Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
" Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
Jesus Christ
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."
The Apostle Paul
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
One of the primary benefits of children, teens and adults studying martial arts with Christian instructors is walking the path with wise men and women. So many people today are walking in the wrong direction because they have become companions of fools. They will be destroyed unless they learn God's Wisdom.
Last month we asked the question "What's Christian About Christian Martial Arts. " Here is one answer.
As a Christian and a martial artist, I am often asked two questions regarding my martial arts study and my faith. From nonbelievers (those who do not subscribe to "Biblical Christianity") I am asked how I reconcile the apparent conflict between martial arts training and Christ's admonition to turn the other cheek. My Christian family, on the other hand, want to know how I handle the religious, philosophical, mystical, and metaphysical aspects of the art. The first question reveals the general misunderstanding of Christ's teachings so common among nonbelievers. The second reveals a similar lack of understanding on the Christian's part.
Although the "turning the other cheek"
question is raised most often by my non-Christian friends, it
is just as misunderstood by my Christian brothers and sisters.
Since Christians have the greater difficulty with these issues,
I will address them from the Christian perspective using frequent
biblical references and examples. I will begin with what was for
me the tougher of the two questions.
A brochure from a martial arts publishing firm described
well what most of the world believes about Christian participation
in the martial arts. It said,
Kung-fu teaches that turning the other cheek to those whose ways of life are set in strength and violence is wrong. Such a passive attitude encourages lawlessness and injustice.
The suggestion is that those who believe in "turning
the other cheek" believe in voluntarily accepting violence
and injustice. Further, such a position is considered wrong and
contrary to the philosophy of kung-fu. Since the idea of "turning
the other cheek" is from the Bible, are we to believe that
there is a conflict between Christian teaching and the study of
martial arts? Is the Christian attitude toward physical violence
to be a passive one? The essential question is really whether
there is ever justification for inflicting injury, or even death,
on another human being. That is the primary issue because other
issues like pacifism, the morality of war, capital punishment
and the like, are actually derivatives or corollaries of that
primary issue.1
The idea of turning the other cheek, if not one
of the more difficult teachings of Jesus to understand, is certainly
one of the more difficult ones to observe -- providing it is to
be taken without qualification. From the gospel of Matthew, Chapter
5, verses 38 and 39, we read the following:
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
There are two ways we can interpret the command
to turn the other cheek. The first is to interpret the text literally,
asserting that it means exactly what it says. This would impose
a duty of nonresistance on all men in all circumstances. You cannot,
however, require the literal acceptance of verse 38 without also
requiring the same of the other verses in that chapter -- such
as verses 29 and 30. Verse 29 reads, ". . . if your right
eye causes you to sin, pluck it out," and verse 30 adds,
". . . if your right hand causes you sin, cut it off."
Taking these verses literally, without qualification, can
quickly lead one to institutionalized confinement! No. This literal,
unqualified interpretation seems untenable.
The other way to interpret the text is to say that
it means exactly what it says, but with an understood reservation
for those cases that everyone would naturally assume to be exceptions.
For example, when I tell my children to be good, I do not have
to tell them all of what that includes -- i.e., don't burn down
the house, don't put the neighbor's car in the lake, and so on.
Those things are understood. This is a normal interpretation.
C. S. Lewis, a popular Christian theologian, put it like this:
Does anyone suppose that our Lord's hearers understood him to mean that if a homicidal maniac, attempting to murder a third party, tried to knock me out of the way, I must stand aside and let him get his victim? I think it impossible that they could have so understood him. I believe the meaning of the words was perfectly clear -- insofar as you are simply an angry man who has been hurt, mortify your anger and do not strike back. If, however, your motives are other than egoistic retaliation, then not only are you free to protect yourself and others; rather, it is your responsibility to do so.2
But can we find any Scripture or biblical examples
to confirm this? Yes. Look at Jesus' life. Jesus lived what he
preached. He never returned evil for evil; he never retaliated
(although he certainly possessed the wherewithal to do so), but
did he always "turn the other cheek?" In at least
one case, he did not.3
The 18th chapter of John's gospel records Jesus'
arrest and trial before both the Jewish and Roman courts. In verse
22 of that chapter, Jesus is struck with the palm of the hand
by one of the officers of the Jewish religious court for answering
the high priest in what the officer thought was a disrespectful
manner. In verse 23 Jesus responded, "If I have spoken
wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you
strike Me?"
The officer could have struck him anywhere, but
a slap across the face is a common response to disrespectful speech.
Assuming that Jesus was slapped across the face, we find no evidence
of his voluntarily offering his other cheek for more. On the contrary,
he asks why he deserved such unjust treatment.
In the book of Acts, Chapter 16, we find that the
apostle Paul took a similar stand. After being beaten and cast
into prison unjustly, the Philippian magistrates decided that
they would release Paul and his companions and forget the matter.
To this Paul responded as follows in verse 37:
They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now cast us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.
