by Dennis Forleo, CBBA Member, Billings, Montana


It's a very common question I get from both believers and unbelievers alike.

If you've searched online for an answer, you've probably found two very different responses. Some Christians argue that martial arts are incompatible with biblical faith because of their history or philosophy. Others dismiss the question entirely, saying, "It's just exercise."

Neither response fully addresses the heart of the issue.

As followers of Christ, we're called to ask a better question.

Not simply...

"Is this allowed?"

But rather...

"Can I honor Jesus Christ through this?"

That question changes everything.

The Bible never mentions Karate, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, or Kung Fu by name. It also doesn't mention soccer, baseball, Scouts or AWANA either. That means we must evaluate martial arts the same way we evaluate every other activity in life—through the principles of Scripture.

When we do, we discover that the real issue isn't martial arts.

It's the heart of the one who practices them.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

​Before answering the question, it's important to acknowledge why many Christians hesitate.

Some martial arts have historical connections to Eastern religions or philosophies. Certain schools incorporate meditation practices, spiritual rituals, ancestor reverence, or beliefs that are incompatible with biblical Christianity.

Others worry about the emphasis on fighting, aggression, pride, or the pursuit of power.
These concerns shouldn't be ignored.

Christians are called to test everything against God's Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If any practice requires compromising our devotion to Christ or participating in beliefs contrary to Scripture, we should reject it. (Colossians 2:8)

But it's equally important to distinguish between the tool and the worldview attached to that tool.

A musical instrument can be used to worship God—or to promote ungodliness.
An athletic competition can cultivate discipline—or selfish ambition.
Public speaking can proclaim the Gospel—or spread false teaching.

Martial arts are no different.

​The techniques themselves are morally neutral. The question is how—and why—they are used.

While Scripture never commands every believer to become a martial artist, it does speak often about protection, justice, courage, and defending those who cannot defend themselves.

King David praised God by saying,

"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle."
(Psalm 144:1)

Nehemiah's builders rebuilt Jerusalem's walls with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other because they were prepared to defend innocent lives (Nehemiah 4:17-18).

Even Jesus instructed His disciples that difficult days were coming and told them to prepare accordingly (Luke 22:36). While Christians have long differed on exactly how to interpret that passage, it reminds us that preparedness and faith are not opposites.

The Bible consistently presents a God who values both peace and protection.

​But perhaps one of Jesus' most famous teachings gives us another way to think about self-defense.

In Luke 10, Jesus tells the story of a man who was beaten by robbers and left for dead along the road.

A priest passed by. A Levite passed by. But a Samaritan stopped.

He bandaged the man's wounds.
He carried him to safety.
He paid for his care.

Jesus praised the Samaritan because he was moved by compassion—and then acted.

Now consider a thoughtful question.

What if the Samaritan had arrived a few minutes earlier?
​What if the robbery was still taking place?
What would compassion have looked like then?













​Scripture doesn't answer that hypothetical question directly, so we should be careful not to speak where the Bible is silent.

Yet the question helps us think deeply about what compassion really means.

Would genuine love stand at a distance and wait for the violence to end?
Or would love intervene to protect someone who could not protect himself?

James 2:15-17 is very clear about demonstrating our faith by our actions. Faith that sees a need and does nothing is dead. 1 John 3:16-18 is even more teaching that love is demonstrated by actions, not merely words.

Throughout Scripture, love is active.
Love serves.
Love sacrifices.
Love protects.

Jesus Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15:13)

For many Christian martial artists, learning to defend the vulnerable is not motivated by anger or aggression.

​It is motivated by love and compassion.

This is perhaps the greatest misunderstanding about martial arts. People often assume martial artists train because they expect violence—or worse, because they enjoy it.

For the Christian, nothing could be further from the truth.
We don't prepare for violence because we love violence.

We prepare because we love people.

The firefighter doesn't train because he hopes buildings catch fire.
The lifeguard doesn't train because she hopes someone drowns.
The paramedic doesn't prepare because he wants accidents to happen.
They train because they hope they'll be ready if someone needs help.

Christian martial artists should have the same mindset.

