"I didn't know that the Martial Arts could be practiced with the blessings of God. All I knew was that I used to practice the arts well over 8 years ago, and left before mastering it. I tried to go back, but once I had experienced the peace of the Lord it was difficult to see how an aggressive art could be incorporated into a Christian's life. Meeting with 'Sensei' has shown me how I can train with God's full blessings and have the peace of the Lord in my heart. I leave each training session spiritually fed and inspired. It has made all the difference in my training and in my life."

William B.,
Network Engineer

The Problem:

Are you a Christian who loves martial arts, but feels a conflict in your spirit about the nature of what you're learning? Do you enjoy the training martial arts provides, but wonder how it fits in with God's calling? Do the following thoughts fill your heart while you train:

• That Christ teaches us that if "someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39)
  

• That our God is the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and that "blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)
  

• That Jesus calls us to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27,28)
  

If this is your struggle, then I know what you're going through. For years I trained, but often left God at the door. How arrogant of me to then ask for God's blessings for my training and my life! When I stepped into class or into competition, I would let go of God's hand, only to then pick up the deadly sword of rage and rancor.

I soon realized that the little voice in my spirit was short-circuiting all of my techniques. I could not execute fully because of my inner conflict; in trying to strike my opponents with vengeance, my spirit would counter my efforts, not allowing me to move freely. That little bit of hestitation often meant the difference between success and failure when I competed, and often left me questioning my abilities while training, since I was learning all of these deadly and lethal techniques at that time.

This led to frustration and disappointment, to the point where I was brought down to my knees in humility and prayer to choose between God and martial arts. I felt God's calling to show in spirit and in action that He was indeed my God, my source, my foundation.


My Decision:

So I quit. I walked away from 15 years of training, and got away from all of the violence, the bravado and the ego, and the dragon symbols. I then spent the time away praying, reading God's Word, studying history and archaeology, and discussing the scriptures with pastors who run martial arts ministries around the world. This became the basis for my 3rd Degree Black Belt Thesis, "Martial Arts and Christianity". To review some of my research, you can read the Resources section, which includes both foundational and historical information.

The irony is that by choosing to follow the Lord and His purposes for me, He truly filled my cup more so then it had ever been before: God not only renewed my passion for the martial arts, but He gave me even more inspiration to train and study than I ever had in my life. He brought certain key people into my life to support and encourage me and my journey, and He continues to do the same even today.

I can now train and execute my techniques knowing in my heart that God is now for me and what I am doing; it is part of His will and His purpose for me and my life.


The Results:

Since this transformation, the Lord has really revealed himself, and the results have been such that it can only be by God's hand and power:

1. Promotion to 3rd Degree Black Belt & given Head Instructor's certification by the United World Martial Arts Federation (UWMAF) and the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA)
   

2. Pursuing training through a martial arts ministry, where I can:




• Share God's Word and its applications with my students, and




• Help Christian martial artists all over the world who are struggling spiritually with their training




3. Tremendous Godly relationships with Christian senior Black Belts, many of whom approached me, wanting to help in anyway they could




4. In karate tournaments, finding a competitive joy I've never had before, and out of 25 events entered (during which time I also had 2 kids, and incurred a foot injury that required surgery, eliminating me from competition for 2 years):




• Number of 1st Place finishes: 9




• Number of 2nd Place finishes: 7




• Number of 3rd Place finishes: 5




• Number of 4th Place finishes: 3







5. An invitation to write a devotional for the book, Martial Arts, The Christian Way, and articles such as "Is there CHI in CHRIST?" for Faith & Fitness Magazine




6. Starting Competitive Spirit, a performance coaching program based on my martial arts experience




7. Having a mentor/discipler, someone who didn't really know me but was called to pray for me then approach me, whose gifts just happen to be a perfect fit for my martial arts ministry and coaching practice




8. A blessed home and family life

All of this is not to boast, but to testify to what God has done in my life since pursuing Him and His purpose for me and my training. I know he can do the same for you.

Email me and tell me your story!

VICTORY KARATE info@victorykarate.com (310) 448-7542