Clearly, Paul accepted no such injustice. This refutes
the literal interpretation and supports the normal interpretation.
The actions of Jesus and his apostle Paul indicate that there
are times when the believer can and should resist evil and NOT
offer the other cheek.
The scriptures contain still other examples that
support this. Paul, writing in the first epistle to Timothy, Chapter
5, verse 8 charges me, as a husband and father, with the following
responsibility: "If any one does not provide for his relatives,
and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and
is worse than an unbeliever."
Provision means more than just food, shelter, and
clothing. It also includes safety, security, and protection from
harm. Jesus, when telling his followers that they should always
be ready for his return, illustrated his point by saying that
his return would be as a "thief in the night"; that
is, unexpected. In Matthew 24, verse 43, he adds, "But
know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the
night the thief was coming, he would have watched and not have
let his house be broken into."
While this verse refers directly to believers being
ever ready for the Lord's return, it also clearly demonstrates
that a man was rightly expected to defend his home and family
from harm. There is one more, lesser known, verse we should look
at. In the moments before Christ's arrest in the garden the following
exchange took place between Jesus and his disciples:
When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything? They said, 'Nothing.' He said to them, But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. (Luke 22:35-36)
Moments later, as Jesus is arrested; Peter uses
his sword to defend his master. In John's gospel, Chapter 18,
verses 10 and 11, it is recorded as follows:
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said unto Peter, 'Put up your sword in its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?'
Do these two accounts conflict? No. In the first
account the Lord was telling his disciples that the time was coming
when they would no longer receive hospitality and would have to
provide for themselves including self-protection (the need for
the sword). This does not conflict with John's account, because
there Jesus does not tell Peter to get rid of his sword, but to
put it in its sheath. The sword was, and still is, necessary.
There in the garden, however, it was being used counter to Christ's
purpose.
On the basis of Christ's teachings, is there really
a conflict between Christian teaching and the study of martial
arts? No. Is the Christian attitude toward physical violence to
be a passive one? Again, the answer is no.
Discussions about turning the other cheek focus
on the question of Christian participation in martial arts in
general. What about participation in Asian martial arts? Questions
about how Christians handle the philosophical and religious aspects
of the art usually focus on certain practices common to various
traditional martial arts schools. However, before addressing specific
questions, some background and history are necessary. We need
to know what philosophical or religious aspects are inherent in
Asian martial arts, why they are taught, and whether they are
necessary for training.
Today, a number of people devote their lives to
martial arts study primarily for reasons of self-development.
Through their practice of the martial arts, they seek to attain
some glimpse of the "wisdom of the East" as set forth
in the various philosophies of Taoism, Buddhism, and Zen. Karate-do,
for example, means the way of karate. It is a journey that begins
with the physical and ends with the spirit. The goal is to develop
the spirit. How? Through physical karate training. This parallels
the path of hatha-yoga, with its goal of self-purification through
physical application.
The incorporation of the contemplative, meditative,
or philosophical aspects into the martial arts may have evolved
as teachers began to see a need for morality in the art. As practitioners
became increasingly capable of destruction, some form of control
-- some personal means of tempering physical conduct and actions
-- became necessary. Hence, moral codes like the Japanese code
of bushido evolved.
For some, then, the martial arts offer a way that
they hope will provide them with the wisdom to understand both
themselves and the often unintelligible world in which they live.
What they seek is a philosophy of life, a code to live by, a discipline
-- in an otherwise undisciplined world.
For the Christian, using martial arts study for
spiritual self-development fails for two reasons. First, from
a practical standpoint, there are a variety of other avenues available
to the individual wishing to study Eastern culture, thought, or
philosophy to formulate a life credo (and without having to break
a sweat doing it, either). Second, and more importantly, Asian
martial arts philosophy is deeply entwined in Eastern mysticism
and religion. As such, it is incompatible with Christian beliefs.
However the philosophical and religious aspects of the martial
arts are not necessary for developing the physical skills the
martial arts student is seeking.
Target shooting is, for many, an enjoyable pastime,
but it is not without its dangers. Awareness and care are necessary
to prevent injury. The same is true of everything we do, be it
driving a car, cooking, using power tools -- even watching television.
Martial arts are no different. Christians must be aware of the
inherent dangers in the study of Eastern martial arts; but that
does not necessarily mean abstinence from physical martial arts
training.
The Christian martial artist must remove the religious
overtones that are frequently taught as part of Eastern martial
arts. Instead, he should concentrate on skills that enhance mental
concentration, improve sensitivity to differing degrees of threat,
and increase awareness of the interaction between attitude and
performance. This is learning the fine art of strategic thinking.
Specifically, the question I am most often asked
concerns the practice of meditation. What does the Christian do
when asked to meditate? First, the believer need not back away
from meditation. There is nothing inherently wrong with meditation.
