I recently had the opportunity to ask Dr. Bohdi Sanders some questions by email. He was kind enough to write back – and generously. This is not a short interview, but I am so pleased that he took the time. We have not edited any of the document that he sent to us, save adjusting some formatting.
Dr. Bohdi Sanders – an Interview by Jeremy Lesniak
Jeremy Lesniak: You’ve written a number of books. Everyone I know who has written even one book has described it as a difficult, even laborious, process. What is it about writing that keeps you coming back?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: It is pretty simple really – I love wisdom and philosophy, and sharing my wisdom and philosophy with others. There are a ridiculous number of martial arts books on the market about how to fight or showing techniques, etc. There is nothing new about fighting and there are only so many techniques you can learn. These techniques, and fighting in general, have been around for centuries; people simply repackage them, put a nice cover on a new book, and sell them as a new fighting system or the best fighting techniques for the streets, etc. It is basically a scam and I have no interest in that.
Fighting is fighting, period. Either you know how to defend yourself or you don’t. Buying into all the martial arts hype will not save you on the streets. These kinds of books are essentially for suckers who do not know what real fights are. They are mainly picture books for novices, and are of little use for people’s daily lives.
My writing focuses on things which people can use every day of their lives to improve themselves and their lives. I am trying to help people with my writing and when your goal is to help others, it is very rewarding. I have received thousands of emails and letters from my readers thanking me for how much my teachings and writings have helped them and changed their lives. I have received many unexpected gifts from appreciative readers because of how my teachings and books have helped them. Knowing that I am helping others is very rewarding!
The emails and letters I get range from heartwarming to heartbreaking and everything in between, and I try to answer all of them, although I don’t always get to. The French philosopher, Jean de la Bruyere, stated, “When a book raises your spirit and inspires you with noble and manly thoughts, seek for no other test of its excellence. It is good and made by a good workman.” That is what I try to do with all of my books – motivate people to live life to the fullest and inspire them to live a life of character, honor and integrity. And I believe that my books do just that.
Is it easy? Absolutely not! Like you stated, it is a very difficult, laborious process and can be very frustrating at times. But I do not look at it like that. I try my best to make my books the kind of books which people can refer back to time and time again and help them each time they read them. I even refer back to my own books time and time again, and enjoy reading them. They are the kind of books that I would buy in Barnes and Noble.
It is my goal to write books which will help people for generations to come and I think I have. And I plan to continue to write these kinds of books. I feel deeply in my heart that this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life. It is my calling, if you will. So I keep writing and hopefully, I keep writing things which are helping those who read my work.
Lesniak: You often use the term “warrior” in your books, and it’s even in the title of your website. What does it mean to be a warrior in the modern age?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: A lot people ask me that question and many others are offended that I even use the word “warrior” in my teachings. Many wrongly believe that the term “warrior” should only be used for someone who has been in the military or in a war. While this is one of the definitions of the term “warrior” in the dictionary, it is certainly not the only definition; and, as far as I am concerned, it is not correct.
There have been a lot of people who have been in the military who are not even close to being warriors. Likewise, there have been many people who have been in wars who never were warriors either. There are many reasons one joins the military. I know a lot of military people; some are warriors and some are not. That is just a fact! I can name several off the top of my head who have been in the military and are the complete opposite of what a warrior should be.
On the other hand, there are many people in this world who have never been in the military and never been to war, but who conduct themselves as warriors daily and have the heart of warrior in everything they do. Being a warrior is not something you do; it is something that you are. It comes from the inside, from your inner spirit. It is independent of your job, or what you do, or don’t sign up to do with your life.
My definition of a true warrior, and what I believe it means in modern times, is someone who has the ability and will to fight to protect himself, his friends, his family, and his ideals, and at the same time, seeks the perfection of his own character through a life lived with honor, integrity, and an unflinching dedication to what is right according to his own code of ethics. The ability to fight is only a small part of this definition. The true warrior has to develop more than his martial arts skills. The qualities of the true warrior go much deeper than that.
Warriors should exhibit the best qualities among men. The true warrior makes a firm decision to try to perfect his character and to live by a strict code of ethics. His word is his honor. His duty stays fresh on his mind. He lives life a little more seriously than most, but at the same time lives life to its fullest. He sees through the veil of appearances covering most parts of this world, but does so without looking down on those who are less perceptive.
