Former FBI special agent Mike German, who spent 16 years in undercover operations, has shed light on how some organized extremist groups exploit martial arts spaces for recruitment.
Now a fellow at NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice, German spoke on a recent podcast about the risks and responsibilities facing combat sports communities.
German explained that martial arts gyms can be particularly appealing to recruiters because coaches and senior members often hold strong influence over students who view them as role models.
This position of authority, he stressed, comes with a duty to recognize and stop harmful agendas from taking root:
What’s happening today is just that it’s more visible.
And the reason it’s more visible is what’s really dangerous is when people in a position of authority give the green light to this kind of activity and to this kind of rhetoric.
He emphasized the importance of leadership vigilance, noting that young people seeking guidance can be especially susceptible:
Your ability to manage young people who are coming to you for advice and will look up to you as a moral figure requires understanding how extremist groups operate.
German advised martial arts gym owners to set clear community standards that reject radical ideologies, with a zero-tolerance approach toward hate:
Don’t come back over here. You’re no longer welcome over here.
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