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¿Qué tiene que ver conmigo? por Teófila Gottfried

Lo que leemos en la Biblia tiene que ver con todos los seres humanos, sean cristianos o judíos, ateos o agnósticos, budistas, musulmanes o adherentes a alguna de las filosofías o nuevas religiones que surgen en el mundo. ¿Por qué? Ver mayor información sobre este interesante libro.

Scripture of The Day - St. John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Escritura del día - San Juan 14,6

Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí.

Bibelstelle des Tages - Johannes 14,6

Jesus spricht zu ihm: Ich bin der Weg und die Wahrheit und das Leben; niemand kommt zum Vater, denn durch mich!

Christian Martial Arts: The Bible on the Fighting Arts

The various forms of the martial arts are just a few of the many "arts" that originated in the East (predominately the Far East/the Orient) by the will of the gods behind them. When these arts are practiced, though we don't necessarily become Buddhist or Hindu, we invite the spirits behind the arts into our lives whether we know it or not. This is why the Bible issues serious warnings against taking up, or being involved in any way with the practices originating in the Eastern Hemisphere (east of the Promised Land). One of several warnings is found in the book of Isaiah.

Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished (take up/are involved in the practices) from the east... (Isaiah 2:6).

It is true that the various forms of the martial arts such as kung fu are considered among the solutions for the danger of being the victim of a violent crime but it is far from being reliable protection. In trying to secure some sense of confidence and protection, you end up exposing yourself to a danger much more terrible than the one of the streets. This is why king David, a faithful servant of God, said:

...I will not trust in my bow (and arrow), neither shall my sword save me. (Psalm 44:6)

I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:3)

Exactly what danger am I referring to? How many practitioners of the martial arts have ever stopped to question the teachings of their schools? When you are told to breathe a certain way or to do certain exercises in order to develop your "chi" energy, you obey them without question. Ask yourself if you would know how to explain in depth what "chi" is? You are taught that once your "chi" energy is developed you will have more power as your 'vital energy' flows through your body. It is believed that deep breathing during strenuous exercise such as swimming serves only to improve your physical health. Other exercises such as Buddha hand breathing supposedly develops the so-called chi energy. Energies, powers and forces DO NOT EXIST! "Chi" is a New Age term used to describe the energies, vibrations and powers behind the martial arts that are neither holy nor neutral! The following scriptures teach us that there is no middle ground. You are either with Jesus or you are against Him, you either serve sin or you serve righteousness, you serve one master or the other, you make sacrifices to the devil or to God.

His servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness. (Romans 6:16)

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love (choose) the other or else he will hold to the one and despise (reject) the other. (Matthew 6:24)

Jesus said: he that is not with me is against me. (Matthew 12:30)

The things which the gentiles (those who do not serve the God of Israel) sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God. (1 Corinthians 10:20)

In all of the above scriptures, the Bible refers to only TWO sides, either holy or unholy but not to a middle ground. If you try to make a middle ground by "straddling the line" between the things of God and those of the devil so as to be able to do what you want, you will end up being a luke warm Christian because:

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils, ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:21)

So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (spit) thee out of my mouth (reject you). (Revelation 3:16)

These scriptures plainly tell us that there is no middle ground. The energies, forces, and powers of the fighting arts are NOT holy; and they are not neutral. Remember, the Bible says that neutrality in the spirit realm does NOT exist (review scriptures above). The energies, forces, and powers behind the martial arts are demonic. These satanic powers make techniques such as 'iron palm', 'iron body', dim mak (the death touch) possible. The internal martial arts such as Tai Chi Ch'uan, Hsing-I and Pa Kua teach how to meditate to blank out your mind. Don't be deceived, this type of meditation is by no means a way to relax yourself or to escape your anxieties or worries so that your "energy" flows freely. But what does God's word say about meditation? It gives us various scriptures that all have one thing in common. God's servants never meditated to blank out their mind, on the contrary, they meditated on something in order to think it through and over.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. (Joshua 1:8)

The eastern forms of meditation such as meditating upon nothing but a light bulb, to relax and attain peace, expose you to the outward influence of evil spirits which can lead to their indwelling (possession). The Bible talks ONLY of ACTIVE meditation, and the Bible is our guide for how EVERYTHING should be done.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime (the times before us/in history) were written for our learning. (Romans 15:4)

Blanking out the mind does NOT help you to attain true peace but rather:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee ('Thee' means "you" in reference to God. These are the words king David spoke to God). (Isaiah 26:3)

What's more, the Bible warns against the danger of blanking out your mind. We are supposed to keep ourselves ALERT!

