Foundations
It is the belief of Victory Karate that, through the use of wisdom ("A wise man has great power" Proverbs 24:5) and a
gentle answer ("A gentle answer turns away wrath" Proverbs 15:1), we should, "if it is possible, as far as it depends on
you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). However, the "if" connotates that there will be instances when peace is
not possible, and some of these occasions may be situations where harm or death is imminent. It is these moments, when
self-defense - of self, of family, of home, of the innocent - can serve a righteous purpose.
When confronted with such an encounter, where verbal negotiations and peaceful means fail to defuse the situation, and
escape is impossible, there are three possible options:
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Be purely passive and allow the assailants to have their way. This is the most logical decision if one can discern whether
the instigators are only interested in material gain and nothing else; earthly items are replaceable, while a life is not.
However, there are no guarantees that the offenders will merely just "take the money and run", or if they are even
concerned with worldly possessions at all; they might be only interested in exerting power through fear and coercion.
Anyone can just stand idly by in the face of sin, but peace cannot be maintained by always submitting to the demands of
evil. While material possessions may not be worth fighting for, one must question if whether life is.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Husbands especially are
responsible to meet the needs and provide for the welfare of their families, which includes their security and protection.
And it would be contrary to a mother's nature to not sacrifice her own life and fight for her children's survival.
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Use force to defend oneself and one's family. Without being properly trained, this will surely result in unnecessary
injury, possibly death, to oneself, one's family, or the transgressor. Proper training obviously includes developing the
strength, coordination, and stamina of the physical body, but also developing the mind, soul, and spirit to minimize fear
and anger, to be able to have self-control to exhibit love and compassion, even for enemies (Matthew 5:44-48). You could
also have someone else fight for you, but if this other person is not properly trained either, then the same result
applies here. The situation may also occur when one is alone or the only one able to defend against the attacker, such as
a mother alone with her child.
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Use martial art techniques to effectively and quickly control and neutralize the threat. Being properly equipped, only a
minimal amount of force is needed, decreasing the chances of serious injury to anyone.
The knowledge and skills gained are harnessed with humility, utilized with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control - Galatians 5:22,23) and used without personal
malice, reserving judgement and vengeance for the only fair judge: God (Romans 12:19). Victory Karate promotes this option
as being the most responsible choice.
Just as a person does not buy a lock for the front door in order to be robbed, or health insurance just to get sick, or
fire insurance so the house can burn down, a person does not study martial arts because he desires to fight. Martial arts
training is about being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually equipped and prepared for when the need arises.
It is about being proactive, rather than reactionary, in defending oneself and one's family, which God supports.
"If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one," (Luke 22:36), for "when a strong man, fully armed, guards his
own house, his possessions are safe" (Luke 11:21). Simply put, as a Roman general in approximately 350 BC stated, "Qui
desiderant pacem preparate bellum," or "Those who desire peace prepare for war."
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Copyright © 2005 Erik Akutagawa, Victory Karate.
All rights reserved.
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Competitive Spirit