Family and friends are important to him, and they know that they can always count on him for protection and help in their times of need. He bases his decisions on his code of ethics, and he instinctively knows right from wrong, and chooses right. He knows that at times there is a difference between what is right and what is legal, and what is wrong and what is illegal. As Lao Tzu taught, “Highly evolved people have their own conscience as pure law.”
The true warrior is able to hold his head high with honor because he knows that he lives his life to the best of his ability, with honor and integrity. His code is ingrained in his spirit and is a part of his being. Warriors walk alone much of the time, as they prefer solitude to the company of lesser men. The warrior is a man who shoots for excellence in everything he does. These are the things which make someone a true warrior and the development of these traits leads to what I call the warrior lifestyle.
As you can see, you do not have to be a military guy or in a war to develop these traits. It is about how you approach life, not what you do for a living.
Lesniak: Martial arts seems to have a fair amount of infighting, and you seem familiar with this. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: Yeah, unfortunately, I am very familiar with this. The martial arts community is plagued with an abundance of people with overblown egos, hearts full of hate and jealousy, and its fair share of mentally imbalanced people as well. I always find it ridiculous when these people attack me or my background, especially considering the things that I teach. I believe that most of it stems from jealousy, which is not what the martial arts is supposed to be about. Aren’t martial arts supposed to teach you to overcome your ego? Whatever happened to martial artists having a humble spirit?
I don’t really see this as “infighting,” but rather personal attacks brought on by jealous people who have mental and emotional issues. Let’s be honest, are you in the martial arts to improve yourself or to compare yourself to everyone else? If you are only focused on improving your martial arts skills and your character, do you really care what everyone else is doing? Are you really interested in what so-and-so’s rank is or who his instructor was or where he went to school? Of course not! You are focused on your own training and skills.
The people behind most of this so-called “infighting” are usually not true martial artists; many of them are not martial artists at all. They simply want to be connected to the martial arts world, but they are not martial artists. Every community has its troublemakers, its mentally ill, its criminals, its gossips, and its jealous haters; the martial arts community is no different. Actually, the martial arts world seems to have more than its share of each of these.
Personally, I have found that, when it comes to those who have personally attacked me in this way, when I did some checking on their backgrounds, almost all of them struggle with some form of mental illness. Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that only mentally ill people attack me and dislike me. But out of those who I attacked me, most struggle with mental illness, either bi-polar, schizophrenia, multiple personalities, or other mental problems.
I have had private investigators check on several of the people who have attacked me on the internet. His findings were very surprising. One guy was bi-polar with possible split personalities. One woman takes medicine for bi-polar, schizophrenia, and a couple of other mental illnesses. Another guy had a mental illness which I cannot remember what it is called at this time. A couple of others had severe drug addictions and issues with alcohol. It was very telling!
Just think about it. Most martial artists have no desire to get involved with “infighting” or personal attacks on the internet. They did not get into the martial arts to deal with more political garbage or to badmouth other martial artists. They wanted to learn martial arts, period. Men and women who are mentally balanced, well-rounded individuals, who want to live their lives with character, honor, and integrity, do not get involved in such things, unless they are forced to in defense of their reputation and character.
Also, I have found that there are certain groups of people who have all of these traits – ego issues, jealousy, hearts filled with hate, and who are mentally unbalanced. They seem to be the ones who are behind a lot of these problems in the martial arts world. I know several who spend most of their time attacking other martial artists either online or blowing up people’s phones to spread malicious gossip which they know is untrue. I won’t give these people any free publicity or turn this interview into something it should not be by naming them here; but many martial artists know exactly who and what these people are. This same group of people who attack others over and over in the martial arts world.
I know one woman who runs a well-known martial arts website, several of them actually, who is known for her attacks on other martial artists. She goes to all of the martial arts hall of fame scams where the same people get together to pat each other on the back and tell each other how great they are. She has been “inducted” into many of these “halls of fame” but she is not even a martial artist. She wears a gi and a black belt, but never earned it; it was given to her as an “honorary” rank because she runs a website. She claims to spend 18-20 hours a day on her computer, and a lot of that is attacking other martial artists. How ridiculous is that!
I have also found that much of the gossiping, libel, slander, and defamation of people’s character comes from certain groups of so-called martial artists who are all buddies and who actively organize these character assassinations. They spread their hate and lies to any and all who are willing to listen to them. They actually used to call me and try to bad-mouth other martial artists to me until I blocked them from my phone and from my social media. I have no time for people of such poor character who spread lies, gossip, and spend more time trashing other martial artists than they do training or trying to improve themselves!
