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Martial Arts And Religion

12/26/2016

4 Comments

 
Author: Bret Gordon
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Something that's been on my mind a lot lately is the subject of martial arts and religion. How does one reconcile their training with their religious beliefs, etc? Unlike my previous articles, this one won't be a rant. In fact, I'm writing this more for my own benefit to gain clarity than anything else. However, I am very interested in what you have to say so feel free to leave a comment below. Let me start off by saying that I identify as a Roman Catholic. When I say I "identify" as one, what I mean is that while many of my views are in direct contradiction of the Catechism, I fully believe and support the underlying basis of what separates Catholicism from every other Christian denomination and therefore remain a member of the Church. But that's not something I will discuss or debate in this article. For the tone of this article and in the interest of continuity, I will speak from a generic Christian point of view but I am sure the underlying principle can be applied to other faiths as well.

A defining factor in any Asian-based martial art is that there will always be religious undertones. Whether we chose to acknowledge them or not, they are there. That's why nearly every dojo FAQ page on their website addresses the issue of bowing, assuring their prospective clients that it is merely a sign of respect and has no religious significance. While this is true to a point, the concept of bowing does ultimately come from submission. Whether that submission is to another person, a divine being or something else entirely I suppose is up to the one bowing. But its origins can't be denied. 

So then how does anyone of Abrahamic faith (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) reconcile the concept of bowing when clearly it should go against the First Commandment? 


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In a historical context, it can't and shouldn't be reconciled. However, just as culture evolves, the notion of bowing solely as a sign of respect has become a self fulfilling prophecy. One can hardly walk the floor of any business trade show without seeing corporate executives bowing to anyone remotely of Asian origin. Clearly they are not worshipping their business partner, and so like nearly everything else in how we are judged as Christians, it all comes down to our intent. 
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In my experience, shinobi no jutsu is the only art that would directly contradict any Abrahamic faith. This is because at the highest levels, shinobi no jutsu is essentially witchcraft. It consists of spells and pagan rituals. So as a follower of any Abrahamic faith, that would be the one art I would not pursue in depth. That doesn't mean the lower levels of ninjutsu (espionage, chemistry, survival, etc.) are not of great interest to me. But after a point, there is only so far I am willing to go in the study of ninjutsu.

But what about the concept of non-violence? The one common phiolosophy across nearly all religions is love and peace. So then, if martial arts are quite literally the study of combat skills, how does that coincide at all with what religion teaches us?

​Again, speaking from a Christian perspective, I frequently point out Luke 22:36. "'But now,' He said, 'take your money and a traveler's bag. And if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!'" Christ is specifically instructing His followers to buy a sword for their protection, saying it's more important than a cloak to keep them warm. Clearly a sword is not meant for any other purpose. There are numerous other verses in the Bible (both Old and New Testament) that talk about justified use of force in self defense situations.

Two other verses I like are Matthew 10:34 "Do not think I came to send peace upon the earth. I came not to send peace, but the sword" and Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle."


You can't really get around that the study of martial arts is a violent endeavor. The term martial art literally translates to "skill of war," the word martial being derived from Mars, the Roman god of war. But as I've said, violence is not wrong if used in defense of oneself or another. When Peter cut off the ear of the Roman soldier in the garden who had come to arrest Jesus, he was chastised not for his actions but that it was not the right time. And let's not forget that when someone asks, "What would Jesus do?" that turning all of the tables over and driving people out of the temple is not outside the realm of possibilities (Matthew 11:12-13). 

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But when someone says they're a Christian martial artist, what does that really mean? Is it someone who practices martial arts but also believes in the divinity of Christ? Is it someone who opens and closes each of their training sessions with a prayer? Honestly, I think that's just a martial artist who happens to be Christian. To truly be a Christian martial artist, I think you have to go deeper. In my opinion, it would involve required Scripture readings as part of the curriculum. It would involve the academic study of Scripture alongside martial arts training. It would involve consciously inserting a religious undertone to everything you do.

