Is Martial Arts an Occult Practice?

[Tenken07]

I got an email from a friend trying to help cast out my demons and in the list of occult things he put in martial arts. Now, I dont understand how or why, but is martial arts realy an occult practice?

any opinions?

[seebs]

In general, no.

Some martial arts use techniques that are vaguely similar to yoga techniques, or have some vaguely philosophical stuff about centering. There are a couple that actually push some sort of philosophy.

I don't think any of them are actually occult. He's been watching too many ninja movies.

[Tenken07]

Ive taken Kung Fu before so I know a bit of their eastern religion. I dont think I got into it. I was told about meditation. All they had us do was focus on nothing but our breathing, to relax ourselves and raise our focus. I also heard that studies prove that doin that simple breathing I just mentioned is healthy and improves your lung capacity

[cenimo]

Here's the hang-up with martial arts (and it's a crock). Some Christians get upset that the person running a school or the founder of a system is called "Master."
If anyone tells you that, just tell them they are displaying their own ignorance because in some Asian languages, the words for "teacher", "instructor", and "master" are interchangeable.

Then there's things like this:
http://www.christianmartialarts.com/index.htm

[Tenken07]

Ive also got another question. Is Rock Music occult or bad?
relating to demons in any way?

[seebs]

Ive also got another question. Is Rock Music occult or bad?
relating to demons in any way?

In general, no.

I am sure there's some out there which is, although a lot of the stuff that gets a bad rap is actually in no way occult or demonic.

People tend to mistake scruples for leadings.

[Sword-In-Hand]

I've been practicing martial arts for over 12 years now and I can say it is not occultic. As with everything, however, it can become something that is placed before God.

Martial arts, although eastern in decent, is really what you make if it. Some forms have taoistic influences, or Buddhist influences, but I think it's up to the practioner to fall into those beliefs or not. I never did. I understand that the body is a complicated, majestic, creation if you will. There are really things that are mesmerzing about the mind and what physical things we can do. I believe all of this is God created and God given and we have the choice to search for them, but not in a way that would pertain to false idols or religions.

Meditation is simply learning how to breathe. Meditation is proven to be a healthy practice. Just note it has nothing to do with trying to achieve Nirvana or transverting the soul into another plane of existence. What it really boils down to is understanding the body's natural flow of energy and learning how to use it for beneficial purposes.

Martial arts, as with everything, should not be placed above God. If anyone struggled with prioritizing this above God then I would suggest laying it to the side. But martial arts can be fun, healthy and a good way to keep people from doing other things.

As for rock music, I would say, no its not occultic. But if it taunts people into acting certain ways then I would suggest dropping it. Music is what it is and how you are influenced by it should determine whether it's in your life or not. God can be glorified through rock music and I personally believe if King David were alive today he'd be in a rock band, sporting a Less Paul and about twelve Marshal half-stacks.;)

[MrJim]

It all can influence in negative ways.

I studied Tai Chi Chu'an (a more martial aspect of it) for some years and some of the soft/interal kung fu can get into some weird spiritualism.

Rock-again, can be used as a vehicle of occult, just like Christians use it as a vehicle of evangelism.

[Tenken07]

Well thank you all for your answers. I appreciate them, especially since the demons im battleing are constantly putting in lies and trying to confuse me. ^_^ Thanks to ya' all

[arunma]

Ive taken Kung Fu before so I know a bit of their eastern religion. I dont think I got into it. I was told about meditation. All they had us do was focus on nothing but our breathing, to relax ourselves and raise our focus. I also heard that studies prove that doin that simple breathing I just mentioned is healthy and improves your lung capacity

Meditation is no more occultic than prayer or temple worship. Before Abraham, the pagans used to pray to their gods and worship them in temples, and yet God prescribed the same thing through his Prophets and Apostles. Besides that, meditation is prescribed in the Bible:
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. (Genesis 24:63a)
That many forms of martial arts are "Eastern" has nothing to do with their religious influences. Unfortunately, cultural sheltering in America leads us to believe that Christianity is a purely Western European phenomenon. In fact, Christian missionaries had reached China well before the close of the first millenium. Today, the Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, and includes adherants from Russia, the Middle East, India, and Africa. On the other hand, modern paganism comes largely from the West, since Wicca and other forms of nature worship are based on ancient European religions. I would be careful to avoid equating the categories of Western and Eastern with Christian and pagan, because this will lead one into error. This will have the dual effect of causing you to miss out on much of what the East has to offer, while making you susceptible to Western pagan influences.

