Make plans to attend the 7th Annual Southeastern Regional GMAU Clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 4 & 5, 1994.In addition to workshops for students, there will be special black belt seminars and black belt examinations. Cost will be just $30for the weekend.
In the last two weeks, two more students have been accepted into the B.S. degree program of the college. Since it's inception just one year ago, we have had inquiries and requests from 27 states and 3 foreign countries. This is an excellent way for you to develop your own understanding of the martial arts and pursue a degree.
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An examination board will convene on March 4, 1994 in West Palm Beach, FL for the purpose of conducting black belt examinations for all styles and all levels. Several martial artists have already been invited to participate in this examination. If you would like to be considered, please contact the GMAU at the address to the right.
In late October, the GMAU Board of Governors will be convening in West Palm Beach, Florida. Please remember to pray that the Lord will grant wisdom and direction as the Board discusses GMAU business and future directions.
Dr. Ron Tottingham was received as a member of the World Head-of-Family Sokeship Council in August.
The rank held by members of this prestigious council of Sokes world-wide is either 9th or 10th degree black belt, and all have a private system of martial art. Soke Tottingham's martial art is the Kirisuto Shinsei Ji Ei Budo style.
The author of the book of Hebrews said, "Let us stop going over the same old ground again and again, always teaching those first lessons about Christ. Let us go on instead to other things and become mature in our understanding, as strong Christians ought to be...you don't need further instruction about baptism and spiritual gifts and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. The Lord willing, we will go on now to other things" (Hebrews6:1,2, TLB). By never progressing in faith, by continually studying the basic principles of Christianity, believers become bored, lukewarm in faith and wither in their commitment to God. But a few verses later the author says, "Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won't become bored with being a Christian, nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience" (Hebrews7:12, TLB). If we are to avoid becoming bored, spiritually dull or lukewarm in faith, we must follow the example of those who, through their faith and perseverance, received all God's promises. But who are these people whose examples we should be anxious to imitate? They are the heroes of the Bible, the "black belts of the faith!"
A close study of their lives indicates that they were very human indeed; not a few of whom would have probably gotten themselves kicked out of many modern churches! James said, "Elijah was completely human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and one half years!" (James 5:17, TLB). From what James says, we can conclude that there was nothing extraordinary about Elijah; except he possessed a level of faith that enabled him to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Not only did Elijah's faith bring a drought that shook the nation of Israel out of its spiritual complacency, it also raised a boy from the dead! The popular Bible stories we learned as children were recorded in the Bible for a distinct purpose. Paul said, "These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us patience and to encourage us..."(Romans 15:4, TLB). Those stories are there to teach us patience, encourage us to persevere and to inspire us to continue in the foot steps of our spiritual predecessors.
By believing that the types of things the heroes of the Bible accomplished are still possible today, we can face an uncertain future unafraid and full of faith. To do that we must also believe that God's modus operandi remains the same yesterday, today and forever; that He did not create the world, set it on automatic pilot and take a celestial vacation! The allies' amazing victory during Operation Desert Storm, the fall of communism and the return of the Hebrew people to their ancient homeland all prove God is very much alive and at work in the world of today, and that His power, His presence and grace are as readily available to modern men and women of faith as they were to Abraham, Moses or the Apostle Paul. To activate these dynamics into our lives, all we need is the audacity to believe this truth and act on our faith, When this occurs, when individual believers begin to function as men and women of faith, revival will sweep across the land!
Martial arts master Sung H. Kim emphasizes the need for learning DO, or the "way of life" over SUL, which he describes as "the skill of living." His philosophy embraces the importance of becoming "masters of life" over learning to be experts in the "skill of living," to become "total individuals." No one accomplished this more thoroughly than the "black belts of the faith." Near the end of his life, as the day of his execution approached, the Apostle Paul, now an old man, was prompted to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing"(2 Timothy 4:7,8, NIV). It was a struggle, but he made it, and in the process, Paul wrote the bulk of the New Testament! Because of these references to athletics, some Bible students believe that Paul probably attended, or maybe even competed in, some of the Olympiad games in Athens or Corinth. Whatever the case, he drew encouragement and wisdom for the faith walk from these contests of his time, the same type of inspiration I and other Christians are discovering within the martial arts.