The goal isn't to become dangerous.
The goal is to become useful.

To protect.
To serve.
To help.
To stand between evil and the innocent if that terrible moment ever comes.

Those moments are rare.
We pray they remain rare.
But love for others drives us to prepare anyway.

Ironically, most martial artists discover that the greatest opponent they will ever face isn't another person. It's themselves.

Pride.
Fear.
Anger.
Impatience.
Selfishness.

Those battles cannot be won with punches or kicks.

They are only won through a life surrendered to Christ.

A Christian martial arts school should never exist merely to produce stronger fighters.
It should produce stronger disciples. The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) are all things that someone learning martial arts can and should demonstrate.

Students should leave class with greater humility than when they arrived.
Better self-control. Improved patience and a greater level of compassion.
A deeper respect for every person because every person is made in the image of God.

If martial arts merely built confidence (especially in only themselves), they've fallen well short.
If they help build Christlike character, they have become something much greater.

Absolutely.

Throughout history, God has used ordinary occupations and ordinary skills to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

Some people serve Christ in classrooms.
Others in hospitals.
Others in construction, law enforcement, business, or farming.
Others serve Him on a training mat.

Every class becomes an opportunity to model integrity.
Every lesson becomes an opportunity to teach respect.
Every relationship becomes an opportunity to disciple.
Every tournament becomes an opportunity to demonstrate Christlike character under pressure.

When martial arts are viewed through that lens, they become much more than just a sport.

​They become a ministry.

Simply, ​Yes.

Not because martial arts are inherently Christian.

But because followers of Christ can glorify God through any honorable pursuit that is submitted to His Lordship.

That does means rejecting any philosophy contrary to Scripture.

Training with humility instead of pride.
Seeking peace rather than conflict.
Using strength to protect rather than intimidate.

And remembering that our greatest identity is never found in our style or the color of our belt.
It is found in Jesus Christ.

The goal is not simply to become a better martial artist.
The goal is to become more like Christ.

If martial arts help you love God more deeply, serve others more faithfully, protect the vulnerable more effectively, and share the hope of the Gospel more boldly, then your training has become something far greater than just learning to fight.

It has become another way to live out your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

​"Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 1:6

Confidence is a powerful thing.

Every martial artist understands its importance. Whether stepping onto a tournament mat, performing a board-breaking demonstration in front of a crowd, teaching a class, or facing a real-world self-defense situation, confidence often determines the outcome before the first technique is ever thrown.

Students develop confidence through training. They trust their instructors. They trust the techniques they have practiced thousands of times. They trust the foundation that has been laid before them.

And rightly so.

A building is only as strong as its foundation.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11)

In martial arts, we are taught to build upon the foundation provided by those who have gone before us. We learn proper mechanics, timing, distance, and strategy. Through disciplined practice, our skills become stronger and our confidence grows.

But as Christian martial artists, we must ask an important question:

Where does our ultimate confidence rest?

Confidence Beyond Skill

Many martial artists place their confidence in their abilities. They trust their speed, strength, experience, rank, or accomplishments. While training is important, Scripture reminds us that our confidence must go deeper than our own abilities.

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31)

This verse perfectly captures the balance every Christian martial artist should pursue.

We prepare.
We train.
We study.
We practice.
We improve.

But ultimately, our confidence is not in our training. Our confidence is in God.


That does not diminish the value of training—it gives training its proper place. We should prepare diligently and pursue excellence. Yet we must never confuse preparation with sovereignty. God alone determines the outcome.

Sometimes we win.
Sometimes we lose.
Sometimes God accomplishes His purposes through victory.
Sometimes He accomplishes them through defeat.

The Christian martial artist understands that success is not measured solely by trophies, titles, belts, or accomplishments. Success is measured by faithfulness to God's calling and a willingness to trust Him regardless of the outcome.


The True Source of Confidence

Paul's confidence in Philippians 1:6 was not based on his own strength, education, or accomplishments.

His confidence rested completely in Christ.

The foundation of the Christian life is not our effort. It is the finished work of Jesus.