If anyone in the martial arts world gets into the public eye in some way, these people will inevitably start attacking him in a misguided attempt to bring them down. Some of these people are well-known and control martial arts media and do not like other martial artists getting too much popularity. They seem to think that if others are doing too well in the martial arts world, that it somehow threatens their control over their martial artists in their own little clicks.
The most ironic thing about these people is that they go around calling other martial artists fakes or frauds, claiming they faked their rank, titles, background, etc. But when I checked into their backgrounds, it was these people who have the fake rank and titles. I think that these people try to put the spotlight on other martial artists so that no one puts the spotlight on them. I have consistently found that it is those who are attacking others who are the real martial arts fakes and frauds.
When I looked into the people who had libeled and slandered me on the internet, I found that every one of them had faked their own rank and their titles. It was amazing! One guy from California completely lied about his ranks. He promoted himself to the title of Grandmaster and even purchased a Ph.D. in martial arts from another martial artist. Then he promoted his friend, who also helps him attack others, to the rank of 6th dan. His friend also runs one of these “pay-per-play” hall of fames where he cons well-known martial artists into paying him to be “inducted” into his “martial arts hall of fame.”
He actually tried to give me some kind of award last year, but I turned it down, as I want nothing to do with people like him. The funny thing was that he was offering me some so-called lifetime achievement award, but when I turned it down, three months later he started attacking me at a fake and a fraud. What a sham!
There are several in this group who claim to have the title of Grandmaster in Kajukenbo, but when we checked their background, they did not even have a first degree black belt in Kajukenbo. So tell me, how do you manage to get the title of Grandmaster in a martial art that you never trained in?
Personally attacking others has become so prevalent in the martial arts world that is has become weaponized. When these people don’t like someone or have a beef with someone, they simply spread lies about them, twist the truth, and attack them as fakes and frauds to destroy their reputation. It is the weapon of the weak-minded and the frauds in the martial arts world. They do not have the courage to say anything to another martial artist face-to-face, so they hide behind their computer monitors and attack people like the cowards that they truly are. I guess it makes them feel like they have control others or gives them some sense of power or something.
Also, I have found that most of these people who participate in these things are some of the biggest losers in the world of martial arts. The woman I mentioned above is approaching 70 years old, mentally ill, and still lives with her aging parents. One of her friends who helps her spread lies actually can’t hold down a job and last I heard sleeps in a sleeping bag on the floor of a friend’s dojo. I could go on and on, but you get the point.
The problem is that these mentally ill and demented people can write garbage on the internet and other people read it and simply believe whatever they read. Then they spread the malicious gossip and it takes on a life of its own. It really is pathetic and gives the martial arts world a major black eye!
I have seen these people do this to one martial artist after another, after another. This happens so much, in fact, that I never believe anything someone says about another martial artist now. I go strictly by each person’s own actions and refuse to listen to the “juicy gossip” as I have seen where most of that gossip originates and how and why it starts in the first place.
True martial artists are too busy training, improving themselves, and living life to be a part such dishonorable actions. I understand guys who have been attacked by these people, outing these liars and fighting back. But as far as simply spreading malicious gossip, I will have nothing to do with it or with those who spread it.
As you stated, I have had more than my share of experience with this. These people have no boundaries and no morals. They have made up every lie one could possibly come up with about me, attacking my background, my education, my name, my writing, and even threatening my wife and my sons. Most of this has absolutely nothing to do with my martial arts training, but these people will stop at nothing to destroy someone who they do not like or who they have an issue with. It truly is pathetic and shows their true character.
It also proves without a shadow of a doubt that these people are not true martial artists. I mean, what true grandmaster or master do you know who would spend their time each and every day attacking other martial artists who have done nothing to them? And most of the time, these people attack people who they do not know and have never met. Only unbalanced, mentally unstable individuals do this kind of stuff.
Think of it this way. You will never be attacked like this by people who are doing better than you; these attacks always come from losers who are unhappy with their own lives, so they try to bring others down to their level, instead of working to improve themselves. Successful people focus on their own lives; losers like these people focus on everyone else’s lives.
