Taekwondo. Karate. Boxing. Muay Thai. MMA. Wing Chun. Taiji. These are some of the martial arts popular in Singapore. While some Christians see the practice of such martial arts as beneficial for personal health and fitness or even self-defence, others see it as problematic. For some, martial arts practice seems to encourage violent behaviour. For others, their concern is that the practice of some Asian martial arts may subject one to the influence of non-Christian religious ideals or spirituality. Even if martial arts practice is valid, how should Christians engage in it?
History of martial arts
What is blatantly obvious is that most of our biblical heroes are martial arts practitioners—from Abraham, Moses and Joshua to Samson, David and his successors. When the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were defeated and Lot captured, Abraham personally led 318 trained men to rescue the kings and Lot (Genesis 14). In Judges 20:16, we are told that the tribe of Benjamin had 700 left-handed slingers who could hit any target “within a hairsbreadth”! The King and Psalmist, David, was a general and martial arts expert, along with his mighty men (2 Sam 23). Furthermore, the practice of soldiering (and thus martial arts) was also assumed and accepted in the New Testament, hence John the Baptist did not tell the Roman soldiers to change their vocation but only to not abuse their authority (Luke 3:14).
Christian views of martial arts
Some early Christians like Tertullian, Origen and Lactantius (2nd and 4th centuries) did discourage Christians from a military career. This was due not only to the fact that soldiers had to participate in pagan rituals, but also that the vocation was inherently violent. Others, most notably Augustine, saw the need for a restricted use of violence and war to defend one’s country and people and mitigate the evils of men (i.e. the “just war” theory). While both views have persisted among Christians (e.g. the Amish and Mennonite Brethren are pacifists), the majority, including Singaporean churches, have adopted the “just war” theory of some kind. Practically speaking, many recognise that Christians can discuss and practise non-violence only in the context of effective law and order where someone else is mitigating the violence martially. In the absence of such peace, such as the times of Abraham or David, some form of effective self-defence is necessary in our fallen world.
Modern martial arts
How should we think of modern martial arts? Firstly, since the advent of modern weaponry (guns), the usefulness of traditional martial arts has declined. Also, where law and order is more effective, especially in Singapore, there is less need to learn martial arts for self-defence. Consequently, many martial arts are now taught as a form of sport beneficial for one’s physical, emotional and social well-being rather than to engage in actual combat sparring for self-defence. The best case in point is Taiji Quan or Taiji Boxing. During China’s Qing Dynasty, it was regarded as one of the most effective forms of martial arts, but in the present day, it is a longevity exercise largely practised by seniors.
Secondly, no matter the kind of martial art, all must abide by the laws of biomechanics built into our God-created bodies. In other words, a punch is only as effective as the law of physics dictates. Hence, any form of martial arts that does not abide by biomechanics will not only be less effective but is likely to injure the practitioner.
Thirdly, most practitioners recognise the lethality of their art form and practice and develop some degree of self-discipline and restraint. As a Wing Chun dictum puts it, “if you show pity, do not use your martial arts. If you (do need to) use your arts, show no mercy.” Interestingly, due to the need for minute muscular coordination with one’s breathing, seasoned practitioners are more aware of themselves physically and emotionally, and are hence more able to regulate their emotions (including anger) especially under stressful conditions.
What about the ideals of Chinese martial arts?
The greatest concern of Christians may be the ideas espoused in traditional Chinese martial arts such as yinyang and qi. Do they not expose Christians to Chinese religious ideals? I have argued elsewhere in The Dao of Healing: Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine that, while inherent to Chinese culture, these ideas are philosophical, not religious. Briefly, yinyang pronounces that the world is inter-related and inter-dependent, while qi describes how things influence each other. Often used to describe natural phenomena, they are philosophical ideas underlying Chinese sciences.
Besides, most Chinese martial arts subscribe to Confucian principles such as filial piety, which translates to respect for one’s teacher and senior disciples, and care for each other. Such mutual care and piety need not contradict Christian ethics.
However, it is important to distinguish the presence of Chinese philosophy and Confucian ethics in martial arts from any religious practices that a martial arts school or teacher may impose. This includes the expectation that a student prays or bows to the religion of the school or teacher. If they are required of a Christian, it calls into question whether he should continue with the particular teacher or school. Since most Chinese martial arts schools now operate in a secular context (at least in Singapore), such a concern is rare.
However, it is important to distinguish the presence of Chinese philosophy and Confucian ethics in martial arts from any religious practices that a martial arts school or teacher may impose. This includes the expectation that a student prays or bows to the religion of the school or teacher.
Spiritual discernment, discipleship and martial arts
All these being said, martial arts, like all kinds of work, hobbies or other human endeavours, have their opportunities and grey areas which Christians should discern wisely. I can only discuss a few here briefly.
Firstly, there are many non-Christian participants in the Chinese martial arts communities. The Christian should not see himself only as a practitioner but also Christ’s ambassador to these communities: to pray for them, show them Christ’s love, and, whenever possible, to share the gospel.
The Christian should not see himself only as a practitioner but also Christ’s ambassador to these communities: to pray for them, show them Christ’s love, and, whenever possible, to share the gospel.
Secondly, martial arts, as an art form, is no different from any sports or performance arts. When one becomes good in any of these art forms, there is always the temptation to be proud of one’s skills. Thus, a Christian practitioner should always watch out for this.
Thirdly, some people are prone to violence, just as some are prone to depression or anxieties. As I’m unsure whether the discipline of martial arts can effectively regulate such a tendency, I would suggest that those who know themselves better decide whether they should refrain from martial arts practice.
Fourthly, on rare occasions, a martial arts teacher may actively mix religious spirituality with martial arts practice. Now, it is one thing for a teacher to propound the merits of Daoist philosophy, and quite another to encourage Daoist meditation, so a Christian must beware of such syncretism. When in doubt, it is best to leave the practice.
Finally, there are those who have been exposed to religious spiritual influence through their earlier practice of martial arts with such teachers. For them, it may not be wise to return to the practice, just as former alcoholics are advised against engaging in social drinking. The problem is not the alcohol or the practice, but one’s susceptibility to their influence.
Dr Lai Pak Wah is Principal and Lecturer in Church History and Marketplace Theology at the Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST). Dr Lai has taught and researched in a wide range of subjects, including early church history, science and faith, Chinese medicine, digital disruptions, marketplace ethics and leadership. He is also the author of The Dao of Healing: Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine and a certified Belbin coach. He and his family worship at Mt Carmel Bible Presbyterian Church where he is the Elder overseeing Evangelism.