Be sober, be vigilant (alert/on the watch) because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Your response may be that the fact that in none of these scriptures do we find anyone blanking out his/her mind does not necessarily mean that we must accept such a doctrine about meditation. Let's remember that the Bible tells us what we should and should NOT do and although it was written in ancient times, it is the Gospel that remains forever and all doctrines should be based on the one great doctrine of the holy scriptures.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

But the word of the Lord endureth forever and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:25)

Satan and his demons have easy access to a blanked out mind. Your training also involves you fighting duels with imaginary opponents while practicing your katas (forms) and techniques in preparation for real combat. Although David and Gideon of the Old Testament were warriors, nowhere in the Bible do we read of them training with imaginary opponents or using "energies". Almost always your opponent is maimed or killed but how is this seen in the eyes of God? Is this how He would have you react?

Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7)

If you practice imagining yourself as one who maims and kills, you are in preparation to become one who will maim and kill. Webster's definition of "idol" is an image of a god used as an object of worship, an object of excessive devotion or admiration. Authentic training requires excessive devotion of your time and energy.

Some martial arts schools require that you bow before photos of the deceased founders of the art and even before statues of Buddha or other idols (though you may not realize it at the time). Why do I call Buddha an idol? Earlier in this writing I gave enough scriptures that tell us that there are no neutral energies. Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism as well as many other doctrines deny that Jesus is the Son of God, the messiah, the Christ and the Savior of the world.

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist. (1 John 2:22)

You shall not bow down thyself to them nor serve them for I the Lord your God am a jealous God. (Exodus 20:5)

In martial arts schools, there is the "master." The "master" is greatly admired and you bow before him to show your admiration. Jesus warned God's people not to even call the teachers of the Holy Scriptures 'master'. How is it that a Christian will be innocent in calling the teacher of an ungodly art, their master? Again, we will be judged for what we speak out of our mouths and every time you refer to your sensei (martial arts instructor) as "master" you will answer to the one and only Master one day as to why you broke this commandment of His.

But be not ye called rab'bi (which means "master/teacher" see St John 1:38); for one is your master even (who is) Christ. (Matthew 23:8)

Finally, I would like to talk about some of the movements of the forms, techniques and stretching "exercises" that are taught. Since ancient times body postures have been used to conjure up demonic power. According to Webster's dictionary, "religion" is belief and reverence for an entity (spirit being) who is accepted as creator and ruler of the universe. The martial arts were born out of Buddhism and other Far Eastern (oriental)"religions" that worship demons through the body postures and movements of katas and karate/kung-fu techniques! During the Ming dynasty, Wang Yang Ming founded a 'religion' that was a mixture of Taoism and Ch'uan Buddhism. His "religion" was based on a system of movements and many names of the movements of Tai Chi for example were inspired in the practice of that demonic "religion."

The Bird flies into the forest

The serpent crawls down the tree

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)

Training in the martial arts blinds you so that you cannot understand your need to accept Christ as your Savior and/or it ultimately leads to your backsliding. The practice of the martial arts is a sin and sin deceives and then it kills!

For sin taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. (Romans 7:11)

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

As a former practitioner of the martial arts I have personally experienced the shock of this information. Afterwards, I was greatly depressed at the thought of having to give up the practice of Kung Fu and diligently sought some way to practice "Christian" martial arts of some kind. But if you will hear the voice of God, please don't become stubborn against Him.

For Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Hebrews 3:7)

Immediately after, in no way should you turn back to participation in the fighting arts.

And Jesus said unto him, no man having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62)

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(received before we opened the conversation thread)

Comment: I became involved with the martial arts as a kid as well as other activities which introduce young people to the occult. I thank God for His Word which exposed these "arts" for what they are and their dangers. Very valuable article.