The heroes of the Bible conquered kingdoms, had their weakness turned to strength, were powerful in battle and routed armies. Some were even raised to life again, but others were tortured, jeered and stoned. Through faith, the Israelites received cities and homes they did not build with wells they did not dig and bountiful gardens they did not plant. But others mentioned in the Bible's hall of fame (the eleventh chapter of Hebrews) wandered about destitute, persecuted and mistreated. Yet they are all there. James said, "For examples of patience in suffering, look at the Lord's prophets. We know how happy they are now because they stayed true to him then, even though they suffered greatly for it..." (James 5:10, TLB).
In the early church this attitude continued to prevail. While a captive of Roman soldiers journeying to Rome to be executed for refusing to renounce the faith, Ignatius wrote, "It is right, therefore, that we not just be called Christians, but that we actually be Christians..." He also said, "Neither the ends of the earth nor the kingdoms of this age are of any use to me. It is better for me to die for Jesus Christ than to rule over the ends of the earth. Him I seek, who died on our behalf; him I long for, who rose again for our sake....I take no pleasure in corruptible food or the pleasures of this life. I want the bread of God, which is the flesh of Christ who is of the seed of David; and for drink I want his blood, which is incorruptible love."
When Polycarp refused to renounce the faith, the proconsul threatened to burn him at the stake. To this Polycarp replied, "You threaten with a fire that burns only briefly and after just a little while is extinguished, for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Come, do what you wish."Eyewitness to his fiery death said, "As he spoke these and many other words, he was inspired with courage and joy, and his face was filled with grace, so that not only did he not collapse in fright at the things which were said to him, but on the contrary the proconsul was astonished..."
As we travel through the journey of life, we tend to gravitate toward the route which offers the least amount of pain, but within the martial arts, we have a saying that goes, "No pain, no gain." And it is true. No small amount of pain, work and commitment goes into earning the rank of black belt. And what about the faith walk? Contrary to current, popular belief, prosperity, health and wealth are not the by-products of developing a greater level of faith! The church would be a lot more effective if Christians labored to master life through faith like the heroes of the faith did. Unfortunately, within our materialistic society, we work ourselves to death striving to become ever more efficient in what Grandmaster Kim refers to as the skill of living, perhaps better known as "making it."
As a man who had been an alcoholic lay on his deathbed, he slipped into a coma. A few minutes before he died, he opened his eyes, and stared as though he saw an invisible Presence in the room. Then, to the amazement of everyone, he gasped, "Sweet Jesus, "and committed his spirit to the Lord. When did Jesus become his Saviour? God only knows. As a woman who was an avowed atheist all her life lay dying, her Hispanic maids ministered Jesus to her. Holding out that Jesus could not possibly have been born to a virgin, she nevertheless embraced Him as Saviour. When she died, she lifted her hands toward Heaven and committed her spirit to a Presence within the room only she could see. When the thief on the cross made the good confession, Jesus told him that he would see him that very day in Paradise. I believe that each of these people went straight to Heaven. yet their lives were characterized by defeat and disgrace.
Obviously, serving God pays greater dividends in the hereafter than simply "going to Heaven." Let us therefore transport our attention into the future, to the day when all who have confessed Jesus as Saviour will stand before the judgment seat of Christ in Heaven, our salvation already assured. According to the Bible, some will receive crowns and rewards, while others will be less fortunate: "If any man builds his foundation [Christianity}using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames" (1 Cor. 3"12-15, NIV). Jesus said, "The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire"(Matthew 3:10, NIV). The choice is clear: We can either bear fruit or suffer shame at the judgment seat of Christ! Obviously, God has something more in mind for His people than salvation. Jesus said, "You did not choose me, but I
chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name"(John 15:16, NIV). If we want our prayers answered and the power of God at work in our lives, we are therefore to bear fruit; do the work of the kingdom.
