Does anyone really care

by kenpodragon 27 Replies latest jw friends

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  KistByQpid

  Kenpo,

  I have a question...I'm not a JW, so perhaps you could help me understand. My kids are involved with kung fu, they've been going for two years and have actually done very well. Their grandma (my mom) refuses to go watch them at their promotions. She did go one time, to watch (before she was baptized). Since that time, the kids have invited her and she always says she's busy (with the JW schedule that's not to hard to do) However, I can sense her disdain for the whole activity, though she hasn't actually said so. I thought, maybe she thought they were meditating? I explained that so far they have learned only self defense and the forms. What is JW "problem" with martial arts?
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  Introspection

  Hi Kist, I don't mean to butt in but I have been both a witness and currently take martial arts myself. The heart of the problem is that the witnesses have their own perception of what martial arts is. Now to any reasonable person self defense is skillfully dealing with violence, but I think witnesses will tend to think of it as violence itself. Granted there are some individuals who have a violent tendancy, but at the very least martial arts teach them a measure of discipline. The fact is, people who are excited to learn martial arts so they can kick ass were already like that, and others who are not were like that before they learn, it doesn't make anyone into a violent person. If you think about it, when someone is violent they lose control, whereas martial arts teach you to use your mind in such a confrontation.
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  KistByQpid

  Introspection,

  Glad to have your input! My mom has mentioned how, "It isn't right to teach children to be violent" I tried to tell her, it can be effective in AVOIDING violence... My kids have several student pledges they must memorize:

  1. I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that can reduce my mental growth or physical health.
  2. I will use self discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
  3. I will use common sense before self defense and never be abusive or offensive.

  You are so right, in that most people just don't understand what martial arts is really all about. It is as much about discipline as it is anything else. I believe IF you can possibly avoid confrontation, then by all means you should. BUT in the real world that isn't always possible, and if you HAVE to get out of a situation...it doesn't hurt to have some skills!
• 

  Introspection

  Kist! Your kids go to a Plum Blossom school? I go to grandmaster Doc Fai Wong's school! My brother makes those newer videos. Email me if you like.

  Mark
• 

  kenpodragon

  Kist

  I actually have a black belt in Kenpo Karate, but I have trained in Kung Fu as well. I do no why the Witnesses hate it though. They quote the scriptures about Jesus saying, "If they slap one cheek, turn and let them slap the other" and the one "The man loving violence, Jehovah does hate." I don't expect that to me word for word, but the idea is the same.

  I do practice mediation on a daily basis, actually more then once per day. I learned some of this from Karate, and more from new age seminars and books. I think mediation and martial arts are the main back bone to my life. One clears my mind of thoughts and allows me to concentrate on what I need to, and the other builds my confidence that was so lacking as a Witnesses.

  Of course, they both would be hated by Witnesses.
• 

  singsongboi

  Question : What is JW "problem" with martial arts?

  Answer : Ignorance
• 

  QUEENIE

  IN ALL SERIOUSNESS --- nope!! HAPPY EASTERS now what was the question????
• 

  SEAKEN2001

  Kenpo, welcome to the forum.

  Getting back on topic,

  You asked does anyone really care? Well, the answer is obvious isn't it. By your comments I guess you are saying that you don't care and are confused by the idea that many do seem to care what Witnesses think about them. You are realizing that everyone handles the experience of being a cult member differently. You have chosen to do your thing, damn the consequences with respect to your personal association with people who continue to be a part of the cult. That is fine. Other people do not find that so easy to do. They care because they know it will affect their lives. They may not be happy about it but they do have to consder how the JW machine will affect their own personal relationships with people they care about. It varies by region but it is always possible that a person will lose contact with their family if they are not careful to hide their real ideas and beliefs from the JW community. Ony those who are willing to forgo all their current relationships will be able to reveal their personal beliefs and act as they damn well please.

  I think you should be careful that you don't give the impression that your choices are better than the choices of others here, or on other discussion boards. Sure, your approach could be just the answer for some people and you can be proud of your own ability to find your way in life with that approach. Just know that many here who are trying to deal with this cult experience are not comfortable yet with the idea of losing the approval of those they care about. For myself, I like the idea of just doing what I want but I have not yet found the strength within me to risk my relationship with my wife and my place in our family business. I have lost everything else and I am now comfortable with that. I am making new friends outside of the cult and I do things in my private life that would not be acceptable to the Witnesses and I have no guilt. But I am aware that if I choose to get politically active in my community or write a book about my experiences or openly associate with certain people I will be a target for the the JW machine and likely they will take action against me. That will force my wife and her family to make choices and there is the possibility that they will choose to shun me and that will affect my life in a negative way. I am prepared for that but I do not wish to hasten that scenario until I am ready. Right now I do not have the financial resources to just pick up and move on, and to hell with what anyone thinks. I have responsibilities on my side of the family and I support my wife in her caring for her aged grandparents. Both of us will soon be faced with aged parents as well. Care must be excercised if I am going to be able to provide for the needs of my family in a physical way. I take that very seriously and I am willing to set aside my own preferrences in order to have a chance at giving back to my family.

  Perhaps this gives you a little glimpse of the other side of this issue. What seemseasy for you is not easy for others. But we all can support one another and try to understand the position others take in response to the activities of the JW's.

  Sean
• 

  KJV

  The reason witnesses like to clean toilets is because they are full of shit. Does that make sense?

  "He who stands on tiolet while smoking dope is high on pot!" Cofusious
• 

  RR

  Nah!