Our Response: Thank you
=======================
Comment: Why would you give the martial arts a bad name when their practice helps people to defend themselves, develop self-discipline, attain physical fitness and respect for others? Why would you attempt to vilify very positive attributes?

Our Response: The Bible has warned that even Satan will present himself as angel of light. The scripture of 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 says: And no marvel (don't be surprised); for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. The fact that something has positive aspects does not make it acceptable in the eyes of God. We read: ...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). The Bible further warns man against making judgment of what is evil and what is good based on his own thoughts and reasoning which leads to calling many things good that God has judged as evil and evil as good. Continuing to do such is warned against. We read: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21). This is why God said: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
=================================
Comment: Heavenly Manna and anyone else that believes that God has condemned the practice of the martial arts is a lunatic. They are shameful fellow Christians to be avoided by real Christians.

Our Response: The Bible says that many people called our Lord a mad man, and a man with a devil.

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? (St. John 10:20) It would not be logical to expect better treatment than our Lord. We also read that the time is coming when there will be those who will kill the followers of Christ thinking that they are doing God a service. Jesus said: They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father, nor me (St. John 16:2-3). There is no reason for us to be surprised at such a comment having been warned by our Lord to expect such. Jesus said to his servants these words: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub (the devil), how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:24-25)
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Comment: So what is someone to do in this violent world, keep turning the other cheek? Who in their right mind is going to do that?

Our Response: Such comment is taken out of context from the fifth chapter of Matthew. In the same chapter of Matthew, verses 29-30, we read: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee...and if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. Even the unlearned in the scriptures realize that a man is not to pluck his eye out or cut off his hand if it offends him. Why does 'turn the other cheek' suddenly become a literal instruction? To misquote such a scripture only reveals gross misunderstanding and/or deliberate twisting of scripture. Gaining a sound understanding of what the word 'offend' means might be a good place to start to avoid such abuse of scripture.
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Comment: I agree with your author that Tai Chi, Kempo, Tae Kwon Do and kung-fu are heavily influenced by Buddhism. Afterall, any style ending in the suffix "-do" tends to be a lifestyle, or a "way". However, any style ending in "-jutsu" as in Jiu-jitsu, Aiki-jutsu etc, are simply military arts designed to inflict as much damage as possible on the opponent while minimizing one's own damage. The grappling styles originated in the Mesopotamian Valley, particularly in the area of Ur of the Chaldees, you know- where Abram came from.

Our Response: The reader alludes to the fact that Jiu-jitsu or any other "grappling" martial art must be okay to practice since supposedly it originated in the land of Ur, Abram's first home (Abram became a great man of God). Such a conclusion lacks both logic and biblical support. First, are we to say that because Abram came from Ur and he obeyed God, jiu-jitsu must also be okay/good because it also came from Ur? This could be used to justify anything that came out of Ur! Second, it appears that the reader is unaware that Abram started out as a pagan who lived in a land filled with pagan worshippers (Joshua 24:2-3). In Joshua we read this truth and furthermore learn that he was called OUT of the land of Ur, AWAY from his pagan relatives and people. We then see the most disturbing comment the reader made which was that jiu-jitsu, Aiki-jutsu, etc. are designed to inflict as much damage as possible on the opponent while minimizing one's own damage. How is this even remotely in agreement with Jesus who said to His followers:

...Be ye therefore wise as serpents and HARMLESS as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

Furthermore, we read that Jesus, when reviled and attacked, never returned what was dished out to Him (1 Peter 2:23). Christians do not defend themselves, nor attack in the same manner as did David and his armies. Why? Obviously, because we are no longer under the Old Testament during which the servants of God were His ministers of death (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). This means that people like David were actually supposed to carry out God's punishment and judgment in war. Saul actually fell into grave trouble with God for sparing someone's life that God had ordered killed (1 Samuel 15:19-21). The servants of God under the New Testament are the servants of His MERCY! (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). We don't handle things the way king David and his armies did in old times. It is neither biblical nor logical to try to compare the two very different ministries in an attempt to biblically justify an activity that one simply wants to continue to practice.

