United Martial Artists for Christ

[Gerry Seymour]

I agree. I considered studying Aikido, but was worried about the bowing I saw on some TV documentaries, which I thought approached religious reverence. I probably should have actually visited some schools and watched, and asked questions. I might have found no reason to worry. Or confirmed my earlier observations from my religious viewpoint.

Bowing, in and of itself, cannot approach religious reverence. That requires intent, not a simple movement of the body. Given the cultural context (it's just a very formal show of respect), it's only worrisome if you ignore the intent behind it. This approach could also lead someone to see an enthusiastic, 2-handed handshake as a display of domination.

 

[Tames D]

Bowing, in and of itself, cannot approach religious reverence. That requires intent, not a simple movement of the body. Given the cultural context (it's just a very formal show of respect), it's only worrisome if you ignore the intent behind it. This approach could also lead someone to see an enthusiastic, 2-handed handshake as a display of domination.

I think we just had another agreement...Where are the Mods?

 

[Gerry Seymour]

I think we just had another agreement...Where are the Mods?

I clicked "agree", then realized we're agreeing about agreeing. We need meta-mods.

 

[Tames D]

I clicked "agree", then realized we're agreeing about agreeing. We need meta-mods.

I 'liked' this post because I couldn't bring myself to 'agree' with you again.

 

[oftheherd1]

Bowing, in and of itself, cannot approach religious reverence. That requires intent, not a simple movement of the body. Given the cultural context (it's just a very formal show of respect), it's only worrisome if you ignore the intent behind it. This approach could also lead someone to see an enthusiastic, 2-handed handshake as a display of domination.

Agreed on what you said in the first sentence. However, as you said, it was the intent I thought I detected in the bowing to the founder (which I did not specifically state, but thought I implied enough for people to understand). If that didn't come through perhaps I should just have stated it outright.

But that was my concern. Bowing is sometimes used as a religious practice. But not always. When it is a show of respect only, just as a handshake or a salute, I have no problem with it. If I think it approaches a religious practice, I would not wish to participate. It is my concern and no one else need believe as I do.

 

[Yondanchris]

Does anyone here have experience with this organization? If so, will you share? Thank you.
Karate, Martial Arts, Christian Karate - Christian Martial Arts - For Youth and Families

Yes they are a local Southern California Karate Ministry run by Mr. Bob Mitchell who tested alongside Bob White for BB back in the day.

They have a couple of church studios teaching mostly kids and some adults. They have some local tournament presence, especially in point sparring.

Mr. Mitchell used to have some inner Demons until coming to faith and deciding to use his skills for God than for busting heads.

Some of the best Christian Martial Artists I know of!

Just my .02 cents,

Chris

 

[oftheherd1]

Yes they are a local Southern California Karate Ministry run by Mr. Bob Mitchell who tested alongside Bob White for BB back in the day.

They have a couple of church studios teaching mostly kids and some adults. They have some local tournament presence, especially in point sparring.

Mr. Mitchell used to have some inner Demons until coming to faith and deciding to use his skills for God than for busting heads.

Some of the best Christian Martial Artists I know of!

Just my .02 cents,

Chris

Thanks for the post Chris. Good to see you posting. I have missed your inputs.

 

[Yondanchris]

Thanks for the post Chris. Good to see you posting. I have missed your inputs.

No problem, life often intrudes on hobbies. New baby, new job, taking 7 classes and working on a thesis has kept me away!

 

[oftheherd1]

No problem, life often intrudes on hobbies. New baby, new job, taking 7 classes and working on a thesis has kept me away!

Drive on!

Congrats on the new baby. Hope we might see you a bit more anyway.

 

[Tames D]

Yes they are a local Southern California Karate Ministry run by Mr. Bob Mitchell who tested alongside Bob White for BB back in the day.

They have a couple of church studios teaching mostly kids and some adults. They have some local tournament presence, especially in point sparring.

Mr. Mitchell used to have some inner Demons until coming to faith and deciding to use his skills for God than for busting heads.

Some of the best Christian Martial Artists I know of!

Just my .02 cents,

Chris

Thanks for the response Chris. I have met Bob Mitchell once years ago, through Bob White, who is a friend of mine. I've known of Mr Mitchells organization for a few years now, but never knew much about it. I was looking for an inside perspective from a member.
Again, thanks for sharing.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

No problem, life often intrudes on hobbies. New baby, new job, taking 7 classes and working on a thesis has kept me away!

Priorities, man! Priorities!

 

[KangTsai]

I was reminded of this right away.
(Not judo by the way, obviously)

 

[Tired_Yeti]

So are you guys saying that you don't think any Christians should learn how to fight?


"Re-stomp the groin"
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[Monkey Turned Wolf]

So are you guys saying that you don't think any Christians should learn how to fight?


"Re-stomp the groin"
Sent from my iPhone 6+ using Tapatalk

Whose post are you referring to here? I don't remember anyone saying that.

 

[Tames D]

So are you guys saying that you don't think any Christians should learn how to fight?


"Re-stomp the groin"
Sent from my iPhone 6+ using Tapatalk

I may have missed something, but I don't think anyone here has said that.

 

[Xue Sheng]

So are you guys saying that you don't think any Christians should learn how to fight?

Nope.

 

[Tony Dismukes]

So are you guys saying that you don't think any Christians should learn how to fight?


"Re-stomp the groin"
Sent from my iPhone 6+ using Tapatalk

Nope, I don't think anyone is saying that.

Personally I don't see the desirability of only training martial arts with those who share your religious beliefs, but to each their own. If it makes someone happy to announce their religious affiliation in the name of their dojo and just work out with their fellow believers, then more power to them.

Capoeira for Catholics
Aikido for Atheists
Hung Gar for Humanists
Savate for Sufis
'Rassling for Rosicrucians

 

[Xue Sheng]

Capoeira for Catholics
Aikido for Atheists
Hung Gar for Humanists
Savate for Sufis
'Rassling for Rosicrucians

Xingyiquan for Sith
Taijiquan for Jedi

 

[KangTsai]

Xingyiquan for Sith
Taijiquan for Jedi

Nope, I don't think anyone is saying that.


Capoeira for Catholics
Aikido for Atheists
Hung Gar for Humanists
Savate for Sufis
'Rassling for Rosicrucians

Jujutsu for Jews.
Jew-jutsu.

 

[Balrog]

I'm not a big fan of mixing religion with martial arts. You want to learn to defend yourself, go to the dojang. You want to learn to pray, go to church. I have found over the years that punching beats praying in a self-defense situation every time.