Paul summarized the Gospel this way: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Likewise, Peter reminds us: "You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold... but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Our salvation is not secured by our good works, church attendance, rank, reputation, or religious traditions.

It rests entirely upon Jesus Christ.

This truth should radically shape the way we approach martial arts.

We may have confidence in our training, but our deepest confidence is in the God who saved us.

We may respect our instructors, but we worship God alone.

We may pursue excellence in martial arts, but our identity is found in Him—not in our achievements.


​Confidence That Produces Action

Some people hear about trusting God and mistakenly assume that means sitting back and doing nothing. Scripture teaches the opposite.

Just as a martial arts instructor cannot magically transfer skill to a student, spiritual growth requires participation and commitment.

James writes: "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:17)

True faith produces action.

A student who believes in training shows up to class.
A competitor who believes preparation matters puts in the work.
A Christian who trusts God seeks to walk in obedience.

Our works do not save us, but they demonstrate the reality of our faith. God is the One who perfects us, yet He calls us to participate in the process.

We study His Word.
We pray.
We serve others.
We pursue holiness.
We train our bodies and discipline our minds.
We strive to become better martial artists and better disciples.

All the while, we remember that the transformation taking place within us is ultimately God's work.

As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, the One who began the good work is also the One who will bring it to completion.

Walking the Christian Martial Path

The Christian martial artist lives in a unique tension.

We train hard while trusting completely.
We pursue excellence without becoming prideful.
We prepare for battle while recognizing that victory belongs to the Lord.
We develop confidence, but not self-reliance.
We work diligently, yet we depend entirely on God's grace.

The goal is not simply to become a better martial artist.

The goal is to become more like Christ.

As we make Him the center of our training, teaching, and daily lives, we discover a confidence that cannot be shaken by "wins" or "losses."

Because our confidence is not built on our abilities.

It is built on the One who called us, saved us, and promises to complete the work He began.

And that is a foundation that will never fail.

Most people who step onto a martial arts mat understand one thing instinctively: You don’t arrive already formed. You begin as a student.

In the same way, Scripture teaches that the Christian life doesn’t begin with good intentions, moral effort, or religious activity. It begins with something far more profound—a new birth.

Jesus explained it this way:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

This statement was not made to a criminal or an outcast. It was spoken to Nicodemus—a respected teacher, a religious leader, and a man who had spent his life pursuing righteousness. Yet even he needed to hear this truth:

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

The Problem We All Share

The Bible is remarkably honest about the human condition. It doesn’t single out the worst offenders—it includes everyone.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Sin, in Scripture, is not merely bad behavior. It is a condition of separation—living independently from God’s design and authority. And like ignoring fundamentals in training, that separation has consequences.

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a)

This death is more than physical. It is spiritual separation from God—now and eternally.

The Love That Changed Everything

Here is where the Gospel, literally, the “good news,” turns from diagnosis to hope.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

God did not wait for us to improve ourselves. He acted first.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus did not come to condemn, shame, or crush the weak. He came as Savior.

“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” (John 3:17)

The Invitation to Respond

Salvation is not earned—it is received.

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

This belief is not mere intellectual agreement. It is trust. Allegiance. Surrender.

“For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

A New Life, Led by the Spirit

When a person places their faith in Christ, something remarkable happens:

“You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)

The Christian life is not lived through human effort. God Himself takes up residence within the believer. It’s his-story, not ours. The Gospel is not the story of what we do to “gain” salvation. It is 100% about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you… He will also give life to your mortal bodies.” (Romans 8:11)

This is why Scripture speaks of transformation, discipline, and growth—not as self-improvement, but as Spirit-led training.

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

The Beginning, Not the End

Being “born again” is not the finish line. It is the doorway.

Just as no one earns a black belt on their first day in the dojo, the Christian walk is a lifelong journey of formation—guided by Christ, empowered by God’s Spirit, and grounded in truth.

If you are exploring faith, questioning your direction, or sensing that God may be calling you to something deeper, know this:
​
The invitation stands. The door is open.


