Participants will be awarded certificates, ribbons, medals andtrophies depending on how well they perform the "forms"of their specific style. The theme of this bi-annual tournamentis "Striving for the Mastery" taken from 1 Cor. 9:25.
See full page notice elsewhere in this issue of the GMAU Journal.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. (Date to be announced)
For more information, stay tuned here, or the Solid Impact WebSite at: http://www.solid.org
The GMAU is proud to announce the opening of its new InternetWorld-Wide Web site.
Initially, general information on the GMAU will be available here,as well as a limited selection of GMAU Journal back issues.
Current information on upcoming events such as clinics and seminarswill also be available here.
To access the Web site, you will need a computer, a modem, andaccess to the Internet. Most people gain access to the Internetvia commercial "on-line services." The 3 most commonon-line services providing access to the Internet are AmericaOn-line, Compuserve, and Delphi.
In addition to the above, you will need web "browser"software and the address of the GMAU Web site. The Web site addressis:
For questions about the GMAU Web site, you can email scotth@kinetic.com.
Unmarried parents, unfaithful partners and even undisciplinedpoliticians find it difficult to say no to their amorous adventures.Untold millions remain enslaved to cigarettes, alcohol, drugs,gambling, and high cholesterol, high calorie foods in spite ofall that is now known of cancer, heart disease, and emphysema.All of it is evidence of a chronic inability to say no. Employeeswho embezzle, employers who exploit, students who cheat, and criminalswho commit felonies all give graphic confirmation of our contemporaryindiscipline. This stubborn reluctance to say "no" growsout of a spirit of self-indulgence, which will resort to almostany form of deviant behavior so long as one can avoid the necessityof self-denial. It is an alarming phenomenon permeating almostall contemporary social and spiritual relationships.
The very crux of the fall was Adam's refusal to say "no"to what he wanted. And ever since, it has been our natural dispositionto refuse to say "no" to what we want, to say "no"to ourselves. Adam's self-centered infection has spread to theentire race.
However, in becoming a Christian we entered a whole new realmof life at the heart of which is a call to Biblical modes of discipline.Discipline has been defined as, "a conscious divestment ofencumbrances, and then a determined investment of all one's energies."(Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Man, p. 205). What helpfulinsights can we glean from the New Testament documents regardingthis matter of personal discipline? Let me list only three:
The Biblical Mandate
Clearly, all Christians are called to live disciplined lives.Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:7 - "... exercise thyself . . .unto godliness." And the word he employes for "exercise"(gumnadzo) has in it the smell of the gymnasium and the sweatof hard work.
Godliness is grounded, at least in part, in our faithfulness tospiritual "exercises," which are sourced in a Spirit-filledheart of love for God. It is a passion for duty which is promptedby devotion to God. The imperative mode makes the moral obligationunmistakably clear, and the present tense lays the responsibilityupon us habitually. And this is not a call for a new kind of legalism.Legalism seeks to promote self; discipline seeks to exalt God.Legalism performs for personal merit; discipline obeys to manifestlove. The focus of legalism is egocentric; the focus of disciplineis theocentric. We are biblically mandated to be a disciplinedpeople.
Without a doubt this is the age of indulgence and indiscipline.Adam's race seems to be constitutionally incapable of saying "no"to itself. Ever since the Fall in the Garden of Eden our racehas become existential: "Deny me nothing. Give me everything,and give it to me right now."
The Historical Metaphors
All of the metaphors in the New Testament documents which describeor define the essence of Christian living and serving have inthem a dimension of discipline. In 2 Timothy 2:1-6 Paul gatherstogether some of these metaphors. In this passage Christian servantsare defined as:
STEWARDS (2:1-2) who transmit from one generation to the nextthe rich resources of God's truth - pure and unadulterated. Stewardsare household managers who administer affairs and manage propertyand resources belonging to someone else. It is a task which callsfor great discipline and fidelity.
SOLDIERS (2:3,4) who are sacrificial in outlook ("endurehardness"), singular in focus (unentangled with the world-system)and submissive in spirit (pleasing Him who chose them). The militarymetaphor demands discipline.
