Exploring Christian Martial Arts (warriors for Christ)

The primary goal of christian Martial Arts is to use Martial Arts as a way of drawing closer to Christ. It is a way for the Christian to practice Martial Arts without compromising their Moral Beliefs as the schools are Deeply rooted in Christian Ethics. There are many Christian Martial Arts schools and organisations in the unites states and all over the world too. We will explore some of these Christian Martial Arts organizations and schools, but lets first examine just what it means to be A Christian Martial Artist, how it can be applied to our daily lives, and make a difference in the world around us.

A Christian Martial Artist is first and foremost a Warrior for Christ. Never let anyone tell you that Martial Arts and Christianity cannot be united. If you feel this way now I want to encourage you to keep reading. A Christian Martial Artist centers their training on Christ, let me share with you just how this is possible. I will Focus on Hapkido tenants as that is the primary martial art taught in the Christian Academy of Martial Arts where I am both an instructor and student. Martial Arts tenants include courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. These are all attributes of the fruit of the spirit which is Love, Joy, peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-Control against such there is no law (GAL 5:22). It is upon this fruit of the spirit that a Christian Martial Artist builds their character. The devil has a poor imitation for everything that is righteous in the eyes of the Lord, just as The Lord has supplied a righteous alternative for every evil activity that the devil brings into this world. The more activities you center around Christ the closer you will be to him. You will know that God is pleased with your efforts which is awarding in its' self. Never forget that its about achievement not competition, just because the student next to you may look better doing a technique does not necessarily mean that you're not good at it, and with enough practice you can be that good too. 100 Times a Day you'll be real Good! All the same a Christian Martial Artist should never be boastful, are lead astray into justifing using Martial Arts in a threatning or violent way.

students learn scripture as part of the class curriculum.they also memorise scripture. scripture and study may differ from school to school and organisations. Here we will look at the scriptures we focus on in our training at the Christian Academy of martial arts. Galatians 5:22 is the first verse that a student learns, but learning it and living it are two different things so not only is the white belt student expected to merely memorise the verse, they must strive to live by the fruit of the spirit. At the next belt rank we find John 14:6 Jesus said to him "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.- This reminds the student that their training should be focused on Christ the Messiah. A yellow belt is something to be proud of, by now the student has learned the basics of martial arts and is ready to build up a solid foundation from the root of these basics. At this time it is easy for the student to be eluded by the message brought on by the twisted misconceptions of martial arts that were produced by Hollywood. The Orange belt verse is Philippians 4:13 I Can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.This is good motivation to keep pushing forward as the student faces tougher challenges so that they may develop perseverance within their mind, Body and spirit.

(Eph 2:8-9 Isaiah 40:31 Green ) (1cor 13:4-7 Pslm23:4-6 Blue) ( 2Cor 12:9-10 Brown)

Psalm 23:4-6 The clean of hand and pure of heart who are not devoted to Idols who have not sworn falsely. They will recieve blessings from the Lord, and justice from their saving God. Such are the people that love the Lord, that seek the face of the God of Jacob

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 but he said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hard ships, persecutions,and constraints, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength and they will rise up on wings of eagles. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. The Lord will supply all you're needs and he will help you overcome all obstacles weather it be in your daily life or in your Martial Arts training. Trust and hope in Him, and let all of your Martial Arts Training be for the Glory of the Lord. Use martial arts to help train your mind body and spirit to be fit for the Lord and have the courage to proclaim the Gospel.

These scriptures will be embedded into the brain and as they train with like minded people who are also centering their training on Christ a transformation is bound to transpire in that person. It is pleasing to know that God is working in us in his process of saving. Thanks be to God that these Christian Martial Artists are here. They are not in a secular school that holds tenant and teachings that are offensive and perverse to God. They pledge to conduct themselves in a positive fashion but knowing that this is impossible without the help of Jesus Christ. for he is our courage and our strength

CREED

(This is our creed used in the cama training halls, creeds will differ from school to school)

-I PLEDGE TO CONDUCT MYSELF IN A POSITIVE FASHION, WITH GOD'S HELP AND AVOID ANYTHING THAT WOULD REDUCE MY MENTAL GROWTH OR PHYSICAL HEALTH

-I PLEDGE TO DEVELOP SELF-DISCIPLINE IN ORDER TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN MYSELF AND OTHERS.