A Moment to Reflect
If you’re reading this and sensing a quiet stirring—questions, conviction, or even resistance—that matters. Scripture tells us that God draws people to Himself, often long before they fully understand what He is doing.
You may not be ready to take a step today. That’s okay. But consider this:

• What if new life is not something you achieve, but something you receive?
• What if the discipline you practice on the mat is pointing toward a deeper kind of formation?
• What if God is already at work, inviting you to begin again?

If you would like prayer, have questions about faith, or simply want to talk with someone who understands both martial arts and the Christian walk, we invite you to reach out. We would be honored to walk with you.

​Originally written by Dr. Clement Riedner, Shiho Karano Publications
Submitted for this blog post by Kyoshi Frank DeAngelo
________________________________

This article is the fourth and final part of a Bible training program that utilizes the philosophy and principles of the Martial Arts as an illustration of basic Biblical principles of salvation and the Christian life. The first part talked about laying a foundation for beginners in both martial arts and in life. The reader was challenged to examine their faith and see what their foundation is. It is our hope that your foundation is in Jesus Christ. Without a strong foundation, we stand on sinking sand and will be easily swept away. Part two showed a relationship between the principles and attitudes involved in both physical and spiritual warfare. In the third section, we talked about the Principles of Spiritual Warfare that help us to stand firm in our faith. Part four discusses the Code of Bushido.
(**indicates a Bible memory verse).

III. THE ADVANCED – THE CODE OF THE BUSHIDO
This code is required for the advanced student in preparation for the Black Belt level.

The Japanese Samurai Warrior culture developed a very strict code of conduct known as the ‘Code of Bushido’. It was this simple yet strong code which kept the highly skilled Samurai from becoming wanton killers, taking human life at every whim of temper. This code, while originating with the Samurai, was amazingly parallel to that of the European Christian knight as well as with Biblical teaching and principles. Therefore, a study of the ‘Code of Bushido’ from a Christian perspective can be very profitable to the student.

Seven basic tenets of the Bushido have Biblical parallels and applications. They are:

1. RECTITUDE OR JUSTICE: This principle is most important in the Code of the Bushido and closely akin to Bible principles. For the Samurai, crooked dealings, etc., were thought of as going against the ideals of their Code. Justice, meaning being just, and dealing with others honorably. We find many parallels in Scripture concerning honesty, being just, and fair dealings with one’s fellow man. A good biblical example is found in Romans.

**Romans 12:17,18 – Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

**Romans 12:21 – Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

**Galatians 5:16,22-25 – I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no Law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

2. COURAGE: For the Samurai, death must be for a just cause to be an honorable death. Courage ties in with the cause of righteousness. A good biblical example of this although speaking of life, gives the courage, the ideal of the Christian.

**Philippians 1:21-24 – For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

Life must be godly and thus our death a gain for Christ, not a thing to be feared as if our life had been wasted.

​6. DUTY OF LOYALTY: In both ancient Japan and medieval Europe, loyalty to one’s master was deemed the most noble quality of both the Samurai and the Knights of Europe. Loyalty to one’s Master, and in the spiritual realm, to Christ, is most certainly a Biblical concept and admonition. Directly tied in with loyalty is the quality of Faithfulness and Service. The Samurai and Knight were  servants, serving their master with full and complete loyalty. The same is expected of the Christian.

**1 Kings 8:61 – Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His Commandments, as at this day.

**Ephesians 6:5-9 – Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing  that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And Masters, do the same things to them, give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

7. HONOR: Honor was very important to the samurai, both in his external bearing and personal dignity. Honor was an attitude of being. Perhaps this concept of honor might be best described in scripture in terms of our self-worth in relation to God, i.e., as how God views us. To God we have honor, and self-worth…

**1 Peter 1:18,19 – Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile ways of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

Honor also includes all the other basic tenets of the Bushido. A person of honor will be Just, will display Courage, is Benevolent, always respects others and is polite, is honest, and loyal.

What person can live up to such a standard? No one can. The best one can do, is to do the best one can do. This is like trying to keep the Old Testament law. It is not possible for man. That is why Jesus died. We must put our faith in Him.