Lesniak: Much of the infighting I see seems tied to rank and other accomplishments – would the martial arts be better off if we did away with rank and title?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: I think it would, but that will never happen. Martial arts have become a money-making business and charging ridiculous amounts for belt tests and rank promotions brings in a lot of money for these people. Don’t expect them to give up any of the money that they bilk their students for, just to get martial arts back to where they should be. That train has left the station and won’t be coming back.
As I mentioned earlier, much of this so-called “infighting” stems from jealousy or power struggles within the martial arts world. Both jealousy and these ego problems stem from the lack of understanding the character traits that should go along with any martial arts instruction. As Master Funakoshi stated, “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” Many martial artists and martial arts instructors seem to have forgotten this.
It has become so commonplace for rank to be given out without being earned today, that martial arts rank has almost become meaningless. I have seen teenagers claiming to be 4th dans, 30 year old “grandmasters,” guys who cross-promote each other to 10th dan, etc. It is just a joke!
To me, the only factors that matter in today’s martial arts world are:
- Can you use your skills to defend yourself or those you love?
- Do you conduct yourself and your life with character, honor, and integrity?
- Are you helping others improve themselves?
Rank no longer matters to me. In fact, I doubt I will ever have any rank other than where I am right now, which is a 5th dan. I have actually had quite a few people say to me, “I thought you were much better than a 5th dan” or “I just assumed that you were a grandmaster because of your teachings.” Both of those statements are an indication of how badly martial arts has regressed in recent years.
It used to be that a 5th dan ranking was revered, but now I hear comments like, “Is that all you are?” That is crazy! But that is the mentality of people when instructors are giving teenagers or 20 year olds 5th and 6th dan rankings. When martial artists are no longer having to EARN their rank, all rank starts to lose its meaning. It is just like the participation trophies that we see in kid’s sports today, where everyone gets a trophy no matter what. Those trophies are meaningless. And when everyone gets rank just for being in class for a certain amount of time or because they know the right people, belt rank starts to become meaningless as well.
The truth is that a 5th dan should be a revered rank, just as a 3rd dan or 4th dan, etc. If you actually earned it, it carries great meaning for you; if it came easy for you because you trained in a McDojo or were promoted by your buddy without earning it, it doesn’t mean too much to you because you know you did not earn it.
It used to be that there was only white belts and black belts. You started out as a white belt and the longer you trained, the dirtier and darker you belt got. And, as you kept training for years and years, that black belt started to wear out and became white again. Today, many martial artists are only concerned with appearances instead of substance. Many take their black belt and intentionally tear it up to make it look like they wore it out. Others actually even buy black belts which have already been made to look worn out.
Once again, it all goes back to overblown egos. These people are only interested in appearances, but not truly interested in martial arts or developing their skills. I have news for them, their fancy belts or ragged black belts will not help them at all in the streets if they are ever attacked by an experienced street fighter. They may be able to fool many in the martial arts world, but there is no way to fake their martial arts skills when their lives are on the line. True martial artists train for the skills, the love of the art, and to improve themselves, not to look cool or to appear tough.
Lesniak: What qualities do you find most admirable in a person?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: Character is extremely important to me. If a person is not a person of good character, how can you trust anything they say or do? And being a man or woman of character entails many character traits such as honor, integrity, respect, loyalty, honesty, courage, and more. All of these are important.
I guess, if I had to narrow it down, I would say that honor, integrity, and loyalty are some of the most admirable to me. A person cannot be loyal if they do not have honor and integrity. This is something that seems to be sorely missing in today’s martial arts world. My dear friend, Sifu Al Dacascos, and I have had many conversations about the lack of loyalty in the martial arts. Many martial artists have no sense of loyalty; they simply use instructors, or their acquaintances, to get what they want and then they move on. They have no understanding of the meaning of giri. I highly value loyalty in a person.
If someone is loyal, you know that he is a man of honor and integrity. Of course, honor and integrity encompass much more than loyalty, but to me, loyalty says a lot about a person. Dishonorable people have no integrity and are only loyal to the highest bidder. A man with no honor or integrity can never be a true friend, only a temporary acquaintance or a fake friend. If I know that someone has no honor or integrity, I have very little to do with them.
Lesniak: How do you deal with stress?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: I find that the best way for me to deal with stress it to train, workout, lift weights, meditate, do yoga, and get back to nature. When you are in the public eye, as I am because of my books, you have a lot of stress to deal with. At one time, I was receiving over 600 emails a day, and as I said, I try to answer as many of them as I can. Also, most of my work is on the computer, which in and of itself, adds to your stress.
