclosing a student's criminal past to instructors could lead to their removal and create significant drama within the school community.
Willink also challenges the common assumption that martial arts instructors inherently possess high moral standards. He points out that instructors, like any other professionals, can engage in unethical or criminal behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining awareness within martial arts communities.
Speaker's Connection to Martial Arts School and System
The discussion turns to a specific case involving Gracie University BJJ, where an individual expresses strong appreciation for their training experience while grappling with the decision to potentially leave the program. The speaker values the relationships formed with instructors and fellow students, as well as the quality of the Gracie University system, but acknowledges that leaving might be the simplest way to avoid potential conflicts. Willink advises that such decisions should be based on personal judgment and comfort rather than solely on the benefits of the training system.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- Forgiveness is a personal and complex process, and while some may find certain acts unforgivable, others believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for forgiveness, as it can be a crucial step in the healing process for victims and society.
- Rehabilitation for serious crimes, including those committed by sexual predators, can be effective with the right approaches, such as intensive therapy and strict supervision, suggesting that no category of crime should be excluded from efforts to rehabilitate.
- Transparency about a student's criminal past can be handled with discretion and privacy, ensuring safety without necessarily leading to removal or drama, and can be part of a supportive community's approach to rehabilitation.
- While martial arts instructors, like any group, can have individuals with unethical behavior, the discipline and philosophy of martial arts often promote moral and ethical development, which can positively influence instructors and students alike.
- Deciding whether to leave a martial arts program can also consider the potential for positive influence and change within the system, not just personal judgment and comfort, as staying could contribute to a culture of accountability and improvement.
Actionables
- You can develop a personal code of ethics to guide your decisions in complex situations, such as when to forgive. Write down your values and the actions that align with them, and use this as a reference when faced with moral dilemmas. For example, if honesty is a core value, you might decide not to associate with organizations or individuals that do not transparently disclose important information.
- Create a checklist for evaluating the integrity of organizations you're involved with, including martial arts schools. This list might include questions about the instructor's qualifications, the school's policy on handling members with a criminal past, and the overall culture of the place. Use this checklist before joining or continuing with an organization to ensure it aligns with your ethical standards.
- Practice assertive communication to express discomfort or disagreement with unethical behavior in any professional setting. Role-play scenarios with a friend where you practice stating your boundaries and concerns clearly and respectfully. For instance, if you learn about an instructor's unethical behavior, rehearse how you would address the issue with the school's management or decide to leave the program.
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Philosophy of Forgiveness and Rehabilitation for Serious Crimes
Jocko Willink delves into the intricate philosophy surrounding the forgiveness and rehabilitation for serious crimes, expressing his personal stance and evaluating the potential for true change in those who have committed such offenses.
Can True Rehabilitation Occur For Serious Predatory or Compulsive Crimes?
Speaker Admits Some Crimes Are Unforgivable, Preferring Vengeance To Forgiveness
Jocko Willink grapples with the notion of forgiveness, admitting that he finds certain acts unforgivable and would opt for vengeance instead: "Do we believe in forgiveness? Do we believe in second chances? I talk about forgiveness a lot. Are there some things that cannot be forgiven I kind of think there are I maybe I'm not enlightened enough. But I know there's certain things that could happen in my world that there would be no forgiveness. There would only be vengeance." He acknowledges the difficulty in forgiving heinous acts and even questions his own capacity for enlightenment in these circumstances.
Rehabilitation Is Possible for Addiction or Survival-Driven Crimes, but Skepticism Surrounds Sexual Predators and Ingrained Violent Tendencies
Willink considers the potential for rehabilitation in various scenarios, comparing addiction or economic compulsion to more predatory behavior: "Can you be rehabilitated from being a drug addict? I think you can. I've seen that before... Someone that used to be a thief and now they're not anymore. Someone that used to be a criminal now, they're not anymore. Someone that used to be a murderer... and now they're not anymore these things have happened." However, when discussing sexual predators, he expresses heavy skepticism: "Sexual predators a little different though, I think. There's some wiring. There's a lot less survival instinct like 'oh I need to make money' or 'I get addicted to this thing', but being a predator seems like you have a wire that's crossed somewhere."
Key Consideration: Has the Individual Genuinely Reformed?
Speaker Notes: Actions Often Contradi ...
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Philosophy of Forgiveness and Rehabilitation for Serious Crimes
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Forgiveness is not necessarily about the offender but can be beneficial for the victim or society to move forward and heal.
- The concept of "unforgivable" crimes is subjective and varies across cultures and individuals; what is unforgivable to one person may not be to another.
- Vengeance may not lead to positive outcomes and can perpetuate cycles of violence and retribution.
- Rehabilitation for serious crimes, including sexual offenses, is complex but not impossible, and there are documented cases where individuals have shown genuine change.
- The belief that certain behaviors are hardwired may overlook the impact of environmental factors and the potential for neuroplasticity and change.
- The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the potential for change should be evaluated based on empirical evidence and research rather than personal skepticism.
- A one-year period of observation may not be sufficient to judge true reform, as behavi ...
Actionables
- You can develop a personal accountability framework by setting up a system where you track your own behaviors and actions over a significant period, such as a year, to self-assess changes and improvements. For example, if you're working on becoming more patient, keep a daily log of situations where your patience was tested and how you responded, reviewing your progress monthly to see if there's a positive trend.
- Create a "behavioral investment portfolio" by investing your time and energy into diverse activities that promote positive habits and reduce the likelihood of engaging in negative behaviors. This could involve volunteering, learning new skills, or participating in community service, with the aim of diversifying your personal growth and reducing the risk of falling into undesirable patterns.