​Originally written by Dr. Clement Riedner, Shiho Karano Publications
Submitted for this blog post by Kyoshi Frank DeAngelo
________________________________

This article is the third part of a Bible training program that utilizes the philosophy and principles of the Martial Arts as an illustration of basic Biblical principles of salvation and the Christian life. The first part talked about laying a foundation in both martial arts and in life. The reader was challenged to examine their faith and see what their foundation is. It is our hope that your foundation is in Jesus Christ. Without a strong foundation, we stand on sinking sand and will be easily swept away. Part 2 showed a relationship between the principles and attitudes involved in both physical and spiritual warfare. This third section, we'll talk about the Principles of Spiritual Warfare that help us to stand firm in our faith.
(**indicates a Bible memory verse).

Photo from wbingram from Wallpapers.com

​
II. THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (CONTINUED)

With the 4 elements of the Karate Mind (from the last post) - Humility, Mushin (Mind Like Water), Lack of Prejudice & Action vs. Reaction, one develops their outward mental and emotional character. To develop one’s inner spiritual character there are some things which must take place. As the principles of physical training will help in ‘Killing the Ego’, the principles of spiritual warfare will help us stand spiritually and thus be a complete Martial Artist. These principles are found in Ephesians 6:10-18 and complete the intermediate level of training. There are 10 of them and they will be studied individually.

1. In who’s power or strength should one stand? Of course our strength needs to come from our Lord.

**Eph 6:10 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

**Zech 4:6b – Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.

**Prov 3:5,6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.


2. In the Martial Arts without the basic principles of training the individual has no real foundation to perform or execute successful technique. Even so, in the spiritual realm the individual must have a sound foundation of spiritual truth to carry him/her through, and the Whole Armor of God can provide the solid foundation that is needed.

**Eph 6:11 – Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.


3. To successfully defend oneself one must know who and what the enemy is. In the spiritual realm, we battle spiritual foes.

**Eph 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

In a very real sense the principles and training of the Martial Arts in the physical realm should help prepare the individual for the warfare of the spiritual realm. This is further evident in the rest of the passage.


4. A Martial Artist must be fully prepared for warfare as much as humanly possible. Here in Eph 6:13 the apostle Paul is telling us basically the same thing.

**Eph 6:13 – Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

The whole armor of God is needed. The Christian must be complete just as the Martial Arts student must become complete. In the remainder of this passage we see the needed individual elements of that armor.


5. The ‘Truth’

**Eph 6:14a – Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth,

That ‘truth’ is the foundation of the word of God which must be laid. The students memorization of the Bible verses in this program is part of putting on that armor of truth.


6. ‘Righteousness’

**Eph 6:14b – and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

This ‘Righteousness’ is salvation, the laying of the foundation of Jesus Christ in one’s life. This was covered in Part 1 of this series - THE BEGINNER LEVEL - LAYING A FOUNDATION.


7. The ‘Gospel’

**Eph 6:15 – and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;

"From a human perspective, a Martial Artist's peace increases as the lack of peace (fear) decreases due to the growth of one’s Martial Arts ability or skill. One works diligently to obtain this. Spiritually it works differently. All of us before receiving Christ as Lord and Savior were enemies of God in rebellion against our Creator. Upon receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior (the gospel) one has peace with God. And as a result of that growing relationship one works bearing fruit, which is a natural process." - Black Swift


**Zech 4:6b – Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

**Rom 5:10 – For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shale be saved by His life.

**Rom 10:9,10 – that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

**John 15:5 – I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.


8. ‘Faith’

**Eph 6:16 – In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.

The student must have faith in his/her instructor and in the validity of what they are teaching. Faith is the key as it is our trust and belief in the validity of the principles of the bible and of Christ

“Faith is an action word. True faith in God brings righteousness. Abraham believed God and acted on it, and thus, it was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. Gal 3:6. The written law came 430 years latter. Gal 3:17. Faith is a matter of the heart not the intellect. Go back to Rom 10:9,10 with the heart man believes and confesses with his mouth. With our mind we make the decision to believe without seeing it, we choose to believe. In Mark 9:23,24 we see a man tell Jesus “I believe, help me with my unbelief”, this man, I believe is in that very spot, choosing to believe while not seeing. Try studying Gal 2:21-3:19, Heb 11:1-39, James 1:5-2:26.” - Black Swift


**Gal 3:6 – Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.

**Heb 11:1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

**Heb 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

**James 1:6,7 – But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.

**James 2:21,22 – Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the alter? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected.


