Prayer, Faith and the Martial Arts

Prayer is not something you hear much about in the Martial Arts, which I think if unfortunate.

Many of the ideals taught in the Martial Arts are religious. Specifically I see a strong connection to the teachings of Christianity. Take for example the quote pictured to the Right:

“The best reason for learning karate is to develop character. To make a good man first and a strong man second. This must be understood to advance.”
–Mas Oyama 1963

Christian prayer and religious practices intend to make us good people so we can become strong people. Some of the strongest people in History were religious, dying for the truth or the salvation of others. There is no greater evidence of a strong man than one who stands against the world for what is True and Right.

Prayer is the contemplation of self with a higher power that Kata or meditation is to many Martial Artist practices for perfection.

Prayer increases our inner strength with a higher purpose while the Martial Arts strengthens our minds and bodies for a higher purpose.

Let us never forget that the origins of the Martial Arts was to fight against oppression.
Religion is meant to free us from oppression.

Prayer is a deep topic and since I like shorter posts I will perhaps come back to this topic if there is interest. I will leave you with a question and a prayer:

What guides you in your life?

We pray for
…food in a world where many walk in hunger,
…faith in a world where many walk in fear,
…friends in a world where many walk alone.
…We give you thanks, Oh Lord. Amen.”
– (Robert Duvall) Seven Days in Utopia

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