The Lie of Elite: Why That Word Is Hurting More Than It’s Helping

What judo (and sport) needs more than labels is honesty.

“Elite.” It sounds impressive. Important. Unreachable.

In martial arts, we hear it all the time: Elite athletes. Elite squads. Elite pathways. We’re told to admire them, strive to join them, or quietly accept that we’re not part of them.

But here’s the problem — the word elite is doing more harm than good.

It’s become a word that divides, not describes. And if you’ve ever found yourself downplaying your training, your progress, or your presence on the mat because you're “not elite”… this one’s for you.

What Does “Elite” Actually Mean?

By definition, elite means “a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities.”

In sports, it’s often used to describe full-time, professional athletes — those who are funded, sponsored, and competing at the highest level. And that’s fine. As a job title, it’s accurate.

But somewhere along the way, elite stopped being about logistics — and started becoming about worth.

It went from:

“They’re full-time.” to“ They’re better than you.”

That’s not just misleading — it’s toxic.

The Divide It Creates — Not the Deficit in You

When we glorify the word elite, we draw a line.

A sharp, invisible divide between them — the elite…and you — the rest.

You know the feeling:

“They’re real athletes. I’m just a hobbyist.” “Their training counts.” “They belong here. I’m just passing through.”

But none of that is true. They’re not inherently better. They just have a different job. They’ve chosen — or been given — a path with support, funding, structure.

That’s valid. But it’s not more valid than yours.

And when we treat it like it is, we risk cutting out 99% of the people who actually carry this sport: The ones who train after long shifts or exams. The ones returning after raising kids. The late starters, the quiet grinders, the ones holding it all together while no one’s watching.

You don’t need a full-time schedule to have full-time heart. And no title can take that from you.

Professional ≠ Superior

Let’s bust this myth: Being a pro doesn’t automatically make you better.

Better judoka? Not always. Better role model? Definitely not guaranteed. Better human? Absolutely not.

Some of the most toxic people in the sport wear the “elite” label. And some of the most generous, grounded, and technically brilliant judoka… never stood on a podium.

They’re the parents. The teachers. The 30+ warriors training through injury, doubt, and life’s curveballs. And they show up with more character, more clarity, and more commitment than half the “elite” squad.

So let’s separate title from person. Pro is a job. Not a personality. And it shouldn’t be used as a badge of superiority.

What Should We Say Instead?

If we need to describe someone’s experience level or training lifestyle, we’ve got better words - these are my favourites:

• Professional athlete – tells the truth without the superiority complex

• Full-time competitor – accurate, without moral weight

  
  

Because language shapes culture. And right now, the word elite is shaping a culture of hierarchy, invisibility, and exclusivity.

Let’s stop using it like it’s the final form. Because it’s not.

You belong here. You grow here.