A long-standing debate that has existed for quite a while now is whether Christians can practice martial arts. The discussion has broken groups into a few factions and camps, of which these are some of the most popular:
Some argue that martial arts, at it's very core, are a practice of an occultic oriental ritual that focuses on spiritual release. Still others argue that Christians can practice martial arts as a purely physical exercise and a self-defense discipline without the chants and meditations. Others will say that the meditation and exercise are both practicable and that they no longer have an effect on one's spirit.
While the urge is there, I don't want to have to make this post about choosing which perspective is right, but rather present Biblical truths and leaving the deciding to you.
The best place to start is to have a proper understanding of how God created the soul. Our soul is made up of the mind, heart and will, the three being intertwined. What we believe in our head can often become a conviction of the heart which then will lead to the actions of the will.
Paul teaches us in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." God is in the business of renewing minds and taking every captive thought so that we may focus on that which glorifies God.
But it is important to note that martial arts are a good exercise, and that God also values proper health and stewardship of the body. While there are other options for proper exercise, there are those who find some martial arts to be the best for them. And it can be dangerous to expose the mind and heart to the philosophies that govern the spiritual aspect of martial arts.
However, come to think of it, many of the things we use and do on a daily basis have some form of paeanistic background. Our weekly calendar is based on paeanistic practices, wedding rings were once a pagan practice, the cross was once a Roman form of punishment, and even some of our sacerdotal vestments are some that we share with other religions. So should we also let go of all of these things?
At the end of the day, Paul leaves us with the thought that most things are permissible, but not everything is constructive and beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23). It all boils down to a personal conviction that you hold, and it depends on God's grace and mercy to give you the wisdom to discern such things.
