Introducing the Kung-Fu for Christ community-based ministry. This academic newsletter was written by Dr. Morgan E. Braganza and published by the National Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) in 2020.
Sport has a long history of importance within social life (Bolt, 2018). Only recently, however, have community social workers considered its assets (Schulenkorf, 2012). This article will discuss how sport can offer a creative response to community social work, particularly when its activities are rooted in Christianity.
The article presents Kung-Fu For Christ Canada as an example of this approach. At the time of publication, the Ontario-based sports ministry offered year-round martial arts programming for children and adults, along with instructor training and a junior leadership program designed to teach youth Christ-centred leadership skills they could apply within the program, at home, at school and throughout their communities.
Drawing upon principles of macro social work, Kung-Fu For Christ was designed to respond to complex community issues including social exclusion and barriers that can separate people from one another. Martial arts provides a shared activity through which individuals from different cultural, socioeconomic, educational and faith backgrounds can train together, develop relationships and experience a greater sense of community.
A particularly important theme explored in the article is belonging. Program data discussed by Dr. Morgan E. Braganza suggested that some long-term participants remained involved with Kung-Fu For Christ because they experienced a genuine sense of connection and acceptance within the community. For individuals who had previously experienced loneliness, isolation or marginalization, the program offered opportunities to develop meaningful relationships and feel valued as members of a community.
Christian faith is an intentional part of this community-building model. Classes incorporate devotionals connecting Scripture, martial arts and situations students encounter in their everyday lives. Instructors and leaders are also encouraged to demonstrate Christian values such as love, patience, respect, humility and peace through their interactions with students, families and the wider community.
The article also highlights the development of servant leadership and community involvement. Children, youth and adults participating in the program have been encouraged to put their learning into action by serving others. Examples discussed include organizing charitable fundraising initiatives, developing programs within their schools and participating in efforts to help people in need.
The newsletter also addresses concerns sometimes associated with incorporating martial arts into Christian ministry. Rather than encouraging aggression, Kung-Fu For Christ emphasizes self-control and teaches students to practise values such as respect, humility, peace and patience both inside and outside the training environment. The article notes reports from parents that these qualities were also being demonstrated by students at home.