Now as to martial arts, I think the Apostles offer the best advice:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
This advice is easy to follow when learning most forms of martial arts. Along with fighting skills (which by themselves are an excellent form of exercise), martial artists will usually teach their students a philosophy of non-violence, explaining that the skills one learns are only to be used defensively. This doctrine is perfectly in keeping with the Gospel. Saint Augustine, for example, said that war was only justified in self-defense, and in the reclaiming of lost territory.

I used to do Tae Kwon Do up through high school. Our instructor (who was a Westerner) was well-versed in Korean culture and language, and he was a Christian. In fact at a weekend retreat that his school once offered, on Sunday morning they held a Korean church service. So certainly anyone who is interested should do martial arts with God's blessings, and should do it to the glory of God.

[arunma]

Ive also got another question. Is Rock Music occult or bad?
relating to demons in any way?

I wish it did, seeing as how I hate virtually all forms of modern music. But no, rock music is not occult either. Yes, there are many bands that celebrate death and blasphemy, but you could easily get the same thing from any form of music. Certain bands are occultic (Marilyn Manson, for example), but there's nothing intrinsically wrong with rock music.

...except that it sucks. :D

[Sweet Pea]

I don't know much about martial arts but rock music can be bad for christians to listen to. Not saying we have to listen to all christian music but what we listen to should glorify God.
Too many people IMO who have depression problems and spiritual problems and regularly listen to certain types of music brings their own problems on themselves. Music can bring you down or up, it can be mood altering. Too many try and justify listen to certain types of music or watching certain types of tv/movies for different reasons that's not Biblical.

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing PRAISE to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:2

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we SING and PRAISE thy power. Psalm 21:13

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my SONG will I PRAISE him. Psalm 28:7

PRAISE the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:2-3

What does the Bible say about music?

A Christian's music is sung to the Lord. It is not for the world.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns andspiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart TO THE LORD; Ephesians 5:19

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts TO THE LORD. Colossians 3:16

Sing praises TO THE LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. Psalm 9:11
Isaiah 12:2 sums it up wonderfully, ". . .for the LORD JEHOVAH is . . . MY SONG . . .":

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and MY SONG; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2


Ps. 69:30;Ps. 150:1-5
Psalms that belong to this type include 28, 36, 105, 111, 113, 117, 135, 136, 146, and 147.
The Bible mentions praising God 104 times in the Bible.


When a person becomes a Christian the Bible said God puts a new song in them.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath PUT a NEW SONGin my mouth, even PRAISE unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Praise 40:1-3

Even when the apostle Paul and Silas were thrown in jail and in stocks they sang praises to the Lord (notice: they weren't singing the blues – they "sang praises unto God"). And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, andSANG PRAISES unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:22

Not everyone that writes/sings Christian music does it for the right reasons.

"Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the PRAISE OF MEN more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Psalm 66:2

We shouldn't listen to music that is vulgar, offensive.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

</I>The word "corrupt" is saprov (sapros) in the Greek means "rotten, i.e. worthless (literally or morally):--bad, corrupt.

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." Col. 3:8

The word "filthy communication" aisrologia (aischrologia) in the Greek means "vile conversation: -- filthy communication, from shameful, i.e. base (specially, venal):--filthy and from aischos (disfigurement, i.e. disgrace); to feel shame (for oneself):--be ashamed."
Matthew 12:34-36: "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." <-----We will answer for it!!


Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
http://www.smilieland.com/graphics4/blesscolor.gif

[ZiSunka]

I got an email from a friend trying to help cast out my demons and in the list of occult things he put in martial arts. Now, I dont understand how or why, but is martial arts realy an occult practice?

any opinions?

Martial arts can be occult or not.

Some martial arts centers are just for exercise, but some add spiritual practices to their lessons.

There is one martial arts center near here that has its students meditate on receiving power and energy from occult symbols and many students get some of these symbols tatooed on their bodies. They also have the students bow in front of these symbols and pray for safety and strength before they begin a lesson or competition. These are occult practices.

Another martial arts school in this area has students learn the names and meanings of "dark symbols" from Chinese and Japanese traditional religions and use the names and symbols to guard them from their enemies, like an incantation. The students are taught to repeat the names and do hand motions related to the symbols over and over to create a hedge of protection around themselves and to weaken their enemies. This is a kind of dark magic that is very occult.

