Christianity and Martial Arts: Mike Deegan's Integration of Faith at Iron Mantis
- Trace Pirtle
- May 14, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: May 23, 2025
Mike Deegan is quietly and persistently revolutionizing how Chinese martial arts and Christian faith intersect at Iron Mantis Martial Arts Academy in the Texas Hill Country town of Kerrville. Mike and I met several months ago in what we both described as a "Divine Appointment." We met for lunch recently, and Mike shared how he weaves biblical principles into his teaching and business practices. I also discovered the powerful redemption story that brought him to this unique calling.
A Journey of Redemption: Christianity and Martial Arts
Before Mike became a martial arts instructor with a Christian ministry mindset, his path was far from the narrow road. As a youth, Mike faced significant challenges that led him down a destructive path involving drugs and even incarceration. During this dark, wilderness period of his life, he encountered the transformative power of faith.
Like many of us who hit rock bottom, Mike discovered the “Rock” that is Jesus Christ. Mike’s story reminds me of Jesus' own words:
Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock:..." Matthew 7:24 (NKJV)
This profound encounter with the Lord of Lords and King of Kings led to his complete life redirection as he dedicated himself to serving the Lord.
After his conversion, Mike and his wife committed to ministry work, living on campus at Strong Tower Ministry in Hitchcock, Texas, where Mike served as an Associate Pastor and Worship Leader. Their service extended to prison ministry with Calvary Commission - Mike's past experiences giving him unique insight and credibility when ministering to incarcerated individuals.
Rather than aligning with a specific denomination, Mike explained that he follows the practices of first-century Christians who were known as followers of "The Way" - seeking a direct, authentic connection to the teachings of Christ as lived by the earliest believers. It also reflects Mike’s consistent application of Christianity to the Tao (Way) as expressed in many martial arts systems.
The 12 Virtues: Martial Arts with Spiritual Foundations
At the core of Iron Mantis's philosophy are "The 12 Virtues" - a set of character principles that Mike teaches methodically. He focuses on a different virtue each month during what he calls "mat time." These discussions create space for students to reflect on essential character qualities needed in martial arts and life.
"Many of these principles relate to the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10," Mike explains. The virtues include patience, self-control, integrity, loyalty, respect, humility, righteousness, kindness, will, endurance, perseverance, and courage - qualities that resonate deeply with biblical teachings.
Biblical Foundations for Martial Arts Instruction
When asked about biblical inspiration for his teaching approach, Mike points to Matthew 7:12: "Do unto others as you would want done to yourself." This Golden Rule serves as a guiding philosophy in his instruction. "I would not ask my students to do anything that I have not already done myself," he says.
He also draws from Romans 12:10, which teaches believers to "love each other with brotherly love, outdo one another in showing honor." This spirit of mutual respect and care infuses his teaching methodology.
Harmony of Opposites: The Tai Chi Symbol as Metaphor
As I talked with Mike, I couldn't help but see the Tai Chi symbol (often called the Yin-Yang) in my mind. Far from viewing Christianity and traditional Chinese martial arts as opposing forces, Mike views them as complementary elements that create a unified whole. It's a powerful blend of who Mike is and what he does.
Much like the Tai Chi symbol itself, where opposing black and white forces contain elements of each other and flow together in perfect balance, Mike's approach demonstrates how faith and martial discipline enhance rather than contradict one another. He is literally putting faith into action.
Many people might see Christianity and kung fu as mutually exclusive. However, Mike demonstrates how they become collectively exhaustive—together, they form something complete without sacrificing anything in the process.
This philosophical integration shines the Light brightly in his teaching. The discipline, respect, and physical mastery central to Chinese martial arts tradition provide the vessel, while Christian virtues inform the character development that fills it. Neither dilutes the other; instead, they create something that honors both traditions.
The Iron Mantis curriculum preserves authentic kung fu techniques and Chinese philosophical concepts while illuminating them through the Spirit of a faithful Christian "man of God." Students learn traditional forms and applications with their original intent intact, while "mat time" discussions connect these physical disciplines to spiritual growth and biblical principles.
Reconciling Self-Defense with Christ's Peace
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation concerned the apparent contradiction between martial arts' focus on combat skills and Christ's message of peace. Mike offered an insightful perspective that bridges these seemingly opposing values.
"The best fighter is the one who wins without throwing a blow," he emphasizes. While Jesus taught to "turn the other cheek," Mike acknowledges there are circumstances where self-defense becomes necessary - when physically assaulted, protecting loved ones, or when others are in danger.
He cites John 15:13: "There's no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his brother," explaining that sometimes protection requires physical intervention. Mike also points to Luke 22:36-38, where Jesus tells disciples to obtain swords, interpreting this as Christ's recognition that sometimes self-defense is necessary, particularly when spreading the gospel through dangerous territories. While not all Christians will agree with Mike's position, few would turn down a "Guardian Angel's" protection if ever needed.
