Full membership in the GMAU is reserved for those who have earnedtheir black belt in any style. Student memberships are availableto those who have risen to the 4th kyu/gup level. Studentmemberships cost just $8 for a year. With the membership, studentswill receive a GMAU patch, membership card, the quarterly GMAUJournal and membership certificate. This can be a good wayto motivate your students and to also expose them to the mentaland spiritual elements of their art. Write our headquarters formembership applications.
Looking for other options to provide your school and studentswith rank certification? Write the GMAU for its brochures on rankingphilosophy and certification guidelines. The GMAU provides themost comprehensive set of balanced ranking guidelines you willfind for the Christian. The brochures are free, but if you wisha copy of the Generalized Ranking Requirements (white belt throughseventh-degree black belt), please enclose a $2 handling fee.
David Poole - 2nd Dan - Amherst, MA
Jacob Johnson - 1st Dan (Temp) - St. Paul, MN
Jim Komoszewski - 1st Dan (Temp) - St. Paul, MN
Jen Wiitala - 1st Dan (Temp) - St. Paul, MN
Rick Merrell - Brown Belt - West Palm Beach, FL
Make plans to attend the 7th Annual Southeastern Regional GMAUClinic in West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 4 & 5, 1994.In addition to workshops for students, there will be special blackbelt seminars and black belt examinations. Cost will be just $30for the weekend.
"... in an age of increasing attention to new age nonsense,I find it really refreshing to read literature with a Christianviewpoint." PM, Texas
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"I have ordered all your publications and really enjoy theJournal." RW, Oregon
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"I find your Journal to be interesting and neededas there is not much available for Christian Martial Artists toread and grow by." JG, Washington
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"We always look forward to the support and guidance foundin the Journal" FO,Lagos, Nigeria
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"Every time I receive the Journal, it always seemsto be at the right time to encourage me." RG, Texas
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Solid Impact Ministries has found an excellent Christian artistwho specializes in reasonably priced logo and clip-art artwork.If you are in need of a new club logo design, please contact SolidImpact at (612) 224-6994.
It is good for us to reflect on the belt system, as it is usedin an organization. I have heard different individuals give opinionas to its validity and usefulness, and even question the notionof whether or not a belt system fits with an overall Christianperspective. I would like to share some observations, which mayhelp to balance your own personal perspective.
There are really two main issues that I see in this question,one spoken to directly and one implied. I would, first, deal withthe implied issue, as I believe that it lends perspective to thesecond and more direct issue.
The implied issue is that of the concept of evaluation. Evaluationis a good and appropriate notion. Objective evaluation is theonly way that an accurate determination of mastery can be assessedin any area of life. It is the basis for the dreaded "test".It is the finality of a test and the impartial consequences ofour level of preparation that give us the needed impetus to excel.
God sets the example for us, from the very beginning, in the bookof Genesis. In Genesis 1:4, 1:10, 1:18, 1:25, and 1:31 the textindicates that God paused to evaluate, even in the perfectionof His creative acts, and states that what had been accomplishedwas good. Conversely, in Genesis 2:18, God notes that "Itis not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitablefor him." (NASB) A negative evaluation, then brought aboutaction on God's part to improve the situation. From that pointon, God has been acting upon the universe to restore what sinhas perverted.
Evaluation is somehow used by God to direct further tenets ofHis plan, and as such, though we may never understand how, Hehas evaluated and laid out our future pathway in order to yieldworks that are good in His evaluation. The Apostle Paul, putsit this way, "For we are His workmanship, created in ChristJesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we shouldwalk in them." (Eph 2:10) Note that, while the works arecreated and prepared by God, they are still subject to evaluationand deemed good.
I appreciate the color belt system, as it gives feedback to me,personally, on my progress. I appreciate the testing and critiquingof my forms and style, as it causes me to continue to strive fora more perfect way. The writer of the book to the Hebrews saidthat we are to spur one another on to good works (10:14), notsuggest. A spur in the side is sometimes a necessity, even forone who is highly self-motivated.
God, throughout the scriptures, uses symbols and object lessonsas a method of teaching us. You see it in the heavens, in thatGod set the heavenly bodies in their respective places for signsand for seasons (Gen 1:14).
