The martial arts are one of the fastest growing sports in America. Enrollments in karate,
Tae Kwon Do and Soo Tang Do classes are on the rise. In addition to the fitness benefits,
martial arts also emphasize the student’s character and discipline. Offered in a
secular setting, it teaches students to be “good people.”
With ever increasing popularity, many church communities are now offering Christian
karate.
While character and
discipline are important, more often today a third aspect is integrated into martial arts,
building the spiritual life of students. Churches are offering martial arts instruction
that relates to God’s instructions in the Bible.
Classes are often used as
an outreach ministry to introduce the Gospel to those who normally wouldn’t attend a
church service.
Classes emphasize courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and an unconquerable
spirit, characteristics important to the development of a Christian life. Students may be
given a weekly study topic and a scripture verse to memorize.
If a weekly topic was Boldness versus
Fearfulness, students might be taught to be sure what they say or do is true, right, and
just in the sight of God. Acts 4:29 in the Bible could be a relevant scripture: ”And
now they're at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless
confidence in preaching your Message” (MSG).
Self discipline, picking yourself up after ‘falling short,’
ministering to others, and striving to live a life that bears fruit also are traits that
can be taught through the study of martial arts.
The teaching is to replace violence with restraint, anger with
self control and stillness. Students will develop their bodies through challenge and
physical effort. They'll learn techniques of punching and striking.
Power is given to us by God in
the freedom of choice in our actions. Martial arts help us learn our privilege of power
should be controlled and not used recklessly.
Students learn that one must ultimately fail many times before
achieving true success, that greatness is achieved only through perseverance. The goal of
the class, in addition to building self-esteem, is to develop students who understand the
limits of rules and take responsibility for their actions.
Many classes are interspersed
with teachings from the Bible to link the character tenets of Martial Arts with Christian
values.
