How is training at a Christian school different?

Which martial art should I study?
How do I choose a school?
Should children study martial arts?
Rankings/Color Belt Systems
Are all martial arts spiritual, or religious?
How is training at a Christian school different and why is it important?

It's interesting to note that many of the foundational values of traditional martial arts (rooted in eastern religions) are not in conflict with the doctrine of Jesus Christ. For instance, the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do as taught at the Academy of Fighting Arts, are:

Courtesy -

Consideration for others; respect, humbleness, and good manners. Phil 2:3-5

Integrity -

Knowing right from wrong, and doing right; to be honest and good. Proverbs 10:9

Perseverance -

To never give up in the pursuit of ones goals. Romans 5:3-4

Self-Control -

To remain in control of your mind and body. Proverbs 16:32

Indomitable Spirit -

The courage to stand by your principles, even against overwhelming odds. Genesis 32:24-30

Though this list is not found specifically in scripture, the tenets in it are certainly not un-Christ-like at all. The key then becomes how these martial art values are taught in the school. In a Christian martial arts school these values, though still true to the traditional art, would be taught and lived out through Christ's example. It is therefore very important to first know the instructor(s)' personal philosophies, and then the philosophy of the school, because the philosophy of the school could mean very little without the instructor's Christian grounding.

One of the more confusing issues for Christians in the martial arts seems to be the use of the term master. While the term has several definitions, in the martial arts sense, it is not in any way used to mean someone having control over others, or in a religious sense.  The only religious master we recognize at the Academy of Fighting Arts (a Christian martial arts school) is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The title is simply intended to denote an expert - someone who has reached a high level of achievement. The martial arts master is  somebody who is highly skilled, and qualified to teach apprentices. Therefore, Master Instructor is someone who has reached the highest level as an instructor, similar in usage to a Master Chess player, or Master Craftsman.

Does this mean I must become a Christian, or have it shoved down my throat? At the Academy of Fighting Arts this is not true at all. We start each class, overnight, or party with a short word of prayer, and dismiss with a “God bless you”. This may be the most overt clue that we are a Christian Martial Arts school. Since our instructors are Christ-followers, that will naturally be reflected in how we teach our classes. We believe that character, inside and outside of the school, is an integral part of the students' martial arts training. At no time are the beliefs of the staff forced on any student. We are happy to answer any questions about Christianity, offline, at the student's request.

For more information on what it means to be a Christian, Click here, or feel free to contact us.

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