Scripture abounds with passages admonishing the
believer to meditate on the Lord, meditate on his law, meditate
on his promises, and meditate on his Word. Thus, when told to
use class time to meditate, the Christian can do so. Not necessarily
on what the instructor tells him to meditate on (if he tells him
anything). Not with the aim of emptying his mind (as in Zen mushin)
or looking within for some mystic power (such as centering in
Transcendental Meditation), but purposefully and productively
busying it focusing it outward and upward to the Creator
God.
Throughout history, Christian symbols and quotations
from the Bible have been manipulated and abused by many, including
the occult, hate groups; even the news media. Should we abstain
from displaying a cross because some hate group uses a burning
cross to legitimize its actions? Should we avoid those verses
from the Bible that have been misinterpreted, twisted, and perverted
by those who would use them to serve their own purposes? No! Dr.
Walter Martin, founder of Christian Research Institute, probably
said it best. "The believer," he said, "should
not surrender the tools of light to anyone simply because others
have abused them and perverted their meaning."4
Alternatively, if the Christian is not feeling particularly
spiritual during karate class, he can meditate on the techniques
he is learning. Because of its use by New Age groups, visualization
has been given an undeserved bad reputation. But using imagination
to train physical skills does not violate biblical principles.
So the Christian martial artist can use meditation time to rehearse
what you were learning; mentally practice; see yourself having
a great workout. Again, use meditation to focus your mind and
attention in a positive and productive way.
Another question that arises from time to time refers
to the practice of bowing. In many schools, everyone bows before
entering or leaving the training area. This is done as a sign
of respect for a place of learning. In most schools, the students
and instructors bow to each other. In some schools, there is even
bowing before the American flag (and sometimes before the flag
of the country from which the art or the instructor immigrated
as well). Finally, there are schools where it is customary to
bow before a school shrine or altar. What are we as Christian
martial artists to make of these customs?
Historically, bowing has been used to demonstrate
an attitude of respect, reverence, and submission. In Oriental
culture it is common for people to prostrate themselves on the
ground before kings and princes. Such customs were also prevalent
among the Hebrews.
However, bowing is just as frequently noticed in
scripture as an act of religious homage. No mention is made of
posture, so we have no clear instruction as to whether it is of
any significance if someone bows with his face to the ground (a
common Eastern practice) or simply bows from the waist. This issue
is not addressed because it is unimportant. It is not the posture
that counts but the purpose.
Bowing, as an act of religious homage, is addressed
extensively in the Bible, and there is no doubt that bowing before
any idol, spiritual leader or guide, or representative of a false
god is prohibited. Joshua, in his last words to the elders of
Israel, said the following:
Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them: (Joshua 23:7)
This theme is repeated throughout scripture, so
it is clear that bowing as an act of religious or spiritual homage
is prohibited.
So serious is this matter that the godly man finds
even innocent association with such an act painful to his conscience.
For example, Naaman is cleansed of his leprosy by God through
His prophet Elisha. A highly regarded general of the king of Syria,
Naaman says afterward that he will never again make burnt offerings
and sacrifices to any other god save the Lord. However, he still
has one problem. His master, the king of Syria, still worships
his own god. The Syrian king was old and often took Naaman with
him to lean on his arm when he went to worship. Naaman's words
to Elisha reflect his predicament. Consider the following passage:
But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow also -- when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this. Go in peace, Elisha said. (2 Kings 5:18-19)
Again, Naaman, was not worshiping this Syrian deity;
his master was. He was not bowing down before Rimmon. He was only
providing physical support for his master. However, Naaman found
even this association was uncomfortable.
What seems clear from all of this is that the act
of bowing itself is not the problem. Rather, it is the purpose
of such an act. Biblically, bowing before lawful authority and
spiritual leaders (like the kings and prophets) was an accepted
practice. For that reason alone I think one would be hard pressed
to convince an Englishman he should not bow before his monarch.
As for bowing before a school altar or shrine, if
it is done as an act of obeisance or homage to some spiritual
leader or guide, then for the Christian, the practice is prohibited
and he must excuse himself from participation. If that is not
possible (the bowing is required), then he should seek instruction
elsewhere. There are many good schools where a Christian can train
without having to involve himself in such practice.
Suppose that bowing before the school shrine is
simply a cultural tradition, a sign of respect for a place of
learning, or just recognition of the efforts of past teachers
-- without any religious or spiritual significance. Is that all
right?
Every believer must answer that question for himself.
The apostle Paul, in I Corinthians, Chapter 10, verse 23, makes
it clear that "all things are lawful," but at the same
time, he says, all things are not "expedient." There
may be cultural standards to consider. For example, in our culture,
drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind is generally frowned
upon by many bible-believing Christians. However, our Christian
brothers in Germany would not consider ordering a soft drink or
iced tea with their meals. The Christian, then, must balance biblical
truth with social standards, asking himself: Is it lawful? Is
it expedient? If, in clear conscience before God, you can answer
both of those questions affirmatively, then go ahead and participate.
