After retiring from the military and returning home, I wanted to open up a martial arts class in my community, similar to what I had done in the past on several Air Force installations. In the military, it was pretty easy to find space and willing directors in places like recreation halls, fitness centers and churches. I was able to teach for little or no cost provided I offered classes to a wide spectrum of people and performed the occasional self-defense class or demonstration. I figured folks back home would jump at the chance to have someone offer free or low cost martial arts classes. As with many things in life, I was wrong.
My first attempt was through our local police station; surely police officers would benefit from some of the simple joint locks and tie ups of aikido and jujutsu. However, I received a curt answer from the police chief: “We have that covered, thanks.” Keep in mind, he didn’t even meet with me; I realize there are a lot of shleps out there, but let's at least talk. Next, I went to our community center and was offered two days a week. But my classes started right after another instructor’s taekwondo class and she was less than thrilled to share the space with me, even though I taught something completely different. Never had that happen in the military; as a matter of fact, we often had joint classes and people loved it. I even offered an extensive program through our high school. I planned on getting all of the necessary background checks at my own expense, again offering my time for free. The principle fell asleep during our meeting.
Finally, I decided to offer classes through the church community. I met with several church leaders, including a Catholic director, a Protestant minister and a non-denominational pastor. I was more than happy to share my faith as well as my desire to do something positive through the church, a ministry that might even bring more people to the congregation. Here’s how that went down…
The Catholic director talked with me for about an hour and we spoke very little about the program I was trying to offer. He focused on the ills of society, the church’s job to welcome everyone and my particular stance on social issues…I am fairly conservative. Never called me back. The Protestant minister was a little more welcoming at first, even bought me breakfast. We talked at length about faith and I attempted to explain the relationship of my Christian walk and martial arts. He asked me if I had ever attended any non-Christian ceremonies in Japan. Well, yeah…I was practicing Japanese martial arts…in Japan. Did I pray to other gods or deities? Nope. Did I appreciate the reverence and the fascinating aspect of another culture? Absolutely. He politely but sternly told me, “We don’t want you bringing foreign ideas into the church.” Oohhkayy. Finally, the non-denominational guy was not really interested in what I had to offer. "Now, if you taught youth basket ball or something more mainstream," he told me…
I reached out to a couple of other churches but I had similar results. One never even returned my emails. I’m sure it’s not like this everywhere, but my reception here in the suburbs of Cincinnati was less than welcoming. I could understand the police chief; he didn’t know me, I get it. The principle had far too many activities to worry about. And I could have stayed at the community center; I’m simply not a fan of drama. But the church community…now, that one took me by surprise. What were all these folks afraid of? I mean, I didn’t even have a chance to demonstrate what I was offering. And, at that time, it was just me and my high-school age sons, teaching a codified, respectful, non-competitive martial art. It all worked out for the best, but honestly, it left a bad taste in my mouth for the local church community. It doesn’t surprise me that people are leaving in droves. When I was able to at least get my foot in the door, my offer and testament of faith was always the same…
I am here to offer a free or very low cost martial arts program through your church. I will carry my own liability insurance and will go through any background checks you require. I am a military retiree, my wife and I have two sons and we’ve been married for over 20 years. I have extensive leadership and teaching experience and I work as a medical professional. I have no desire to make any money from this. I have a strong and belief in God the Creator and Jesus Christ. I have been a consistent student of the Bible for many years and I have done my best to live by the tenants of my faith. During my military career, we were members of several church communities. In my martial arts experience, I have found a profound link between the mental, physical and spiritual discipline of budo and Christianity. Budo is not a religion; it is a philosophy whose primary goal is self-perfection through ardent, often painful discipline. Yes, it does stem from eastern religions, e.g. Buddhism and Shintoism and yes, I took part in some ceremonies while in another country. And yes, I attempted to broaden my view but studying these religions, not unlike someone who does the same in seminary. But, here’s what I was not able to get across…
Faith, as with budo, requires persistence which leads to self-discipline. Self-discipline leads to humility and ultimately humility leads to reliance on God. Budo, as with faith, often leaves us frustrated and confused, unsure that we will ever reach the goal but always returning. Budo is not just about beating people up; on the contrary, it’s really about building people up. Aside from the ultimate responsibility of sharing the Gospel and leading souls to Christ, isn’t that one of the church’s roles…to build people up?
In the center of our dojo sits a mosaic cross; a constant reminder of my late wife who made it and of the faith we shared. Every day when I step on the mat, it’s the first thing I see, the first thing on my mind. It is my sincere hope that all who come and train here can see not only the link between faith and martial arts, but how each has impacted my life.
Dave Magliano
Tatsu Dojo
Jissenkan Budo
Dojo Cho
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