Based on true events, The Third Man by Angela Sheffield, brings the Bible up close and personal as the characters face real issues of life: Betrayal, deceit, romance, bitterness, anger against God, hopelessness, will power, perplexity, triumph, unforgiveness, mental illness, and the "Alcohol made me do it" excuse. Read chapter one FREE now.

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Comments/Comentarios:

I dont agree with you.Martial arts especially from japan and korea were used for military and self defense purposes.Our military have fighting systems with roots in eastern martial arts.Martial arts have military code that teaches to be brave respectful humble and just,things God wants us to be.bible does talk about MA''And when Abraham heard his brother was taken captive he armed his TRAINED servants born out of his house and send them out to Dan'' GEN 14:14.most say ma originated in middle east.
by: tony
Posted on 2011-01-16 05:47:37

To Tony:

The fact that the United States military has fighting system with roots in the Eastern martial arts does not mean that they are in agreement with God's word. How many other things have Western countries embraced that are not in obedience to God? Many. The fact that the martial arts teach bravery, respect, and honor also does not make them agree with God's word. Remember, the Bible warns that, "...Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14). Of course he includes what is decent and respectable in with what is disobedient to God to make what is anti-biblical appear okay. The mention of Abraham having trained servants does not point to them being trained in the martial arts. People can be trained to fight, and to fight well without committing the sins that are committed when training in the martial arts. God has never needed the martial arts to train his people.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2011-01-16 07:33:58

so you are saying our soldeirs are commiting sin?serving your nation is serving God right?you say you can be trained to fight without training in martial arts but MA are practices of combat any fighting style like boxing and wrestling are MA so abraham servants did train in a combat style making them martial arts.How is practicing a kick invented by a buddhist make you one? algebra comes from the muslims does learning it make you one?anyways MA come from greece from alaxander the great he took them to chi
by: tony
Posted on 2011-01-16 09:26:17

To: Tony

We believe you're missing the central point of the read. We are not saying that scripture speaks against a person's right to physically defend him or herself if necessary. It speaks against the things that are practiced when one studies the Eastern martial arts which are not simply a fighting system void of the religious and spiritual influence from which they were born. If a person learns how to kick, no, he is not practicing Buddhism; however, when he bows to a Buddha statue, when he practices Buddha hand breathing, when he builds up his "chi" energy, when he calls another man "master," when he practices movements that are not simply fighting moves, but also ancient forms of idol worship, and when he does so many more things that a true martial artist does--he is in direct disobedience to the scriptures. Also, serving your nation is not always serving God because the two can and often are in conflict with each other. When they are in conflict, what does the servant of God do? The apostle Peter provided us with that answer when he reminded, "...We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Our nation's leaders are still men and God is still God. We hope this helps.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2011-01-16 20:47:03

As you have put down some of the Chinese martial arts,I must respond. I have practiced Tai Chi,Wing Chun and a few other arts over the years. I have also have done the research into their background. As I am practicing the forms I've learned I don't try to blank my mind but focus on God,His Word and pray. I am not channelling demonic spirits or any of that jazz. martial arts is about options;violece is the final option. John 15:13 -"Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends." Sometimes we have to fight and some of us God has given the ability to learn these arts. Not as a way to worship false gods but to defend His Word and His way. So what if it was developed in China,Japan,England or the USA. It is the heart that God looks at not where an art comes from but how you personally use it to glorify Him.
by: Chris
Posted on 2011-01-23 23:52:35

To Chris:

The article gave specific scripture that, in no uncertain terms, clearly speak against the practice of the martial arts. That is not us putting them down, that is God's word "putting them down." These scriptures are the word of God; on what then are you focussing as you dismiss the scriptures? All who develop supernatural stength through the practice of the martial arts are channelling demonic spritis whether they want to believe that or not; people believe what they want to believe and reject what they don't want to hear. You say that martial arts is about options--so is salvation--the option to obey or to disobey. Never once did the article say that we don't sometimes have to fight; but never once did it or the scriptures say that we must fight using the martial arts. You say that God looks on the heart. You are absolutely right, and what did king David say about this to God? He said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might NOT SIN against thee" (Psalm 119:11). What does the scripture of John 15:13 have to do with the sin of practicing the martial arts? If a pagan man who hasn't heard the gospel decides to lay down his life for his friends by sacrificing himself to an idol god, does that make him righteous? Again, ample scripture speaking against the practice of the martial arts was provided; not one of them has been refuted by opinion, philosophy or other scripture. No one glorifies God by sinning against him.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2011-01-24 18:15:08