In our school the only bowing we do is a type of
mutual salute to begin and end our classes. It is not a bow of
submission, obeisance, or homage. Rather, it is like an officer
returning the salute of an enlisted man. With the words "Attention"
and "Salute," the teacher shows his respect for the
students -- they honor him by choosing to study and train with
him. The students, in return, show their respect for the teacher
as a worthy instructor and fellow student. It is, quite simply,
mutual respect.
Finally, those who would tell us to separate ourselves
from the study of Asian martial arts because of the general religious
influences and overtones inherent there would do well to consider
Christmas. Christmas is not held on Christ's birthday, but on
the birthday of the sun. (December 25 was the first day after
the winter solstice that the ancients could tell the days were
getting longer.) The Christmas tree, the boughs of holly, the
Christmas wreath, and the Yule log are all pagan traditions (and
these are only a few). With that in mind, should not our response
to the Christmas celebration likewise be abstention? No. As with
everything we do in life, awareness and understanding are the
keys.
The study and practice of martial arts, including
Asian martial arts, offer the discerning believer an enjoyable
alternative to conventional, and often boring, exercise programs.
Further, they are a practical means of providing security for
family, self, and home. If they are approached as outlined above,
I find nothing in them that conflicts with biblical truth.
Notes and References
1. While the scope of this paper is limited to addressing the question of how a Christian reconciles the biblical principle of "turning the other cheek" with participation in the martial arts, the answers given here have direct bearing on resolution of the primary issue and, to some degree, the satellite issues as well.
2. C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses.
(New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. 1980), 49-50.
3. The fact that Christ was capable of resisting evil is important.
A man of peace is not one who is incapable of resisting evil.
Claiming to be a man of peace when incapable of resisting evil
is merely compliance. Accepting evil, on the other hand, when
one is fully capable of resisting or returning it is the true
mark of a man of peace.
4. Moody Monthly magazine, December 1986.
We receive e-mail from many Christians who don't believe Christians should have anything to do with martial arts. We try to answer each concern with a prayerful answer. We recently received a note from a brother who had no problems with Christians being involved in martial arts, but had a big problem with our involvement in T'ai Chi. He believed we were opening ourselves to Satanic powers. I also had a problem with T'ai Chi for many years because of a misunderstanding of the Internal Arts. Here is our reply to the writer. I would like to hear from others who would like to add to this discussion.
"My personal experience for 25 years as a Christian was to stay away from internal martial arts because of the Taoist influences. It has been in the last few years that I have become involved in a study of Internal martial arts. I studied External martial arts for ten years prior to receiving Christ. My early Christian mentors suggested strongly that I have nothing to do with what had once been one of the great interests of my life. I read many Christian books during the 70s and 80s about the dangers of martial arts. The stories of Internal masters performing super-human feats bothered me. It sounded like what they were dealing with were evil spirits (demons). I do think many martial artists are playing with Satan when they try to conjure up dark spiritual powers. I gave up the study of External martial arts for two decades because of my concerns and the concerns of others.
What changed my mind about
martial arts in general was growing in Christ and making my own
decisions from personal Bible study. What changed my mind about
T'ai Chi was meeting two Christian ministers who are Master instructors
of the art. Pastor Robert Xavier's teacher was a Chinese Christian
who came to America in the late 60s to share Christ and the health
benefits of the Internal arts. Mr. John Chung Li died in 1982,
but I have listened to his tapes and read his letters and articles
and found him to be a Christian of superb insight and quality.
I have spent many wonderful hours with Pastor Xavier sharing about
Christ, praying and training. He is a strong brother and preacher
and a man of deep beliefs and high ideals. Rev.
Ron Shively is another strong Christian minister who teaches external
and internal martial arts. He started Karate for Christ years
ago to support Christians using martial arts to reach the lost
for Christ. He is also my teacher and friend and a man who loves
Christ deeply. Having Christian teachers makes a big difference
when studying martial arts.
Chi is not something mystical. It is basically doing what is "natural". One way to translate and understand Chi is as "origin." It is live-giving "breath." (See study about "The Breath of Life" below) We receive air into our nose and lungs to nourish the cells of our body. We then expel toxins out of our lungs through our nose that come from those same cells. Breathing is necessary for life. It is natural to breathe. It is unnatural not to breathe. The lack of breath over an extended period of time leads to death. The result of breathing is to sustain life, health and growth. To understand Chi is to understand God's original purpose for the human body and mind. Sin has warped us mentally, physically, emotionally and, most of all, spiritually. We were "dead" in our sins until Christ died for us and gave us the gift of Eternal Life. What Jesus is doing with us now is making us into His Image. That's a process of getting back to the origins of our life with God. Any mental or physical activity that cooperates with the "natural" process will increase health in most people. That is what we do as Christians in practicing T'ai Chi. I realize you won't find that way of looking at Chi in most books about it. That's because few Christians have written on the subject. I kept my distance for so many years that it is only in the last decade I have considered the Christian view of martial arts and Chi. The truth becomes clearer with each passing day.
