In this section we offer opinions on Christians participating in the martial arts. There are many different opinions from many different people and you may agree or disagree with some of the articles. The idea is to provide material for thought and prayer.
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There are many Christian Martial Arts Organizations. Each of these organizations professes Christianity, but it is up to you to determine if they are Biblical in there understaniding of Christianity. If you wish to be listed email us and we will list your organizaton. ( View List) |
The Christian Martial Artist is a free online publication for all martial artists who serve the ultimate Master, God. Our magazine includes profiles from high ranking Christian martial artists, training tips, spiritual guidance and fellowship with other Christians who study martial arts. Our magazine can be found at ChristianMartialArtist.net.
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It's here . . . the soft cover New International Version of the Bible with teaching, testimonies and devotionals by martial artists specifically for martial artists. This 4" by 6" Bible can easily be carried in your workout bag for Bible study or to use to share the Word with your fellow martial artists. The Wisdom For The Warrior Bible is only $15.00 which includes shipping and handling within the United States. Please email for a quote for shipping the WFTW Bible outside the United States.
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By Fran Pultro - During almost 30 years of martial arts ministry, I have had the honor to use the martial arts to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in many venues and several countries. I have been given wonderful opportunities to demonstrate and explain the Christian philosophy and approach to the martial arts, and to use the idioms of the martial arts to illuminate Christian precepts.
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Ever wonder what the "real" issues are behind Christianity and the martial arts? Are you a Christian martial artist with questions? Come with us while we explore the various topics surrounding this sometimes "heated" debate. ( More Info) |
By Dean M. Roach - There are circumstances that are difficult, if not impossible to reconcile. Regrettably, this outcome occurs at times because of stubbornness or lack of knowledge. This is an unfortunate circumstance. The following article will address the frequently misperceived incompatibility of martial arts and Christianity.
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Are Christians free to participate in the martial arts? Some say no because of the Eastern mystical origins of the martial arts. Others disagree. What is a biblical approach to this subject? It is clear that some martial art forms cannot be divorced from their Eastern origins. For example, Aikido, Ninjitsu, and Tai Chi depend heavily upon a force called “ki” (or “chi”) which supposedly pervades the whole universe. Since Christians worship one God who created the universe, and do not believe in this universal “chi” force, it becomes difficult — if not impossible — to reconcile these martial art forms with Christianity. ( Read Article) |
This is a divisive and often confusing topic amongst Christians. Many Christian families unwittingly send their children to martial arts classes unaware of its background and teachings. There are those that claim Christianity and martial arts are compatible, even claiming that it is biblical. Then there are the Christians who claim it is anti-biblical and therefore anti-Christian in practice. In this article we will look at both arguments, looking at both the logic and scriptures used in both camps, and then we will see what the Word of God says. ( Read Article) |
By Sifu John Roche - This is the first and most important eBook I have ever written. If you have questions about the issues a Christian faces when studying the martial arts this eBook is for you. After almost 20 years of martial arts training, I ran head long into an immovable force. That force was Jesus. This eBook deals with the things that I struggle to reconcile as I examined my life "soberly", in the clear like of perfect love. Whether you are a Christian thinking of starting martial arts training, are a martial artist who is being chase by the hounds of heaven, or you know a Christian who is, this is a great eBook for you to read. It is written in every day language with foot notes so you do more research if you want. ( Read Article) |
On the cover of Bob Jones University's Spring 1992 issue of the BJU Review is a picture of black belt karate master and senior at BJU, Jim Pitts, in full karate garb, Bible open, giving the "invitation," while the rest of the members of BJU's "Champions for Christ karate team" are kneeling in prayer by their cinder-block bricks. On the inside cover is a picture of Mr. Pitts breaking four bricks with his right arm, while the other team members are watching, with Bibles open. The editor of the Review declares that . . .
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By Sanko Lewis - Christians need to be very careful in the decisions they make regarding their recreation. Many Christians dismiss all martial art training as diabolical and unfit for Christian practice. As a Christian myself and a martial art instructor I agree that it is better to leave something alone if you are uncertain, rather than dabble in ignorance. ( Read Article) |
The purpose of "A Christian Reponse" web site is to explore issues and some of the different Christian responses to them, particularly in regards to Martial Arts. There are many different articles on many different martial arts topics all worth reading. A few of these articles are linked to below. We recommend you visit the site. (View Articles)
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By Soo Young Kim - Martial arts, originating from the East, are grounded in Eastern religions. Engagement in training will inevitably expose each practitioner to concepts taken directly taken from these religions, especially Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Given these ties, can martial arts be compatible with those deeply committed to Christianity? Although issues of contention may arise, training should not result in a compromise of faith. Undeniably, Christianity contrasts sharply with Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Although not devoid of spiritual dimensions, martial arts are separate from religion and have distinct goals that can be beneficial to all practitioners, including Christians. ( Read Article) |
By Bob Orlando - As a Christian and a martial artist, I am intimately familiar with the tension that exists between Eastern martial arts study and Western religion. For example, I know Christians who struggle with their perceived conflict between Christ's edict to "turn the other cheek" and studying martial arts for self-defense. By the same token, I know non-Christian martial artists who believe the cheek-turners get what they deserve if they refuse to defend themselves in the face of a physical attack. I also know devout Christians who feel that just bowing in a martial arts school has religious overtones and are, therefore, uncomfortable with the practice. ( Read Article) |
J.D. Jarrard - I have heard of strange situations where men have lifted cars and performed other miraculous feats to save lives. When the body is under control and submission to the Spirit of God it is very powerful! Should we as much as dash our foot against a stone, God has legions of angels to help "defend" us, IF we need additional help.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
2 Sam. 22:3 "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence."
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by Erwin de Castro, B. J. Oropeza and Ron Rhodes - High-flying kicks combined with deadly punches and lethal throws. A lone warrior single-handedly overpowering a band of burly attackers; An old sage imparting wisdom to a young, attentive disciple These images depict how many people perceive the martial arts (literally, the arts of warfare) - and for good reason. Such popular images of Asian-based fighting techniques stem largely from stylized portrayals on the silver screen. ( Read Article) |
by Erwin de Castro, B.J. Oropeza, and Ron Rhodes In Part One of this series we looked at the philosophical and religious elements that have helped shape the martial arts, and briefly discussed some of the most widely known styles practiced today. In this second and final installment we will consider the key issues faced by Christians contemplating participation in the martial arts. ( Read Article) |
I recently received an email asking me about 'Christian Karate,' as a church in England was thinking of starting such a group. This might be unusual for Britain but in America such groups abound; a point proven by typing 'Christian Karate' into the Google search engine on the Internet. ( Read Article) |
Taekwondo is the world’s most popular martial art in terms of the number of its adherents. There are over four hundred clubs affiliated with the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain alone and in excess of twenty five thousand members. ( Read Article) |
It is stated by one of the founders of martial arts, Gichin Funakoshi, “The mind and technique become one in true karate,” By polishing our karate practice, he believes, we are polishing our own spirit or our own mentality. Karate can be a system that is considered to be a “way of life,” merging the spiritual and physical sides of our human existence. A Christian involved in martial arts should have a difficult time finding comfort in the roots of the martial arts. As seen above, they focus much attention on the physical development (which is not a bad thing), but also combine the training with Buddhist or Zen philosophy.
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By Paul Wong - Recently someone from our congregation called my attention on a subject that I am familiar with. The person wanted to know whether or not a Christian can learn Chinese martial arts - "Wu-Shu". First of all, I want to let you know that I am not an expert on Chinese martial arts but I do know enough to be able to discuss it intelligently. ( Read Article) |
