Martial Arts - the physical side of martial arts is a good form of exercise, and it can be extremely useful for self-defense. Training that carries overtones of a false religion should be avoided

Is it right for a Christian to be involved in martial arts?

One of the early founders of modern martial arts, Gichin Funakoshi, said, “The mind and technique become one in true karate.” 

Development of martial arts such as judo, kung fu, hapkido, and aikido were steeped in the spiritual traditions of their native countries. 

This makes sense, given that many of those martial arts sought to merge spiritual and physical exercises with the goal of strengthening both.

Also, systems meant to develop combat skill naturally sought a means to govern when to use violence. 

As a result, the initial practice of those martial arts often included training in Buddhism or Zen philosophy.

However, that is not how most martial arts are taught or practiced today. 

At least in the Western world, martial arts such as tae kwon do, jujitsu, capoeira, or judo are defined as systems of physical technique. 

Training in martial arts, as practiced by most schools, is entirely focused on refining athletic skills. 

Spiritual training beyond generic ideas such as discipline and respect is all but absent from most modern dojos. 

Still, schools and instructors will vary. 

The spiritual components, if any, offered in a martial arts training program ought to be carefully understood before a Christian becomes involved.

The Bible says the mind and heart are “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). 

In the Scriptures, the heart and mind are often considered to be the same thing. 

Since our hearts and our minds are wicked, we are not able to think clearly about our spiritual situation. 

Any martial arts instructor who claims a person can “polish” one’s own spirit through his program is teaching falsehood. 

We are in need of a Savior to clean our hearts and develop within us a new spirit. 

Titus 1:15 gives us insight into the mind of the unbeliever: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”

Martial arts schools that are spiritually “neutral” — that is, most of them — probably don’t present any particular threat to a Christian’s faith. 

The same cannot be said of the rare martial arts school that openly incorporates non-Christian spirituality into its training regimen. 

We are not to conform our thinking to the world’s way of thinking but “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2; cf. Ephesians 4:23). 

We should train our minds in how to serve the Lord and then please Him in all that we do.

The philosophies contained in Buddhism, as well as most religions of the world, were developed by flawed men with defiled minds. 

They do not offer advice suitable for anyone to follow.

Therefore, it’s important for Christians to ensure that whatever physical training they receive is not tied to spiritual error.

The physical side of martial arts is a good form of exercise, and it can be extremely useful for self-defense. 

Many Christians participate in martial arts, and some instructors even incorporate Christian spiritual ideas into their training. 

A spiritually neutral or Christian-flavored martial arts experience is most likely something a believer can participate in with a clear conscience.

It is dangerous to allow the mind to be influenced by the philosophies associated with the origins of karate and other forms of martial arts. 

Training that carries overtones of a false religion should be avoided. 

Some martial arts, such as jujitsu or kendo, are effectively neutral in terms of spiritual content. 

Others, such as aikido, can be more difficult to separate from non-biblical spiritual practices.

Therefore, it is wise for the Christian to use caution before participating in this kind of activity.

gotquestions.org

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Self-defense - we are not to defend our honor with physical violence, but shrug it off. Scriptures say to not repay evil with evil but to bless your enemies. Jesus said if someone slaps your right cheek, offer them your left as well. If the offense has already occurred we should not take the law into our own hands, but seek justice through the authorities. It is fine to be armed, but it is better to escape unscathed than to needlessly kill an attacker

 Self-defense – What does the Bible say?

Many people have a confused view about what the Bible says in regards to self-defense. 

The law given in Exodus 22:2-3 says that if a man breaks into a home to steal at night, the home-owner has the right to kill him in defense.

In daylight, when the home-owner can see that he is there to steal and not to kill, he cannot kill the thief in defense. 

In Luke 22:37-39, Jesus explains it is good to be appropriately armed. 

In Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:17, Scriptures say to not repay evil with evil, but to bless your enemies. 

And in Matthew 5:39, Jesus said if someone slaps your right cheek, offer them your left as well.

The Bible has very few laws regarding self-defense, but plenty of examples. 

When Lot and his people were captured, Abram had no problem rescuing him with force (Genesis 14:13-16). 

In Luke 22:36, Jesus advised His disciples to take swords along with their other provisions. 

Then again, David refused to harm Saul, even though Saul was trying to kill him. 

And Jesus scolded Peter for using a sword to fight off the guards that were taking Jesus away (John 18:10-11).

What's the difference? 

The timing and the situation. 

In a situation with an unknown aggressor with unknown intent, as in Exodus 22:2, it is okay to use self-defense. 

If the offense has already occurred, as in Proverbs 25 and Romans 12, we should not take the law into our own hands, but seek justice through the authorities.

David refused to kill Saul because Saul was God's anointed king and authority. 

Jesus condemned Peter's action not because of his intent to defend Christ, but because Peter was getting in the way of God's plan for the guards to take Jesus.

The Matthew 5 passage is stickiest. It appears to say that we are to take whatever abuse comes our way quietly. 

But a "slap on the cheek" didn't mean physical violence. It refers to an insult against honor. 

We are not to defend our honor with physical violence, but shrug it off.

Another situation that occasionally comes up is what if a wife is a trained fighter and the husband is not?

Should the husband, as protector, defend his wife? 

Or should he let his wife be the aggressor? 

Although the Bible allows that women may be involved in battle, the Bible doesn't speak of this specific scenario. 

It's best if the husband and wife talk about this beforehand. 

They need to know each other's strengths and determine how to work together before the threat even arises.

These are the examples we should follow — to determine the real threat and wisely act accordingly. 

It is fine to be armed, but it is better to escape unscathed than to needlessly kill an attacker.

compellingtruth.org

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