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Rule # 1:
Martial Arts is for defense only.

Rule # 2:
First learn rule number 1.



To clarify the meaning of the term "martial arts",
Webster's defines the word martial
as "warfare" or "warrior",
and arts as "a skill acquired by study".


Fighting and self-defense are not the same thing.

Fighting someone because of greed, jealousy or the desire
to harm another person is wrong.

To defend means “to keep safe from danger, attack, or harm.”
The sole purpose of self-defense is to protect your life or the
life of someone in your family or an innocent person who is
in danger from attack or harm.


A martial artist should always strive to be focused on their
environment.
Making this a priority represents practical self-defense.

Taking note of your surroundings and actively avoiding
dangerous situations every day will help to keep you out
of trouble and at peace.

Being vigilant should be a priority for all martial artists
seeking to defend themselves and their loved ones.

'Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.'
1 Corinthians 16:13




Some people say that it is not Christian to practice any
martial arts because of the roots in eastern mysticism.

As long as a Christian divorces the religious aspects
(eastern mysticism) from the martial arts, he or she
may practice them.


There are 2 types of Martial Arts:

The Inner Martial Art:

The "inner" martial art, which focuses on inner spiritual
development, balance, form, and mental awareness.
Students are taught Taoist and Buddhist philosophical
principles such as the “chi” force.

"Chi" is believed to be the life energy that flows throughout
the universe and pulses through the human body.

Through breath control, these martial artists seek to collect
and store the chi force which is located in the body.
Some believe they can use the chi force to strike their
opponents from a distance.

Tai Chi involves the practice of Taoism.
In order to achieve physical well being, the Tai Chi
student must be attuned to the universe by concentrating
below the navel section of the body, which is said to be
the body’s psychic center.
Tai Chi can not be rec­onciled with Christianity.


The Chinese Tai-chi and the Japanese Aikido are examples
of inner martial arts.

Aikido means ‘the way to union with the universal force.”
This impersonal force is known as “chi.”
The goal of Aikido is to control both self and environment.
It is unal­terably steeped in Eastern mysticism.

Ninjitsu is not generally com­patible with Christians.
The Ninjas try to assimilate themselves with nature in order
to be more stealthy.
The worldview behind Ninjitsu is pantheism (all is God),
which con­tradicts the Christian view that God is not the
universe but is the Creator of the universe.
Genesis 1:1-2


Christians should avoid the "inner" martial arts because of the
teachings of eastern religions such as the Buddhist
philosophical principles and meditation.


The Physical Martial Art:


The physical martial arts uses breath control like the inner
arts, but the main focus is on developing strength and
quickness through the use of body motions.

The physical martial arts include:
Karate, Kendo, Judo,
Ju-jitsu, and certain forms of
Chinese Kung Fu, and Shao Lin boxing.
The Japanese martial arts come from the Chinese Kung Fu.

The Korean martial arts include:
Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do.


Karate involves meditation, which usually includes the
emptying of one’s mind from all outer distractions.
Karate is primarily a physical martial art, the meditation
aspect can be divorced from it.


Kung Fu is very diverse.
There are different styles of Kung Fu.
The more tra­ditional forms stick close to their Buddhist
philosophical roots, while the less traditional forms
concentrate more on the physical aspects.

Judo and Jujitsu: Judo involves many grabbing and
throwing techniques.
Jujitsu con­centrates on the human joint locks and con­cerns
itself with striking and maneuvering pro­cedures.
Both of these forms have a very low spiritual emphasis.


Tae Kwon Do is a physi­cal form of the martial arts.
It is one of the most compatible forms of Eastern self-defense
with Christians.




Bowing in the Martial Arts:


Bowing in any martial arts class is not the same as kneeling
in worship.


When a person bows to another person they are simply
displaying respect.


In the Dojang, or the martial arts gym, people will bow to a
flag or even a photograph of the founder of the art.
Again, this is not worship, merely displaying respect.

Sometimes people will even bow to a dojang room, as if to
show respect to the space itself.


Bowing is just a sign of respect.
Just like military service members hand salute the U.S. flag
and their higher ranks.

Bowing to the flags as you enter the mats to train is respect to
the flags, it's no different then standing and putting your hand
over your heart during the
National Anthem to show respect
for our flag and our military.




A Christian view on Meditation in the
Martial Arts:


When a martial artist has reached a certain level they are
usually encouraged to push the limits of their human
potential.

To reach the full potential as a martial artist, you begin by
training your mind.

One way to accomplish this task is through sitting meditation.
Through meditation your awareness, calm, and focus will
increase.

Without awareness, you will not be able to fight in a battle without
getting hit or even killed.
Without focus, you will not be able to catch the right opportunity to
strike or defend, which could be disastrous.
Without calmness, you will not be able to focus or relax.
If you tense up out of fear, you will burn out quickly.

Unlike eastern meditation, which advocates emptying the mind,
  Biblical meditation calls on us to fill our mind with God and
His truth.

The only way is to meditate that is pleasing to the Lord is with the
Bible, that is meditate with His word and on His word in your
mind and heart.

'Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and
my Redeemer.'
Psalm 19:14

'May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.'
Psalm 104:34

What should we focus on in Christian meditation?

'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things
are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy,
meditate on these things.'
Philippians 4:8


To meditate on the word of God, start by choosing a topic or
specific verse to focus on.
Next, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and clear
your mind, then read your chosen verse several times.

You can also meditate on the physical techniques that you
have learned.

Using your imagination to train physical skills does not violate
biblical principles.
So a Christian martial artist can use meditation time to
rehearse what you were learning.

Remember, use meditation to focus your mind and attention in
a positive and productive way that is pleasing to God.

In Joshua 1:8, God says to meditate on His word day and
night so we will obey it.



The difference between Karate
and Tae Kwon Do is:

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art which literally means
"The art of foot and hand fighting."

Tae Kwon Do tends to favor fast kicking, Tae Kwon Do training is
well rounded and involves learning blocks, punches, open-handed
strikes, take downs, throws, etc.

While karate is known for hand techniques, karate means
"empty hand".
Karate frequently includes knee and elbow strikes, and does
use kicking techniques to a certain extent.






Tenets of Tae Kwon Do:

1. Courtesy - Showing politeness toward others.

2. - Integrity - Being honest and having strong moral principles.

3. Perseverance - Determination in doing something despite
difficulty.

4. Self-Control - Ability to control emotions in difficult situations.

5. Indomitable Spirit - Inner strength, not be discouraged.


Student Creed -

I will develop myself in a positive manner and I will avoid anything
that would reduce my mental health or my physical health.

I will develop self - discipline in order to bring out the best in myself
and others.

I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively;
to help myself and my fellow man and never to be abusive
or offensive.






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