MYTH, LEGEND and

A. The use of the qualification "martial" by Western authors can be misleading. "Martial" relates to warriors, soldiers, military tactics and pursuits. "Martial arts" is an encompassing term, describing the practices related to military pursuits. The most common use is the discipline of combative training, armed or unarmed. Through contemporary writings one may be easily led to assume that the warriors of Japan or the Chinese monks were the originators of martial arts. These are false assumptions. Martial arts have been practiced for thousands of years. Many biblical accounts show the God of Abraham was involved in them. Did not "Joshua spake to the Lord and the sun stood still .... for the Lord fought for Israel"? (Josh.10:12-14). Did not the Lord instruct him on warfare concerning Jericho, "and Joshua said unto the people, shout for the Lord hath given you the city"? (Josh. 6:16). Exod 15:3, "The Lord is a man of war:" Psalm 144:1 states, "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." Table of Contents

Q. Were did martial arts originate?

A. Through modern archaeology and historical research it is beginning to be accepted that martial arts most likely originated in the Middle East, not Asia. Five thousand year old archaeological finds depicting battles and conquests are being unearthed enabling historians to review the history and culture of the region. One such find is the Palette of Narmer (an inscribed plaque of slate) from 3000 BC. Table of Contents

A. First, one should consider, "What is the origin of war and conflict"? The warfare initiated in heaven by Lucifer’s rebellion recorded in Rev. 12:3-7, continued on earth when Lucifer and his angels were cast down. Ephesians 6 outlines the Christian’s battle in the spiritual realm; however, spiritual and physical do become intertwined. The first biblical account of martial arts training is recorded in Gen 14:14. "And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born of his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them to Dan." The cultural context being that these soldier’s were trained in martial arts, raised in his home and also worshipped the God of Abraham. From this point on, there are numerous accounts of martial arts and military pursuits by men of God. Although the history of martial arts is usually described as starting in Asia, it is becoming more evident that the roots are in the Middle East. Table of Contents

A. Black Belt is a degree one obtains in martial arts that reflects a relatively high level of proficiency. The practitioner wears a long black cloth (obi) around their waist. Black belt degrees (called dan) run 1st though 10th degree, with 10th being the highest. Fifth degree and higher can also be considered teaching grades. One may compare degrees to military rank: 1st being lieutenant, 10th being general of the army. There are thousands of organizations, each with its own teaching, training philosophies, and standards for obtaining degrees. The wearing of a black belt to indicate the proficiency level of a practitioner was first instituted in 1883. Ranks are still not issued in all martial arts. Those who obtained a high level of proficiency in a martial art that does not issue ranks as those who practiced in ancient times could still be considered black belts. Table of Contents

A. Tracing the origin of martial arts, its history and development through Middle Eastern civilizations, one finds many that were highly proficient in martial arts. Among those mentioned in the bible being of high (black belt) proficiency was Joshua, Gideon, David (and most likely Moses) just to name a few. They trained in martial arts and served the God of Abraham. The Israelites of Old Testament times came in contact with Canaanites, Egyptians, Babylonians and other people of polytheistic religions. These peoples were also proficient in martial arts. They trained in the martial arts the same as the Israelites but they worshipped other gods. Martial arts was, and still is, integrated into all cultures and societies, and it is practiced by those of various religious beliefs and customs. Every culture has needed and benefited from the training in martial arts. Today, as in ancient times, those of varying beliefs and customs still practice their faith and train in martial arts without any conflict. The Israelites were no exception. Joshua, Gideon and David were highly proficient martial artists who served the God of Abraham. They can be considered some of the first black belts. Table of Contents

A. No. There are numerous different types, with subclassifications called styles. Baseball, track, archery and swimming, all are sports, but they differ greatly. This is also true with martial arts. Karate, Judo, Tae-Kwon-Do, Arnis, Kobudo, Ju-Jitsu, Jukendo, Kenjutsu, Kaqlari Payat, Capoeira, Kendo, Kung-Fu, Bando, Sumo, Hapkido and Iaido to name just a few. All are martial arts, but with varied origins and methods of training. Some, like Judo, have also evolved into an Olympic sport. Table of Contents

A. It is believed that martial arts spread along the ancient trade routes. From the Near and Middle East they spread to India, China and beyond. Initially practiced mainly by the military, martial arts began to gain in popularity with the general population in many societies and those of all ages began training. Table of Contents

A. Myth & Legend. When reading of the martial arts, especially those practiced in China, one would inevitably come across the reference to Bodhidharma. He is known in China as DaMo or TaMo, and in Japan as Daruma. Legend has it that he was the founder of Zen and Kung-Fu and that he taught at the Shaolin Temple arriving there from India sometime between 420-520 A.D. In the West we also have myths and legends, such as Johnny Appleseed, The Lone Ranger and Robin Hood. What is historical fact and what is myth? The most recent facts concerning Bodhidharma are: There is no proof confirming his existence, and if a person named Bodhidharma (DaMo) did exist, he was not the founder of any martial art. Historical records indicate that monks at Shaolin did eventually engage in martial arts training, just as those in the military and the general populace also trained, but not until nearly two centuries after the reputed death of DaMo. Although there are no records supporting the legend, it is colorful, thus popular with writers. Table of Contents

