We believe that Christians may study karate, and do so in righteousness as unto the Lord (Romans 14). Unknown to many, defensive arts predate the oriental martial arts. Our goal is to educate our community, and be a resource and encouragement to Christians who want to study karate, but are not sure if they should. It is commonly held by martial arts scholars that these arts were formalized as early as the Chou Dynasty in China (1122-205 BC). However, archeological and scholarly evidence indicates that defensive arts existed long before this period. It is recorded in the paintings and inscriptions of Egyptian tombs that fighting arts were being practiced in Egypt as early as 3000 B.C. Likewise, the Old Testament and other ancient documents and drawings indicate there were defensive arts practiced in Mesopotamia and the surrounding areas (3000-2000 B.C.). India and Pakistan also have an ancient history of martial arts such as yuddha, niyuddah, and marma-adi, and it is virtually impossible to trace the history of martial arts back to a single origin. However, based on a Christian worldview of earth’s history (creationism), it is possible to theorize a likely development.

The Christian worldview of self-defense is based on the fact that when mankind sinned in the Garden of Eden and the whole of Gods creation became sinful. The peace within Gods creation began to decay, animals began preying upon each other, thorns and thistles became part of the plants and vegetation, and the earth became a dangerous place. As the human race began to reproduce, differences of opinion, greed, and anger arose which led to fighting and eventually to warfare. Unlike plants, vegetation and animals; humans have virtually no natural protection from the dangers of an evil world. People, therefore, used their intellect, which God had given to them, and began to develop means of self-protection. On an elementary level, mankind protected themselves by swinging a stick at a danger. However, it is fair to assume that some individuals were better at self-preservation than others, and these individuals likely began to teach their families, friends, and community. It is upon this fundamental basis, that many scholars who are involved in martial arts believe an organized system of self-defense was brought into being.

Agape Do Christian Karate believes self-defense is something God allows in His creation because of sin. The God who put the quills in the porcupine, the scent in the skunk, and the venom in the viper, caused King David to say “Blessed be the Lord my strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle” Psalms 144. King David, and a host of others were known for their ability to defend themselves from those who wish to do them harm. Using bare hands, the staff, archery, and the sword a systematized form of self-defense became legendary throughout ancient history. Today, the human race continues to live in turbulent times because of sin. Like those of days gone by, individuals from all walks of life seek ways to defend themselves and programs like Agape Do Christian Karate provides a biblically based solution. Our focus in training is the development of Godly character through the disciplined study of karate. To this end, those who follow our way learn how to avoid and/or diffuse potentially harmful situations before they occur. If an altercation becomes inevitable, the individual is trained to defend themselves with the amount of force necessary to end the confrontation respecting the life and dignity of everyone involved. We also believe Christians have a duty to defend and protect others from the affects of sin in its many forms so we train, prepare and stand ready to serve Christ Jesus in all we do.