And the crown of righteousness: What is it? Everyone who believes and confesses the Lord will be saved, but at the judgment seat of Christ, those who have served Him faithfully will receive Heaven's attention and recognition. Paul said, "In a race, everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a Heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I'm not just shadowboxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. Otherwise I fear that after enlisting others for the race, I myself might be declared unfit and ordered to stand aside" (1 Cor. 9:24-27,TLB). In an ancient Christian sermon penned around 100 A.D., its unknown author said, "So, then, my brothers, let us enter the contest realizing that the contest is at hand, and that while many come to enter the earthly contests, not all are crowned, but only those who have trained hard and competed well."
When I was teaching in Australia many years ago, students in the public schools who failed to complete the full course of study could receive a diploma called a "leaving certificate, "indicating they only completed two years of secondary school work. Those who made their grades and were matriculated received better jobs and generally enjoyed a higher position in society. At the conclusion of the age, everyone present at the judgment of Christ will receive the equivalent of such a certificate, meaning that through God's grace, they will have made it "by the skin of their teeth," as my mother used to say. However, those who have overcome adversity through faith will receive awards. This group will receive authority and power to rule as "join theirs" with Christ during the kingdom age and beyond. Paul alluded to these awards as crowns and cups, the awards given to the winners of the games of his time. Today we more readily understand awards such as the ribbons, medals and trophies presented to the winners of martial arts tournaments and other sporting events.
As the second generation of Israelites approached the Jordan River, the border of the Promised Land, a king of the Moabites named Balak used Moabite prostitutes to lure the Israelites into sexual immorality and idolatry. Although they were punished, this event did not bar this second generation of Israelites from the Promised Land. Their fathers wandered and died in the wilderness because they doubted God's ability, His power to deliver the pagan kingdoms within the land over to them. Thus it was their disbelief, not their
carnality which kept them from receiving their inheritance.
Now, let us replace these pagan kingdoms of Canaan with the satanic strongholds of unbelief, idolatry, racism, greed, stubbornness and perversion within our own hearts, within our nation and within the corporate body of Christ. Paul said, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4,NIV). Not only do we have a divinely-appointed mission, a command given by Christ to evangelize the world, God has armed us with spiritual weapons possessing the power to demolish these strongholds of the devil. That Bible on the coffee table that has not been opened in years is a spiritual Thompson machine gun or a Cruise missile, prayer a flak jacket and faith a Patriot rocket with the capacity to intercept and destroy the fiery darts of fear, doubt and unbelief the enemy fires into our minds!
At times, the enemy does get the upper hand in our lives, and when he does, we can either rant, rave and worry ourselves sick, or we can use the "weapons of our warfare" to emerge from our trials stronger, as "more than conquerors!"Talented people who love to win, but cannot accept defeat are often good athletes, but they do not make particularly good martial artists. Winning is therefore less important than learning to accept adversity with grace and pose. Why? Because, as the old saying goes, "There has never been a horse who couldn't be rode nor a man who couldn't be 'throwed!" In real life, bad things do indeed happen to good people.
The Apostle Paul proclaimed, "...I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked"(2 Cor. 11:23-27, NIV). Earning the rank of black belt is not an easy task. Only a small percentage of those who started to "run the race" and "fight the fight" stay on and train hard enough to earn this coveted rank. But when they do, timidity and fear are replaced by an attitude that seems to say, "If I can make it through what it takes to earn the rank of black belt, I can accomplish anything!" This is, I believe, what the Apostle Paul was saying about the faith walk. Clearly Paul understood and taught the high cost of discipleship; a message which indifferent, playful Christians cannot receive. But then, neither can this type of person make the level of commitment necessary to earn the rank of black belt in the martial arts.
Serving God is not easy. It never was and never will be. Nothing worthwhile ever is. During the last year of training for the rank of black belt, my wife and I
made a 220-mile one way trek to El Paso, Texas each Friday. Having only 2 days to train, I attended group classes and took private lessons. During this period of intensive training, at age 45,I got very sore sparring with younger, stronger students. Often so sore that I could not sleep at night, and I sometimes felt like quitting. But I didn't. Now, I am not by any means some great martial artist, but I did persevere through poor health and the high cost of long distance travel for training. During the same period, not a few younger, much more talented students dropped out without ever receiving their black belts. Isaiah said, "He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:28-31,TLB). Even with examples of the "black belts of the faith, "the amazing men and women of faith in the Bible, and through the inspiration of God's Word, even when young, more youthful people give up and quit, God gives those of us who are weak sufficient strength to "mount up with wings like eagles," just as He did the heroes of the Bible!
