Can Christians practice martial arts? A positive view

By Ian P. Spaa

MANY Christians consider the martial arts problematic. However, I believe a case can be made for a positive Christian approach to them.

In the Lower Mainland, there are between eight and 10 martial arts academies that teach from a Christian perspective. Most of these schools are part of the same system, called the World Traditional Taekwondo Union (WTTU).

While the WTTU is not a Christian organization per se, it has a strong Christian population. The local schools vary in size and location, and each offers a unique perspective on martial arts -- and on the Christian faith, as well.

These academies offer excellence in martial arts instruction balanced by an unequivocal witness of the gospel (as it has been famously said, to "preach Christ at all times -- when necessary, use words.").

That is what sets us apart from other martial arts schools, which simply teach their students how to be 'good people' -- people of integrity, self discipline, persistence and tenacity. That is not the real issue here.

Christian responses to the martial arts are as varied as the people who present them. Reactions range from encouragement, and exhortation to practice hard, to a lack of understanding, and offers of prayer for deliverance from such entrapment.

The last response prompts many debates. If the arts are based in Eastern religions, how can a Christian engage in such activity? Part of the answer is found in the question itself.

To infer that something is bad or evil because of its origins is simplistic, not to mention that it violates principles of sound argumentation.

This violation of logic is called the Genetic Fallacy. The error occurs when an argument takes the form of attacking the source of the opposing position; that is not relevant to the truth of the position.

Many Christians who oppose martial arts point to a variety of scripture passages. One of the most popular references is Matthew 5:38-42, the highly touted 'turn the other cheek' passage. In 5:39, Jesus states, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Are we to interpret this verse as an expression of pacifism or non-violence? Probably not -- for, within the context of the first century AD, a backhanded slap was meant to insult someone rather than injure him or her.

In John 18:22-23, Jesus himself does not quite turn the other cheek when a member of the Sanhedrin struck him.

Also, consider the multitude of references in the Old Testament to God's providence in battle, the presentation of God as a mighty warrior, and also the New Testament references to great warriors of the Old Testament (Hebrews 11:30-40).

And let us not forget that, just before his crucifixion, Jesus suggested to his disciples that they sell their outer cloaks to purchase daggers for self protection.

Participating in the defence of someone else may actually even result in one of the best examples of Christian life: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13-14).

I'm sorry to hear of the experiences of individuals who have had spiritual crises due to their martial arts practice. It is not my intention to cause discord. My only desire is to get discussion going, so that people can make their own well educated and prayer-supported decision.

I want to offer the following recommendations in the formation of a biblically-based decision. A Christian is able to study the martial arts provided that:

1. the instructor completely separates the art from the faith-destroying influences;

2. one maintains the proper biblical perspective with regard to force;

3. the student is careful not to cause another person to stumble in their faith;

4. the practice of the art is reserved for physical fitness or self-defence.

Ian Spaa lives in Langley and teaches self defence at Trinity Western University.

Jason Hangar trained in a Christian Taekwondo club at Trinity Western University. He now runs an outreach called Red Tiger Martial Arts in two B.C. churches.