WHAT MARTIAL ART DO WE PRACTICE?
Lineage of
Cheng Dian Quan
Rank
Qualification
The Maranatha KIKS Team practices a style of Chinese martial arts called "Sheng Dian Quan (or Shen Dian Ch'uan)," meaning "Temple Chinese Boxing." This style
is based off of Pai Lum Kung Fu (white dragon style), though other styles
are incorporated into Sheng Dian Quan. For example, the self-defense
techniques for 8th yellow through 5th green, are from
Hawaiian-Chinese Kempo.
In "Temple Chinese Boxing,"
the 'Temple' refers to the fact that each Christian's body is the temple of
the Holy Spirit. Each Christian has been bought by God and should attempt to
do all, including martial arts, to God's glory, while offering his or her
body as a perfect and pure sacrifice. With this in mind, the Sheng Dian Quan
martial artist follows a few key principles:
1. No Buddhist/Taoist
philosophies are allowed to enter, for these would not be pleasing to God
and would potentially prove harmful to the body and mind. Such principles as
"ki/chi" and the yin-yang are rejected, for these ultimately stem from
Taoism and Eastern mysticism.While "internal martial arts" is a valid
discipline and should be practiced, this must not be allowed to develop into
religious mysticism or meditation where the practitioner attempts to open
his mind and reach a higher mental/physical state. For more information on
the difference between true internal arts and ki/chi and other Eastern
philosophical principles, please see the booklet "Strength in the Inner
Man"by John R. Himes.
2. The martial artist
does not allow any harmful substances (such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco) to
enter his/her body (except when taken for medicinal purposes) as this will
ultimately hinder training and, more importantly, damage the temple of the
Holy Spirit,
3. All training,
performance, and practice is done to the glory of God, not to glorify one's
self. A servant does not work for himself, but for his owner. In the same
way, the KIKS martial artist is working to glorify God, not him/herself.
4. Each member must
keep a good, Christian testimony to honor the One who saved him/her.
The "Chinese Boxing" of the title simply refers to the fact that Sheng Dian Quan is a Chinese style, mostly derived from Pai Lum Kung Fu (white dragon
style). Pai Lum Kung Fu is a rather balanced style, neither "hard" like most
Karate styles or "soft" like Tai Chi Chuan. Pai Lum emphasizes basic
concepts such as "circling," "yielding," and a good balance between hand and
feet action.
Sheng Dian Quan is now officially recognized as a martial arts style by the
Gospel Martial Arts Union. Sifu John Himes presides as its head. The current
recognized black belts within this style (many of whom practice other styles
as well) are as follows: Warren Obenland, Mike McClure, Amanda McClure, John
Himes, Paul Himes, Jeff Rogers, Mark Yates, Tony Ojeda, Bobby Baker, Rick
Henault, and Stephen Jones. Each of these black belts is a born-again
Christians who attempts to glorify God with his or her martial arts.
Even though the Team's main style is Sheng Dian Quan Kung Fu, some come
to the team with extensive former martial arts experience, and team members are
encouraged to cross train in other arts.
Arts Represented by the Team:
-American Boxing
-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
-Catch Wrestling
-Goju-Ryu Karate
-Freestyle Wrestling
-Jeet Kune Do
-Taekwondo
-TCB Kung Fu
-Yan Shi Kung Fu