The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright 1991by World Publishing. Used by permission.
The Living Bible (TLB). Copyright 1971 by Tyndale House Publishers. Used by permission.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rod Crowder, president of Black Belts of the Faith International (BBFI) holds the rank of 4th degree black belt in WTF Tae Kwon Do and a 5th dan in Ching Sai Do issued by the Cloud Forest World Chinese Martial Arts Assn. He has been operating a full time school, Black Belt Academy of Carlsbad, N.M. for seven years.
A few days ago Dr. Os Guiness, that British and Christian watcher of the Western scene, made an unexpected observation: "As odd as it may seem, the misunderstanding of the Christian faith today is so great that Christians are perceived as a greater threat to the public than terrorism, government intrusion, or a variety of momentary dangers...and that includes disease."
Now we can speculate about how we arrived here, and after some aggressive finger-pointing we might be at least partially correct. Better, though, to concern ourselves with defining the issue as Christians rather than forever reacting to that world out there.
If non-Christian misunderstanding of we who follow the Prince of Light and also happen to practice the martial arts is so great, what does this demand of us?
1. We are long overdue for a determined effort to practice our art and everything else we do with a crispness and excellence that represents nothing less than our best for Christ. Not only is He our Saviour; He is our Chief Testing Official, our Judge.
If this is true of our martial art, how much more so for our lifestyle? We followers of the Lord of Heaven have often drifted into a sloppiness in our personal lives, our habits, our beliefs, and our standards. That sloppiness is in part responsible for the disrespect directed toward Christians. Too often we are overweight, undertrained or underprepared, and have allowed ourselves to be molded into the world's standards one after the other. Jesus Christ stated the order with simple clarity: "Let your light shine before men, that they will see your god works and then glorify your Father who is in heaven."
2. Instructors can require no less of our students than accurate, skilled performance of their arts. Squeezing by may be acceptable for others; for us it is a bad habit. Our students must realize that to train, test, or simply live any standard less than that of seriousness in Christ is unacceptable.
3. Our language must clearly communicate what we mean. God sets the pattern: we must always speak the truth. Mark Twain once remarked, "Always tell the truth; then you never have to remember anything."There is no justification for lying regardless of how painful the truth may be.
Since God speaks clearly, we should do the same. In speech, writing, and in the practice of our arts we will communicate with clarity, grace and good manners, appropriate humor, and power.
Our God is serious. We must cease our endless, tacky criticism of nearly everything. We must be honest, promising only what we can deliver, and doing our best to always deliver more than we promise (Ecc. 5:4-7 is instructive here.) We must build up and encourage others rather than jerking, cutting, and chewing them down to a low level.
4. Few things will show the majesty and constancy of the great and mighty God of Heaven like our faithfulness in keeping commitments. Whether we are starting training, beginning classes, or getting married, finish the job. Somebody wisely said, "Most of us will be with our dog longer than with our wife or husband."Well, who better than Christians practicing the martial arts are equipped to break this habit of simply dumping commitments when they become troublesome?
Jesus Christ finished His work of our redemption by rejecting the urging of His human nature and other people to avoid the cross. With fearful singleness of purpose He underwent a trial and execution, arose from death, and now rules the universe. He set the only pattern for true commitment. So, like the Nike ad says, "Just do it!" In His strength, of course...
5. We must develop a toughness and strength alloyed with mercy and control which we in Tang Soo Do term "the warrior spirit."What we refer to is that drive, enthusiasm, and toughness which carry a man or woman beyond discomfort, inconvenience, or even pain to the point of being what we profess: a martial artist. A martial artist is one capable of defending the weak or helpless, ourselves if necessary, a man or woman who serves the living Christ, that person who is tightly controlled and disciplined, and yet one who possesses a lethal art.
