Can a Christian Study Martial Arts?

Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman

The image of a Christian and a martial artist may seem contradictory. Christians are often seen as peaceful and gentle, while martial artists are often associated with violence and aggression. However, the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, martial arts can be a powerful tool for Christians to grow in their faith and develop a closer walk with Christ.
The Bible is full of examples of warriors who were also men of God. David, for example, was a skilled warrior who was anointed by God to be king of Israel. He used his martial skills to defend his people and to glorify God. Joshua, another great warrior, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was a man of faith who trusted in God's guidance and protection.
These examples show that it is possible to be both a warrior and a Christian. Martial arts can be a way to develop the physical and mental discipline that is needed to live a Godly life. It can also be a way to learn self-defense and to protect oneself and others. Yet, there are many other benefits to practicing martial arts as a Christian. Some of these benefits include:

• Physical fitness: Martial arts is a great way to get in shape and improve your overall health.
• Mental discipline: Martial arts teaches you to focus, to be patient, and to persevere.
• Self-defense: Martial arts can give you the skills and confidence to defend yourself if you are ever attacked.
• Spiritual growth: Martial arts can help you to develop a closer relationship with God.

Dr. John Terry, a good friend and leading expert on Christian martial arts, has said that "martial arts can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth." He, along with myself, believes that martial arts can help Christians to Godly character through its emphasis on discipline, respect, and perseverance. Through rigorous training, martial artists learn to recognize their limitations and the importance of continuous improvement. 1  This mirrors the biblical teaching of humility, as seen in Proverbs 22:4: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." As martial artists progress through their training, they encounter challenges that require them to submit to their instructors and fellow students, fostering a spirit of teachability and submission. 2  This aligns with the biblical principle of submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Ultimately, martial arts can help individuals develop a humble heart, recognizing their dependence on God and their need for His grace.

Here are some tips for Christians who are practicing martial arts:

•  Choose a martial arts style that is compatible with your Christian beliefs. Some styles of martial arts have Eastern religious or philosophical roots. It is important to choose a style that does not conflict with your faith.
•   Find a Christian martial arts instructor. There are many Christian martial arts instructors who can help you integrate your faith into your training.
•   Pray before and after each training session. Ask God to guide you and protect you during your training.
•   Use martial arts as an opportunity to serve others. You can volunteer to teach martial arts to children or adults. You can also use your martial arts skills to help others in need.

Martial arts can be a powerful tool for Christians to grow in their faith and to develop a closer walk with Christ. I encourage you to give it a try.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, martial arts can also help Christians to develop the physical discipline needed to cultivate a Godly life, Builid Confidence in the Lord, and foster a supportive community.  If you are looking for a way to grow in your faith and to develop a closer walk with Christ, I encourage you to consider martial arts. It is a challenging but rewarding discipline that can help you to become the person God intends for you to be!