It is true that martial arts philosophy are closely related to religion somehow, especially in the disciplines of oriental origin. Some martial artists are even devout followers of a specific religion and find in the practice of this martial art the way to spirituality that they have looked for so long. Such is the belief of some wrestlers in their faith and religion that they even make prayers to their Gods and entrusting them before engaging in combat.
In some martial arts there is a research of “Ki”, vital energy which is found throughout nature that surrounds us. They do that through their breath.
To give an example, practitioners of Aikido use Shinto’s techniques, Japan’s indigenous religion. In other cases, such as occurs in Muay Thai, martial artists often use amulets blessed by Buddhist monks. The Kung Fu is closely associated with Taoism and Buddhism.
By contrast, note that to practice any martial art almost no knowledge of religion is required. Sometimes, it is good to know the principles and values of the religion in order to understand better the discipline.