You see it in the Levitical law in all the ordinances and specificitygiven to each detail, some of which are graciously unveiled forus in the book of Hebrews. You see it in the teaching of Christ,Himself, who used both object lessons, i.e. the fig tree, as wellas parables (which stand as an interesting parallel to I Corinthians1:18). As well, in the only two sacraments ordained by Christ,baptism and the breaking of the bread, each is replete with symbolism.
Consider this; God made us. He knows us. He knows how we work.He knows the mechanics of how we learn, both collectively andindividually. It would be utter foolishness for the OmniscientOne to create us in one way and then teach us in another. I believethat the teaching methods God has used through the ages are necessaryand sufficient for our education in any area of life.
There is no question in my mind that a belt system affords anorganization some of the needed tools for the evaluation process,not simply as a division of rank, but as a standard of objectivityand desired corporate goals.
Consider the progression of color and what each of these bearin their own statement about the pathway of the martial artist.
White Belt- Go back to the Garden of Eden. Look, in awe, at thenaivete of Adam and Eve. They are fulfilled in their work, physicallytending the garden, and intellectually naming the animals andspeaking to God. They exist naked and unashamed. They have, insome wonderful way, no knowledge of good or evil. They have noexperience of evil. This is the place of the white belt. The whitebelt will be challenged to grow intellectually, physically andspiritually, but there is, at this point, no concept of what thatwill entail, and the potentially dark side of the power of themartial arts has not yet tested their character. The martial artsis, at best, an experiment with a novelty.
Yellow Belt- The yellow, or perhaps golden color of this beltpictures one who has now set their mind toward a goal. Think ofthe predicament of each believer, who being bound for eternity,is presently stranded in time. The believer's gaze is to thatsometimes distant goal of Heaven, yet it is the progressive realizationof that predetermined worthwhile goal, that has begun to add sparkand life to the understanding of the martial arts.
Green Belt- Think of any garden. The green branches are thosethat are now supple and flexible. The green belt, by this time,should have developed a new flexibility in body, mind and spirit.The workouts which were once a dread, are now viewed as a proponentof growth. The green buds in the garden are those which are beginningto unveil the fruit which lies within. The flexibility of body,mind and spirit, allow for a new confidence that will open thepath for the fruit to be revealed.
Purple Belt- Purple has always lent itself to reflecting royalty.This is a concept which is very foreign to my American culturalexperience, but let me try. True royalty holds itself togetherwith dignity and discretion, not in a sense of haughtiness, butgraciousness. I firmly believe that by this point a martial artistshould be able to teach as they spar. The whole point ofsparring is not to develop combative supremacy, but the developmentof self control and measured response. All to often, this is notthe clear emphasis in a dojo. It should be the conspicuous directiveto any one at this rank or higher that there is, now, a responsibilityto those that are underneath you in rank, that you may begin thatdevelopment process, in them. Your control should be to the pointthat striking an opponent of lower rank is both unnecessary andimprobable.
Brown Belt- This is the color of earth. Earth is the base fromwhich all roots draw their nourishment. It is the solid foundationof any pathway. It is firmament. The testing for this rank callsfor a strong balance between the body, mind and spirit. The essentialsfor progress to the black belt are present in their most earthysense, now. As the refining takes place, there should be a returnto the lowliness and servitude that demonstrates the awarenessof the martial artist, that with great position there is greatresponsibility. The quest for personal improvement is intertwinedwith the desire to see others grow. You will nourish and nurture,in order that, the whole is better served, and not merely yourself.
Black Belt- There is, indeed, a mystique attached to this levelof rank. Some of that mystique is appropriate, some is not. Blackis no color at all. Black is the empty color, yet in order foran object to appear black it must absorb all light that is inits presence. The black belt takes in all of the surroundingsand is aware of all, yet is empty, in that, mind, body and spiritcan remain at peace. The true black belt not only has an attentiveawareness but exudes that awareness.
I recently reviewed two articles that deal with the attitude ofa true black belt. The first article, by Dr. Jose Hinojosa, wasa guest editorial in the July, 1990 issue of Tae Kwon Do Times, entitled "The Color Gray". Dr Hinojosa purportsthe idea of singling out the very mature black belt into a newdivision called the gray belt. His notions are not without merit,as he has simply observed that along with maturity the belt losesits deep color and grays.
