Art, Olympic Sport, Self Defence
(Protective Behavior)

Judo & Faith

Budo and Faith

As I have contemplated the meaning of Budo, over the years and how it is the study of whatever discipline we practice, to see if it can be improved and if it improves us, I have naturally been lead to think about how it relates to my Christian faith. I hvve been inpressed to see some things that Judo has taught me that my Christian faith also teaches me. I have been even more impressed at the things that Judo has taught me that have enlightend and even enhanced my understanding of that faith.

Here are some of my musings on the philosophy of budo, Martial Arts, Judo and my faith. That is, the budo of Judo (and perhaps Martial Arts general) and Christian Faith:

If we are going to complete a throw we have to commit to it . Life is the same. If we are going to go through life well, we have to commit to it.

Lk.9:62: Jesus said to them "Anyone who starts to plough and keeps looking back is of no use to the Kingdom of God."

1 Cor.9:24: Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run then in such a way as to win the prize.

Phil. 3:14: So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to life above.

2 Tim.4:7: I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith.
1 Cor.16:13&14: Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. Do all your work in love.

Being the strongest doesn't always mean you will be the winner.

Pr.16:32: It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

1 Cor.10:12: Whoever thinks he is standing firm had better be careful that he does not fall.

Pr. 28: 26: It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.

For every throw that is attempted there is a counter. For every throw that is missed or spoiled there is a follow up.Look for solutions, Look for the alternatives.

Matt.22: 17-22: Why are you trying to trap me...."Give to Caesar what is Caesar's."

Matt.9:2-8: They bought him a paralytic...."Your sins are forgiven."

Too much resistance can be exhausting and often bears little fruit.
Go with the flow until you find the weakness then overcome.

Pr.14:32: Wicked people bring about their own downfall by their evil deeds, but good people are protected by their integrity.


Matt.6:34: So do not worry about tomorrow: it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add the troubles each day brings.

Sometimes the obvious is a trap.

Ps.1:1: Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, who do not follow the example of sinners or who join those who have no use for God.

Direct confrontation is not always the best way to win.




Pr. 21:23: If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say.

1 Peter 3:10 f : As the Scriptures say, whoever wants to enjoy Life and wishes to see good times must keep from speaking evil and stop telling lies. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must strive for peace with all his heart.

1 Cor. 13:4 f: Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or boastful; love is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love never gives up; and its faith hope and patience never fails.

Use the force of a problem against itself.

1 Cor.15: 21-22: For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Rom 5:8: But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Jn 12:24: For except a seed goes into the ground and dies it cannot bear fruit.

Rom 12:20 & Pr 25:21: Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink: for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.

Learn Self control.




Rom.6:12: Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self.

2 Pet.1:5: For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge.

1 Cor.9:27: I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.

It is possible to fall and not get hurt.

Rom.3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

BUT

1 Jn.1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.