First let me say I am genuinely interested in what you have to say. I have been involved in Martial arts for quite awhile and I understand the fighting arts that practice zen, or prana, and how that can lead one away from god, that I can understand and believe. I have personally seen the damage yoga, and qigong can inflict on the human mind and body. However, what of the combat arts that have no focus on anything of the sort? I have been involved in Muay Thai kickboxing for quite some time and I have never practiced meditation, prayers, chants, worshipping idols (that I know of?) although I will say some students do “bow” to their instructor or “master” but as far as I know there is not one gym or training center that is involved in such practices. Krav Maga is another perfect example I would like to know about considering it was made by the Jews to fight off Nazi’s and gangs. Since it only focuses on street self defense applications when retreat it not an option I don’t really see the problem with it, the Jews don’t seem to think so either. There are literally handfuls of fighting styles whether for sport or streets that have no connection to any eastern religious practices what so ever. Is street defense when retreat is not an option really such a bad thing? I don’t mean to kill an attacker but to simply control and stop the attack and get out of the line of fire. Considering we live in a time where people carry guns, machetes, and weapons of all kind, is having knowledge of how to use the natural parts of our bodies as weapons such a bad thing?
by: Jon
Posted on 2011-10-30 23:55:07

To Jon:

Yes, you are correct that there are some martial arts training schools that do not teach any of the practices from the East such as meditation and visualization according to doctrines such as that of Buddhism and Hinduism. Is there any harm in training in such schools? Although Eastern religious thought might be omitted, SOME of the actual moves themselves are a form of demonic worship. This is not the case with all arts. However, it is the case with most all of the fighting arts developed in a land in which idol worship was a daily way of life. For example, what looks like a kata, a set of moves, or a technique, can also be a form of dance that was practiced to worship various gods. In other words, many martial art moves and/or the warm-up exercises were developed for multiple purposes: to exercise, to fight, and to honor idols in "dance."

One Christian writer pointed out that God's word reminds us that believers worship God in dance (Psalm 149:3, 150:4). Can, and do people worship demons in dance? Yes, they do. Exodus 32:19 speaks of the dancing that took place in worship to the golden calf (idol). The believer's body should honor God at all times (1 Cor. 6:19-20). You can omit meditation, bowing, visualization, and Eastern philosophy. However, you cannot omit the bodily postures and moves of the "warm-up" exercises, katas, and techniques. If you do, you no longer have a martial art. The safest fighting systems are those that have no connection to the Eastern martial arts--even the watered down, Americanized ones. There are many street fighters from large cities who can very easily and very quickly overpower martial artists, yet they use no martial arts themselves. It is almost always "spiritually" safer to learn self-defense techniques from them and avoid the martial arts altogether.

We will produce content on the art that you mentioned, Krav Maga, and post here when it is published. Thank you for your very valuable feedback!
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2011-10-31 02:32:54

I just wanted to say thanks for your response because it opened my eyes up to something I never really noticed before. Like I stated I am involved in Muay Thai and what you said about worshiping demons in dance didn't really occur to me but one of the rituals before a ring fight known as the "wai kru" is exactly that a ritualistic dance. I think I will be looking into something else in terms of self defense or sport from now on that isn't tied to paganism, thank you for the insight.

I want others to understand the dangers with these sort of things. I have been doing my own research since then and I came to discover the ties to Hinduism in many Southeast Asian martial arts to name them off for you Salat, Kali (named after Hindu god of death), Muay Thai/Boran/Chaiya –(all which is based on movements of the Hindu god Hanuman from a story where he fights a demon named Ravana! I never knew! I always just thought it was the Thai’s version of dirty kickboxing, and I have been involved for about a year), Bando, Lethwei, Banshay… These styles from Southeast Asia might not focus on Meditation or Zen or whatever but they are deeply rooted in Hinduism I have discovered and some are based on the same animal movements practices in qi-gong. The Filipino style of combat "Kali" is not only named after the most hideous being I have ever seen put to picture but it also emphasizes on a fighting stance known as the triangle where you often practice this on a triangle taped to the floor with a diamond pattern inside which is the Kali yantra worshiped in Hinduism! People need to know this stuff if they believe in the bible because you could be worshiping a demon when really you think your just practicing a sophisticated combat system. This is very dangerous because these styles are gaining popularity all over the place for their effectiveness in the past on the battlefield and in reality they might be damning themselves to hell. I know of handfuls of places teaching most of this and I live in the Washington DC metro area, so these styles are gaining popularity in a mainstream way. People NEED to know these things! I have definitely been mislead.
by: Jon
Posted on 2011-11-01 22:21:07

