TMA and religion

Rev Hellfire

Something I’ve wondered about with respect to traditional martial arts and their religious aspects.
It quite common in traditional arts for there to be a Shinto altar before which people kneel at the start and end of session, and would typically recite a prayer.
This is something that I would imagine would present something of a problem to strict followers of say Christianity or Islam. Have people observed this, and in situations where it is do you feel it is appropriate for them not to partake in this.
I'm just curious to see if people have ever encountered this issue and if it was resolved in a satisfactory manner.

ps. I'm not at all interested in which art is better or the usual MMA/TMA, only those which have the altar and the above issue.

columok

I know of muslims that refused to bow in Aikido. They eventually left since it made them uncomfortable. I also know muslims that have removed headscarves on the mat for safety reasons.

Never encountered any other religious problems!

pma-ire

I don't think it's a problem (in that it happens at all here?)

I have seen an alter in AiKido to the founder. But that's it really?

My Grand-Mother used to say that TKD was a cult and would take me away from the Church. But the church done that all by itself

Millionaire

Personally I would have no problem as I respect all religons (and the study of religon really interests me).

Though if one is to be a strict and proper christian.

Look at the commandment "thou shalt not take false Gods before me"

I think that should answer your question.

memphis

I don't think I could really refer to TKD from a religious prospective, however it does how a strong sense of spirituality, which to me is totally differnet from religion.

As a student of TKD i have gained confidence in myself and others, feel the need to be respectful to others, and believe that there are fair more benifits from training than just learning self defence.... is this religion? I seem to feel like I'm contradicted myself!

brenlong

There was a time when converting to Buddhism was a pre-requisite to joining Shorinji Kempo, as much of the art derives from Zen principles.

Depending what versions of history you read, it could be claimed that all martial arts derive from something which had deep religious aspects.

It's true to say that many traditional systems had various religious connotations and that even today, bowing is still performed to various shinzen/kamiza/shrines/altar/calligraphy/sword/instructor/etc.
Many of today's students wouldn't be aware of the actual significance of these objects but would view them as physical representations of the hard work, discipline and spirit of dedication that embodies their practice.

Even the practice of meditation in some systems, has veered from being a religious act, to something which has no religious implications, like 'moku so', whereby you sit quietly for a while with a cleared mind.

I think the issue where some people object to bowing, etc on religious grounds is purely down to interpretation.
This is no fault of anyones and certainly isn't a bad thing.
Everyone is entitled to their own religious beliefs, something which I think has been generally accepted by most traditional schools in modern times.