While there are benefits to that type of training, I honestly think that would turn away a large number of people who might be interested in the arts or truly need training for a multitude of reasons. By claiming to be a Christian martial arts school, I believe you are in fact segregating yourself from what could be your true audience. In my experience, martial arts training is a cultural melting pot. It is the only place a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, an Atheist and a Pagan can put aside their differences for the betterment of the community. I've heard it said that martial arts in and of themselves are a theology. 

I think that as long as you remain true to the underlying beliefs of your faith, in my case believing that Christ is our Savior, then any endeavor you pursue can only be beneficial. Yes, Asian martial arts generally do draw a lot of influence from Buddhism. Aikido was specifically founded because of Ueshiba sensei's personal religious beliefs. But as a Christian, or any follower of Abrahamic faith for that matter, Buddhism itself doesn't conflict with Christianity. It is in fact complementary of a Christian life-style. Love all things, be truthful and generous. No one says they can't go to yoga class because it conflicts with their religion, when yoga has very obvious Hindu undertones. In fact, yoga-like exercises make up an entire portion of the kalaripayattu (one of the oldest Asian martial arts) curriculum. So as long as I'm not worshipping any idols, or my martial arts instructor isn't telling me to lie, steal or murder, then nothing done in any martial arts class will lead me astray from my personal beliefs.

In the end, we are all on our own journey. Some use martial arts as a ministry. Some use their training to escape the realities of life. Many others are training purely for self defense, fitness or sport. Whatever your reason for training, if it brings joy and fulfillment to your life then you should pursue it. I know I post a lot of articles saying that all martial arts training should be centered on combat efficiency, and while I do believe that ernestly, who am I to tell you what you're doing is wrong? Let truth come from whence it may. 

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www.triomartialarts.com
www.clermontselfdefense.com
www.clermontselfdefense.wordpress.com​

4 Comments
Charlie Barnes, Sensei
12/26/2016 09:53:01 pm

Very well said. I once had a student who refused to bow at the tokonoma (showing respect for those that came before) nor could he bow to the instructor or fellow students. He said it was bowing to things other than God. I bow to a photo of Funakoshi in the tokonama showing respect for those that came before. I bow to my students showing respect for allowing me to teach them. They bow to each other showing respect for each other, recognizing "hey we are all here to learn something important. The students bow to the sensei to say "thank you for learning this and passing it on to us."

To me, Traditional Martial Arts ENHANCED my relationship with Christ. It made me more focused, and more aware to go forth and be a better person.. Isn't that what God wants us to do?

The Buddhist aspect of Traditional Eastern Martial Arts is one of compassion , restraint, dedication, mushin, no mindedness, or being one and in tune to your surroundings. None of this is counter to the teachings of Jesus.

Sensei, a very well written article. Thank you for sharing. <<bows>> Osu!

Reply
Bret Gordon
12/26/2016 09:56:56 pm

Barnes sensei,

Thank you for your feedback! I completely agree that my study of martial arts is what made me the man I am today. All of the values taught in the study of Budo, if truly internalized, can only enhance one's religious convictions whatever they may be. Domo arigato gozaimasu!

Reply
Frank millarf
12/27/2016 12:41:44 am

Very well articulated with much thought, well done

Reply
David Skelton link
9/19/2017 07:49:11 am

Very interesting article. I created a Christian Martial Art system. I have Bible Studies, scripture memorizations, and community service incorporated in my blended system to create Shinja Yuuki Ryu. I don't only want to be a Christian doing Martial Arts. That is me though, and I don't discount those Christians that don't decide to do their MA this way. One big problem I have with your article is this "Whatever your reason for training, if it brings joy and fulfillment to your life then you should pursue it." As a Christian we should do all things to bring glory to God: not to make us happy or bring us joy. Sin makes a lot of people happy. (Feel good) If we do something that is evil but yet do it with good intentions then it's ok? Hmmm.
Blessing.

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