An article from:
The Christian Martial Arts Network
Q.
Is there such a thing as Christian martial arts and can it be used to
evangelize and bring people to know and grow in Jesus Christ?
A. The answers
are undoubtedly "YES" and "YES." In fact, it is being used around the world
in a widespread, evangelical ministry to reach people from all walks of
life.
While there are many Christian martial arts schools and associations in
existence, society has little knowledge of what they truly represent or how
they integrate sound Christian values, teaching, and evangelism with martial
arts. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding creates skepticism that
often times keeps people from getting involved, and therefore, never
discovering the benefits that come from Christian martial arts training.
Without a doubt, martial arts is highly misunderstood in Western society. It
is often associated with mysticism, violence, and warfare, as well as
Eastern cultures, religions, and philosophies. It is true that the martial
arts was invented and developed in the Far East, and therefore, took on the
culture, religion, and philosophy of its teachers and students by
association.
However, the martial arts is not cultural, not
religious, and not philosophical in and of itself; it reflects the values
and principles of its teachers, which can be Christian or any other
religion.
So, is martial arts compatible with Christianity? After all, what does a
karate expert like Bruce Lee have in common with a Christian expert like,
say, Billy Graham? Any attempt to prove that martial arts concepts are
compatible or incompatible with Christian concepts (such as proving that
self defense is permissible in the Bible) is a moot point.
First, the martial arts is NOT a religion, so
it cannot be compared to one.
Second, there are folks that say football is violent, and is therefore
antichristian, and that rock music is from the devil. However, most of us
know that football players can play football and be Christian, too, and that
rock music can be used to minister to youth and glorify God by changing the
lyrics and focus to Christ. So, why wouldn't it be reasonable to think that
a martial artist can be Christian, and that martial arts can reach youth and
glorify God when the focus is on Jesus?
Now that we have some things straight, I'd like to challenge you with an
even deeper concept. There is a different between a Christian who practices
the martial arts and a Christian martial artist. Being Christian and driving
a car doesn't necessarily make you a Christian car driver. Being a Christian
and eating a burger, doesn't make you a Christian burger eater, either. So
how does being a Christian and practicing martial arts make you a Christian
martial artist? It doesn't!
It is fine to be a Christian and practice
martial arts purely for the sport of it, but a Christian martial artist
takes it a step further. A Christian martial artist is one who uses the
martial arts as a tool to live out his/her life in the Lord Jesus Christ and
to help other people come to know Jesus Christ and live their lives for Him,
too. This is very good because the Bible says that anything and everything
Christians do, they must do for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Because the very structure of the martial arts is developmental in the body,
mind, and soul; focused and objective-oriented; and full of martial concepts
and thinking, it helps people to live and breathe the concepts of Christian
life and service. The Bible is full of martial concepts, especially in the
area of Spiritual warfare. God instructs us to resist the devil and put on
the ARMOR OF GOD, which he explains in pieces.
He instructs us how to care
for our bodies, as they are HIS temple and dwelling place when we are born
again. He tells us to love Him with our strength!
So, for His and only His
glory, a Christian martial artist is always somewhere on the road to:
Eternal salvation through Jesus Christ
Personal relationship with God
Loving Jesus with heart-soul-mind-strength
Christian character development through the
Fruit of the Spirit
