How to Train in Spiritual Martial Arts

On July 13, my granddaughter and I attended a local self-defense class. I have the bruises on my wrists to prove it! The instructor from Savior Martial Arts taught us various moves ranging from how to break a wrist hold, kneeing and kicking, to punching with the heel of our palm.

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We both left the class with a little more confidence that if ever attacked, we could defend ourselves enough to get away and run for help. 

The main character in my novel struggles with fear because of men in the past who have dominated her. In one scene, she attends a martial arts class to prepare herself for any future altercations and later has the opportunity to use what she learns. 

In partnership with the martial arts studio, a representative from the Safe House Project presented information at our class about their non-profit organization that works to rescue victims of human sex-trafficking. The speaker stated that hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked in the United States each year, including 300,000 children. Safe House will rescue approximately 1% of those.

We can help increase the number of rescues by supporting this much-needed ministry. Visit their website and check out what they do and see how you can get involved.

As I thought about the empowerment my granddaughter and I experienced from only one and a half hours of instruction, my mind turned to spiritual matters. Just as receiving training to protect my physical body prepares me for danger that may come my way, receiving spiritual training also prepares me for the spiritual battles I will face.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… 1 Peter 3:14-15

We can’t give an answer to everyone who asks about our hope if we haven’t trained ourselves through the Word of God.

Paul charged Timothy to be prepared in every season so he could correct and teach those in the world who would speak against sound, biblical doctrine. 

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5

We too face those in our culture who oppose Christianity and speak against God’s Word. The only way we can effectively defend the faith is to train ourselves spiritually. How can we correct, rebuke, and encourage others if we aren’t prepared? 

So, how can you train and find the spiritual empowerment needed to face potential hardships? One of the best ways is to stay in God’s Word daily—read it every single day. Study it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. 

If I never again think about the lesson on self-defense I learned, and I don’t practice the moves and ingrain them in my mind, when the time comes to use them, I won’t be ready. 

The same is true in the spiritual realm. We can’t expect to be strong in the Lord and able to fight the enemy and his attacks if we aren’t spiritually prepared. 

What else can you do to be ready? Pray. Attend a bible believing church—become a member and get involved. Fellowship with other believers who will help you grow and challenge your faith. Find an accountability partner. Serve others. Practice generosity. Read encouraging blogs, articles, and books. Listen to uplifting worship music. 

Saturate yourself in spiritual habits and grow in your faith. Allow God to turn your weakness to strength so when the attacks come, you’ll be ready with a knee thrust, kick, or escape maneuver to take the enemy down—just like biblical heroes of the faith.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Hebrews 11:32-34

Join the conversation. Have you ever participated in a martial arts class? If so, did it give you a sense of empowerment? What spiritual habits have brought the most growth to your walk with the Lord? Are you ready to give an answer at any moment to those who ask about your faith?

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