ATHLETES (2:5) who embrace the discipline of rigor by refusingto drop their training, relax their efforts or indulge their appetites,and who embrace the discipline of regulations by striving "lawfully,"i.e., according to the rules. Everybody knows that world-classathletes live by strict codes of conduct both in preparation forthe contest and in the actual performance of it.
FARMERS (2:6) who are marked by a wholehearted work-ethic. Farmerswork strenuously (they "labor"), patiently and in someways obscurely (there are not many famous farmers.) Such qualitiesare all hallmarks of a disciplined people.
So whether Paul is speaking of the duties of a steward, the daringof a soldier, the devotion of an athlete or the dust of a farmer,he wants us to know that authentic Christians are a disciplinedpeople. But if the biblical mandate and the historical metaphorsserve to bring into focus the need for discipline in the contemporaryChristian world, there is yet one final insight which will helpto define the shape such discipline takes in our personal lives.
The Personal Manifestation
One of my favorite passages in the New Testament is 1 Thessalonians5:16-22. In that passage Paul leaves behind his mind-stretchingtheology and opts for street-walking practicality. It takes theform of six disciplines which all responsible and growing Christiansare to cultivate:
BE JOYFUL (5:16). That's easier said than done, especially inThessalonica where becoming a Christian was an invitation to certainpersecution and possible execution. In the midst of all that pressurethey welcomed God's Word and experienced a joy which could onlybe spawned by the Holy Spirit (1:6). There is a desperate needin the contemporary world for models of joyfulness in the faceof so much emptiness.
BE PRAYERFUL (5:17). I sometimes wonder what would happen in ourlives and ministries if we took this one discipline seriously.Too many of us in Christian ministry are dulling our spiritualinstruments by our lack of prayer. The effect can be significantexpenditures of energy but very ineffective ministry. Prayer isour daily admission of ignorance and impotence and our humbleacknowledgment of dependence upon God.
BE THANKFUL (5:18). Thanksgiving is God's will and it is to beuniversally and habitually applied - "in everything (continually)give thanks." This is a sobering obligation indeed. Christianscan be thankful no matter what the external circumstances becauseof their confidence and security in God. Whatever they may lose,they will never lose Him - and He is enough! So they learn toexpress gratitude even in the midst of suffering - not so muchfor the fact of it as for the fruit of it.
BE SPIRITUAL (5:19). This is a call to honor the ministry of theHoly Spirit in our lives. We are not to extinguish the flame whichHe kindled at our conversion, whether through unspiritual attitudes,unwarranted criticisms, unbridled tongues or ungodly actions.Instead, we are to submit to His authority over us and His energywithin us. Why? Because just as the physical body without thehuman spirit is dead, so the spiritual body (the Church) withoutthe dynamic and fullness of the Holy Spirit is dead. In such achurch, authentic ministry is shut down.
BE BIBLICAL (5:20). Sensitivity to the utterances of the firstcentury prophets was, in effect, sensitivity to God's Word. Paulwarns Christians not to "despise" that word whetherthrough twisting it to suit our fancy or ignoring it because itintersects our lifestyle. Rather, we are to honor it by obeyingit.
BE CAREFUL (5:21,22). "Proving all things" is an intelligentand rigorous exercise demanding a comprehensive knowledge of thetruth and an ability to apply it to real-world situations. Inevery case where there is a question which impacts our ministryphilosophy or methodology, we must be willing to apply and honorthe truth!
Doubtless, Christians are responsible to flesh out disciplinedlifestyles. The New Testament confirms this necessity throughits mandates and metaphors, (and) defines its nature by identifyingthe disciplines of the people God uses! Manifesting this kindof street-walking practicality and these kind of real-world disciplineswill greatly enhance our capacity to touch and transform our worldfor Jesus Christ.