If I changed the name of the exercise/martial art to "Having Fun Slowly," few people would have any problem with what we do in the practice of T'ai Chi. I meditate on Christ and His Word as I move my body slowly, softly and gracefully. I breathe deeply as I stretch my body up and down, left and right, forward and backward. I don't go any further in my study or practice than God's Word allows. No one has to monitor my behavior. I know what to do because I study God's Word and do what He says. Christ is our Teacher in all things.
Christian involvement in a martial art, internal or external, is not wrong or bad unless and until they use it wrongly. We know the basics. Christians should not be involved in mysticism. Christians should not be involved with Satanic power. Christians should not be involved with any message that is contrary to the Gospel of the Grace of God. We don't do that in our study and practice of martial arts. We don't go there. We don't try to alter our consciousness. We want full use of our mind. That is the primary intent of martial arts. We want to focus our full attention on what is at hand. That's a basic definition of discipline. Christians should be disciplined (i.e. disciples) with the skills necessary to focus full attention on God and His Will for their lives. Training in martial arts helps with that mental and physical skill of focus and discipline.
That's one of the main reasons I speak out about Christian involvement in martial arts. People who want to learn martial arts will seek out a teacher. What if that teacher is a Christian? Might a student of a Christian martial arts instructor learn about Christ? Might they learn about positive spiritual and moral principles? Yes, they will.
I recommend that Christians be cautious about studying martial arts with someone who is not a Christian. That doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't study with a non-Christian, but we should be aware of possible negative spiritual influences. That's true about anything, not just martial arts. Any non-Christian instructor of anything can have a negative spiritual effect on Christians. We should always be on guard against the wiles of Satan. We should do everything we can to promote Christ.
Jesus Christ is the "Cause" of all things. God's Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to write these words about Christ to the Colossian Christians. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:16-17) The Apostle John wrote this about Christ. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4) Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection, and the life." (John 11:25) Christ told Thomas, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)
Jesus Christ is LIFE. LIFE is in Christ. Jesus created all living things with LIFE. How did He do it? "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." (Psalms 33:6) "And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it." (Genesis 1:30) "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) God created all things with the Breath of His Mouth. Within His Breath existed Life because God is Life. God formed the human being from the dust of the ground. Christ, Who is Life, breathed into the form's nostrils the "Breath of Life" and the form became a living soul. It became Adam, the first human being. Job wrote "The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." (Job 33:4) We are alive today because God breathed LIFE into Adam thousands of years ago. Our original life and continued life depends on the "Breath of Life" God breathed into Adam. That original "Breath of Life" of God sustains our life now. It is our original Chi. It is our source of life, power, energy and health.
All living things have "The Breath of Life." If they did not, they would not be alive. Job wrote "If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust." (Job 34:1-15) God's Breath is in every human being. Believers also have God's Spirit in their breath. Job wrote "All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils." (Job 27:3) The Breath of God is in every animal and insect on earth, every bird above the earth, and every fish and creature in the lakes, rivers and seas. "The Breath of Life" is in every cell of our bodies. We have God to thank for it every day for our lives. Every living thing should worship God continually because He gives them "The Breath of Life."
Paul explained this idea clearly to the people of Athens. "Him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." (Acts 17:23-25)
Consider these things as you move and breathe during your martial workouts. We have a great Gift ... THE BREATH OF LIFE!
Last month we said we would share some ideas about how to react to the variety of challenges we'll face as Christian martial artists. We have seen from the Bible that Christ is a powerful warrior (May newsletter). We have also seen that Christ is a Loving Savior filled with compassion. Christian martial artists have the opportunity to be "like Christ" by showing compassion and power in defending the innocent and doing what is "right." Christ has the "Power" to destroy the world and anyone in it at any time He chooses. However, our Lord is also Loving, Gracious, Forgiving and Kind. God is Perfect Balance in all things. He is the True Grand Ultimate. He uses His Power with Wisdom to show Compassion. We can learn so much from Him about how to use martial abilities in our daily lives.
Many martial arts systems have a sequential use of force. We pray for God's Wisdom as we face threat and danger. Here is one example of a sequential use of force. We would like to hear from you about how to include compassion as Christian martial artists.
