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Christian Martial Arts

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki




Definition[edit]

Adherents of the Christian faith who train in martial arts sometimes combine these two disciplines and develop martial arts ministries or new styles.  Christian martial arts are ministries or systems developed to advance the Christian faith using the martial arts as a tool to accomplish this goal.

Martial arts ministries focus on evangelism and Christian doctrinal teaching dating back minimally into the 1960s.[1][2]

What Differentiates Christian Martial Arts[edit]

Differentiating martial arts in general from Christian martial arts is similar to differentiating karate from aikido.  Christian martial arts are a subset of the martial arts.

Christian styles prioritize Jesus and avoid non-Christian spiritual practices.  Practitioners train by emphasizing the development of Christian character, spiritual growth, and maturity.  Many of these ministries emphasize evangelism.

Controversy[edit]

Despite the numerous martial arts ministries, there remains division within the Christian community.  This controversy is over whether or not it is appropriate for followers of Jesus to practice martial arts.

Articles written by many ministries detail this dilemma.  One such article is from the Got Questions[3] website. This article reviews the considerations on both sides of the argument.  A similar reflection is found in this article by the Christian Research Institute.[4]

One side of the controversy believes that the purpose of training is to encourage and enable violence and warfare.  Another argument from this position is that the martial arts are inextricably linked to mysticism or other non-Christian religious practices.  Those holding to this position conclude that martial arts are always spiritually harmful within biblical parameters.[5]

The other position believes that there is no Scriptural opposition to practicing martial arts, and, at times, the Bible recognizes and encourages martial skills.  Those taking this position conclude that, like other sports, practicing martial arts is a neutral activity.  This group looks at the philosophies, goals, and approaches of the style and instructor to determine their participation.[3][4]

Observations From The Bible[edit]

The following passages may reflect applications of the martial arts as seen in the Bible. Analogies between physical and spiritual warfare may be drawn from these verses.

Abraham's Trained Soldiers – In Genesis 14:14, we see Abraham commissioning his trained men to rescue his nephew Lot.  The Easy-to-Read version of the Bible calls them soldiers.

Genesis 14:14 - When Abram learned that Lot was captured, he called all of his family together.  There were 318 trained soldiers.  He led the men and chased the enemy all the way to the town of Dan.[6]  (ERV - Easy-to-Read Version)

David blesses the Lord for teaching his hands how to make war.

Psalm 144:1 - Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:[7]

The Apostle Paul references wrestling and boxing.

According to the Bible[8], Paul spent significant time in Corinth, a city that held the ancient Olympic-style games known as the Isthmian Games. In his epistles, Paul references these two martial arts sports (wrestling and boxing.)

Wrestling - Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.[9]

Boxing - 1 Corinthians 9:26 - So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I fight to win.  I'm not just shadow-boxing or playing around.[10]  (TLB - The Living Bible)

Historical Martial Arts Ministries And References[edit]

Below is a list of vintage examples of followers of Jesus practicing various martial styles. (These are listed in chronological order.)

List of Active Christian Martial Arts Ministries[edit]

The following list includes Christian ministries that use various martial arts styles as tools to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ or teach the Bible. (This list is chronological based on when the ministry was established, if known.)

