This section contains articles that will be of interest to martial artists of all backgrounds and systems, and will continue to grow over the coming months.

That Was Zen, This Is Tao, Pt. 1

Kung Fu and Chi Gung for Christians

That Was Zen, This Is Tao (Part 1) by Michael Vendrell

I have spent my entire life studying the martial arts, not because I had to but that I had a burning desire inside me to understand the art of combative movement. In my years of studies, I have come across a lot of different forms, styles, and ideas, that lead the seeker to the truth. Some ways are easier than others, for the fact is that every man's truth is different when it comes to combat. But the bottom line is that most people would like to win their confrontations without injury.

It seems that fads occur in the martial arts, as in any art form. The martial arts community has gone through many changes, primarily through promotions in magazines and various sporting events, as well as movies and television. One could even say it has made a complete full circle. Beginning with Judo in the 50s, there was Karate in the 60s, Kung Fu in the 70s, Escrima in the 80s and grappling in the 90s, each one claiming to be the ultimate martial art.

I feel that all forms of combat and training styles can help individuals understand themselves better as fighters. No matter what discipline you have chosen for yourself, it is important that you question every move and concept that is presented to you by your teacher. The only true way you can understand your art form is to question it. If is doesn't work in the classroom, it most likely won't work on the street. Schools are designed for students to be in a controlled environment so that they can practice techniques without injury. What has kept me interested in the arts is not just moves that work, but the moves that don't work. I have always questioned my teachers and feel that my knowledge has grown because of it.

The trend right now is grappling. It seems that the Brazilian martial arts have the stage at this time. And for good reason. They are quite capable in their environment, which is matted. And within the rules and constraints designed for their system, they will always beat their opponents at their own game. As far as street worthiness, I question the fact that going to the ground, whether it be asphalt, grass or lava rock is a place I would like to be, with maybe one of his friends lurking around the corner. I have studied grappling from the best, Gene LeBell, and I believe there is a time and a place to go to the mat. But if I had my choice, I prefer to be on my feet, and my opponent to be on the floor.
 
Chin na is the Chinese equivalent to jujitsu, and it has its place in the Chinese martial arts. But to rely on only one form of combat would be limiting. And I've always made the sky the limit. So study it all and ask a lot of questions.

Kung Fu and Chi gung for Christians by Stephanie Vendrell

For those who know Michael is a born-again Christian as well as a Taoist master of Chi Gung healing and Kung Fu may have some questions as to how this can possibly be.

As there are many denominations of Christianity on the planet at the moment serves to explain how one can be a Christian and at the same time be Catholic, Babtist, Lutheran or even Taoist. There have arisen differing philosophies on the worship of Jesus around the world, many requiring various outward forms of rites and rituals to be performed within this worship. 

Taoism requires no such rituals. The very simple precepts of Taoism closely mirror the teachings of Jesus. Love, Peace and Harmony are the utmost objectives, to be lived in each moment, not just for church on Sunday.  Recognizing that God, the Father, our one God of Love, is all around us, at all times. To Be Still and Know: this precept is found in the Bible in Psalms, as well as in other ancient teachings. Quiet the mind, let go of our mental baggage, practice forgiveness and get closer to God. Tao means the Way, or Path, and as Jesus said, He is the Way: Jesus is the Tao. Since His birth, He is our only gateway to God and eternal life.

The world today seeks to put labels and identifications on everyone as well as every philosophy and way of life. It’s like drawing careful lines around each one, putting its list of rules inside, and separating each from the other. Being Mormon means one thing, being Buddhist another, and you can’t be part one and part another. This is how religious myths are perpetuated; people following rituals by tradition, instead of from spiritual truths. And sometime such truths are found in places not included within such strict guidelines.

Thousands of years ago, before Jesus was born to us, there were a few people on our planet who understood what it means to live life in complete love, peace and harmony. They understood the nature of our reality, as our modern-day quantum physicists are only now discovering. Lao Tzu left us the Tao Te Ching, which teaches us about the existence of this higher reality which surrounds us, and how to better get in touch with the peace it offers us. Just as Jesus taught us to pray to God our Father, thanking Him for all things. 

Yee Chuan Tao Kung Fu was first developed by peaceful Taoist monks thousands of years before Christ. They based the system on intense study of how different animals defended themselves in nature. They needed a reliable system of self-defense to ward off the dangers lurking in this world. Even Jesus said, we will have problems in this world, as it is currently in the hands of dark forces who do not want peace and harmony. There are several instances when Jesus was surrounded by crowds who were not always friendly, and the Bible tells how he was able to easily avoid them and get away. One might imagine even Jesus had a way to defend himself.

“Chi Gung” means “energy work.”  There are several cults worldwide which unfortunately cause some to associate it with the occult. But its true nature comes from pure love. Jesus healed many thousands of people. He never performed surgeries, or prescribed chemical medicines, but used a laying on of hands. Curiously, similar healing methods are found in many cultures all over the world. For as the ancient Chinese knew, if our body’s energy, “chi”, or “spirit” is properly aligned, the body can easily heal itself of anything. Being that Jesus is God, his touch is the most powerful of all. But it is possible for others to perform similar works; Jesus Himself said, you will do greater things than I.  The truth of this method of healing is evidenced by the many people who have already been healed. With faith in Jesus, this process can be substantially quickened, and even miraculously immediate. However, those who have yet to find Him may also benefit from it. And perhaps in time, they will also come to understand the love and power of Jesus Christ. (SAV)