-I PLEDGE TO USE WHAT I LEARN IN CLASS CONSTRUCTIVELY AND DEFENSIVELY,TO BETTER MYSELF THROUGH CHRIST'S HELP, AND NEVER BE ABUSIVE OUR OFFENSIVE.

This pledge is recited after bow-in of every class.In the first part of the creed you find that the student's and instructors are expected to conduct themselves in a positive fashion. As a Christian we know that this is impossible if you do not have God in your life. It is not a Prayer within the creed, but an acknowledgement and reminder that it is because of God that we are where we are and that he is working in us. we co-labor together in the Art to serve the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. We rely not on ourselves or lean on our own understanding, rather; we place our faith,hope, and trust in Jesus Christ. You also see that we avoid anything that would reduce mental growth and Physical health. This is very important and can have alot of impact on younger students. Our children face trials and are put to the test on a daily basis. We can't walk them threw life by the hand and be with them twenty four hours a day, and we cant shut them out of the world "for their own protection". What we can do is instill the tools they need to have the courage to make the right choices as they go through their daily trials. Getting them involved in Christian Activities, youth groups, Sunday school, bible camps, and of coarse Christian Martial Arts is very helpful, when kids get bored their mind wonders. More Activity means less Video Games, Internet, and Television. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus is their with them every step of the way.

Now we shall take a look at the development of self-Discipline and how it can bring out the best in the student and have a positive influence on others. Martial Arts is not easy, it requires allot of discipline and perseverance. If one ever expects to achieve the Rank of 1st Dan Black Belt they must first develop self-Discipline. No one can do it for you, and you have a choice to do or not to do what it takes. When fellow students see what you are capable of due to the discipline, they will model that discipline. And when one asks how do you do that, you can say something like "do it 100 times a day and you will be good at it too." That's just an example, but what does it take to practice a move or technique one hundred times every day? DICIPLINE!

Now on to the last but certainly not least parts of the Creed. How we use what we learn in class to better or daily lives. We pledge to be constructive and to only use Martial Arts when its absolutely necessary, and never in an offensive way. With the aide of Christ we use martial arts to better ourselves and transform ourselves into warriors for Christ, as our Art holds a purpose in Gods Plan. For it is written do all things for the Glory of God and don't just look out for yourself but for the interest of others. Warriors For Christ are Leaders who proclaim the Gospel and know for certain that our battle is not with human beings but with the Evil One and his fallen.

In most if not all Christian Martial Arts schools you will find prayer, and in some schools you will even find Bible verses posted on the wall. In our School we Say a Prayer at the end of every class and in the begining of and end of belt rank testing. Prayer is important, I encourage my students to pray to God every day. It is our connection with God, and it is important that these kids Know that God is Listening.

You will find no praying in public schools, and you will find no bibles in the class rooms. Kids are forbidden to pray or even talk about God, but Devil was on my 5th Grade Childs spelling list just about two weeks ago ("I'm Talken about America Here "Home of Democracy and Freedom"). They will be expected to write about the old Gods of the Greeks and Romans, but they can by no means write anything About the true God. If your Child attends a Public or secular Private school than they are being taught things that are an abomination of God. Here in Our martial Arts school we like to teach our students the truth About God and expose foolishness of mans wisdom, while learning self-defence in a Christian God pleasing atmosphere. So Pray without seizing, God will be with you every step of your training. Spread the Good News, and when you boast, boast in Christ not in Self, for it is the Lords who got you where you are in your training and all the credit and thanks should go to him.

Here is a nice list of Prayers for the Christian Martial Artist

SHINSEI HAPKIDO - Shisei Hapkido was founded by Joseph B. Lumpkin in 1982. Welcomed as the head Master of the Shinsei system by the World Kido Federation. Lumpkin is a Former President of Karate for Christ and an author of several books on Christianity, and Martial Arts, Including The Warriors Heart Revealed, which is the Training manuel for the Shinsei student. Shinsei Hapkido has well over Ten Thousand students in twenty-six different countries. You can find school locations at the Shinsei Hapkido website listed below in the links. Headquarters are located in Alabama USA and Sheol Korea.

Karate For Christ  Founded in 1955 with the goal of evangelising children in Martial Arts. There are well over 1000 students and many schools that are united and members of the organisatin including My sister school from San Jose Ca. The Christian Academy of Martial Arts.

Gospel Martial Arts Union

Christian Academy Of Martial Arts