I’ve heard of “Christian Martial Arts Schools/Clubs” but MMA seems to take it to a whole new level from tournament-style controlled atmosphere. The biggest difference is between a Martial Arts’ emphasis on – as you said – “deesculating violent situations” and MMA’s “destroy the opponent” mentality.

I’d really like to sit in on that “Christ fought for what he believes” (“like a lamb led to the slaughter?”) talk. Reminds me of the time at summer camp when I played paintball and they told me life-with-Christ is a battle, and then prayed my aim would be accurate…

I’d say this group is full of good intentions, but a little misguided. The root being, I would suggest, the (American/Western) Church’s departure from teaching the radical non-violence associated with following Christ. I think your ethical/theological concerns are well placed. I wouldn’t be quick to say MMA=Domestic Abuse (not that you’re saying that either) but I do think that kind of setting slides a large lens over one’s theology.

Thanks for bringing this up.
-Chase