Religion and Martial Arts

by; Kaicho (Chairman) Ricky Adams, PHD-MA

Lets answer a few questions first.... Which came first Religion or Martial Arts? Religion - God created for the first 7 days, Cain killed Able after the fall and expulsion from the Garden of Eden. I find it interesting the Cain is one letter short of "cain't" southern slang for can't, and Able has the meaning of accomplishment as in being "able" to work, create, love, laugh, communicate, etc.  It is as if man was blinded to the work of the Devil soon after he fell.

Should Christians practice Martial Arts? My opinion is yes, if the martial arts are used for defense only and a practitioner tries to avoid conflict at all costs. There are many instances in the Bible of Martial Arts being used; Samson was an extremely versatile Martial Artist, having the ability to kill 1,000 men with the jawbone of an Ass? Obviously different weapons than Okinawan, but a weapon just the same. David was a great marksman with the sling and stone. He also handled the sword of Goliath pretty good, cutting off Goliath's head. Since Goliath was rumored to be (some say) as tall as 17 feet, how thick was his neck. And the bible doesn't say that David had to "Hack" at Goliath, it says, David cut off the head of Goliath.

Moses' staff also called the "Rod of Aaron" was a very remarkable "Bo Staff" and the results were turning the Nile into Blood, bring water from a rock, blossoming and producing Almonds in a single night.

Jesus himself teaches us not to resist violence with violence, but rather to pray for our enemies, warfare in the spirit (chi, qi, ki) realm. Jesus was the ultimate Martial Artist. He fought in the spiritual realm and defeated Satan himself. Remember; "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers, spiritual powers, in high places,".... Jesus gave us all the defense capability we need..... He commands that "No weapon formed against me shall prosper." and promises to have our back even unto death; "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." ....

God in his infinite wisdom, glory, and love gave us free will. The right to choose! Think about how "arming" that is. Then God gave us his word to try to teach us how to live and prosper by choice; "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. "

All "serious" Martial Artist will at some point (Usually Yondan - 4th Dan Black Belt) begin their study of "KI" -( Key),  internal energy. In Christian terms this is called your "Spirit"..... people who train spiritually in Martial Arts are required to perform a certain amount of "Meditation" this is done to try to bring your body, mind, and spirit together as one with the Spiritual energy of the "Universe"...... they got it right, however the terminology is a little different. As a Christian I do "meditate" a lot, but I call it prayer. I also try to become one; physically, mentally, and spiritually with the "universe" I call him God. He is also known as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His son, Jesus is the Do (way) of spiritual "KI" training. Yes there are exercises you can perform to help you relax and calm your mind. But to master this art is simple, you only have to ASK! Just ask Jesus to come into your life, to commune with your spirit. And he will give you his spirit, the Holy Spirit, who will come into you and commune with your spirit guiding, teaching, and helping you in everything. "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me." Jesus is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Jesus - the greatest martial artist ALIVE! He defeated Satan, death, hell, and the grave. He made it possible for his disciples (students) to do the same through him. It is never about our strengths, our abilities, our desires, it has always been about what he did (died) because he loves us, he rose again to life (proof of his victory). Through our weakness he is strong!

I implore you, if you want to learn about "KI", go to the source, God and remember how to get there, "Jesus is the way"