| SYMBOLS Symbols like the ying yang (Chinese), um and yang (Korean), and in and yo (Japanese) are not evil.. They are not worshiped or bowed too, they are illustrations of opposing or complementary forces. The balance of opposites. If used to explain a spiritual principle then yes it could be however, in the martial arts they are used to explain both SOFT and HARD principles (explained in more detail in the basic principles section). These principles can be explained by science as simple physics and body mechanics. The pentagram is a popular symbol in magick and if used in that manner it's off limits. However some arts use it to illustrate the "elements" that are used in certain techniques. In the arts it is a breakdown of the human nervous system's reaction to certain techniques and the type of HARD and SOFT techniques that are used in conjunction with certain pressure points on the human anatomy. With this understanding its just a chart, which anyone can use an anatomy chart in its place. SHRINES In a few schools you'll see a shrine erected with a picture of a great contributor to the art or even the founder of the system itself. Like any memorial it is there for respect and rememberance, not at all to worship as deity or a guide to salvation. BOWING In Martial Arts halls when you bow it's a sign of respect to fellow practioners and for the art, those past present and those to come...that's all. Ther are no Gods in martial arts. Also in Asian cultures bowing is also a greeting, they dont shake hands...they bow to eachother in Okinawa, Japan and Korea. But bowing in their cultures doesn't signify worship of a God or that respect to the practiotners of that Art is worship in anyform, just being respectful. Remember...Martial Arts are for survival NOT worship. MEDITATION Even when you meditate...God supports you up in scripture. You are to meditate on 3 things...Him, His word and/or his Love. So while others may empty their mind or search for "truth",you already have it...your focus on Him. (Psalms 119:15 & Philippians 4:8) CHI/KI CHI ( Chinese ) or KI (Korean and Japanese) refers to the energy that flows with in you. Like blood flows through veins and arteries so does the chi/energy flows in you in channels called meridians. CHI is cultivated by breathing exercises...referred to as chi kung/qi gong (Universal Breathing). Now CHI is a VERY vague concept in that it holds MANY definitions. However some define it as altering a state of being and/or altered state of mind through Chi Kung. This would be associated with spiritual Chi. Some have even recorded Chi being projected as a weapon and/or to heal. For beliefs like Wicca, Santeria, Native Spirituality, Humanism, etc.. it may not pose a problem to that martial artist for it may enhance their beliefs or that it means nothing in their belief system. However for Christians it would be seen as magick by some of its defininitions of its greater potential. And with magik being forbidden...Christian martial artists may feel wary of practicing chi kung/qi gong. Yoga has also been known to have similar effects. For those who are weary of doing chi kung/qi gong there is an alternative. It's called JIN (Subtle Body Power). A Chinese term where its is the proper combination of breathing, footwork, and technique. When timed properly you will be able to perform almost super humanly...and can be misinterpreted as CHI, BUT... does not have the effects of chi, nor can it be projected without touch or heal...BUT is just a synergistic effect which makes for great power: like 1 + 1 = 3. Synergy is the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. JIN takes time to cultivate., like CHI...and the gains last just as long. JIN will be cultivated by practice in technique and training...always applying proper footwork, breathing and technique it becomes part of you.... JIN IS Synergy. Does avoiding CHI/ KI training make you less of a martial artist? No. Just that your techniques and power are acquired differently. Breathing itself is not a concern, but where it is taken. Breathing to increase oxygen uptake and doing it properly to maximize power isnt a problem. However if it can be taken to a level where it alters your state of conciousness then depending on your beliefs... it may not be a level you want to take it too. Only go as far as you need. And of course Arts that are purely or lean heavily on EXTERNAL power don't even worry about such principles. As far as ethical/moral implications go nothing is in conflict with scripture. The Arts are NOT religions. So as many beliefs were integrated, many can be taken out. Some Christians believe they are suppose to be passive...which is not true. This article may help the Christian martial artist or a Christian who may want to become one. Why Martial Arts are Okay for Christians Turn the Other Cheek The book LIVING THE MARTIAL WAY By Forrest E. Morgan has a great indepth chapter on this very topic. In scripture you'll find many warriors and rules of war all supported by God (Deuteronomy 20, Psalms 144:1 & 149:6-9, 2nd Samuel 22:33-49, Luke 22:35-38, etc... ) never once were warriors told being a warrior itself was wrong, but for what cause they fought for dictated that. And they never picked up a sword and started swinging. They had a system of techniques on how to use a bow, a staff and sword to better enhance their chances in battle. And in the end Christ Himself will wield a sword with His Army ( Revelation 19:11-16 ). Intresting how the greatest faith Christ ever saw, came from a Soldier. ( Luke 7:1-9 ) In the end Martial Arts are Arts of War...NOT worship. They were developed mainly for survival on the battlefield and self-defense. Many have tried to integrate their beliefs in an attempt to justify their training methods, which, in turn, affected how that Art evolved. Take what you need and leave the rest ( 1st Thessalonians 5:21,22 ). The Arts are what you make of them to be. Scripture Search God Bless... Gospel Martial Arts Union FIGHTING SCIENCE: THE LAWS OF PHYSICS FOR MARTIAL ARTISTS- MARTINA SPRAGUE Turtle Press CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS 101 (Instructor's Edition)-WENDY SUE WILLIAMSON Agapy Publishing A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE MARTIAL ARTS-ROBERT BUSSEY Cross Training Publishing |
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| CHRISTIANITY & MARTIAL ARTS |
| ".... the root of the word "martial" dictates: "suited to war or a warrior." The concept at its most basic level is to inflict grave bodily damage on an enemy with as little damage to oneself." -Center of Traditional Taoist Studies |
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| Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight -PSALMS 144:1 |