This is an issue that I have struggled with for
awhile. I got into martial arts a few years ago and a few
weeks later got out because of some of these points
that are brought up in this essay. I had a friend at
church that was heavily into martial arts and then was
convicted to leave it behind because it became a religion
to him. I studied the issue on my own and realized
that I was possibly getting into it with the wrong or
mixed motives. Was I doing it to protect myself? My
family? For an ego trip? To glorify God? For disipline?
Health?<br>I can only answer for myself when I say that the
martial arts are okay for me to do. For others it might
very well be a sin. If you don't know one way or the
other you better stay away from it until you get the
matter settled. <br>The eastern philosophies that are
attached to the martial arts are a sad substitute for the
Living God and I have no part of them. Instead
everything I do, I do to His glory. I don't agree with the
statement of martial artists not relying on God and taking
things into their own hands. Rather I look at king
David, a man after Gods own heart. David trained in the
art of defense, (1Sam17:34-37). But his motives were
pure and he relized that God decided who won and lost.
He trained to protect the ones he was accountable
for (the sheep) so I have no problems to train to
protect my family or the life of someone else or myself
in the process. <br>I guess what I'm saying is that
anything can be a sin. What you have to ask yourself is,
"What is my motive for what I am doing." If your motive
is not pleasing to God then don't do it.