One MA center I know of has its students practice transcendental meditation daily as part of their training. Since TM is the emptying of one's mind to focus on the attributes of hindu gods, this meditation is an occult practice.

[Joykins]

I can't speak for all martial arts but my mother does Aikido. It is entirely for self-defense and there is no meditating stuff in her classes.

[ZiSunka]

I can't speak for all martial arts but my mother does Aikido. It is entirely for self-defense and there is no meditating stuff in her classes.

Yes, and I should have reinforced that most martial arts centers in the midwest at least are NOT engaging in occult practices, but are places where people get exercise and tone their bodies or learn self-defense.

Most do not require students to engage in spiritual practices at all, but there are some out there that do and when choosing a martial arts center, you need to fully understand what is taught and how it is taught before you sign a contract or enter into lessons.

[sevenangels777777]

I got an email from a friend trying to help cast out my demons and in the list of occult things he put in martial arts. Now, I dont understand how or why, but is martial arts realy an occult practice?

any opinions?
Martial arts, in China, was started by Christians (when Christianity was the state religion of China) to protect the week and inocent.
It changed when the beliefs changed in China.
It is now secular.

[ZiSunka]

Martial arts, in China, was started by Christians (when Christianity was the state religion of China) to protect the week and inocent.
It changed when the beliefs changed in China.
It is now secular.

When was Christianity the state religion of China?

[Tenken07]

Martial arts, in China, was started by Christians (when Christianity was the state religion of China) to protect the week and inocent.
It changed when the beliefs changed in China.
It is now secular.

Ive never heard that. Thats sounds interesting.

I need 8 more posts and I get a siggy!

[ZiSunka]

Martial arts, in China, was started by Christians (when Christianity was the state religion of China) to protect the week and inocent.
It changed when the beliefs changed in China.
It is now secular.

Christianity was NEVER a state religion of China:
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Religion_in_China
for most of China's history, Christianity has been barely tolerated, and sometimes actively persecuted, but it was never a state religion.

The martial arts found their beginnings in confucism and hindu-buddhist traditions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts#Martial_arts_in_Asia

[Leimeng]

Martial arts can be occult or not.

Some martial arts centers are just for exercise, but some add spiritual practices to their lessons.

There is one martial arts center near here that has its students meditate on receiving power and energy from occult symbols and many students get some of these symbols tatooed on their bodies. They also have the students bow in front of these symbols and pray for safety and strength before they begin a lesson or competition. These are occult practices.

Another martial arts school in this area has students learn the names and meanings of "dark symbols" from Chinese and Japanese traditional religions and use the names and symbols to guard them from their enemies, like an incantation. The students are taught to repeat the names and do hand motions related to the symbols over and over to create a hedge of protection around themselves and to weaken their enemies. This is a kind of dark magic that is very occult.

One MA center I know of has its students practice transcendental meditation daily as part of their training. Since TM is the emptying of one's mind to focus on the attributes of hindu gods, this meditation is an occult practice.

~ In the past 25 years that I have been involved in the martial arts, I have never ever ever heard of a legitimate martial arts school being involved in such practices. It is preposterous to assume that is this is common activity.
~ At the same time, Christianity has never been the state religion of China! (responding to that post)
~ Moreover, (in response to another post), martial arts have their origin in the battle field! Religious institutions would provide asylum for criminals, as well as a base of operations for different armies in and bandit gangs throughout China.
~ That is not to say that there are not a bunch of weirdos that study martial arts, but there are also a bunch of weirdos in any other area of human activity, especially the church. Get over it.
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves...

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

[Leimeng]

~ By the way, you need to correct your English. The OP question should be phrased: "Are martial arts an occult practice?"
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves...

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

[ZiSunka]

~ In the past 25 years that I have been involved in the martial arts, I have never ever ever heard of a legitimate martial arts school being involved in such practices. It is preposterous to assume that is this is common activity.
~ At the same time, Christianity has never been the state religion of China! (responding to that post)
~ Moreover, (in response to another post), martial arts have their origin in the battle field! Religious institutions would provide asylum for criminals, as well as a base of operations for different armies in and bandit gangs throughout China.
~ That is not to say that there are not a bunch of weirdos that study martial arts, but there are also a bunch of weirdos in any other area of human activity, especially the church. Get over it.
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves...

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

I did say that most martial arts centers do NOT do those things.