"Three Helpful insights that we can draw upon in mattersof personal discipline:
1. The Biblical Mandate
2. The Historical Metaphors
3. The Personal Manifestation"
Dr. Douglas McLachlan is the pastor of Fourth Baptist Church inMinneapolis, MN and the president of Central Baptist Seminary.This article first appeared in Today's Christian Preacher,Volume Three, Number Two and is reprinted by permission. Pastorsand those involved in Christian ministry can receive free subscriptionsto this periodical by contacting the publisher at 6 Commerce Dr.,Suite 204, Shillington, PA 19607.
Mail from GMAU schools and evangelists.
Juazeiro Do Norte, Brazil. Professor Phil Lewishas now built his class to the point where he plans to start someevangelistic demonstrations with them. He is also starting anotherclub in Crato which he hopes will provide additional opportunitiesfor witnessing.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Solid Impact recentlytested and passed three students for Brown Belt. There are growingnumber of upper belts who are interested in using the gifts theLord has given them as martial artists to further their own ministrypotential. Please pray for our students and instructors as wecontinue to grow. SI Karate is currently maintaining 4 classescity-wide, and plans are underway to add a 5th this spring. SolidImpact Ministries is an outreach & discipleship ministry ofGrace Community Church. Visit Solid Impact on the WorldWide Webat http://www.solid.org
Troy, MI. Professor Dean Blakeney reports that heis currently offering two classes per week for a little over twentystudents. Another 1st degree black belt has stepped forward tohelp Brother Blakeney in this ministry. This is a growing workunder the ministry of First Baptist Church in Troy.
Waldoboro, ME. The Gospel Karate Team of WaldoboroMaine, is a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Waldoboro.The team continues to grow with 36 students attending. They havea faithful group of martial artists ranging in age from 6 to 38,and some have just undergone their rank advancements to greenbelts. The ministry, through the Waldoboro Baptist Church, hasbecome an outreach to the community and through the Lord's helpwill continue to grow and bring others to Christ. A new classwill be started during the first part of January in another town,and with the support of the Warren Baptist Church, classes willbe conducted in a very nice gym. Also, in January they will behaving joint fellowship with the martial artists of Woodland,ME. and are planning to share, and learn at this mini clinic.Several students are planning to attend the upcoming clinic inWest Palm Beach where they're sure to have a rewarding experience.
West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Haralson reports a registeredmembership of 91 students in the three classes. Sensei Rick Merrellis responsible for and teaches the children's class, Sensei LanaJohnson is the instructor of the kung fu class and Dr. Haralsonmaintains responsibility for the adult and teen classes for theteam. Their demonstration team has experienced great success andis now in its second year of operation (see article elsewherein the GMAU Journal). The students are actively preparing forthe first Forms Tournament to be hosted on January 13. A new studentlast month was lead to the Lord by Sensei Christian Phillips.This team is a ministry of Berean Baptist Church.
Rank Awards:
Frank Gargullo - West Palm Beach, Fl - Purple Belt - SeigiBushido Ryu
Tom Mannarino - West Palm Beach, Fl - Brown Belt - SeigiBushido Ryu
Instructor Certifications:
Katie Merrell - West Palm Beach, Fl - Assistant Dojo Sensei
David Spangler - Daulphin, PA - Assistant Dojo Sensei
Part I: The Five Poisons and Societal Relationships
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make youfree." John 8:32
The five poisons are anger, fear, doubt, surprise and confusion.They are naturally occurring emotions which must be overcome lestthey unduly influence you. The actual presence of the five poisonsisn't bad. Think of them as waves crashing against a rock. Watchthem, observe them, but don't let them control your behavior.Your ability to control the five poisons requires the developmentof a greater awareness of their presence and a calm mind whichdoes not become attached to any of them. This process involvesfocusing on what is important and de-emphasizing that which isirrelevant.
Imagine an assault situation. The five poisons naturally arise.Your heart is pounding, and your palms are sweaty. You experiencea disaster fantasy as your mind conjures up images of death anddestruction. Control your breathing. This will calm your mindand allow you to control the adrenaline rush which your body isexperiencing. You will then be able to correctly assess the situation,and the five poisons will fade into the background, allowing appropriatedecision making to proceed from a clear mind.
