Training for fitness and self-defense
I enjoy training in self-defense for fitness and for the protection of my person and my loved ones. We do not train to cause trouble but to avoid it if at all possible. When it's not possible but appears inevitable, we train to respond with total commitment and violence when necessary until a threat is neutralized. Within this, there are, obviously, threat levels and response levels, but the techniques can be brutal and must be applied with great discretion. Scripture says not to "clothe oneself in violence" (sic), which seems to leave room for self-protection. Is this training incompatible with Christianity or does it come down to, as I suspect, the intent behind it? Thank you.
Some Christians look to Matthew 5:39 and Romans 12:17 as absolute directives not to resist physical threats. In their context though the verses advocate love toward others instead of seeking revenge.
Others look to sections of Scripture like Proverbs 24:11-12 and Luke 22:35-38 as the basis for defending oneself and one’s family from physical threats.
Christians, individually, will need to examine their consciences—and motives, as you suggested—to determine if and to what extent they might defend themselves and their property.
Psalm 73:6 states: “Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.” Asaph, the inspired psalm writer, was describing “the wicked” (Psalm 73:2). He used picturesque language to describe how the ungodly “dress” themselves. Pride dangles from their neck as a necklace, and violence covers their bodies like clothing.
By contrast, the Bible instructs Christians: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14). Christians wear a much different kind of “clothing.” But, again, Christians will determine whether or not to move into self-defense mode to protect the life God has given them and others. I certainly cannot label training for fitness and possible self-defense as wrong.