Recently I received an email from a former student who was approached regarding the propriety and compatability of Martial Arts and Christianity. It was suggested that because of the roots of Martial Arts in Buddhism that it is inseparable from that philosophical base. Here is her response...and an excellent one I might add. Nicely written Shannon.
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I have been asked to respond to the concerns recently brought forth regarding martial arts and the martial arts class that takes place in the church. I trained under Daniel Moore through this class for over three years, and received my first-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan in September of 2006.
First of all I must note that there are hundreds of forms of martial arts from a number of different cultures, many of which differ vastly from each other. Martial arts cannot be addressed as a single entity due to the great number of practices the term encompasses. I will primarily address the art taught here at church (Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan) and more specifically, this particular class.
First of all I must note that there are hundreds of forms of martial arts from a number of different cultures, many of which differ vastly from each other. Martial arts cannot be addressed as a single entity due to the great number of practices the term encompasses. I will primarily address the art taught here at church (Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan) and more specifically, this particular class.
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To begin by citing my personal experience with Tang Soo Do, I believe that it was nothing but beneficial to me. In fact my relationship with Christ grew stronger as I struggled with the perseverance my training and black belt test required of me, and learned to lean on Him (Proverbs 3:5). Also, the class taught at Forks finds its foundation solidly in Christ. Students learn that meditation should be only on the Lord (Joshua 1:8). In class meditation is always a time of prayer, and each class begins with Scripture reading and discussion. As my black belt class prepared for our test, we were led by Mr. Moore to memorize and meditate on Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”) While some martial arts may teach reliance on oneself and inner power, our class was taught reliance on God and the power that He grants us through Jesus Christ.
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One specific concern that has been brought to your attention is that of “ki”, perhaps better known by its Chinese name, “chi”; and its manipulation, which is a part of a number of martial arts. Martial Arts and the Christian, the cassette tape featuring David Coburn, states that in no variation of martial arts is it possible to perform advanced level techniques without the use of this force. Such a statement, however, is mistaken; I trained in advanced level techniques for over a year and this “chi” force was never so much as mentioned in any arena of training, nor is it a typical element involved in training in the Pinnacle Martial Arts school with which this Brandywine Tang Soo Do class affiliates itself.
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I would also like to address the danger of pride stemming from the martial arts. First of all, it is my belief that pride is a personal struggle that cannot be blamed on any activity; it is a product of our sin nature. Secondly, one can become prideful because of any talent (sports, music, etc.) and while pride could be called a product of such talents, we know that they are God-given (1 Corinthians 12) and that it is only through our own sinfulness that we place the credit for these talents on ourselves. In addition, it is the practice of Mr. Moore’s class to promote humility in all aspects of training. From the respect that members of the class are taught to bestow upon other students and instructors alike, to the humbling experience of teaching fellow students, humility (as commanded in Zephaniah 2:3) is one of the chief aims of training in class.
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Violence is also a common concern of those who question the wisdom of martial arts. Violence is never condoned or allowed in the Tang Soo Do class. Control is in the forefront of the instruction of each and every technique. In Self Defense from a Biblical Perspective, Bill Rudge says that, “God’s Word does not teach us to be passive or aggressive, but to be assertive. For example, when Saul threw the spear at him, David was not passive—he did not just sit there. Nor was he aggressive. He did not throw it back. He was assertive—he moved to avoid being hit.” This assertiveness is exactly the type of response taught in the class in question. Daniel Moore has said the following about the nature of his class: “There are many Christians who teach martial arts who believe in and follow God’s word. We who do teach our students to ‘turn the other cheek.’ We teach humility. Trusting in God alone for our protection. Seeking an ‘opportunity’ to use one’s martial skills on another of God’s creations is never acceptable. We, like Joshua and the Judges in the Bible seek to use strategy to overcome an enemy assailant. Only after our attempts to use all of our martial skills to avoid the conflict have failed do we use them first to defuse the opponent’s intention to hurt us in such a way as to not hurt them.”
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The supposed pagan roots of the martial arts have also been brought into question. Traditionally, the origin of martial arts has been linked to the Shao Lin Buddhist Temple in China. However, this assumption concerning the origin of martial arts is false. Pictured on the last page [Picture omited due to copywrite restrictions please search the web for these pictures.] is an example of one of the terracotta warriors from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi of China. This tomb was constructed nearly eight hundred years prior to the existence of the Shao Lin Temple, and the stance this warrior assumes is a perfect example of a notorious martial arts movement (a back stance low knife hand block). This is evidence that martial arts existed hundreds of years before the Shao Lin Temple, and also several hundred years before the first Buddhist missionaries even arrived in China. Martial arts cannot possibly have roots in a religion that was not in existence when it was founded. Upon reading “Why I Quit Karate”, the booklet by Bill Rudge, I came across some concerns he quoted from Bob Larson regarding the “undercurrent of Buddhism found in some martial arts”. He specifically refers to the emphasis on bowing, breathing exercises, seated meditation, intense concentration, and heightened awareness. The cassette commentary “Martial Arts and the Christian” also expressed concern that bowing to the instructor becomes a form of idol worship. Bowing is traditional etiquette in Tang Soo Do, but students bow to other members of the class as well as the instructor—it’s a sign of respect, and is often used along with a “kamsahamnida” (“thank you” in Korean) after two partners complete a training exercise together. As for meditation (in its proper form), it is not a pagan practice putting on a Christian face; on the contrary, it is a spiritual discipline that we are biblically commanded to practice. And breathing exercises are utilized for just that purpose—breathing while in the middle of physically challenging techniques.
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Finally, there are many examples of martial arts in the Bible, which are not condemned. The Roman soldier (a professional martial artist) who asks Jesus to heal his servant shows the greatest amount of faith Jesus ever commends in his lifetime—Jesus does not tell this soldier that he must relinquish his sword in order to truly follow Him. Also, wrestling falls under the broad category of martial arts, and God Himself wrestled with Jacob. If martial arts were inherently evil and intrinsically steeped in pagan religion, would God have participated in such an activity?
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As I mentioned earlier, it is my firm belief that training in martial arts, especially in the context of Mr. Moore’s class, holds many rich benefits. I have seen rambunctious, difficult children come into this class and be transformed into respectful, disciplined, self-controlled individuals. Students learn all of these traits, as well as perseverance, teamwork, and diligence. By advancing in their training to achieve increasingly more difficult goals, they learn the importance of hard work. The Tang Soo Do class also possesses an uplifting atmosphere of camaraderie, encouragement, and fellowship. We are assured in Matthew 18:20 that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” This class gathers in the name of God, and it is my firm belief that He is there in the midst of it.
[The following are just some of the] Motivating factors and benefits of martial arts
1. Increased balance
2. Stamina
3. Dexterity
4. Hand-eye coordination
5. Depth perception
6. Poise
7. Agility
8. Cardiovascular strength
9. Muscle tone
10. Breathing
11. Teamwork
12. Encouragement
13. Camaraderie
14. Reflexes
15. Aesthetics
16. Self-expression
17. Creativity
18. Muscle strength
19. Appreciation for God’s word
20. Positive role models
21. Fun
22. Humility
Respectfully submitted in response to:
Martial Arts and the Christian by David Coburn
Why I Quit Karate by Bill Rudge
Self Defense from a Biblical Perspective by Bill Rudge
With pastoral and expert martial artistic input and guidance by Reverend Daniel Moore, 3rd degree black belt.
In Christ,
Shannon Craig
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