Martial Arts Philosophy thru Biblical Principles (part 2)

Originally written by Dr. Clement Riedner, Shiho Karano Publications
Submitted for this blog post by Kyoshi Frank DeAngelo
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This article is the second 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 was released last month and 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. As we move into part 2, we hope you see the tight relationship between the principles of physical and spiritual warfare. (**indicates a Bible memory verse taken from the NASB).


II. THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

It is generally taught that there are three elements of man: physical, spiritual, and emotional. Laying the foundation in one’s life deals with the spiritual part of man and is the foundation from which one’s philosophy of his/her mental, emotional, and physical attitudes are built. The biblical admonitions concerning the physical are merely a means of reaching the mental/emotional part of man…i.e., the soul.

**2 Timothy 4:8 – In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

**1 Corinthians 9:25-27 – And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should not be disqualified.


In developing the Martial Arts mind there are four elements of what is called the ‘Karate Mind’ (i.e., the mental attitudes necessary for one to mature as a student of the Martial Arts). Even so, there are some very important attitudes that the Christian must develop if he/she is to grow spiritually. They are amazingly parallel.

1. Humility – which is a correct view of oneself, the world, and others. Martial Art humility involves a realistic view of oneself and one’s world, and is actually a correct Biblical view.

**Romans 12:3 – For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

2. Mind Like Water – ‘Mushin’ is the simple concept of seeking to remove all thoughts from our mind that would hinder us from seeing things as they really are. Mushin happens when a person's mind is free from anger, fear or ego. It is the same as the Japanese expression, "Mizo no Kokoro" or the "mind like water." It is not an "empty" mind, but one that is fully present, free of worries, distractions and preoccupations.

**James 1:6-8 – But he must 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 that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
**Romans 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.


3. Lack of Prejudice – Simply means, a Martial Artist does not pre-judge a situation, person, or event. Rather he simply waits for things to be revealed before he acts.

**James 1:19-20 – You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.


4. Action vs Reaction – Disputes, fighting, war, etc. often start because man is too quick to react to a word or situation rather than acting properly.

**James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.

In part 3, we'll talk about the Principles of Spiritual Warfare that help us to stand firm in our faith.

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