The Alpha Male Myth

Within the world of martial arts, it is common for people to talk about being alphas. Particularly among men, alphas are perceived as the most dominant fighters in the gym. Additionally, they often view themselves as being natural leaders within the gym and even outside of it. In fact, many believe that human communities are naturally led by an alpha male, who sits at the top of a rigid hierarchy and rules over his pack through displays of dominance. Rather than consensus, self-perceived alphas believe they must regularly assert their dominance over the group or risk being perceived as weak, which could lead another male to challenge the authority of the alpha.

However, Jason Wilson, a motivational speaker and martial arts coach based in Detroit, questions the legitimacy of this viewpoint. As he explains in the below video, the notion that it is normal for groups to be led by a single alpha male is based on discredited science.

Where Did the Alpha Male Idea Come From?

The theory that animals, including humans, are led by an alpha male is based on research into wolves. Researchers believed that an “alpha wolf” led over the rest of the pack through displays of dominance to keep the other wolves in line. This research, which was pioneered by wildlife biologists like David Mech, now a senior research scientist at the U.S. Geologic Survey, dates back to the 1970s.

Mech is now critical of his previous findings, as the research was largely based on captive wolf packs. He’s found that captivity altered the pack’s dynamics and behaviors, and said the resulting hierarchy led by an alpha male was comparable to what might happen in a human prison.

What Are Wolf Packs Actually Like?

Outside of captivity and in more typical circumstances, Mech has found that the pack is typically led by a breeding couple, and that the rest of the pack is made up of their offspring. Within the hierarchy of the offspring, older pups hold a higher position than younger pups, but the youngest and neediest pups are given priority when food is scarce. Rather than punishing weakness, the pack’s priority is ensuring everyone in the pack survives.

Once the pups have matured and are two or three years old, they leave the pack in search of mates. They do not challenge the existing pack or battle dad for dominance. In many ways, it’s no different than a traditional human family.

Why Is the Alpha Male Myth Problematic?

There is nothing inherently wrong with a leader demonstrating dominance over a subordinate. It can be necessary in any group dynamic. However, when leaders believe that the only way to show leadership is through aggression or animalistic behaviors, and that self-regulation and compassion are weak (or “beta” behavior), it creates an environment of fear and distrust.

As Wilson explains, the alpha male mindset is largely a defense mechanism that uses outdated science to hide personal insecurities or unresolved trauma from one’s childhood. It is not reality. Moreover, it inflates individuals’ egos and prevents them from becoming more secure with themselves and their community. It blocks people from being vulnerable, trusting, and cooperative.

The myth of the alpha male can also become problematic in the gym. Practicing martial arts demands a lot of ego control, and individuals who believe themselves to be alphas often struggle to admit defeat even when they are sparring with another person or just beginning their martial arts journey. While anyone who has seriously practiced martial arts can agree that it is difficult to get bested by another person when you’re going head-to-head, serious fighters learn how to check their ego and to accept defeat while training. In fact, learning how to check your ego and respect your partner allows you to become a better fighter.

Any serious martial art requires live, one-on-one sparring. It is how you learn fight dynamics, develop style, and refine technique. It is about growing as a fighter; it is not about winning or proving yourself to be the gym’s alpha.