AP writes: “A friend of mine from work, Chris, is a practicing Catholic with 5 children. Before marriage, he was even in the seminary. He is very orthodox. He also happens to have a number of black belts in all sorts of martial arts. I have two teenage daughters and and a 11 year old son. I want them to be able to protect themselves, especially when they go off to college. Last night, Chris came over and gave us family Karate lessons. I thought it was wonderful. The stretching and exercising were great. He talked about the Eucharist. The only thing that was a little bizarre is that in Okinawan Karate, and I think other Karate, they bow when they enter the dojo. . .
Tag Archives: tai chi
Can Christians Practice the Martial Arts?
MS writes: “So many Catholics parents like myself are conflicted about allowing our children to take up the practice of karate and the martial arts. Can you give us some information and advice?”
Karate and the Martial Arts
Charles writes: “I have a question about Karate, is it considered New Age? Many people send their children to Karate for discipline, confidence, and self-esteem and they say it helps them so much! What are your thoughts on this?”
YMCA and Non-Christian Fitness Programs
(Image courtesy of Wikicommons Media, Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0)
ST writes: “With all the new age classes;{yoga, tai chi, pilates), and martial arts;(tai chi, karate), and SWAT taking place at the YMCA and any health club I’ve looked into, I avoid going to them even to ride a stationary bike or walk on the treadmill. People think I’m crazy, but I don’t want to be in an environment that will put my soul in danger. That is most important. I was told by a priest that as long as I don’t participate in these classes, that it would be OK to work out in these facilities. I’m not feeling that he is correct. What do you think?”