To Jon:

Thank you for your informative response. May God use your knowledge to inform many others on these dangers.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2011-11-05 00:36:48

hello and thank you for the insight on martial arts. i agree with the martial way
being linked to religious practices. but i
have be looking into an Iraeli system of fighting called Krav Maga. they say its "street self defense" and not considered to be martial arts at all. please give me your opinion on this system . id like to know because i dont want to practice something that is going to make me feel like im in disobedience to God. thank you
by: kelvys
Posted on 2012-08-10 09:48:43

To Kelvys:

I abandoned the practice of Chinese kung fu, specifically a form of the preying mantis system, which is the only martial art that I personally know. Therefore, what I'm about to say about Krav Maga is NOT from personal experience, but rather it is based on my very limited understanding of the art.

If I am correct, Krav Maga, being used by the military, is understandably designed to maim and/or kill an attacker. First, if you live in the United States and ever used it to maim or kill someone, you would probably find yourself in very serious trouble with the law. If a person who has not trained in this martial art picks up a weapon and maims or kills someone in desperation during self-defense, he or she could be seen as killing in self-defense. Someone who made a conscious decision to train in a deadly art, on the other hand, might be viewed by the law and by jurors as "prone" to be violent. However unfair this might sound, it is the way things are.

Second, can we really reconcile training to maim or kill with the word of God? Jesus said to his followers, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and HARMLESS as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

Please do NOT misunderstand us because of the mention of the scripture. We do NOT believe in Christians, or anyone else for that matter, being "door mats." However, we must be so careful that, in defending ourselves, we do not open a door to the enemy.

There are former street fighters, bouncers, and wrestlers who can easily disable an opponent without maiming or killing. Some of them are more than happy to teach what they know. They are not all martial artists. Some of them have never been trained to kill, they simply know how to take care of themselves on dangerous streets--with or without a weapon. They might inflict terrible pain, but that is almost always what is needed to make someone take their hands off of you. And, the one who attacked without a just cause gets what he or she deserves.

Would I study Krav Maga? No, I would not. Would I learn self-defense techniques totally unrelated to traditional martial arts, and designed only to allow me to escape? Absolutely.

We hope this helps.
Hannah of Heavenly Manna
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2012-08-15 11:19:31

First, about Krav Maga:

There are many variations of it. There is civilian Krav Maga which teaches only to deal enough damage to run, and military krav maga which teaches how to kill.

You see to know a lot on topic of martial arts. Well problem is that I am commanders of Paramilitary unit and I look for non - occultic system which I can practice with my men. I think about Russian Sambo, Kadochnikov systema ( not to confuse with internal Systema, system of Kadochnikov is about body mechanics not energy ). I do not wish to kill or maim anybody as you think.

And later we see: It is true that Abraham TRAINED his serverants to war. Nothing prohibits Christian from being soldier and what is your opinion if somebody studies krav maga in army or police?
by: Cornelius
Posted on 2012-08-20 02:09:57

To Cornelius:

First, you wrote in your comment, "I do not wish to kill or maim anybody as you think." Cornelius, NOT ONCE DID I EVER say that you or anyone else who studies Krav Maga or any other system wished to kill or maim anyone. So, why did you make that comment? I spoke in general terms and even gave an example of the legal problems that a person might encounter if he/she maimed or killed someone. Please refrain from saying that I think you want to kill or maim someone when I NEVER said that in any part of my response which is public for all to see. Please read what is actually written, not thoughts that never occurred. I don't mean to sound rude, but I do mean to sound firm, because it is important to have a listening ear when communicating--an ear that does not hear things that were never said.