  • Kajukenbo[50] - a Christ-based art - started in the mid 1940’s in Oahu’s Palama settlement.
  • Grace Martial Arts[51] - established in 1971 by Sensei Mark McGee - Hwa Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan - Gospel preaching.
  • Fire & Water Martial Arts[52] - established in 1978 by Sifu H. David Collins - based on Christian principles.
  • Yeshá Taekwondo[53] - established in 1983 by Charles W. Coker - Christian-based Taekwondo Ministry.
  • Martial Artists of the Faith Worldwide[54] (formerly known as Black Belts of the Faith International - established in 1985 for Christian martial artists.
  • Christian Martial Arts Council[55] - established in 1986 - evangelism and Christian teaching.
  • Gospel Martial Arts Union[56] - established in 1986 - evangelism and Christian teaching.
  • Christian Martial Arts Fellowship[57] - established in 1988 by Dr. Randolph Young - a martial art system that parallels the teachings of the Bible.
  • Warriors of the Sword[58] - established in 1989 by Grandmaster Robert Heisner - Bushido Kai style - evangelism, Bible teaching, Karate training.
  • Christian Martial Arts Fellowship[59] - established in 1989 - is a full-discipline Christian martial arts program.
  • American Christian Karate Association[60] - established in 1991 by Sensei Manual Corona and Sensei John Moore - Christ-centered Karate.
  • Totally Christian Karate[61] - established in 1993 by Mitchell Freistat.
  • Community Christian Karate Club[62] - established in 1997 - low cost, high quality martial arts in a distinctly Christian environment.
  • Karate for Christ International[63] - established in 2001 by David Dunn - Various styles - evangelism.
  • Yeshua-do[64] - is headquartered in Hanna, Alberta, Canada and was established in 2001.
  • Karate for Christ Canada[65] - established in 2001 - working with churches to reach their community with the Gospel.
  • DCC Martial arts instruction[66] - established in 2002 - using God-given martial arts talents to teach Biblical principles
  • On Mission Martial Arts[67] - established in 2008 by Marco Fiorentino - Kempo - Christian emphasis.
  • Faith Fighters Martial Arts Academy[68] - established in 2008 - with a goal to enrich your mind, body, and spirit.
  • House of Courage Karate[69] - established in 2008 - martial arts that encourages Christian living.
  • Lion of Judah Academy[70] - established in 2012 - a Christian Martial Arts program integrating biblical principles and self defense skills.
  • American Academy of Martial Arts[71] - A Christian Tae Kwon Do style.
  • Karate Works[72] - martial arts for the entire family - based on Christian values.
  • Kalos Agon[73] - Christian self defense.
  • Christian Martial Arts[74] - Christian martial arts course.
  • Fellowship of Christian Fighters[75] - analogies between physical and spiritual battles.
  • Christian Karate Jiu-Jitsu Academy[76] - emphasizes Christ-honoring Karate and jiu-jitsu training.
  • Christian Martial Arts Academy[77] - Family-oriented martial arts - with the goal of honoring Jesus Christ.
  • Christ-centered Martial Arts[78] - training the mind, body and spirit focused on Jesus.
  • Whole Armor Martial Arts[79] - a Christian martial art teaching traditional Karate.
  • Christ Centered Martial Arts[80] - Christ-centered martial arts offering affordable training.
  • Matsunoki Martial Arts (Pine Tree Karate)[81] - Christian Karate - Discipleship Program.
  • Christian Karate Association Idaho[82] - family owned, one-of-a-kind Christian Karate School.
  • 3rd Day Karate[83] - a martial art that encourages a family friendly, faith environment.
  • Palmetto Martial Arts[84] - a faith based martial arts school founded on Christian principles.
  • Christian Karate Association[85] - founded by Shihan Wilson - uniting Christian martial artists.
  • Savior Martial Arts[86] - a Christian Krav Maga and karate school.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - Page 53". Google Books. September 1962.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - August 1969 - Pages 34-36". Google Books. August 1969.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Is it right for a Christian to be involved in martial arts?". GotQuestions.org. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Institute, Christian Research (2009-06-09). "Should a Christian Practice the Martial Arts?". Christian Research Institute. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  5. ↑ "Should Christians Practice Taekwondo?". Long Hill Baptist Church, Trumbull, CT. 2017-08-22. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  6. ↑ "Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 14:14 - Easy-to-Read Version". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  7. ↑ "Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 144:1 - King James Version". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  8. ↑ "Bible Gateway passage: Acts 18:11 - King James Version". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  9. ↑ "Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 6:12 - King James Version". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  10. ↑ "Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 9:26 - Living Bible". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  11. ↑ Holcombe, Henry (1823). "Google Books - The Martial Christian's Manual". Google Books.