I find it helpful to set aside time each day for meditation, yoga, and some training. I also believe you must not only get away from the computer, but get out of the house and get some fresh air. I have a small dojo in my house, a weight room in the house, mats for yoga, a room for meditation, etc., so it is easy for me to not find time to get out of the house some days. But I find getting out and getting away from everything is very helpful in dealing with stress. And meditate, meditate, meditate!
Lesniak: What consumes your time other than martial arts and writing?
Dr. Bohdi Sanders: I have a nice, big Japanese garden at home; it takes up a lot of my time and also serves to get me out of the house and away from the computer. I also spend as much time as possible with my grandsons and family. I spend time with my photography (nature photography) and hiking in the mountains as well, as I live just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. I also read a lot. I am constantly studying wisdom literature and good self-help books. There is so much to do, see, and experience in this world. I never get bored!
You can find Dr. Bohdi Sanders website here
- Footprint Award – 2022 Never Settle Awards - August 16, 2023
- Emissary of the Arts Award – 2022 Never Settle Awards - August 9, 2023
- Flashlight Award – 2022 Never Settle Awards - August 2, 2023
? wow Bohdi sanders write up is like the the kettle calling the poy black.
Bohdi is not a legit Dr. or Legit High ranking Martial Artist. Great write up if it was about someone else. Go to USAdojo and see the investigation about Bohdi done by a real investigator Dan Stuben
This is not an interview but a bitch piece for Bodhi to attempt to explain his butthurt over being outed as a fake and a fraud.
He is not what he claims to be.
How is it not an interview? I sent him questions and he replied with answers. You may not like the answers, and that’s anyone’s prerogative. But it certainly satisfies the definition of an interview. ~jeremy
Puff piece much? Wow…basically a couple thousand words of Bohdi railing against and disparaging his critics. Clearly, he is the victim of a huge conspiracy led by people who can’t get over their jealousy over Bohdi’s vast accomplishments. Never mind all that the negative things being said about Bohdi (false credentials, false claims, misrepresentations, and embellishments) are demonstrably true. Never mind that many of these “mentally ill” people he talks about were at one time his “friends” and supporters who only ran afoul of Bohdi when they learned the truth and either questioned him or simply cut ties with him (apparently because they actually value integrity and won’t associate with people who don’t). Never mind…the truth.
Fluffing his ego much?
Why are you giving this fraud a platform to spread his nonsense?
is the biggest fraud and fake rank out there
This guy is good with words but he is still a fraudster. He is not a martial artist. He may like philosophy but does that make him a martial artist of course not.
Fraudster and a fake who needs his butt kicked.
Bohdi? Good with words? That’s only because he’s a plagiarist and cuts and pastes everything in his quote books and vanity press projects. I’m curious, though…where is his support? I’m not seeing a lot of positive comments here. Maybe he’s just not deserving…but with the massive readership he claims, you’d think SOMEONE would be here defending him. What gives? This “interview” is pretty much a regurgitation of all the rants on his Facebook and web site. Wonder if the author plans a follow-up from any of the folks Bohdi is disparaging (it’s pretty obvious who they are)? I also wonder…did Martial Journal approach Bohdi, or was it the other way around. I’m sure this is just an attempt by Bohdi to fix his reputation, such as it is or ever was…
A few things to clarify. First, I approached Bohdi. This was something that, while I did alert the editorial team to the fact I was interested in speaking with him, it was not something the site did. I have no dog in this fight, and while you may be right that some of the people implied are clear to those who know elements of this story, I would have never moved forward with a piece that “named names.” ~jeremy
How anyone can get beyond the first few paragraphs of this ridiculous and narcissistic blather without feeling a sense of disgust for Mr. Sanders is beyond me.
Mr. Sanders is NOT a qualified Mental Health professional. It’s obvious that he thinks Mental Health is a toy to be played with, but in his hands it’s a weapon. These are not the words of a smart man, a humble man, or even an educated man. These are words of hate. Shame on you Mr. Sanders.
Your words are more damaging than they are helpful. Shame on you for trying to explain away any detractors by using such a vulnerable population as your only line of defense. Martial Artist, I think not. Dr.? So very, very sad that you’d hide behind THAT title and speak these words publicly or otherwise.