Second, the mention that servants of God such as Abraham and David trained for battle has previously been mentioned and answered. David and his armies trained to fight in war. This fact in no way, shape, or form, says that David and Abraham were martial artists. A person can train to fight in war and never once practice the martial arts. Likewise, a person can train in the martial arts and never learn how to fight. The article is about the practice of the martial arts, NOT about the fact that soldiers must train in something to be prepared for battle, keeping in mind that the Old Testament soldiers of God did NOT train in any art that would have caused them to sin.

Now, let's deal with the rest of your comment. You state that there is a civilian form of Krav Maga that does not focus on maiming or killing, and that truly is totally free of any influence from traditional martial arts. I will not argue with that. As I said, I can speak from experience when it comes to karate and kung fu. My knowledge of Krav Maga, however, is extremely limited. So, thank you for sharing about the civilian form of the art for the benefit of the followers of this conversation.

The purpose of the study of the word of God is to acquire knowledge of what the Lord says is right and what he says is wrong. It provides guidelines within which the true believer walks. When making a decision about practicing Krav Maga or any other art or anything else for that matter, a person can ask him/herself whether the guidelines that have been presented here (and backed by scripture) will be broken. We can seek the Lord diligently, and with a pure heart that SINCERELY wants to do what God says is righteous and with a heart that truly wants to stay far away from what God says is unrighteous. The Lord has never ignored or failed to answer any soul who has sought his righteousness.

God's word says, "In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6).
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2012-08-20 15:39:38

Well thanks, but the killing or maiming part was taken from article. It offended me a bit, because most time what soldiers are doing is TRAINING HOW TO FIGHT.

Well, i would say you about problem: in so called CQB possibility of hand - to - hand combat is great and it presents serious threat to soldier or policemen. Also in many situations bodyguards have no time to take gun and simply need " martial arts ". It is the matter of life and death here.

Well. Sword fighting is form of martial arts. If you practiced kung fu you know how many traditional weapons it has.

Pslam 144:1

Blessed "be"the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, "and" my fingers to fight:

And also, in the gospel of Luke Jesus ordered to buy sword. The sword is macharaos - it was part of jewish traveler' s equipment and served to fight with bandits and wild animals ( NOT govermnent officials and expanding Christ' s kingdom by force ).

And also we have abraham. Who trained his serverants for battle. We have Jackob wrestling with angel ( wrestling is form of martial arts ) and saint Paul comparing christian to boxer. Well.

I do not defend anny occult system here. I do not say by training in sword fighting biblical heroes used " ki " energy. But as you can see not all forms of " martial arts " are occult.

Well, one of most dangerous opponents that I heard about is trained boxer. The art of boxing is mentioned in scripture. There is no chance that one of those fancy kicks from kung fu could break through boxer' s guard.

Also what is problem - all policemen have problem with new mania called mma. I myself as one who took counter - terrorism training know HOW DANGEROUS one mma fighter could be even for trained commando, and problem is ground fighting / wrestling, because gun is disadvantage during ground fight and can be easyly.

Well, i recommend russian Sambo, bjj or Krav maga. Most schools here do not teach civilians how to kill because they know they would be responsible for wrong use of it. Same is with sambo. If you would have to learn 100% deadly sambo it is either dvd or training in military school.

Such systems are necessary during service in military and shame on some armies for introducing occult systems and thanks God for providing us non - occult means in hand to hand combat.

by: Cornelius
Posted on 2012-08-20 19:52:55

Excuse me, this is not an attack - The Truth about Spontaneous Chi Kung article is from Islamic site. It CAN damage christian not because of exposing MA but because it promotes false religion, as false as martial arts.
by: Cornelius
Posted on 2012-08-21 10:37:29

To Cornelius:

Thank you for sharing what I believe, if I'm not mistaken, is your suggestion to remove the mention of the article, The Truth about Spontaneous Chi Kung. I'm aware that it is from an Islamic site. The idea was to provide further information on the subject of chi kung than what we provide. However, some Christians, particularly those who are new to the faith, might not be able to separate the information of that article from the Islamic undertones. It is this kind of valuable feedback that we desire from our readers. We do not want anything on our site that could justifiably be seen by our readers as a support of the doctrine of Islam--a doctrine that we vehemently reject, because of its rejection of the divinity and Lordship of the Son of God (Jesus). I do not have the authority to remove the reference without consulting with at least one other person of Heavenly Manna. But, your point is well taken. I am in agreement with you on this point. Therefore, I "vote" for it to be removed, and I believe there will be agreement on this in the ministry. Again, thank you for taking the time to give us feedback.

