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Should a Christian Practice the Martial Arts?

A controversial issue within Christianity today is whether a Christian can practice the martial arts. There are three primary views. To gain perspective on this issue, let us briefly consider each one.

First, some say that because of its unchristian origin (Eastern mysticism), no martial art form should be practiced by Christians. However, an unchristian origin in itself may be insufficient grounds for rejecting the martial arts since this view commits what is known as the “genetic fallacy.” This error assumes that since the origin of a belief or practice was wrong, despite its development, it is still wrong today.

Yet, if we were consistent in applying this kind of logic, we should also abandon astronomy because its roots are in the practice of astrology. As a policy we believe that, instead of committing the genetic fallacy, it is better to try to ascertain how much of an influence foundational beliefs may have had on the object of discussion before prematurely discarding it.

The second view argues that as long as the Christian divorces the religious aspects Eastern mysticism) from the martial arts, he or she may practice them. To evaluate this view, we must briefly examine some of the major branches of the martial arts.

Aikido - Aikido means “the way to union with the universal force.” This impersonal force is known as “chi.” The goal of Aikido is to control both self and environment. Ironically, this martial art is the most compatible with Christianity in regard to its nonviolent nature, but — on the other hand — it is unalterably steeped in Eastern mysticism.

Judo and Jujitsu - Judo involves many grabbing and throwing techniques. Jujitsu concentrates on the human joint locks and concerns itself with striking and maneuvering procedures. Both of these forms have a very low spiritual emphasis.

Karate - Karate involves meditation, which usually includes the emptying of one’s mind from all outer distractions. It is at this point that Karate becomes spiritually dangerous. Nevertheless, since Karate is primarily a physical martial art, the meditation aspect can be divorced from it.

Kung Fu - Kung Fu is very diverse. There are different styles of Kung Fu. The more traditional forms stick close to their Buddhist philosophical roots, while the less traditional forms concentrate more on the physical aspects. Generally, Kung Fu is more mystical than Karate.

Ninjitsu - Ninjitsu is not generally compatible with Christianity. The Ninjas try to assimilate themselves with nature in order to be more stealthy. The worldview behind Ninjitsu is pantheism (all is God), which contradicts the Christian view that God is not the universe but is the Creator of the universe (Gen. 1:1-2).

Tai Chi - Tai Chi involves the practice of Taoism. In order to achieve physical well being, 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 term 'do' that follows many titles of martial arts; i.e., Karate-Do, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet June Do, etc. is the romanization of 'dao' or 'tao'. Taoism is a root philosophy in many of these arts that promise the practitioner of 'enlightment'. Many of the rituals, meditations, and even some of the physical practices are designed to enhance one's 'path to enlightenment' - or Tao. Taoism is essentially a religion of pantheism, naturalism, dualism and ancestral worship. In fact, the bowing to the dojo (place of enlightenment) before and after training, is giving homage to the spirits of the enlightened masters, or saints, who have imparted their spirit into the room. Bruce Lee epitomized taoism when he wrote, " Use no way as way, have no limitation as limitation ..." and" My way is not your way, my style is not your style." from Tao of Jeet Kune Do. This is a stark contrast to the declaration that Jesus Christ made when he said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes unto the Father except through me." John 14:6.

In view of the above, it is clear that certain martial arts cannot be divorced from their Eastern worldview while others can. Aikido, Ninjitsu, and Tai Chi are the most incompatible with Christianity.

Ultimately, whether a Christian should participate in one of those martial arts that can be reconciled with Christianity depends primarily upon the instructor. If the instructor promotes Eastern mysticism, the Christian should avoid that school. If the instructor divorces the practice of the martial art from the philosophy behind it, then the Christian may, in good conscience, participate.

A third view is that the martial arts are not compatible with Christianity because of their violent nature. This is a legitimate position, for many Scripture passages do speak out against violence (e.g., Matt. 26:52). However, other Christians point out that when Jesus spoke with soldiers, He did not say combating was morally wrong (Matt. 8:5-13). Moreover, Jesus instructed the disciples to take a defensive sword with them as the time of His arrest by the authorities approached (Luke 22:36). The apostle 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 would support this conclusion, we recognize that the issue of self-defense is one that must be determined by each individual believer’s conscience.

We recommend that the Christian keep the following factors in mind if he or she decides to practice a martial art: First, the Christian must realize that because this is a controversial area, he or she must be careful not to cause a weaker Christian to stumble by practicing a martial art (Rom. 14). Second (primarily for youths), 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 (Heb. 10:25). Finally, the Christian should pray, and examine his or her 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.

The Elite-Fighters System of Martial Arts was designed to be free from the religious rituals and practices that ornament most schools of self defense. The Christian seeking a self defense system will find the Elite-Fighters System to be the most effective and up to date system available with out fear of secondary or hidden agenda.

Sources: Christian Research Institute - www.equip.org

See also:
Enter the Dragon? Part 1
Enter the Dragon? Part 2

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