- Engage in proactive empathy exercises by putting yourself in scenarios ...
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Training Considerations for Someone With a Criminal Past
Jocko Willink addresses the sensitive issue of managing a student with a criminal past in the context of martial arts schools, dealing with potential conflicts and the overarching ethics within martial arts.
Acknowledging Potential Drama if Disclosing Individual's Criminal History To Martial Arts Instructors
Willink highlights the potential repercussions of informing a martial arts instructor about a student’s criminal past. He explains that revealing such information could incite drama and lead to the individual being expelled, which might create tension and provoke backlash within the school. Willink emphasizes that the person disclosing this information could be unjustly blamed for any adverse reactions that occur as a result, including the possibility of the individual with a criminal past being removed from the martial arts school.
Instructor's Authority to Remove Individual Causes Tension and Backlash
Willink cautions that when an instructor is informed of a student’s criminal history, their authority to remove the individual can cause significant tension. He advises a careful approach to this situation to avoid causing unnecessary drama or backlash.
Monitor Behavior Over Time to Assess True Change Before Confrontation
Furthermore, he encourages continuous vigilance, suggesting that the individual's behavior should be monitored over time within the martial arts environment to discern genuine change before any confrontation or decisions are made.
Dynamics and Ethics in Martial Arts Schools
Willink delves into the dynamics and ethics of martial arts schools, confronting the misconception that involvement in martial arts, or being an instructor, is automatically associated with moral and ethical conduct. His remarks underline the fact that martial arts instructors are just as fallible as individuals in any other profession, with so ...
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Training Considerations for Someone With a Criminal Past
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The potential for drama and expulsion upon revealing a student's criminal past assumes a negative bias and may not account for the possibility of a supportive and rehabilitative environment within the martial arts school.
- The authority of an instructor to remove a student might be seen as a protective measure for the community rather than a source of tension, emphasizing the safety of other students and the reputation of the school.
- Continuous monitoring of an individual's behavior could be considered invasive and may not respect their privacy or acknowledge their capacity for change without being under scrutiny.
- While martial arts instructors are not immune to unethical behavior, the text may overemphasize the prevalence of such behavior, potentially casting a negative light on martial arts professionals as a whole.
- The emphasis on vigilance within ...
Actionables
- You can create a confidential feedback system for martial arts students to report concerns about instructors or fellow students. Set up an anonymous online form or suggestion box in the dojo where students can voice concerns about unethical behavior without fear of direct confrontation. This allows for a discreet way to monitor and address issues, fostering a safer environment for everyone.
- Develop a personal code of ethics for martial arts practice that includes respect for privacy and non-discrimination. Write down a set of principles that guide your interactions within the martial arts community, such as not judging individuals based on their past but on their current actions and commitment to the discipline. Share this with peers to encourage a culture of acceptance and ethical behavior.
- Engage in role-playing scenarios with a trusted peer to practice handlin ...
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Speaker's Connection to Martial Arts School and System
A reflection on the intricacies of commitment to a martial arts school reveals a deep appreciation for Gracie University BJJ and the complexities in potentially leaving the program.
Loyalty and Appreciation For Gracie University BJJ After a Year
The podcast's original question asker openly appreciates the training received at a certified Gracie University Jiu-jitsu school over the past year, expressing satisfaction with the quality of instruction and enjoyment of the school's camaraderie and the system established by Henry and Héron Gracie.
Speaker Values Instructors, Students, and Gracie University's Quality
This individual expresses a connection to the Gracie University BJJ, placing high value on relationships with both instructors and fellow students, and an appreciation for the Gracie University's systematic approach to teaching the martial art.
Reluctance to Leave Gracie University System
The same individual acknowledges a strong loyalty to Gracie University BJJ, grappling with the idea of leaving the Gracie system despite being inclined to do so. This decision is not light, considering their investment and respect for Gracie University's offerings.
Leaving the Gracie University Program May Be the Simplest Way to Avoid Potential Drama and Conflict, the Speaker Acknowledges
The speaker contemplates that departing from Gracie University may be a straightforward solution to circumvent potential interpersonal issues, implying that ease and avoiding conflict are significant considerations in their decision-making process.
Comf ...
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Speaker's Connection to Martial Arts School and System
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Clarifications
- Gracie University BJJ is an online platform and physical schools that offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. It was founded by members of the Gracie family, known for their contributions to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The system emphasizes a structured curriculum for learning Jiu-Jitsu techniques and principles. Students progress through belt levels by mastering techniques and demonstrating proficiency in live sparring situations.
- Henry and Héron Gracie are members of the renowned Gracie family, known for their significant contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They are respected figures in the martial arts community and have played a key role in the development and promotion of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. Henry and Héron have established Gracie University, a platform that offers online Jiu-Jitsu training and certification programs, expanding the reach of their family's martial art teachings.
- T ...
Counterarguments
- While the individual appreciates the training at Gracie University BJJ, it's possible that exposure to different schools or systems could offer a broader perspective on martial arts and potentially enhance their skills and understanding.
- Valuing relationships with instructors and students is important, but it's also beneficial to build a diverse network by training with various practitioners to gain new insights and experiences.
- A systematic approach to teaching is advantageous, but it might not suit everyone's learning style, and some may find alternative teaching methods more effective for their personal growth.
- Loyalty to a martial arts school is commendable, but personal growth and learning should take precedence, and sometimes that requires exploring other options.
- Avoiding drama and conflict is understandable, but facing and resolving such issues can lead to personal development ...
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