What is a Christian Martial Art ?
The Indiana Martial Arts Academy is a Christian ran organization. We do not try to hide the fact that we believe in the saving power of the message of CHRIST. Jesus is our role-model in all that we do here at the IMAA. If we believe that something is not pleasing to the LORD, then it will not be taught at this Academy.
One question I often receive is "How can you be a Christian and yet still teach the Martial Arts?" Many people will then go on to quote the text from the Book of Matthew Chapter 5:38-39:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:38,39)
They falsely believe that Jesus was completely against defending himself, or his loved ones. Therefore, we should not practice a Combat Art that might inflict pain upon another person...right? WRONG!
If we are to look at this passage as a guide for our lives then we must also consider the passages that surround this text. In the surrounding verses we read that if your right hand causes you to sin, then you are to cut it off and throw it in the fire. How many people do you see walking around with one hand because the other one caused them to sin? In all fairness, I should have my hand removed. I shoplifted a Mork and Mindy candy egg when I was five years old, therefore I sinned. We can not assume that is what Jesus was saying to his first listeners. Instead, he was giving them guidelines to live a Holy life.
C.S. Lewis, a great Christian thinker and author, places his thoughts on the subject in the book called The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses:
"Does anyone suppose that our Lord's hearers understood him to mean that if a homicidal maniac, attempting to murder a third party, tried to knock me out of the way, I must stand aside and let him get his victim? I think it impossible that they could have so understood him. I believe the meaning of the words was perfectly clear -- insofar as you are simply an angry man who has been hurt, mortify your anger and do not strike back. If, however, your motives are other than egoistic retaliation, then not only are you free to protect yourself and others; rather, it is your responsibility to do so"
Avoid Violence at "most" costs. The scripture says in the book of Romans "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Also in the book of Romans we read "If it be possible, as much as in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18). Honestly, there are times that there is a place for the defense of yourself and the ones you love. There is ALSO a time to make peace with others "A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up" (Ecclesiastes 3:3)
Here at the Indiana Martial Arts Academy we will teach you SEVERAL different ways to stop a fight from starting. To us, if you can stop a fight before it even starts then you have won the greatest victory. Bruce Lee called this "The Art of Fighting Without Fighting".
Bob Orlando said in his book called Martial Arts America, "A warrior may choose pacifism while all else is doom to it". Jesus had the power, skill, and ability to destroy those that hung him on the cross. He could have called on 10,000 angels to come to his aid at any moment, but that we not God's plan for his Son. Instead, Jesus was sent as a sacrifice for your sins and mine. He went to the cross willingly. This is the greatest test of martial ability and courage.
If you have any more questions or concerns, please visit us at our training location or give up a call. We would be happy to talk to you about these matters.