Mr. Lesniak: you and he have done more damage to that community and those who work with that community in just a few paragraphs than should have ever been allowed to see the light of day, and you should be ashamed of yourself for allowing it, for publishing it, and now for letting it stand. Shame on you, and shame on Mr. Sanders for using Mental Health with such blatant disregard and with a total lack of empathy and understanding.
Well, the “woman who runs a well-known martial arts website” he disparages is clearly Dana Stamos of Martial Arts Enterprises/USAdojo.com (a competitor of yours). How can anyone know that? Well, because Bohdi uses the exact same language on his website and Facebook where he DOES name names (here Bohdi plagiarizes himself, no big surprise). Later on, he goes on to mock her age, mock the fact that she’s a caregiver for her aging parents, and describes her as mentally ill (yeah, Bohdi claims the title “dr.,” but he bought it from a diploma mill and he is certainly not a trained psychiatrist). This puts YOU in the strange position of having not only given a platform to a fraud, but enabled the character assassination of one of your online business competitors. It wouldn’t be a stretch for someone to assume that you threw caution and journalistic integrity to the wind for a chance to unethically take a shot at the credibility of Stamos and her web sites. It’s ironic, actually…this kind of manipulation on Bohdi’s part to trick her into facilitating his feuding is what made Stamos look into Bohdi’s claims in the first place. Bohdi uses people and relationships…if you aren’t an active conspirator and have simply been duped, don’t take it too hard…you’re just another in a long list of stooges Bohdi has taken advantage of over the years. You won’t be the last.
I want to respond to the competitor piece of your comment. My track record for supporting others in our space speaks for itself. I have no issues with the website you mention, nor do I know the people behind it. I have routinely done everything I can to give everyone in the martial arts a voice, and have linked to a number of USAdojo articles in my own writing over the last few years. I have no desire to attack anyone’s character, I simply posted an interview. ~jeremy
I am sure that you didn’t intend any of the things I am suggesting…I’m playing a little Devil’s advocate here and trying to showing you what some of the underlying (Bohdi’s) motivations are and how some of the natural conclusions people might come to can pull you into the mud with him. This is why giving someone a “voice” without examining or challenging things that don’t make sense or you suspect might be untrue or fabricated will get you in trouble. Whether or not you post a “disclaimer,” everyday people — who aren’t very thoughtful or discerning sometimes — are going to assume you endorse or support his work and the things he does, claims, or advocates.
You actually posed the question about “infighting.” Why? Obviously, this was something you discussed with Bohdi that he wanted to talk about leading up to you submitting your questions to him, or it was a controversy you were aware of that you thought would interest readers. In either case it was purposeful, and asking the question played into Bohdi’s (I assume) motives for taking advantage of your platform. But if you purposefully asked the question, you must have had a position or opinion or question about it you hoped would be answered…yet you didn’t challenge anything he said and instead let him rail about his “enemies” and broadcast misinformation. There are many, many things he says here that are paranoid, conspiratorial, extremely dubious, ill-informed, and demonstrably untrue. In a lot of ways Bohdi is the Alex Jones of martial arts philosophy.
I don’t know what YOUR intention was with this interview, but Bohdi found a way to turn easily two-thirds of it into a pity party about his credibility issues and the idea that he is the victim of a huge conspiracy. There are also many things he says here where he levels criticisms at others, but conveniently forgets to mention he is guilty himself. The pay-for-play hall of fame awards comment – and they are ALL pay-for-play vanity awards – immediately come to mind. Bohdi has a SHELF FULL of these things himself (at least a half-dozen by my count), and he met most of the contributors to his latest vanity book project at these events. Bohdi also has a long history of claiming false or fabricated rank and credentials and making false claims about his training and “teachers” (the Guy Larke interview proved to be quite embarrassing when it was revealed that his claims of studying under GM Harry Greene were completely fabricated and Greene publicly disavowed him). Bohdi often blames all the undue criticism and scrutiny on his “celebrity” and having become a “public figure” in martial arts, but there are many, many martial arts writers out there more “famous” than Bohdi will ever be, but they aren’t constantly embroiled in controversy, because they don’t have Bohdi’s main problem. They don’t lie about themselves.