1) Mental Defense (avoid conflict)
2) Speak Softly (turn away wrath)
3) Verbal Command
4) Defensive Posture
5) Run or Stun and Run
6) Physical Restraint
7) Temporary Incapacitation
8) Great Bodily Harm
The process of sequential use of force is based on Threat Levels. Our first defense is to avoid threat or conflict. That can include not going to places where conflict may occur. If we are faced with conflict, we can speak softly and attempt to talk our way out of the threat. If soft words do not calm the situation, the Christian martial artist can verbally command an attacker to stop. Once you have their attention, you may be able to use soft words to turn away their wrath. If a verbal command does not work, you can face your attacker and take a defensive posture. That may be enough to stop the conflict. If the attacker is in your third zone (several yards from you) and continues to come at you, you could move quickly in the opposite direction, but keep your eye on what the attacker is doing. If he runs after you, you may have to turn and move up in the sequential use of force. If the attacker moves rapidly into your second zone (3-5 feet from you), you may have to be ready to move quickly to defend against the attack. If the attacker enters your first zone (close enough to reach you with a grab, punch or kick), you may have to perform an escape or blocking technique followed by a controlling movement or counter strike or kick. Sidestepping or blocking an attack followed by a stunning technique (punch, strike, kick) may give you the opportunity to leave your attacker behind. You are showing compassion to your attacker by leaving and not allowing the attack to escalate. You can also place the attacker in a physical restraint until they give up. If Stun or Restraint techniques do not stop the conflict and you are not able to leave, you may have to increase the sequential use of force by temporarily incapacitating your attacker. That may include a knockout punch, strike, kick, choke, etc. Again, you are showing compassion by not causing the attacker permanent injury. If your attacker means you great bodily harm and you are not able to stop the conflict in any other way, a Christian martial artist may have to make the difficult decision to cause the attacker great bodily harm first. That is an unfortunate circumstance that will cause the attacker and the attacked permanent problems (physical, mental and emotional in addition to possible legal problems). Causing permanent injury or death is the last thing a Christian martial artist wants to do.
Some Christian martial artists create their own forms that express spiritual significance. I'll share some with you as I learn about them. Here's an example from a new GMAF member.
He Who Overcomes (Pilsung "victory")
Pattern is a cross, representing Christ, Who overcame death.
Heaven hands represent the Christian, who will also overcome death.
Fist to shield symbolizes the whole armor of God, described in
Ephesians 6:11-18.
54 moves, 27 on each side, which is 3 cubed, representing the
Trinity.
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-8; 3:12, 21; 21:7.
1. heaven hands
2. fist to shield
3. left front snap kick, landing in left front stance.
4. left low block.
5. right reverse punch.
6. right inside crescent kick, landing in left back stance, facing
opposite direction, right side low block.
7. stepping forward into right back stance, right square knife
block.
8. stepping back into left back stance, left supported spearfinger.
9. right reverse hook kick
10. right round kick, landing in left back stance, double fist
guarding block.
11. Stepping forward, bring left hand down in front, right inside
crescent kick against left hand.
12. right elbow against left hand, landing in left back stance,
kihap.
13. facing slowly left, slow move into right high spear block,
left low spear block.
14. very slow chambered side kick to extension, hands moving into
double fist guarding block.
15. right running jump side kick, kihap
16. landing in left back stance, double fist guarding block.
17. step back even, raising hands to heaven hands.
Derived from Nahantchi sho, 21 moves. All moves performed along
the cross-piece
18. Lower heaven hands.
19. Step with left foot over right.
20. Right side kick to the right.
21. Left elbow smash.
22. Right cross punch.
23. Step with right foot over left.
24. Left side kick to the left.
25. left down block, right inner forearm block
26. right down block, left inner forearm block
27. Left chamber to right, left foot touches right knee on side.*
28. Left upper forearm to side block, right foot touches left
knee.
29. right elbow behind you while left hand covers right fist;
left punch to left side as the right hand punches the same direction,
kihap.
30. Right elbow smash.
31. Left cross punch.
32. Step with left foot over right.
33. Right side kick to the right.
34. right down block, left inner forearm block
35. left down block, right inner forearm block
36. Right chamber to left, right foot touches left knee on side.*
37. Right upper forearm to side block, left foot touches right
knee.
38. left elbow behind you while right hand covers right fist;
right punch to right side as the left hand punches the same direction,
kihap.
end Nahantchi sho
39. bringing arms back to guarding position, right front snap
kick, landing in right front stance.
40. right low block.
41. left reverse punch.
42. left inside crescent kick, landing in right back stance, facing
opposite direction, left side low block.
43. stepping forward into left back stance, left square knife
block.
44. stepping back into right back stance, right supported spearfinger.
45. left reverse hook kick
46. left round kick, landing in right back stance, double fist
guarding block.
47. Stepping forward, bring right hand down in front, left inside
crescent kick against right hand.
48. left elbow against right hand, landing in right back stance,
kihap.
49. facing slowly right, slow move into left high spear block,
right low spear block.
50. very slow chambered side kick to extension, hands moving into
double fist guarding block.
51. left running jump side kick, kihap.
52. landing in right back stance, double fist guarding block.
53. step back even, fist to shield.
54. heaven hands.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death. " Rev 12:11
I came to know the Lord through the efforts of my mom. She would read me the Bible as a child, even though I had no clue as to what it meant. Whenever she asked me if I understood, I would just say yes to try and get her to stop reading to me. While I didn't really enjoy the reading, it planted an awareness of God in me at a very early age. I knew He was there, it just never crossed my mind that He wanted to know me-- and that I could know Him.
