martial arts

[sharon126]

Hi,

My husband became a christian in January of this year and he has recently joined a martial arts gym.  Can anyone tell me if this is okay?  all the members of my fellowship group seem to think that it is not.  I'm confused can anyone advise?

[rafter]

This is just my opinion and as such I want you to make up your own mind. First it is his decision and only he can decide if it takes away from his relationship with the Lord. Second I really don't see a problem with it, as long as it does not entail bowing to a  flag or paying homage to something other than God.
I think it is really great cardio vascular excercise. And it keeps the muscles stretched and toned. I think it could even be healthy, as long as it does not take over his life.
And again, I stess this is just my opinion and not something I know for a fact....

[Tibby]

That would really depend on his motive, which art, the Philosophical views of the Master, and your husbands own resolve in his faith. Some Martial Arts instructors are strong in there Eastern Religions. While most will not talk about it with there students, some can be pushy. Other Instructors are just down right flaky. Other hold very anti-Christian views because the way Fundamentalists attack Martial Arts put a bad taste in their mouth (no offence to your fellowship).

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t reflex their skill as a Sensei, and the vast majority of Masters will not take their personal and political views on the mat with them. The thing that would worry me is if you found one of the vocal ones. You husband is still young in the Faith, and he may not have the arsenal to face off against someone who has studies there own faith for years.
Not to go against rafter, but while paying paying homage to another God would be a HUGE no-no, and taking voer his life would be a VERY bad thing, bowing is an important part of Martial Arts. In traditional schools, they bow all the time. When entering and leaving the Dojo, when stepping on and off the mat or sparring area, when they are about to spar, when they are about to touch another student, especial of higher rank. It is a thing of respect. When we are instructed not to bow in the bible, it is out of Worship.

What art is it, what is the teacher like, and what specific complaints did your fellowship bring up about it? If it was about Martial Arts in general, I would ignore them. Most of that comes from lack of knowledge of the Martial Arts. Thank them for their advice, and ask them why they feel that way. If it was about the School or Instructor he was taking it from, then I would take a closer look at it.