The Martial Arts from east to west . . . Who, where, how, why and when ?

– Why do we see such a strong growing presence of Asian martial arts and Eastern mysticism in our culture over the last 30 years ?

– What has been the influence and effect of these Eastern mystical arts upon the last two generations ?

– Does the study of martial arts really lead to a more “disciplined” and “spiritual ” way of life, as is being promoted by the media today ?

Today, Martial Arts schools, Yoga classes, and Tai-chi seminars have become main-stream in almost every American home. No longer are these eastern mystical practices considered esoteric, or reserved for only a chosen few. Everywhere we can see the steady spread and influence of these once classified and secret arts.

Children, ages 5 to 12 are being shuttled to after-school programs at the local karate dojo, or Tae-kwon-do club. Athletes in high school and college programs are being encouraged to enroll and participate in various styles of “self-defense” in order to increase heightened physical power and mental awareness. House wives and soccor moms are retreating to local Tai-chi and Yoga studios, with the promise of revitalizing their youth, increasing flexibility, and regaining health and ‘personal empowerment’.

Business professionals and executives are being trained in eastern philosophies, through internal arts such as Aikido, and Qigong, for ‘stronger focus,’ business strategy, and stress management. With more than 30,000 martial art schools across the USA alone, and new studios opening every year; training 21.7 million practitioners; is it any surprise at the swelling tide of eastern religion and new age thought we are seeing flood the church.

But where did this all begin ? And how did our country, once Christian in it’s beliefs, so readily accept the spiritual practices of the far east ? Have the religions of China, India, Okinawa and Japan been cleverly repack-aged in the west as “Family Fun”, Physical Fitness, Self-defense, Self-improvement, and Self-esteem ?                                                                           John 8:32

Are the Martial Arts based purely on physical prowess and philosophy . . . or are they a religion ? – What do the dragon, the phoenix, and the tiger represent which adorn the traditional martial art schools ? – Why do the students bow when they enter the dojo, and before addressing an Instructor ? – Who are the men, the images, the pictures and the symbols to which these martial artists show such adoration and reverance ? – And why are students often required to remove their shoes upon entering the training floor ? Now Learn the Truth . . .

The Roots of the Tree – All martial arts trace their roots back to the false religions and paganism of Asia. The idea that man has within himself the power and ability to become supra-human, and “godlike”. This was the very first deception with which Satan has blinded the human race. ref: Genesis 3:4-5

All the martial arts around the world have as their foundation and root, the Shaolin Temple of China. Shaolin was then, and is today a Buddhist temple. Their primary purpose is to evangelize and share Chan Buddhism and Taoism with the entire world.

Both of these religions teach that there is no personal God, that there ino single Almighty Divine Being, nor that He has a Son Who created, controls, and upholds all the universe by the Word of His power, and holding each of us accountable for the life He has freely given us !

They teach; that what is known as “god” by the western Christian world, is actually an energy force, or “great spirit”. And that through proper breathing techniques, meditation, mantras, spiritual exercises and life style, we may all become one with this ‘divine energy.’

This is Pantheism to it’s core. This is a counterfeit of the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Yehushua ha Moshiac). For in John 17:17-23, Jesus says that we may become one with The Father (Almighty God, Jehovah, Yehuwah), only through faith in the Life, death, sacrifice, and glorious resurrection of His Son; and through faith in the free Gift and promised Blessing of His indwelling Holy Spirit !

So, if the Buddhist, Taoist and Hindu believe that we can become one with the universal energy or cosmos (their god), is it not also through the indwelling of a spirit ?

In the Chinese martial arts,        Chi = breath = spirit

As martial artists, the power, control and demonstration of “Chi energy” is considered the highest ability. Therefore they train in meditation and breath control, in order to open the mind to the influence of the spirit world. A spirit of war instead of peace, a spirit of pride instead of humility, a spirit of works and self-justification rather than faith in the Only Begotten Son of the LORD God Almighty (Yehuwah Elohim).