Here’s an interesting article that applies to Bohdi. Read it, and then re-read your interview. You might find it interesting…and revealing. https://www.thoughtnova.com/a/narcissists-always-twist-the-story-to-make-themselves-the-victim-00-00-02?7=9&fbclid=IwAR0t8rkdUGS6RrO-mjmFKmkUra40iPyiHkv6k3Do29v_QNwuiL49MHC9QMs
I was aware of the controversy around him and yes, I was intrigued. I asked the questions I asked because I was curious of his answers. I can certainly see how some may consider this interview an attempt at supporting him, or otherwise an attempt to benefit him. Without knowing me, I can see how it is difficult to know that is not the case. I knew that it was likely we’d end up with some balance – some challenge – via comments on the interview, which is exactly what happened. In that way, it allowed me the freedom to simply ask my questions. I feel strongly that light always exposes truth. That is not to say I am making any claims or judgment of his words – I most certainly am not. But, the balance via your comments and the comments of others offers the readers an opportunity to form their own opinions, which is a great thing. Please notice that this site has approved every single comment on this article. Which, if there was an agenda, is not something that would happen. ~jeremy
Jeremy, as an outsider to this topic I wouldn’t attempt to defend yourself. You screwed up! Just admit it. The fact you approached Bodhi so he could drivel on about whatever he wanted was your mistake. If you were a real journalist he would have never answered you to begin with!
Certainly doesn’t happen on Bohdi’s sites, where he spends every moment of every day deleting and blocking anything/anyone who questions him or calls him out. I’m curious (please answer honestly)…Bohdi is certainly monitoring the comments here in abject horror…so, how many times has he asked you to delete stuff off this thread? Wait for it…and the threats that will surely follow.
No one has asked me to remove/change any of the comments.
I wil say Just one thing , how much time on the floor did he spend to go from a first degree Black belt in 2014 ( his words and writing)to a 5th dan a few years later . very suspect. I liked Bohdi once until I saw him attack a women and found out the truth . Very sad
It’s a shame because a fair few people won’t bother visiting your website now if this is the type of trash you publish, it’s a proven thing he is a fraud and an old fashioned bully and woman beater. No time for people like him or websites that publish his trash. I suggest more of you readers to boycott this now discredited website.
Hi everyone,
On behalf of the Editorial Team here at Martial Journal, I’d like to help our readers understand our stance on interviews with people in the martial arts.
Our policy is, and always has been, that we permit the publishing of any interview with a martial arts figure so long as it does not openly criticize others by name, promote commercial interests without proper disclosure, or advocate criminal activity.
We understand that that means we, from time to time, may publish an article or interview that many people disagree with – sometimes vehemently. When that happens, we encourage readers to comment with their own thoughts, following the same three exceptions of personal attacks, undisclosed commercial interest, or illegal activity. Yes, even when those comments may paint Martial Journal in a less-than-flattering light.
For those of you who are reading this interview and leaving negative comments, we truly do appreciate that you are here and are willing to make your voice known. And, while you are here, take a look at any of the almost 270 other articles and interviews on Martial Journal. We’re pretty confident that you will find topics and content that you agree with as strongly as you disagree with the content of this interview.
Finally, if you find yourself disagreeing with this interview (or any of our content) strongly enough that you want to write a rebuttal, we encourage you to do so. We’re always looking for new contributors with new perspectives. And as you’re now aware, we’re not just looking for people to write content that everyone will agree with.
Again, on behalf of the MJ Editorial Team, thank you for taking the time to read and reply to all of our content.
Happy training!
The problem is that you did not thoroughly research the subject of the interview.
In failing to do that, you allowed Sanders to take control of the interview and spin it to his benefit.
Those commenting on the interview are the ones bringing the truth to light…which is supposed to be YOUR job. If you had spent even a day investigating Sanders background then you would have discovered that he is not worth your time.
Interesting…Bo…er…I mean…THE INTERVIEWEE’S entire interview is one long personal attack of various individuals. He might not mention names, but the identities of the people he’s talking about are clear to anyone who knows what’s been going on…
Give me a break. Doctor?
My dad was an educator for four decades. Sanders shows he doesn’t understand academic credentials. Doctorates are not purchased and then handed over. You have to earn them. Where is his dissertation?
What in the hell is a “PhD in martial arts” that really DOESNT MAKE ANY SENSE AT ALL. Are you a historian or philosopher of martial arts? How are you a “doctor” or how do you even become one?
