How should martial arts be practiced in a christian context?

Answer 1

The truth is that the "Tenents" of all the Traditional and most all of the modern Martial Arts are in line with Christan teachings.

1)Respect
2)Integrity
3) Courtesy
4) Self Control
5) Perseverance
6) Indomitable Spirit
7)Defense of self and others less able

Note: The first Commandment was originally written as
"Thou Shall Not Murder",not "Thou Shall Not Kill".
Over the many,many years the interpretation of
"Thou Shall Not Kill" has become the most known.
If attacked and you do not defend yourself it is considered as "Disrespect for the precious gift of Life".
(Suicide is self murder)

Answer 2

You should only use you skill to defend your self and others from unwarranted aggression. You should not get involved in the rituals of other religions.
You may do all those things required to respect the art and instructors as long as it does not involve worshiping idols.
For instance you should bow to your instructors and the Mat or Do Jo as most schools require. Show respect for the flag as you would at any other function.
Practice rigorously for you should dedicate what you do to God. Be an example and be humble. Be a quiet witness. Don't be afraid to discus your faith when asked.
There are many references to the right and duty of self defense in the Bible. Don't be put off by many who take quotes from the Gospel out of context.
I'm not a Bible scholar but I can read.
And lastly allways pray for wisdom.

Answer 3

martial arts is not that far off from christian ideas. I took tae kwon do for about 5 years, and they teach and enforce self control, discipline, respect to elders, how to be humble, gentle, and strong, and also the very important virtue of comittment. The only thing that is not really christian about it is the fact that your are beating up somebody else. But dont think about it like that, just think that you are prepareing yourself for the nasty and harsh world out there, and that is someone dares to try and strike you, you have the strength and courage to strike back.

Answer 4

When you look at it Christianity and Buddism and Taoism aren't that far apart. They all believe in making you soul pure and kindness towards others. I have strong Christian values and have studied martial arts for 25 years. I focus on mastering the bad things in me through Martial Arts discipline. Basically conquering yourself (your bad self) and leaving the good.

PS thereare orginizations like Karate for Christ and the like. Plus I think of the hymn "Onward Christian Solders" almost like Boshido

Answer 5

Bowing to the Shomen stems from ancestor worship, which is a pagan practice.

When I teach the bow or rei, I teach it firstly as self defense techniques, and also as a sign of respect and humility between us.

I do not have pictures of the masters at the front.

I have them on the side and do not bow to them.

I teach kids and adults of different religions and belief systems and clearly let them know I do not integrate any of the spiritual practices into what I teach, nor do I practice them.

I teach life-protection and preservation. That is it.

Answer 6

I don't really understand the question... but if your talking about violence (IDK i'm Jewish) you could take a less violent Martial Art such as Tai Chi (still kinda agressive, but more natural and calm) and Qi Gong (kind of 75% yoga 25% Karate.)

Both of these Martial Arts are incoorperated to be based on breathing and flexability rather then violence. Another one could be fencing, where you get to kind of hurt people but not seriously or permanatly

Answer 7

Well one way is to learn the Christian martial art...Systema


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7_dzu4TQDs

Answer 8

As long as thou does not kill, there shouldn't be any problems.