If we are perceived to be a threat to the world, let it be as a result of the world's amazement at our expertise, our determination, our loyalty to Christ and to each other in the body of believers, and that light we're letting shine before men. Let's leave 'em blinking!
Harris Langford is the former chief instructor of Seacrest TangSoo Do School of Martial Arts in Delray Beach, Florida. He holds the rank of Sam Dan in the World Tang Soo Do Association.
A karate league with a historic baptist platform is now a reality. Due to continuing inquiries for such an organization, the Baptist Karate League has now been formed by Provost General: Dr. J. David Jones, pastor in Minot, ND, executive Vice-President of Great Plains Baptist Bible College; Deputy Provost: Ron Tottingham, PhD, pastor in Sioux Falls, SD, and National Representative: Dr.Stan Harris, Evangelist based in Harrisburg, PA.
The BKL platform is a Biblical martial arts philosophy tightly integrated with historic baptist doctrine, and practiced within the local baptist churches.
The BKL is formerly recognized by the GMAU and other Christian martial arts organizations. Dr. Tottingham will remain an active member and Chairman Emeritus of the GMAU, though he is resigning from the Board of Governors to devote his time to the administrative duties of the BKL.
For more information about the BKL, please write Jones at 9165th Ave. SE, Minot ND 58701, or Tottingham at 412 S. Hawthorn Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
Allentown, PA Sensei John Gaddy reports: Praise the Lord!,Shiloh Kyokai Karate currently has 25 students, both children and adults. The Word is being taught and is our strength. Sensei Gaddy was honored last May and inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Congratulations John!
Decatur, AL Owen Workman reports that the martial arts ministry of Decatur Baptist Church has been in operation since April. Offering Tae Kwon Do classes for both children and adults. At last report, Owen had approximately 25 students.
Lake Odessa, MI. Phil Lewis reports that he was recently accepted by Tentmakers Bible Mission for missionary service in Brazil. His departure is set for June, '94. Sensei Lewis is currently training and preparing a replacement for himself so the ministry in Lake Odessa can continue. He is also planning to start a Christian martial arts ministry in Brazil as well.
Minneapolis, MN. Solid Impact Ministries, formerly an outreach& discipleship ministry of Northwestern Bible College has in recent months, come under the covering of Lake Elmo Baptist Church. This Fall added two new classes to Solid Impacts discipleship arm, and opening night saw a total of 110 students! Please pray that Solid Impacts 7 instructors (6 black belts) can capitalize on the opportunity the Lord has given. Since the last newsletter, Solid Impact has given demonstrations and preached for Churches, camps, community outreaches, and college orientations. Our demonstration schedule resumes again in November with a youth group outreach in Minneapolis.
Oak Forest, IL. Evangelist Dean Blakeney was in Brazil with 16 teens and adults from his church for a two week missions trip to Sao Paulo this summer. While in Brazil, 16 karate demonstrations were given, and Dean broke ice at 4 of them. Dean was able to gain access to public schools with his karate, as well as share the gospel. Two of the demonstrations were outdoor rallies with a karate demonstration to attract attention, followed by special music and preaching. A local radio station did an interview, asking questions concerning karate, and the purpose of their visit to Brazil, opening the door once again to share the gospel. 12 Brazilians trusted Christ as Savior during the revival services that were conducted.
Sioux Falls, SD. The team is in its Fall jump at present, and has several new students. Sensei Frank Tottingham, 3rd dan, has returned having served his tour in the USMC, and is helping Sensei Jim Sickmeyer, 2nd dan, instruct the team. The Gospel Martial Arts Club is a ministry of Empire Baptist Temple.
St. Johnsbury, VT Stephen Jones reports that Christian Karate Plus is doing well, and growing steadily. Their current enrollment is now over 50 students. They have a list of people waiting to start, so Stephen is busy training teachers for the future. Lord willing, they will also form a demonstration team.