9. ‘Salvation’ and the ‘Sword of the Spirit’

**Eph 6:17a – And take the helmet of salvation,

“We have talked of salvation earlier. A helmet protects the head. In the martial arts we would block or redirect a strike to protect. But being saved, in having salvation, we have the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. It is He that empowers us to live the life God calls us to live. So in having the helmet of salvation our thought processes can be protected. Couple that with the sword of the Spirit.” - Black Swift


**Eph 6:17b – and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.

The Holy Spirit is also our teacher.

**Heb 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

**Rom 12:2 – and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

**John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.


10. ‘Pray At All Times’

​​“When it comes to listening to music on your device you need to have a power source and then turn it on. Upon accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior from your heart, you are connected to the power source, the Holy Spirit. Prayer is the switch that turns on the music. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, he is the one who uses it in battle as He works in us and through us." - Black Swift


This passage in Ephesians completes the Intermediate level of Spiritual training for the student. He/she is now ready for the final level of spiritual training and that is for the Advanced student. This final level will prepare the students for Black Belt.

Originally written by Dr. Clement Riedner, Shiho Karano Publications
Submitted for this blog post by Kyoshi Frank DeAngelo
________________________________

This Bible training program utilizes the philosophy and principles of the Martial Arts as an illustration of basic Biblical principles of salvation and the Christian life. There is a direct relationship between the principles of physical and spiritual warfare. The student is required to learn the principles and related Bible verses for belt rank. This program may be applied to any Martial Arts style. (**indicates a Bible memory verse).

I. THE BEGINNER - LAYING A FOUNDATION.

The ‘Even Kill’ approach to physical and spiritual self-defense philosophy states simply that: “the best we can hope in a real life and death encounter is that we will kill our opponent and be killed in the process. While one might ask, “Why then study the Martial Arts”?

The Japanese Samurai warrior was prepared to die whenever he drew his sword for combat. Thus, being prepared and expecting to die, he can commit himself fully to the battle, having settled the question of death. If we enter into real physical combat prepared to die, then we have conquered the fear of death (man’s greatest problem). **Hebrews 2:15 “and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives”. This verse tells us that the fear of death is in fact, man’s greatest problem.

​"Although many have conquered the fear of death through training, discipline, and/or other belief structures, etc… They do not realize or they reject the truth of the existence of heaven and hell. And it is God Who decides who goes where based on the decision each person makes." - Black Swift

The Romans road (a series of verses in the book of Romans) tells us how to lay the foundation of faith in Jesus the Christ in our lives.

**Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

**Romans 6:23 – for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

**Romans 10:9 – That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

The Assurance of the foundation: for the ‘even kill’ philosophy to be valid for the Christian Martial Arts student, he/she must first of all lay the foundation of Christ in their life. Have you ever laid the foundation of Jesus Christ in your life?  If so, when?

If not, why not at this moment ask Jesus Christ to come into your life to be your savior and be that foundation in your life? If you do not understand how, simply ask your instructor to explain this to you. The Christian can know that he/she has eternal life in heaven. This is not the case with Zen, Taoism, Shintoism, or any other religion for that matter. The following verses help make that assurance clear.

**John 6:37 – All that the Father gives me shall come to Me, and the One who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

**1 John 5:13-These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

​We wear the left flap of our uniform (Gi) over the right to signify life covering death. Even so the person who chooses to believe in what Christ did for us and forsaking their own path to follow the path of Jesus will spend eternity with Christ in heaven. Death is conquered. When the Christian dies in the physical, it is like going through a door way from one room to another. There is only one way to enter that room, ‘Heaven’. The doorway is Jesus. There is no other way. God sets the rules and it is His dwelling place. All are invited but few will except that invitation through Christ. Will you? The alternative is Hell.