Religion or Martial Arts?

A few weeks ago, my kids and I were at a families home for dinner. This family happens to be members of the church which I attend. There were two other families there as well, also from the same church, including a family of six that very recently moved here form Quebec. The patriarch of this family wasn't a very big man by any means, but he was however, a fitness instructor and 5th degree black belt in the art of karate. Naturally we found many things to talk about. He was very knowledgeable, and has even written a thesis on different aspects of the martial arts. We discussed quite a variety of things from all different areas of martial arts, including etiquette, history, and different styles. We had a very captive audience with the other fourteen people in the room, who had several questions for the two of us.

Being that everyone in the room were regular church-goers, the conversation eventually turned to the role of the martial arts in religion. This particular man from Quebec no longer studies the art of karate, except with his children at home. He has produced his own "kata", or form, which includes, in his own words, "many different aspects of the art." He teaches this kata to his four children, because he knows the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations, and he fears that all he has learned over the years will be lost otherwise. That is the only reason he studies the art at all anymore.

This man is a very strong member of the church. He knows that God lives, that Christ is our redeemer, and that through obedience to Gods laws, he and his family can be together forever, through all eternity. With this knowledge, he says, "why do I need anything more?" This really bothered me, and I told him and everyone else listening that I strongly disagreed. Through the martial arts, I can get religion, if I so choose. Through religion, I can not get martial arts. In my opinion with both in my life, I get the best of both worlds, and both together, make the best of me.

I have been through a lot in my life over the years, and have had to weave my way around many obstacles. I succeeded to be where I am today because of my inner strength, positive thinking, healthy lifestyle that helped me reduce stress, setting goals, new sense of self worth, my discipline and determination. All of which I aquired through the martial arts, not from the church. The family hosting this particular Sunday dinner has known my family for years, and they agreed with me 100%. Without martial arts in my life, I would not have accomplished the many things which I have. I still have a strong belief in God, and attend church regularly, but my martial arts background enhances my relgious beliefs, it doesn't hinder it. I was recently asked at a job interview what I base my standards in life on. I didn't even have to think about it. Without even batting an eye, I proudly said, "all I do in this life, and all choices I make, are formed from my religious background, and my training in the martial arts." I am a better person because of this, and my life and my childrens lives are better because of it. Doing kung fu is no longer an extracurricular activity as I once thought it was. It is a way of life. It's my way of life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.