<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]To be fair, though, there is a lot of Eastern philosophy involved with the martial arts in general.</font><hr></blockquote><p>If by this you are simply saying that some of the beliefs or reasons given to explain how one obtains the "power" Ki etc., is often grounded in Buddhism, Taoism, etc., that is true, if you were to study from someone who was trained in the "old school". I did have several teachers who were very strict and adhered to the "Budo" tradition. However, when I was told by my Akido sensei that the power flows from "mother earth" up through my body and out my hands, I was under no obligation to accept that explanation. I realized that there was a very good physiological explanation and there was no need to embrace the animistic tradition handed down.<br><br>However, what I am referring to is the physical aspect of the Martial Arts, which has no inherent "evil", as can be said with playing cards, alcohol, etc. One is not taught to summon demons or some extraterrestrial being for strength etc. [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/laugh.gif" alt="laugh" title="laugh[/img] In fact, I used the classes I taught as an opportunity to share the gospel with my students. [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/wink.gif" alt="wink" title="wink[/img]<br><br>In His Grace,


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simul iustus et peccator

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