I would enjoy sparring theologically with letter writer Colin Carmichael over the value of a club like Karate for Christ, but the pages of the Times may not be the proper arena.

While I believe learning karate can be defended using the Bible, I will approach the discussion on the evidence I see from my experiences.

It is understandable that Carmichael would develop the misconception that learning karate promotes violence and fear in children.

On the surface, it seems to make sense.

However, the first lessons taught in most karate schools, and especially Karate for Christ, are "talk, walk, defend".

Karate students are taught to avoid fights and only when that fails, to defend.

I know of several children who frequently got into fights, but after they started in karate, they learned to avoid them.

Learning karate, for many children, does not promote violence; it reduces it - a wonderful irony.

Many critics of Karate for Christ would have second thoughts about their position if they had witnessed the recent club shiai (tournament).

Among the sparring and demonstrations, they would have seen example after example of encouragement, kindness and self-control. One picture, especially, sticks in my mind.

Occasional minor bumps and bruises happen in any sport (but perhaps even less in karate). One sparring final was tied 2-2. A well-placed kick ended the match. While taking off his equipment, the losing boy blurted, "That was a great kick. It hurt", with a huge grin on his face.

It is great when children learn to deal with little pains, like losing or bruising, with a smile.

I have been going to Karate for Christ with my children for about six months. Self-defence was not the primary reason for our involvement. It was for fitness and fun.

We are in much better shape, we are having a great time and we are getting so much more. Sensei Neil and the rest of the leadership team have become good friends. They are great examples for my children of many important qualities: respect, courtesy, humility, self-control and encouragement.

As a final note, the club has chosen "I will fear no evil" from Psalm 23:4 as its motto. It is clearly taught that the reason we "fear no evil" is not because of our skills in karate, but because of our Lord.

I would love to meet Carmichael and shake his hand, because we both agree that the word of God is the means of overcoming our fears. We could have our Biblical sparring match over karate, and when it's over, no matter who wins, go out for a coffee and wish each other well.

Robert Kroeker

Cambridge