Faith-Guided Business Ethics
As a Christian entrepreneur, Mike strives to conduct business with integrity and fairness. "I try to charge a fair price for everyone," he shares, recognizing that his 16 years of training represent valuable expertise worth compensating appropriately.
His approach to students with special needs demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity, making accommodations so all children can participate fully. This commitment to accessibility reflects Christ's love for all children.
Martial Arts as Spiritual Growth
At Iron Mantis, Mike has created a system where spiritual growth is inseparable from martial arts training. "There is no way to learn the system of Iron Mantis Martial Arts without growing in skill and spirituality," he explains. "It's built into our system and the way we teach."
This holistic approach ensures students don't just develop physical techniques but also character qualities that serve them in all aspects of life. Some of these qualities--physical, psychological, and spiritual- require suffering. Yes, suffering is built into all training that prepares one for "life."
Mike discussed the concept of "eating bitterness" with me. Anyone who has ever assumed a horse stance and held it until their legs shake uncontrollably understands eating bitterness (physically). But eating bitterness is also psychologically pushing through the suffering without complaining or quitting. Eating bitterness is sweeter when framed by the 12 virtues and the nine fruits of the Spirit.
Challenges and Faith-Filled Responses
Like many entrepreneurs, Mike faces challenges in growing his business. Finding affordable training space has been difficult, currently splitting time between his business location for teaching children and a garage "kwoon" (training hall) at his home for adult students.
He also notes the difficulty of engaging potential students in a digital age where "the masses are glued to their phones and TVs." Martial arts require time, patience, and hard work - qualities often in short supply in today's instant-gratification culture.
"In Chinese, the words kung fu literally mean 'skill attained by time and hard work,'" Mike explains. "It's common for people to lack patience and endurance, which are required to learn martial arts." His response to these challenges is prayer for his current students' perseverance and new students' passion for learning.
Personal Mission Born from Family Experience
Mike's passion for helping others extends beyond martial arts. During our lunch, he shared that he and his wife are parents to two children, one with autism. This personal journey led to another calling when they struggled to find appropriate care for their son.
In response to this need, Mike founded The Behavior Resource Center in Kerrville, Texas - a facility dedicated to serving children with special needs. This parallel entrepreneurial venture reveals Mike's consistent heart for martial arts instruction and his willingness to create solutions where he sees gaps in community resources.
His experience as a parent of a child with special needs also informs his inclusive approach at Iron Mantis Martial Arts, where he makes accommodations to ensure all children can participate fully in training. Mike is a "doer of the Word" and I respect him greatly.
Future Vision for Community Impact
Though Iron Mantis is still growing its student base, Mike has visions for community outreach through free self-defense seminars and women's self-defense workshops. "I'm waiting to see how God moves," he says, demonstrating the patience he teaches his students. "I don't want to push anything that the Lord isn't in." Amen!
The Intersection of Faith and Fighting
Mike Deegan's approach to martial arts instruction offers a compelling example of how seemingly contradictory values can harmonize. At Iron Mantis Martial Arts, physical discipline becomes a pathway to spiritual growth, and combat skills become tools for protecting others rather than harming them.
What makes Mike's story especially powerful is his authenticity. He openly revealed his personal journey from troubled youth to ministry leader to martial arts instructor and special needs advocate. He is uniquely qualified--by God--to serve as trusted guide in martial arts and in life. His commitment to following "The Way" of first-century Christianity shines through in his commitment to service and character development. Interesting how Mike follows "The Way" of early Christianity he also integrates "The Way" in Chinese Kung Fu. Humm...
As Mike continues to build his academy in Kerrville, his integration of faith and martial arts provides a unique approach to character development that benefits students physically, mentally, and spiritually, showing how redemption stories can become platforms for helping others find their own path--the narrow path.
It's been an honor to feature Christian-business owner Mike Deegan and all he is doing to shine a bright Light of faith in all his endeavors. If you are seeking martial arts instruction in the Texas Hill Country in general, or Kerrville, Texas specifically, I encourage you to give Mike a call at Iron Mantis Martial Arts. He can be reached at 1-409-392-0697 or ironmantisacademy@gmail.com.
Have you experienced the integration of faith with physical disciplines like martial arts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
These twelve virtues Mike teaches align beautifully with the biblical fruit of the Spirit I explore in "Murphy's Law vs. Fruit of the Spirit".
More Faith in Action Examples:
Mike's integration of faith and martial arts exemplifies what we mean by faith in action. See how this same principle applies to supporting suicide survivors and our broader community ministry.
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