Author: True Light Educational Ministry

A controversial issue within Christianity is whether a Christian can practice the martial arts. With the ever increasing number of training schools opening in recent years, this topic must be addressed.

The arguments both for and against vary even among Christians of the same denominations. Those against the practice of martial arts, base their reasoning on the following:

1. It is wrong because the martial arts are based on Eastern mysticism.

2. It is wrong because Christians should turn the other cheek and not fight.

Those favouring the practice of martial arts use the following arguments:

1. As long as the Christian divorces the religious aspects (Eastern mysticism) from the arts, it is okay.
2. It is proper to learn to defend one's self.

Ironically, the arguments used by both sides really agree with one another. Both are equally correct and equally wrong. The argument that it is wrong because of their origin (Eastern mysticism) is not valid. If we use this reasoning or logic many other practices would then be equally wrong. Astronomy, for example, has it's roots in the practice of astrology.

The opposite view that as long as the Christian divorces the religious aspects (Eastern mysticism) from the martial arts, he or she may practice them must be further defined. Some of the martial arts are too strongly based on Eastern mysticism to fully allow it to be separated. To evaluate this aspect one must understand the martial art being considered.

It is also important to realize that to learn martial arts so as to cause bodily harm to another is wrong. However, we are not stating here that it is wrong to protect one's self or family. We are stating that the reason for learning the art must be examined.

SOME COMMONS FORMS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS ARE:

• AIKIDO: Developed by Ueshiba in Japan. It is "the way to union with the universal force." This impersonal force is known as Ki or chi. The goal of Aikidoi is to control both self and environment. Basically the graceful spherical motions are non- violent in actions. However, it is very heavy in Eastern mysticism.

• JUDO: Was developed by J. Kano, also from Japan, in 1882. While involving many grabbing and throwing techniques, it is referred to as the gentle art of off balancing. There is no spiritual emphasis.

• JUJITSU: Concentrates on locking joints and striking procedures. Like Judo, Jujitsu has no spiritual emphasis.

• KARATE: Was introduced by the Chinese from Okinawa in the 17th century. It is primarily a physical martial art. However, it involves meditation. The meditation usually includes the emptying of one's mind from all outer distractions. It is at this point Karate becomes spiritually dangerous. Most occultic practices evolve around meditation which empties the mind to prepare for channeling. Those studying this art should guard against this spiritual aspect. The physical martial art can be divorced from the meditation. If the instructor insists on the meditation, one should change schools.

• KUNG FU: The name is simply a generic term for exercise. It is Chinese in origin and very diverse. There are numerous styles of Kung Fu. The more traditional forms stick close to their Buddhist philosophical roots, while other forms concentrate more on the physical aspects. Generally, Kung Fu is more mystical than Karate.

• TAE KWON DO: Was developed in Korea in the 4th century. It is considered a kick, punch, empty handed martial art. There is very little mysticism.

• TAI CHI: This martial art involves the practice of Taoism. In order to achieve physical wellbeing, the Tai Chi student must be attuned to the universe by concentrating below the navel section of the body - which is said to be the body's psychic center. Tai Chi cannot be reconciled with Christianity.

The Christian must examine the two aspects of the martial arts before becoming involved. The first is the spiritual emphasis. Is it possible to study the particular martial art free of any Eastern mysticism? Then will the school or instructor teach the art free of the spiritual emphasis? As shown above, several of the martial arts have little or no spiritual emphasis, while others like Karate can be taught free of any mysticism. The next question the Christian must answer is why is the study of the martial arts is being considered. If the practice is to inflict pain or harm to another human the Christian must reevaluate his or her principals. If the goal for studying the art is to improve ones physical health, the martial art can be compatible with Christianity. The Scriptures do speak out against violence (e.g. Matt 26:52). However, when Jesus spoke with the soldiers, He did not say combating was morally wrong (Matt. 8: 5-13). In Luke 22:36 Jesus instructs His disciples to take a defensive sword with them as the time of His arrest is near. Paul indicated that there was a legitimate use of force by the government in punishing wrongdoers (Rom. 13:1-5).

The above verses have led many Christians to conclude that the Bible does not condemn self-defense and that the use of force is sometimes justified. While we support this conclusion, we recognize that the issue is one that must be determined by each individual believer's conscience.

We recommend that the Christian keep the following factors in mind. First they must realize that this is a controversial area. He or she must be careful not to cause a weaker Christian to stumble by the practice of martial arts (Romans 14). Second, the Christian must guard against the temptation of starting fights. Third, the Christian should not allow a martial art to overshadow or detract from his Christian commitments (Hebrews 10:25). Finally, the Christian should pray, and examine their conscience and motives. These steps will insure that one's involvement in a martial art will be based not on unworthy motives but on reflective thought.