Budo and Martial Arts

Here are some of my musings on the philosophy of budo and martial arts as it relates to the philosophy of judo or budo of judo. In particular some things that Martial Arts Judo teaches me that my Christian faith also teaches me.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

* The Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy and Religion by Diane Morgan, Renaissance Books, New York, 2001, p.38