An old and revered teacher of kenpo was sitting in front of hishouse smoking his long-stemmed pipe. Jiu Lihng came to see himand proudly announced that he had reached the point in his trainingwhere he could be calm and imperturbable in all circumstances.He expounded for quite some time about his accomplishment. Suddenly,the teacher struck him over the head with his pipe. Jiu Lihngwas furious. "You old fool! That hurt! You're lucky I didn'tkill you!" he shouted. "You certainly are calm and imperturbable,aren't you, Jiu Lihng?" calmly replied the teacher. Jiu Lihngsputtered for a moment, then was quiet. Finally, he told the teacherthat he understood and thanked him for the lesson. This storyplainly shows us that the ability to control our emotions, toremain unattached to any of the five poisons, requires constanttraining.
Here is a personal example of dealing with the five poisons ina potentially violent situation. One Sunday morning, I arrivedat church and backed into a parking place. When I looked backto the front, I saw a car blocking me in. A large, angry-lookingman was behind the wheel. A woman was sitting next to him withher face in her hands, crying. The man got out of the car. Hiscompanion pleaded with him to come back. He slammed the door andstormed over to the driver's door of my car. I removed my glassesas he approached and said a short prayer. When he opened the door,I turned to face him, extended my left hand toward him and said,"Stop! What is your problem?"
He grabbed my wrist and said that I had purposely slowed downwhile turning in order to make him late in arriving at whereverhe was going. I respectfully and dispassionately informed himthat I had only slowed down to make my turn. I concluded by apologizingfor any wrong which he felt may have been done to him. He glaredat me for a while, then said he would let me go this time. Hegot in his car and left. If I had been attached to the surprise,confusion and fear which flooded my mind, I would have doubtedmy ability to handle the situation. Then my anger would have takencontrol, and unnecessary violence would have followed.
The five poisons are thieves. They rob us of the ability to seethings as they really are. They steal opportunities for peacefulsolutions. They destroy human relationships by breeding mistrustand unjustly assigning blame. They undermine the bonds of loveand respect which unite us, which form the basis of our relationships.
Therefore, I urge you to go through life maintaining a calm, discerning,dispassionate mind. This condition should be accompanied by arelaxed attitude and steady, regular breathing.
Part II: The Five Poisons and Our Spiritual Life
God is the creator and sovereign ruler of everything. "Forof Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be gloryforever. Amen." (Romans 11:36). He is the "King of Kingsand Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16). He is in control anduses all of creation, all events and all people for His own purposes."My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; indeed,I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposedit, I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:10-11).
Faith is wholehearted trust in the power and sovereignty of God."Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidenceof things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It is the basis of ourpersonal relationship with God. "But without faith it isimpossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believethat He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seekHim" (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, we should join with the Psalmistin saying, "In you, O Lord, I put my trust; let me neverbe ashamed; deliver me in your righteousness. Bow down your earto me; deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress ofdefense to save me" (Psalm 31:1-2).
The five poisons play a major role in the devil's schemes as he"walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour"(I Peter 5:8). Their uncontrolled presence indicates a lack offaith. This lack of faith causes us to believe that God does notcare about us; that He cannot help us or protect us. So we becomeangry with God and/or our fellow human beings when things don'tgo our way. And we fear for our lives and experience doubt, surpriseand confusion when the unexpected occurs. The disciples panickedand cried out during the storm (Mark 4:38). Peter, under the influenceof the five poisons, cut off the right ear of Malchus (John 18:10).Shortly thereafter, he denied being a disciple of Jesus -- notonce, but three times! (John 19:17-27)
The only spiritual cure for the five poisons is faith. "Andwhen Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes,and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were veryafraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord."(Exodus 14:10) "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cryto me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward'." (Exodus14:15) And so they walked. In spite of their fear, doubt and confusion,they walked. "And behold, the children of Israel went intothe midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were awall to them on their right hand and on their left." (Exodus14:22)
This is the application of faith: to walk the way to which wehave been called in spite of the sin and temptation which surroundus and in spite of the death which pursues us. And having walkedsafely through these stormy seas, we shall pause a moment to thankGod and sing of His glorious triumph. Then we shall continue onour way to the next crossing.
"Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preservesthe faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage,and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."(Psalm 31:23-24)
The GMAU has just published a new booklet dealing with the Christianperspective on the principle of Yin/Yang. See the short book reviewof this publication elsewhere in this issue of the GMAU and ordera copy for yourself.
You may also wish to place a bulk order for your class. Bulk ordersof 10 or more have the reduced rate of $2.50 each and we pay theshipping (within the USA). The author of the booklet is a Baptistpastor and second degree black sash in kung fu.
The GMAU has also updated the Dojo Etiquette and Code of Behaviormanual. This manual is now in its sixth edition. Copies are availablefrom the GMAU.
Check the back panel of this issue of the Journal for informationon ordering these additions to your library.
In the past three months, the Gospel Karate demonstration teamof West Palm Beach has put on 5 shows to a combined audience of955 people. Each show is designed to win the attention of theaudience and give the team the chance to share from the Word ofGod. As a result of these five demonstrations, 39 people receivedthe Gospel and trusted Jesus Christ as Savior.
The team is under the direction of Sensei Larry Phillips. He requiresstudents to have earned at least a purple belt before they areallowed to try out for the team. The team then practices oncea week in addition to their regular class workouts.
If you would be interested in corresponding with Sensei Phillips,he can be reached at 584 Santa Clara Tr, Wellington, FL 33414,USA.
In the movie Karate Kid, young Daniel asks Mister Miagi to teachhim karate. Miagi agrees under one condition: Daniel must submittotally to his instruction and never question his methods.
Daniel shows up the next day eager to learn. To his chagrin, MisterMiagi has him paint a fence. Miagi demonstrates the precise motionfor the job: up and down, up and down. Daniel takes days to finishthe job. Next, Miagi has him scrub the deck using a prescribedstroke. Again the job takes days. Daniel wonders, "What doesthis have to do with karate?" but he says nothing.
Next, Miagi tells Daniel to wash and wax three weather-beatencars and again prescribes the motion. Finally, Daniel reacheshis limit: "I thought you were going to teach me karate,but all you have done is have me do your unwanted chores!"
Daniel has broken Miagi's one condition, and the old man's facepulses with anger. "I have been teaching you karate! Defendyourself!" Miagi thrusts his arm at Daniel, who instinctivelydefends himself with an arm motion exactly like that used in oneof his chores. Miagi unleashes a kick, and again Daniel avertsthe blow with a motion used in his chores. After Daniel successfullydefends himself from several more blows, Miagi simply walks awayleaving Daniel to discover what the master had known all along:skill comes from repeating the correct but seemingly mundane actions.
The same is true of Godliness. How's your Bible reading, prayer,Scripture memory, soul-winning and discipling doing?
Have you read "The Overlook Martial Arts Reader"?1 This remarkable 342 page collection of 30 articlesbrings together historical and philosophical works which rangefrom dynastic Japan to present day America. Writing about subjectsas diverse as the training of women samurai and the contributionof jiujitsu to education in the 19th century Japan, acknowledgedsecular experts address such disciplines as aikido, jiujitsu,karate, kung fu, sumo, tai chi chuan, tae kwon do, and weaponstechniques. It also emphasizes the many common elements of theAsian fighting arts: the development of moral character, the artof defensive victory, and above all the mastery of certain skillsand attitudes that allow one to achieve the essence of all martialarts excellence. It should be noted however, that the book isnot easy to read and could be labelled as "dry." Itis intended for the martial artist who is already well-read inthe field, in which case this book will greatly augment his orher understanding.
1. Published in 1989 by Overlook Press Reviewed by Sensei LarryPhillips
All material published in the GMAU Journal is Copyrighted 1996 by the GMAU. Permission to use material found in thisGMAU Journal for non-profit purposes is granted as long as creditis given to the author and issue in which it appeared.
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Copyright 1996 by the Gospel Martial Arts Union
All rights reserved.