West Palm Beach, FL. The Gospel Karate Team reports a registered membership of 96 students. In the past month, three of the new students received Christ as their Savior after hearing a clear presentation of the Gospel. Over the summer, our Dojo Sensei, Sheryl Rainfrette, conducted a ten week karate camp for our localchurch day camp. Average attendance was 57 students, several students were lead to the Lord, and 6 of the students transferred into the club at the conclusion of the summer. Recent promotions included the advancement of Jim Hernandez, Sr. to brown belt (nikyu) .The head instructor of the club is Dr. Kent Haralson and the team is a ministry of Berean Baptist Church.
My personal daily devotions got me into the ninth chapter of the Gospel of Mark the other day. I was thoroughly stimulated by the lessons in the early part of the chapter. In verse 7, "hear him" tells us to "be obedient to him" as we let what goes in our ears affect what we do. In verse 19, lack of faith in God becomes the characteristic cause of all spiritual failure. In the next five verses, I find that faith sets no limit son God's power and submits itself to his will. This faith is possible only with the help of the One who is its object. In verse 35,we find that "greatness" in God's kingdom comes by deliberate, voluntary choices to attend to the needs of others. Then I came down to verses 38 through 42. They are the reason behind this column.
John felt compelled to report an attempt by the disciples to stop an anonymous exorcist from driving out demons in Jesus' name. They did this because he was not one of them. It was not the man's misuse of Jesus' name that troubled them, but rather his unauthorized use of the name. What was even more troubling was that he had been successful and they had not (Mark 9:14-18). This incident reveals a narrow exclusivism on the part of the twelve disciples. Though this man did not follow Jesus in exactly the same way as the Twelve, he nevertheless followed him truly and stood against Satan. Jesus rebuked his disciples for their narrow view. Jesus taught them that the undeveloped faith of the exorcist (v. 38)or anyone else who acts in His name (v. 41) should be encouraged, rather than ruined by harsh criticism or sectarian bias.
Not only is this view still among us in 1993, it still keeps Christ's forces divided, while the enemy runs rampant through our lines. This problem is not, however, a religious one. We also see it in the ranks of the martial arts. With the prolific expansion of organizations (mostly for monetary, egotistical, and political gain) we are smothered under competing claims of "we are the only authorized" organization through which to be ranked. Even within organizations, we have conflict. My second degree black belt test in one of the "authorized" Tae KwonDo organizations was postponed nearly seventeen years ago because the "masters" had gotten into a fist fight the night before over "political and positioning" matters.
The martial arts has much to offer this world. We should not be as worried about what style is best or which organization is the "authorized" one. There is great room for diversity and cooperation as we each strive for the greater goal of preparing a new generation of Christian martial artists.
As a martial arts instructor, one of the most common questions I'm asked by my students is "How can I make my hands move more quickly?"
Before I proceed, I must be confident that the student has an adequate grasp of the technique related to our art's hand and finger techniques. Or, if the student has the proper mindset, and is at the proper point in his or her development, I will work with them to develop the necessary understanding of the required techniques first. To develop speed before proper technique will set the student back in his or her training and should be avoided.
Once I'm confident in the students skills as a technician, I will teach them what I call "get the bee off." When a bee lights on you, your hand moves quickly and reflexively to shoo the bee away before it can sting you. This is an involuntary, instinctive reflex, and the same attitude and reflex which the student must develop in his or her hand techniques.
To put this principle into a sparring situation, picture 3 or4 bees lighting on your opponent at different body targets, and the instant the match begins, "get the bees off."
Combat Strategy is not your typical "how to "book, where you have a couple of pages of text up front, with the balance of the book filled with photos. This book has a wealth of practical steps that can be taken by the serious martial artist to develop a reflexive combat readiness. It proceeds from basic hand and foot work along with drills to combined movements taking into account all the variables that one would face in a self-defense situation. The book is exceptionally well laid out, and is a must in the library of any instructor who seriously wants to develop a fighting capability in his or her students.
Published by Turtle Press
Reviewed by Dr. Kent Haralson
All material published in the GMAU Journal is Copyrighted 1996 by the GMAU. Permission to use material found in this GMAU Journal for non-profit purposes is granted as long as credit is 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.