It wasn't until I was in the sixth grade that things started to
happen. Things that would bring me to a personal and rewarding
relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
My friend Tom Price invited me to go with him to a surf
club meeting. What he neglected to say was that it was also a
Bible study. It was the Disciples Surf Club, and it met
in the home of a women named Barbara Plourd. The club members
were surfer and non-surfer types from all walks of life who had
committed their lives to Jesus. Every Saturday they departed
from Thousand Oaks, Calif,(where I lived at the time) and went
surfing in the Ventura County region. The surfing was a total
blast! I went with Tom to several meetings, and for the most part
thought that these people were a bunch of kooks. However, the
surfing was fun, and I found myself compelled to go back for reasons
that I could not fully explain at the time.
One night after Barbara finished her Bible presentation, she asked
if there was anyone in the room who wanted to accept Jesus Christ
as his Lord and Savior. All heads were bowed in prayer, and I
kept thinking, "These people are crazy!" -- yet my hand
went up! Something inside my heart kept saying this was the right
thing to do, but my mind was very confused. Someone saw my hand
raised and came over to pray with me. That was the night I met
Jesus. He came into my heart, and I have never been the same since.
No, I did not lead the perfect life. As a matter of fact, after
the group fell apart due to problems among those in leadership,
I did not live a Christian life at all for a time. During high
school, I did many things that are opposed by Christianity. Yet,
I knew that God was near and calling out to me to return to Him.
I can even remember one time yelling out loud at God to leave
me alone! (I am so thankful today that He did not listen!)
In my senior year at Thousand Oaks High School, around May of
1972, I clearly heard the Lord's voice speak to me. He said, "
You have been messing around long enough, and I want you back.
You need to decide what you're going to do." I didn't fall
on my knees and have some dramatic repentance experience. I spent
the next two weeks thinking about my life and what I wanted to
do with it. The inescapable reality was that I wanted to know
God. All the things that I had been involved with had led me to
heartache and pain. My parents had divorced, and my family now
consisted of just me and my dad. Loneliness is so overwhelming,
yet God in His great love for us is always there. I knew this
and needed it.
So one night in my bedroom, I rededicated my life to Jesus. His
Spirit filled my room with His presence, and that was when my
life was completely and forever changed. It has been a long process
of change , but it has been more than worth it. The Lord has given
me a wonderful life. My wife and I have been married for more
than 21 years. I have three terrific children. I live in one of
the most beautiful places on earth, Colorado. I can stand on the
deck of my house and see the Rocky Mountains.
There have been plenty of trials too. I have been unemployed as
an electrician and have been in and out of the ministry due to
people conflicts. (I have never been immoral). The church
that we started here in Castle Rock went belly up four years later. All
of my Pastor friends left me when I had to close the church. My
son almost died when he was 3 years old. There have been times
when I wondered if life could ever be "good" again.
This thing I have found true. The Lord will never leave us , or
forsake us. He has always been there in my times of trouble.
This one thing is clear, Jesus is always faithful - even when
we are not. When all others fail, Jesus is still there. It is
not my intention to claim that since I met Jesus I have had no
problems or that my life is always a breeze. Neither do I intend
to say that my life has been awful. The point of this message
is to communicate that my life is just like yours -- and you,
too, can find the peace of God that has so enriched my life. God
is so good! May you find the joy of the Lord. Let His joy
be your strength as you walk down your path of life.
Here is a note from Grand Master Karl Marx about his recent trip to Australia. Master Marx is one of the world's top martial artists and founder of Keichu-Do Karate with more than 40 years expeirence in martial arts. He has much to share with all of us. We can praise God with Dr. Marx about the great things Christ is doing!
"My Keichu-Do Outreach Ministry Karate Team just returned from a missions trip to Australia. We put on demonstrations and witnessed to the public on the streets, in the schools, on the Beaches, side walks, shopping centers, and even held a Carnival, which I must confess my team whose ages were 12 to 29 had as much fun as the little kids. We were a bit stressed in some of the locations as we were not able to talk about Jesus Christ, just able to invite everyone to the Carnival and hand out The Jesus Video's and Bibles by the thousands.
Three Calvary Chapels got together
with all the talent you could imagine with experts, and in some
cases, World Champions in Karate, Skate boarders, Surfers, Mimes,
Drama, and probably one of the Worlds best if not THE best Balloon
maker for children ever, Mr Twister, probably the most proficient
Balloon twister, animal shaper alive today. All in all it was
a great Blessing to ALL of us. Several people accepted Christ
as Lord
and Master of their lives. The 14 hour flight was LONG, but the
three movies and food kept us entertained, between trying to sleep,
or take a nap.
God is so Good and faithful, please pray for the people of Australia, to be more open to the Saving Grace of Christ. The Australians are a wonderful people, and we love them very much. "
This note is from Master Bill Wilson. We praise God for the great work Master Wilson is doing for the Cause of Christ.
