A reader once asked “Why are there Martial Arts pages on a spirituality/faith site?” I figure there are a number of people who have the same question so to answer:
In the summer of my 12th year I was with a large group of friends enjoying the day at a community park when suddenly we were approached by a gang, the leader of which was a bully and singled me out for a fight. I don’t know why he picked me or what he did not like but it was clear he wanted to put me down. As a committed “Christian” I was opposed to fighting but he was determined. Because I would not raise a fist in anger I refused to strike back. The result was a pummeling and humiliation I still remember. Torn clothes and bloody cheeks streaked by tears and dirt as I limped home alone. I had some serious questions about faith, its cost and effectiveness. I decided no matter what happened to me spiritually I would not allow something like that to happen again. I decided that a “Christian” does not have to be a victim and looked for a way to learn how to have courage and to defend myself. I found the Shuto Society School of Karate.
I trained long and hard. I enjoyed the physical development, the defense skills, the camaraderie and friendship and the self-confidence I gained through Karate. I continued to go to church but I started to wonder about the dichotomy between the teachings of the church and the martial training (and the attitude some “Christians” had towards it). I loved the lord, but I would not be a coward or a wimp. Some friends considered giving up their Christian faith for eastern philosophy but I believed the two were not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, the philosophy of the school was to be persons of character and peace, not fighting. We were trained to be the most responsible citizens, capable to effectively to any sort of situation and to do what was necessary for the good of all. Then as I matured I started studying the physical dimensions of Christian spirituality. I discovered that the mental and physical disciplines of karate training made me sensitive to a physical approach to Christian spirit and faith expression. Faith for me became much more than a matter of the mind but included all aspects of one’s being. And I found that faith and spirit being a choice and mental discipline did not have to be exclusive but can be informed by other principles, philosophies and persons. Bottom line: karate was not incompatible with my faith.
Ever since I have enjoyed bringing together east and west, how to help people improve their lives by being responsible, making better choices, building self confidence and strengthening relationships and faith. I reject the idea that in order to be faithful one has to be a pushover or pansy and I have found that to be a true disciple of Christ requires courage and sacrifice. Martial Arts training provides physical fitness, mental discipline and inner self-confidence. It empowers courage and helps one to work in spite of fear with effectiveness. Furthermore, physical fitness, mental sharpness, resourcefulness, and an inclination toward service with concern for others enable a wide variety of ways to make a difference for self, for others and the community at large.
In my experience bringing the spiritual and physical dimensions of life together has empowered both faith and life. I know there are some martial artists out there looking for a solid spirituality and there are spiritual people who are looking for ways to build their abilities to cope. Way Stations can be one place where the two may come together in community. It is a place where the weak can become strong, where the strong can find heart and fellowship and where all can come together in respect, community and mutual contribution to wellbeing of self, faith community and the worlds in which we live.
