Have you ever heard that before? What is your take on it?

never heard of anyone saying that, but the last time i checked...didnt jacob grapple against someone until sunrise? (one of the oldest fighting styles)

Have you ever heard that before? What is your take on it?

i've heard that before...
remember those old 'fantastic' kung fu movies....with ninjas jumping over temples....those movies certainly protrayed the martial arts as part of a spiritual journey/experience....
and you know any spirit that isn't the holy ghost or barcardi causes trepidation in most christian communities

i've heard that before...
remember those old 'fantastic' kung fu movies....with ninjas jumping over temples....those movies certainly protrayed the martial arts as part of a spiritual journey/experience....
and you know any spirit that isn't the holy ghost or barcardi causes trepidation in most christian communities

They are called 'un-christian' because of the focus on buddism and meditation and 'chi' which many christians dont understand.

They are called 'un-christian' because of the focus on buddism and meditation and 'chi' which many christians dont understand.

they understand the spiritual nature AND that its not christian....
they may not be able to articulate it....

i've heard that before...
remember those old 'fantastic' kung fu movies....with ninjas jumping over temples....those movies certainly protrayed the martial arts as part of a spiritual journey/experience....
and you know any spirit that isn't the holy ghost or barcardi causes trepidation in most christian communities

It can indeed be a spiritual experience. It is better learned with that in mind but it does not have to been an Eastern experience http://www.karateforchrist.com/

They are called 'un-christian' because of the focus on buddism and meditation and 'chi' which many christians dont understand.

Why do Christians have a "thing" about meditation? True meditation is simply emptying the mind of all it's junk and being at peace - one with all things. Jesus meditated!

Chi is simply the vital energy of the body that, in Chinese medicine, flows through the body. When the Chi is blocked illness and dis-"ease." Follows. In Western medicine it is somewhat like circulation.

Buddhism is a religion without a God. So if one were to study Buddhism one would not be "worshipping other Gods" as that component is not in Buddhism. But you dont have to be a Buddhist, or study Buddhism to benefit from the Arts.

never heard of anyone saying that, but the last time i checked...didnt jacob grapple against someone until sunrise? (one of the oldest fighting styles)

A Christian once told me that God watches over him so he did not have to learn to protect himself. I asked him if God watches over him in all things. "Yes" was his answer. "So" I said "You dont have a lock on your house? You dont lock your car?"
His answer was "Yes. I do lock them. You can't be too careful!"
"So, if you protect those things why not protect your body?" was my next question.
He became a student!!!!

The Mountain Men of the early West had a saying "Trust in God and keep your power (gun powder) dry." In other words, trust in God! You should but be ready to protect yourself - God helps those who help themselves.

Why do Christians have a "thing" about meditation? True meditation is simply emptying the mind of all it's junk and being at peace - one with all things. Jesus meditated!
Chi is simply the vital energy of the body that, in Chinese medicine, flows through the body. When the Chi is blocked illness and dis-"ease." Follows. In Western medicine it is somewhat like circulation.
Buddhism is a religion without a God. So if one were to study Buddhism one would not be "worshipping other Gods" as that component is not in Buddhism. But you dont have to be a Buddhist, or study Buddhism to benefit from the Arts.

I know all of this - so you dont have to convince me. You can study any religion without worshipping other gods. Studying is simply learning about a particular topic right???

I know all of this - so you dont have to convince me.
I know, but other might not.
You can study any religion without worshipping other gods. Studying is simply learning about a particular topic right???
Right. But it has to be done with a clear mind - free of preconceived ideas. Hard to do sometimes. I have many books on comparative religions. Only one approached the subject, as a subject giving equal time to them all without "editorializing" in favor of the author's own faith. :)

It would be intresting to better understand what you mean when the term martial arts are used by you and more intresting having some knowledge of your experience with martial arts. Having this bit of information would allow me to comment appropiately on the above thread title.

Avidfiber

It would be intresting to better understand what you mean when the term martial arts are used by you and more intresting having some knowledge of your experience with martial arts. Having this bit of information would allow me to comment appropiately on the above thread title.
Avidfiber

For this posting I am defining Martial Arts as the fighting arts as practiced by the people of the far East - China, Japan etc. Karate, Kung Fu, T'ai Chi and most certainly Aikido.

There are other forms like Escrima, Filipino stick fighting, Savate, French kickboxing, there are many others. We might even include Boxing as we know it in the West. But for this posting the Far Eastern ones will do.

My experience with the Arts extends back many, many years (forty or more.) First in T'ai Chi then Okinawan Karate and the Samurai traditions. I used to teach but now I limit myself to teaching T'ai Chi for its health benefits rather that as a fighting art.

I learned my fighting arts in a Buddhist atmosphere and Buddhism, its chants and symbols were a big part but when I was teaching I never added that part - it was if you like non-denominational! Lol.

I hope that answers your questions. By the way, welcome to the site.:)

For this posting I am defining Martial Arts as the fighting arts as practiced by the people of the far East - China, Japan etc. Karate, Kung Fu, T'ai Chi and most certainly Aikido.

i kinda figured you were talking about those in particular. i appreciate karate for what it taught me. Zazen was always my second favourite part of each class (kumite was first hehe)

i kinda figured you were talking about those in particular. i appreciate karate for what it taught me. Zazen was always my second favourite part of each class (kumite was first hehe)

How long did you sit Zazen at each class? When I was studying Zen Buddhism six hours was not out of the question. (l-o-n-g six hours!!!) :)

i kinda figured you were talking about those in particular. i appreciate karate for what it taught me. Zazen was always my second favourite part of each class (kumite was first hehe)

I liked Kenpo more than Shoktokan .. was more geared towards street self defence .. and came in useful a few times while out partying .. also Taekwondo was cool but it was easier when I was younger :)