  12. ↑ Vandeman, George E. (1976). "Google Books - Christ and Karate". Google Books.
  13. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - March 1979 - Pages 52-56. Google Books". Google Books. March 1979.
  14. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - February 1985 - Page 124". Google Books. February 1985.
  15. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - September 1991 - Page 104". Google Books. September 1991.
  16. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - Page 87". Google Books. July 1993.
  17. ↑ Flynn, Bill (1993). "Google Books - Meditations of a Christian Martial Artist". Google Books.
  18. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - December 1997 - Page 151". Google Books. December 1997.
  19. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - November 1998 – Page 161". Google Books. November 1998.
  20. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - December 1998 - Page 79". Google Books.
  21. ↑ Jones, Kristen Anita (1999). "Google Books - The Christian Subtext of Redemption in Karate is a Thing of the Spirit". Google Books.
  22. ↑ Bussey, Robert A. (July 2000). Google Books - A Biblical Perspective of the Martial Arts. Cross Training. ISBN 978-1-887002-43-1. Search this book on
  23. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - February 2000 - Page 94". Google Books. February 2000.
  24. ↑ Chen, Michael (2002). Google Books - Christianity and Martial Arts Power - Basic Concepts and Methods. Dorrance Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-8059-5721-1. Search this book on
  25. ↑ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - June 2003 - Page 137". Google Books. June 2003.
  26. ↑ Williamson, Wendy (2004). Google Books - Christian Martial Arts 101 (Instructor's ed.). Agapy. ISBN 978-0-9721328-2-4. Search this book on
  27. ↑ Lumpkin, Joseph; Covington, Daryl R. (2004). Google Books - The Warrior's Heart Revealed - Christian Warriors Discuss Martial Arts, Ministry and Philosophy. Fifth Estate. ISBN 978-0-9746336-1-9. Search this book on
  28. ↑ Anthony, Tony; Little, Angela (August 2004). Google Books - Taming the Tiger - From the Depths of Hell to the Heights of Glory. Authentic Media. ISBN 978-1-85078-904-8. Search this book on
  29. ↑ Brown, J (2006). Google Books - Street Smarts from Christian Martial Arts. Agapy LLC. ISBN 978-0-9721328-5-5. Search this book on
  30. ↑ Covington, Daryl (2006). Google Books - Purpose Driven Martial Arts. Fifth Estate, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-933580-31-9. Search this book on
  31. ↑ Terry, John (17 July 2009). Google Books - Christian Martial Arts - The Passion, The Calling The Journey. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-4392-3967-4. Search this book on
  32. ↑ Google Books - Karate and the Christian,the Parchments,A Fifth Degree Black Belt Thesis. Kenpo Connection LLC. 2009. ISBN 978-0-9830397-0-9. Search this book on
  33. ↑ Abrams, Pastor Shaolin MB (18 May 2010). Google Books - The Armor of God Fitness & Training Program - The Key to Ultimate Fitness. Trafford. ISBN 978-1-4669-2510-6. Search this book on
  34. ↑ Pettitt, Charles J. (17 June 2011). Google Books - Lukewarm Christian to Warrior for Christ - It's Time to Prepare for Battle. Author House. ISBN 978-1-4567-6041-0. Search this book on
  35. ↑ Troy, Stein (2012). "Google Books - Abishai Style of Taekwondo's Christian Black Belt Academy Character Development Program". Google Books.
  36. ↑ Shaw, Patrick (12 March 2013). Google Books - The Fight for Christ. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-4823-7041-6. Search this book on
  37. ↑ Butler, Jack (22 January 2013). Google Books - Jujitsu for Christ. Univ. Press of Mississippi. ISBN 978-1-61703-739-9. Search this book on
  38. ↑ Cunnings, Brian (7 August 2013). Google Books - God Is a Warrior, I Am a Warrior - Understanding the Martial Aspects of Our God. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-4895-2654-0. Search this book on
  39. ↑ Wilson, Steve (21 November 2013). Google Books - World Christian Karate Association - Shotokan Log Book. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-4937-5737-4. Search this book on
  40. ↑ Norman, Glyn (18 August 2014). Google Books - What Martial Arts Taught Me About The Gospel of Jesus Christ - By Glyn Norman. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-4997-9349-9. Search this book on
  41. ↑ Pettitt, Charles J. (5 December 2014). Google Books - The Warrior - Can Mixed Martial Arts and Christianity Coexist?. WestBow Press. ISBN 978-1-4908-5883-8. Search this book on
  42. ↑ Blackman, John (25 August 2016). Google Books - Bible Studies for Belts - A Guide for Christian Martial Arts. American Christian Defense Alliance. ISBN 978-1-944321-27-7. Search this book on
  43. ↑ Blackman, John (19 August 2016). Google Books - Martial Arts Ministry - How To Start A Martial Arts Ministry. American Christian Defense Alliance, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-944321-32-1. Search this book on
  44. ↑ Sasamori, Takemi (31 July 2016). Google Books - Bushido and Christianity. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-5334-7667-8. Search this book on
  45. ↑ Google Books - Taekwondo Humble Warrior Prayer - Martial Arts Press. Independently Published. 14 September 2018. ISBN 978-1-7202-9941-7. Search this book on
