Ep 9. I'm in a Fight Church

In the True Life season 17 episode 9 titled "I'm in a Fight Church," viewers will be introduced to the unconventional world of Fight Church. Fight Church is a unique place of worship where pastors are also martial arts instructors and the congregation members get a physical and spiritual workout.

This episode follows the stories of three individuals who have found solace and purpose in Fight Church. First, we meet Michael, a pastor and martial arts instructor who founded his own Fight Church. Michael sees the Church as a way to bring people closer to God and help them deal with their personal struggles. Michael believes that practicing martial arts helps people overcome their fears and anxieties, which, in turn, makes them better fighters in the spiritual realm.

Next, we meet David, a former drug addict who found redemption in Fight Church. David sees the Church as a way to stay focused and disciplined. Fighting, he says, is a way to build confidence and inner strength. However, David's addiction is still a daily struggle, and he sees Fight Church as a way to keep himself on the right path.

Finally, we meet Stephanie, a single mother who was initially skeptical about Fight Church but was drawn to it because of her son. Stephanie's son, Justin, is a competitive martial artist who loves the sport and sees it as a way to connect with his mother. Stephanie started attending Fight Church to support her son, but it soon became a way for her to connect with her faith and find inner peace.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see the unique blend of martial arts and religion that takes place at Fight Church. The congregation members don boxing gloves and sparring gear as they train in a variety of disciplines, from Brazilian jiu-jitsu to kickboxing. The pastors incorporate biblical teachings into their classes, helping members find spiritual significance in their physical training.

While the concept of Fight Church may seem controversial to some, the members of the congregation see it as a way to live out their faith and find personal growth. However, the episode doesn't shy away from the questions and criticisms that come with this unique form of worship. Viewers will see interviews with skeptics and critics who question whether fighting and religion should be mixed and whether Fight Church encourages violence.

Overall, True Life season 17 episode 9 "I'm in a Fight Church" offers a fascinating look at a community of people who have found a unique way to connect with their faith through the physical and spiritual practices of martial arts. The episode explores the perils and merits of finding unconventional ways to find inner peace and a sense of purpose and meaning.