Also, I have not forgotten your question in a previous comment you made about soldiers and police officers training in the fighting arts. It is a good question that we believe others have; and, it is one that we believe we will answer in a separate article to which we will link directly from the conversation thread on this article. Please be patient as we respond to everyone's comments/questions on this and the many other articles here on the site. Again, thank you very much for taking the time to read and provide feedback.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2012-08-21 17:54:51

To Cornelius:

Again, thank you for your very valuable feedback. You mention the scripture in the Psalms in which we read about the Lord teaching his servant to fight in war. We have never once spoken against necessary combat training for soldiers and police officers AS LONG AS THAT TRAINING IS NOT RELATED TO THE OCCULT. So, there is no need to "defend" what has never been attacked. We are NOT oblivious to the need for soldiers and police officers to be trained in combat. Again, when the Lord taught his soldiers to fight in Old Testament times, we know that he did not teach them occultic martial arts. As I said before, a person can train to fight and not practice the occult and many who train in occultic martial arts never truly learn how to fight. The message that we've been repeating over and over should be clear: Train if you must for your profession or duty, but stay away from the occult when you train! It's that simple.

I have never been a soldier or a police officer. However, I am an advanced emergency medical technician (advanced EMT/AEMT). Many of the patients EMTs and paramedics treat are dangerous psychopaths. And, many of our patients are the victims of violent crimes. So, please don't think for one minute that I'm unaware of the need for soldiers and police officers to learn how to fight.

Regarding your statement that military systems and the systems in charge of law and order should never train people in occultic arts, I say amen to that comment. I fully agree with you. The sad fact is that many military systems are embracing all types of arts that are occultic.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2012-08-22 12:26:10

The mention of the article, The Truth about Spontaneous Chi Kung, has been removed in response to reader feedback, because of its publication at a site that promotes Islam. Thank you, readers, for your feedback.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2012-08-22 12:37:17

Well, that is great to hear! Besides from being important figure in paramilitary unit I am also member of Wodne Ochotnicze pogotowie ratunkowe, which translated to English means " Volunteer Water Emergency " and is water lifeguard organization.

Well, South Korean military teaches tae kwon do in military and hapkido in special forces. " Do ( Japanese and Korean or Tao/Dao ) means " way " in this case " way for enlightenment ". So basically Hap-ki-do means " Energy Harmony is my way for enlightenment ".

And traditional martial arts:
They are mostly not effective. Chinese army had to modify many techniques and copy from the west because their own kung fu was simply useless.

The kata/tul/poomse/jurus are mostly useless in real combat.

And last thing: this is not attack on Asian people. Actually they are many good things that Chinese or Japanese people.

Well, there is theory that " Shangdi " from ancient China worshiped until Taoist charlatans took control was on one else than God of Israel. There is evidence that worship of our God was not restricted to Israel - remember Shem, king of Shalem or Jethro, priest of Midianites? Also, see book " how story of noah' s flood was encoded in Chinese alphabet " or something like that. For example Chinese sign meaning " devil " is serpent of genesis and sign " tempter " is devil + trees! I suggest you to read about it, but even if it is true, their worship is outdated as Judaism.
by: Cornelius
Posted on 2012-08-22 16:38:50

As last, to Jon, if you would be here anytime later:

See video, long DVD about muay boran. Not only meditation is used, but later:

" In those days rituals involved BLACK MAGIC AND SPELLS "

and on specific ways of stepping in muay boran:

" In those days every step was made with CHANTING AND SPELLS "

Who said it? Man who thai people consider as national treasure. He teaches muay chaiyuth, one of muay boran kinds.


by: Cornelius
Posted on 2012-08-28 07:42:03

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