"GM Roy Williams father has just went home to Jesus. Roy is a dear friend and Mentor. Could we all have a moment of silence? And could we all keep Roy and his family in our prayers? I would like to see us start a prayer warrior group to pray for each others family and friends."
Here is a prayer request from Fran Pultro .
"Dear brothers & sisters in the arts,
Please pray for my son, Noah. On Monday evening, 5/21, he received a compression fracture of the skull in a freak accident. He has since been released from the hospital but is under strict observation. Surgery may be indicated after the swelling goes down. He does not appear to be in immediate danger. His brain seems OK at this time. Please pray that he is restored to his normal self.
Thank you.
Fran Pultro"
We invite you to visit Master Frank Barlow's new web site. It's located at http://karisdojo.bizland.com/ . Master Barlow, who has more than 40 years of martial arts experience, has some great advice for Christians interested in sharing Christ with others through a martial arts ministry. Master Barlow was one of the founders of Judo and Karate for Christ in the 60s. You'll enjoy what he has to say.
This note is from Kevin Schaller of Carson Valley Christian Kirisuto-Kyo Bushido.
"Just a quick note on the dojo.
We're running about 100 active students, with a somewhat larger adult participation than the kids. We're drawing more from outside the church and know there are "seekers" in our midst. Great opportunities to share our testimonies and the Truth!
We've enjoyed some esteemed visitors recently and hosted the inaugural ATAMA Chapter seminar here. 20 black belts were at the seminar and were able to see a "different" perspective of our church. We keep planting seeds and tilling the soil.... ATAMA is one of the oldest martial arts teaching associations in America, founded in the late 60's by Professor Duke Moore in San Francisco. While it is a secular organization, there are several born again Christians on the National board and our local chapter has believers in both the presidency (Hanshi Alexander Archie) and the VP & Secretary (me!).
One of my talented students has been working on our website and I hope you'll stop on by. It has info on our ministry and ATAMA, along with some fun stuff pertaining to my other passion...motorcycles! Please visit us at www.vistaprimo.com.
Instructors of note who have
visited & taught lately: Hanshi Alexander Archie, 9th Dan
Goju Shorei,
Master Joe Walker, 7th Dan Goju Shorei (& superb trumpet player!),Grandmaster
David Hebler, 10th Dan Kenpo (Student of GM Ed Parker), Soke Clement
Reidner, Shiho Karano Jujitsu (Founder of Christian Black Belt
Association)."
This note is from Paul Gangarosa.
"I will now be teaching Karate at a dance club called City Lights starting Saturdays in June. In July they will add Wednesday nights to the schedule, too. More info is available at http://www.mindspring.com/~pgangar/karate.htm"
This note is from Jeff Tam.
"I
am from Hong Kong and we have set up a Hong Kong Gospel Martial
Arts Ministry in H.K. The web site is http://HKGMAM.virtualave.net
. We need lots of support and prayer. We have a team of 9 and
all practice
different kinds of martial arts. We have some churches invite
us to share the gospel.
God Bless
Jeff Tam"
This note is from our friends with the Fellowship of Christian Martial Artists.
"For information on The
Fellowship of Christian Martial Artists annual summer conference
and banquet, email us your snail mail address and we will forward
you a conference brochure. June 9-11, 2000 in Charlotte, NC. This
year, in addition to many other instructors, we have a special
guest instructor, Mr. Alex Mordine of Japan who is a direct student
of Masaaki Hatsumi, and a 10th degree at home in Japan. We would
love for you to join us this year."
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists and their ministries.)
Please let us know if you have moved, changed jobs, received a belt promotion, started studying a new martial art, started a Christian martial arts ministry, etc. We want to be sure your listing in the GMAF Internet Directory is all you want it to be.
We welcome Clarence E. Ratliff Jr. He lives in Palm Bay, Florida. Clarence holds a 1st Dan in Kenpo karate and has had training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Chang-Hun Tae Kwon Do and Shotokan Karate. He is currently head instructor of the Shinkengata Dojo and is a member of the Valadez Kenpo Association. Clarence became interested in martial arts at a young age when he met Master Robert Xavier. Master Xavier taught basic self defense techniques at Clarence's church youth group 15 years ago. Clarence works as a test technician for a printed board manufacturing company and is also a full-time college student working toward a degree in Criminal Justice.
We welcome Pat Goltz. She is a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo and holds a colored belt in KemScrima Doh. Pat has an excellent web site I recommend you visit. We especially enjoy two creative hyungs that have spiritual significance (one is included earlier in this newsletter) and her thoughts on selecting a martial arts school.
We appreciate your Fellowship in the Gospel of the Grace of God. We are praying for you and your opportunities to serve Christ. Please let us know about ways GMAF can help you in your service. If you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving this monthly newsletter, please ask them to e-mail Mark McGee. We'll be glad to put them on our monthly mailing list.
You are invited to read previous GMAF Newsletters.
If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.
Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a service of GraceLife Ministries
Taking God's Grace to the World!