  46. ↑ Morine, John (11 April 2018). Google Books - Don't Judge a Book by Its Sensei - Martial Arts and Christianity. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-9782-3063-7. Search this book on
  47. ↑ Hullett, Ron (15 February 2018). Google Books - Born to Fight - The Requirements of a Christian Disciple Are Incredibly Parallel to Those of a Martial Artist. WestBow Press. ISBN 978-1-9736-1888-1. Search this book on
  48. ↑ Miskel, Don (13 November 2018). Google Books - Way of the Grandmaster. Lulu.com. ISBN 978-0-359-22363-3. Search this book on
  49. ↑ Lovett, David Z (August 2022). Discover how Carrying the Heavy, Burdensome, Oppressive Yoke of Religion Brings Death, But the Yoke of Christ Brings Life. Christian Faith Publishing. ISBN 978-1-64114-479-7. Search this book on
  50. ↑ "Kajukenbo - Christian Martial Arts". Harvest Kumulani Maui. 2024-10-02. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  51. ↑ "Christian Martial Arts". Grace Martial Arts. 2012-04-01. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  52. ↑ "Home". Fire & Water Martial Arts. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  53. ↑ "Yeshá Taekwondo | Martial Arts in Jacksonville, FL". Yeshá Taekwondo. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  54. ↑ "christian martial arts". Martial Artists of the Faith Worldwide. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  55. ↑ KarateWebsites.Net. "CMAC - Home". CMAC. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  56. ↑ "Gospel Martial Arts Union – A Place for Christian Martial Artists". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  57. ↑ "Christian Martial Arts Fellowship". Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  58. ↑ "Martial arts | Warriors of the Sword Christian Martial Arts". Warriors of the Swor. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  59. ↑ "Christian Martial Arts Fellowship". Christian Martial Arts Fellowship. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  60. ↑ "ACKA – American Christian Karate Association". ackakarate.com. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  61. ↑ "Totally Christian Karate". Totally Christian Karate. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  62. ↑ "Community Christian Karate Club". Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  63. ↑ "Karate for Christ International – Christian martial arts association". Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  64. ↑ "Yeshua-Do". www.yeshuado.com. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  65. ↑ "Home | Karate for Christ Canada". Karate for Christ Ca. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  66. ↑ Vision, D. C. C. "DCC Vision". DCC Vision. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  67. ↑ "On Mission Martial Arts | Christian Martial Arts". Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  68. ↑ "Faith Fighters Martial Arts Academy – Christian Karate School". Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  69. ↑ "Martial Arts School | House of Courage Cedar Hill". House of Courage Karate Cedar Hill, TX. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  70. ↑ "Lion of Judah Academy | Christian Martial Arts | 3751 Sumner Boulevard, Raleigh, NC, USA". LION OF JUDAH. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  71. ↑ "American Academy of Martial Arts – Christian Karate & AKBBA Affiliated School". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  72. ↑ "Karate Works". Karate Works. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  73. ↑ "Kalos Agon - Christian Martial Art & Self Defense - Enumclaw". Kalos Agon (KA) - Christian Self-Defense Mixed Martial Art, Enumclaw WA. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  74. ↑ "Christian Martial Arts". Udemy.
  75. ↑ Fighters, Fellowship of Christian. "Fellowship of Christian Fighters". Fellowship of Christian Fighters. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  76. ↑ "Christian Karate & Jiu-Jitsu Academy". Christian Karate & Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  77. ↑ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  78. ↑ CMA, Twin Cities. "Twin Cities CMA". Twin Cities CMA. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  79. ↑ "Whole Armor Martial Arts, Christian Karate in Vancouver Wa". WAMA. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  80. ↑ "Welcome | Christ Centered Martial Arts". CCMA - Karate. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  81. ↑ "Christian Karate | Ministries | First Congregational Church of Naples". www.naplesflchurch.com. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  82. ↑ "Christian Karate - Coeur d' Alene, Idaho". christiankarateidaho. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  83. ↑ "Christian Martial Arts | 3rd Day Karate | Colorado Springs". 3rd Day Karate. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  84. ↑ "Home". Palmetto Martial Arts. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  85. ↑ "Christian Karate Association". CKA. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  86. ↑ "Savior Martial Arts". Savior Martial Arts. Retrieved 2024-10-05.



This article "Christian Martial Arts" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Christian Martial Arts. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.


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