A. During the period relating to DaMo it is a known fact that monks of Shaolin trained in exercise related to developing good health, not martial arts. These exercises are the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Change Classic), the Xi Sui Jing (Marrow Washing Classic) and Shi Ba Luo Han Shou (Eighteen Hand Movements of the Luohan). Although legend attributes these health exercises to DaMo, it is questionable who developed them, as the first books outlining these exercises were not written until a thousand years after the reputed death of DaMo. It is known fact that martial Arts were practiced in China centuries prior to the legend of DaMo. At Shaolin, military men wounded in battle were given refuge. It is believed that the monks began learning martial arts from them, not DaMo. As with the general populace, the monks eventually did learn martial arts and got involved in the political turmoil of the times. Table of Contents

A. "Martial arts" is a general term relating to armed or unarmed combative training. It carries no religious teaching or significance other than that which the individual practitioner so deems. In China, monks trained in martial arts while also practicing their religious rituals; Chinese warriors trained and practiced no particular rituals; the general populace trained while following varying religious beliefs. Those practicing martial arts in China were no different than those of all other societies: each trained, while continuing to practice whatever faith they had. Unfortunately, because of the colorful yet mostly historically inaccurate legends, many writers focus on the training and beliefs of the monks of the Shaolin. They present legends as fact, then infer that all who train in martial arts follow these teachings. Far be it from the truth. Table of Contents

A. Karate (Empty Hand), which originated in Okinawa, is the most popular. It is a system of self-defense originally called Te (hand) that was developed for civil self-protection. There was no significance to training other than self-defense. Some of the training techniques from China were incorporated into Te training; the philosophy taught at Shaolin was not. At a meeting of the leading Te teachers held in Naha, Okinawa, on October 25, 1936 at the Showa Kaikan (meeting hall), it was agreed that all forms of Te from that date forth would be known as Karate. Table of Contents

A. From hard training. Some martial artists demonstrate what some would consider extraordinary feats of strength, such as breaking stacks of bricks with their bare hands. There are those that do not understand the training and technical mechanics of such feats. From lack of knowledge they attribute the feats to occult spiritual powers. These claims may sell books, but they are certainly incorrect (this is not to say that there are not those in the world that do call upon spiritual powers). As Christians, we know that God is the source of our strength and power, Ps. 144:1, Ps. 28:7, Ps. 29:11, Ps.118:14, Is. 40:29, Is.40:31, Phil.4:13. One of the best known groups performing demonstrations of extraordinary feats of strength and breaking is the Evangelistic Christian Power Team of born-again, spirit-filled martial art practitioners and performers. It is unmistakable that the only spirit present in demonstrations of power at these events is the Holy Spirit. Table of Contents

A. No. Since martial arts is an encompassing term with no inherent religious beliefs and practices, praying against such would be incorrect. Anyone with concerns for those who may practice false religions it would be proper to pray against the spirit of divination, familiar spirit or spirit of error. Table of Contents

A. These are not forms of incantations, as some writers would have one believe. Deep breathing and shouting (forcing air out of the lungs using the diaphragm) is common in many sports to derive extra power. When weight lifters raise heavy weights, they often take a deep breath then shout or yell when lifting. Martial artists do the same, first to derive extra power but also to startle an opponent. Shouting is not mystical, but natural. Table of Contents

A. Bushido (military-knight-way) is an ethical code of conduct, a system of moral principles. They are: justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, veracity, honor, and loyalty. Virtues that Christians should easily relate to. Table of Contents

A. Some martial arts training uses bowing as a greeting, and a form of respect, much as saluting in the military. Westerners shake hands, Easterners bow. Biblical references to one not bowing relate to worship, not to be confused with greetings. Bowing to one another in training or in public is used as a courtesy and is not in any way a form of worship. Table of Contents

A. Christians learn martial arts for many reasons. Christians are to trust the Lord, but we are also instructed to have wisdom (Jas. 1:5). Many wish to learn self-defense. We have the military to protect our country; state and local police to enforce the law and protect us. We have fire and burglar alarms. These are just a few ways wisdom is used relating to protecting ourselves and families. Is it not wisdom to learn how to avoid conflict and provide protection for one’s family? Many Christians consider this good stewardship. Others see the benefits of physical fitness and the reinforcement of respect and discipline for their children. Table of Contents

A. One of the main differences is in what an organization represents. Remembering that martial arts is practiced and taught in all cultures, by those of all faiths. Martial arts in themselves have no religious connotations. However, the teacher is the key to what is taught. Some organizations and instructors teach strictly martial technique (as would the Arms Forces). Other organizations are for those of like faith, such as Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Shinto and Christian. Some of the main Christian organizations are the Christian Black Belt Association and the Gospel Martial Arts Union. These are headed by pastors and evangelists, and uphold biblical principles and values. Table of Contents

Comments: In all aspects of life, the Christian should pray for wisdom, discernment, and the Lord’s leading. This is true in deciding if one is to study martial arts, and if so where. For what one learns will depend upon the teacher one chooses. Table of Contents