This interview didn’t teach me anything new and it wasn’t original at alll. Mr Lesniak you can say you don’t have an agenda but you call Bohdi a doctor throughout this “interview”. You make it so he’s talking shit about this that and the other and says basic simplistic things as part of his “advice.” This doctor has no particular unique insights into anything. He’s a shyster. He’s obsessed with this crap because it’s his world and all he knows and all he’s done or will ever do. This interview of him and your obvious endorsement is a real DUD.
I’d like to refer you to Martial Arts Radio where, for over four years, I have addressed people by the title they indicated in their communication with me. -jeremy
GM Gary Henry Amen – my 2016 event put him on the map. Prior to 2016 he was a nobody, once he met all those legends & celebrities at my dojo, he became a somebody, now he is a fake/fraud! It is hilarious! I should write a book (it would be soo much better, compared to all the crappy books he has written) about the downfall of Bohdi Sanders!
Sorry to say this was just another way for Bohdi to leash out his anger on a ever growing disillusioned public
What’s also sad and infuriating about this is that all the so-called martial arts “celebrities” fed his delusions by letting him into the “club” and looking the other way when it came to his obvious fraud. It was something of a joke for a while among a lot of “notable” MA celebs that everyone seemed to know what a fake Bohdi was and still is, but they didn’t care and many sought to even exploit Bohdi’s notoriety by contributing to his book project as a way of promoting their own interests. Bohdi is wrong about almost everything, but he is right about the hypocrisy. There’s a whole industry around martial arts ‘celebrity” and halls of fame and martial arts galas and events that are nothing about martial arts and all about filling wallets and feeding egos. The people who perpetuate all THAT bullshit are as guilty as Bohdi, and it’s likely that if Bohdi hadn’t come to believe that all that nonsense is the pinnacle of what it is to be a grand high mucky-muck of martial arts-dom he would have focused his efforts — and fraud — elsewhere.
I am going to try and not say much but state some facts. From my research(I am a Texas Investigator), Mr. Sanders does have a bachelor degree in education and a masters through his teaching experience but that’s it. I don’t understand why he is not proud of that. It is quite a great achievement.
His martial arts training however, is completely fraudulent as is his doctorate.
I was called by his local police department(a detective) because Mr. Sanders claims I threatened his life. The reality? I only invited him on the mat to see if he really knew his stuff or not(the actual phone call recording is on youtube). The detective stated that they have been having trouble with Mr. Sanders for some years. The detective suggested that I invite Mr. Sander to “mutual combat” as this is legal in Colorado. So I did. Mr. Sander actually posted the recorded message from his answering machine on youtube in attempt to make me look bad and it backfired.
Mr. Sanders is a fraud as far as his martial arts and his plagiarized books. Granted, he has changed some of the wording but they are direct quotes from some of the most influential martial arts books of the last 500 years,
Some older. Actions which are in the least dishonorable and despicable.
I realize that by doing this interview that it was an opportunity to create an article in which you presumed would be true and honest as well as information and helpful to the reader. It would be to the writer’s and the periodical’s protection of reputation to take due diligence to do a little research on your interviewees before printing the interview. ^_^
To all of you who have spoken out about this article, thank you for your honesty and insight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NiWhLRxZnA
Interesting comments that he posted, Mar 13, 2019 – once again dragging Alain Burrese into the fray and blaming him as if he’d pressured you into making the phone call. I don’t care enough about him to have anything else to say, however the damage he’s done by his actions and statements, particularly to the Mental Health community are not something I take lightly. And the fact that this author and website have let that damage stand speaks volumes about their commitment to Budo and total disregard for the spirit and traditions of the martial arts. This guy is not worth the words nor print, and in my opinion the website is only allowing it because they are getting ‘hits’ and ‘visits’ based on the amount of interest this is generating. If Mr. Sanders is a true martial artist, he will apologize and this website should issue an apology and retraction as well, but I’m not holding my breath, nor waiting. Just shameful all the way around.
And what would you like the website to retract? We posted an interview – we made no claims about the interview. You may not like the subject of the interview, and that’s fine. ~jeremy
Jeremy:
Your ignorance is alarming. If you think that it’s alright for anyone to use Mental Health diagnoses as an excuse to explain away any of this you’re wrong. Your ego has certainly gotten the best of you.
The format of the interview did not allow for follow questions. It was done via email and they posted it in it’s entirety. Sounds like they did exactly as they said they did.