The True Believers

by Louis Martin, Steven Goings (Editor), Margarita Martínez (Editor)

Finalist for the 2023 BREW Book Awards "Most Inspirational Book"Featured on numerous shows and podcasts, The True Believers struck a chord with both traditional and modern martial artists across the world when it was first published in 2017. Now, in this special second edition, readers can go further down the rabbit hole in this true story about rampant fanaticism taking over a worldwide martial arts organization, and the chaos that it sowed in the lives of its True Believers.True Believers is the story of how a small, California marital arts school grew into a new age religion. Promoting black belts in mere months to maintain an army of fanatical young converts, while creating a business of endless monetization, trapping the most dedicated students in a spiral of financial ruin.

Follow the rise and fall through the eyes of a young student on a seven year journey, attaining one of the highest ranks in the system, while secretly doubting his own abilities and fearing that his dojo has become a cult. Along the way, he discovers the truth about the business of selling fantasy and creating a codependent community that is fearful of the outside world and increasingly reliant on their master for direction.

The True Believers is about the darker side of martial arts that robs real people of years of training and tens of thousands of dollars. But it's ultimately a story of triumph, as a group of senior students take a stand against wrongdoing and cripple an organization, their senior students resigning in protest.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2017

Reviews

[Foxglove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading The True Believer by Louis Martin as part of my therapy program, and it’s been unsettling—in a good way. It’s made me reflect on how often we search for meaning by merging ourselves into a system, movement, or identity. And I realized: I’ve lived that.

Martial arts was one of the most formative parts of my life. I’ve worked with extraordinary instructors who gave me confidence, structure, and strength when I needed it most.

But I’d be dishonest if I didn’t also acknowledge the cost.

Martial arts can get very expensive. Monthly dues, private lessons, seminars, uniforms, gear, travel for competitions, donations to the dojo—it adds up quickly. It’s not just money; it’s time. Weeknights and weekends vanish into classes, drills, and belt tests. Your social life? Minimal. Your energy for outside relationships? Depleted. And sometimes, if you step outside that system too far, you’re treated like a traitor or slacker.

It becomes a world unto itself—closed, contained, and deceptively simple. There’s a uniform. There are rituals. There’s a clear ladder to climb. You don’t have to overthink—just obey, train, perform, repeat. And when life outside feels chaotic or painful, that structure can be intoxicating.

But that simplicity comes with a price.

The same clarity that helps you feel grounded can also stop you from growing. It’s a system that rewards obedience more than reflection, conformity more than individuality. Many people in that world—especially those who crave status—aren’t interested in discussion, debate, or outside achievements. Off the mat, they may be insecure. But on the mat, they’re gods. And people literally bow to them.

In therapy, I brought up a former instructor who bullied me. I have it in writing—disrespect disguised as discipline. I told my therapist how deeply it shook me. She looked at me and said, “You realize you’re better educated and more accomplished than your bully, right?”

That moment cracked something open for me.

I still long to belong. I still want meaning. But now, I want to find it in places that recognize my whole self—not just how well I follow orders or how many times I can take a hit.

Martial arts can be beautiful. It can change lives. But it can also be a trap if you’re not careful. A comforting fantasy where everything makes sense, and you never have to ask the hard questions.

But I’ve started asking them anyway.

And I’ve started answering them for myself.

[Nina Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes an interesting perspective on martial arts lifestyle. The author's journey is both fascinating and intriguing. At first because I am not involved in marital arts as some of my friends, I found the book technical and slow. But anyone who is involved with a hobby, career or religion can relate to the premise of this story. I appreciated the footnotes that explained the martial arts terms.

It didn't take long to get into Martin's story and I enjoyed reading.

The content of the book made me think how easy it is to get caught up in a passion to the point of allowing control over our mind and body. After reading, I took away some things to remember. Everything in moderation. Make sure your true self is not being sacrificed by a human or belief system.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louis Martin’s memoir isn’t about victory in tournaments; it’s about the invisible battles within devotion. His years in a martial arts dojo reveal how structure, ritual, and loyalty can uplift and consume in equal measure. Told with clarity and without dramatics, the story lingers because it feels familiar—even if you’ve never set foot on a mat. Anyone who has ever poured themselves into a team, a craft, or a mission will recognize echoes of their own journey here.

[Sheri McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a martial artist, I am able to relate to similar internal doubts and dialogue that were expressed in your book. Thanks for eloquently shedding light on personal struggles you had in the world of martial arts

Unfortunately cults exist on all platforms. This book was well-written, interesting, forthcoming, and fair. Well done!

[Rachel Bertrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, interesting, and informative without being pedantic. Quick read on my Kindle app on my phone during snow season here in New England - but that is not to say it was light or easy reading for this martial artist.