In an article written by Sanjay Javalkar, in The Karate Star, entitled, "Martial Arts: The Philosophy Behind Belts",the point is taken even further. Mr. Javalkar quotes a Zen proverbwhich speaks to the cyclic nature of the learning process. This,again, is a valid observation, in that, a white belt will strikewith all the innate nature of a black belt, the only differencebeing the technique level.
Both gentlemen have accurately recognized, along with many others,I am sure, that among those in the Dan Ranks, there can stillbe much distinction. We must not forget that the distinctionswill involve a three dimensional aspect of the person, being,body, mind and spirit. This is to say that objective distinctiongives way to more subjective matters. At some point along thepath of the martial artist, the flat line of linear progress takeson geometric proportions, and balancing the equation becomes amore subtle process. The ideals and concepts are in the processof absorption and total body integration, traveling from the mindto the heart via the body.
Consider the life of Timothy, the Apostle Paul's, spiritual sonand co-worker.
Timothy was, apparently, the product of a spiritually mixed marriage(Acts 16:1); however, he was well trained by his mother, who washerself steeped in Godly training (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy's trainingbegan at an early age (2 Tim 3:15) and his reputation was oneof honor for a young man, so much so, that the Apostle Paul, draftedhim into service on the second great missionary journey. At somepoint, it is apparent, from Paul's first letter to Timothy, thatTimothy had become an elder of elders, over a number of churchesin the southwest portion of Asia, even as a relatively young man.
The two letters directed to Timothy from Paul, give us a pictureof what one might see as a "gray belt" teaching the"black belt". Though Timothy had appropriately growninto a position of authority and rank, there was still a needto learn from one who was older and wiser.
My point lies in this, Timothy, from all outward appearance, possessedall that a man should need for significance and position. He recognized,however, a great need for continued nurturing and learning, evenin his position. Paul also recognized that need and directed Timothyto find men of appropriate attitude and continue the process,which we often call discipleship.
The world outside of the martial arts, usually sees the blackbelt as an end in itself. Any further distinction would probablybe ignored or flippantly forgotten. Within the world of the martialarts, there are probably many who would still see such a distinctionas something of a mottled mess (after all, a very small percentagewill themselves hold to the arts with the attitude needed to obtaina true black belt). Only those with the appropriate training andattitude would hold such a distinction to heart. Only they willseek out the master "gray belt" for nurturing. Onlythey would appreciate the subtle supremacy of the master. Adopta gray belt classification if you really need to; but as for me,I see that action as serving little purpose. Those who would profitin that knowledge, will already know.
There is one more issue involved in the concept of a color beltsystem. To be direct, it is the issue of authority. We seldomdiscuss the merits of a system which vests authority. It is the"American" fad, at present, to take egalitarianism toits utmost end. Again, however, God has not left us without precedent.Throughout scripture, God Himself establishes kingdoms and authority.In Romans 13:1-10 we are told to obey our government, for Godhas placed it there for our protection. God establishes an orderin the family, the church, and it is implied even in the kingdomof Heaven itself.
It should be no surprise to us, then, that it is a very normaldesire to establish order and authority. We work better withinthe confines of authority than we do in anarchy. We hate to admitthat (unless, of course, we are the one in authority) becauseour sinful nature tends toward rebellion most regularly.
It is precisely because of this authority issue, however, thatthere is an perilous opening for error. It will never do to allowa person to achieve upper level ranking based on any single areaof excellence. Someone who has flawless technique, may be a horribleexample in leadership or character. Someone may attend a classfor ten years, but if they have not grown in the physical, intellectualand spiritual balance required, they should not advance. The balancein all areas of the martial artist must become increasingly absolute.As the levels of rank increase so must the level of this delicatebalance.
The belt system will only truly serve an organization if it isused in an appropriate and scrupulous manner. There must be clearcommunication at all levels and the intent of the system, itself,must always be held up for scrutiny. It is a tool, much like anythingelse, that can be used for good or evil. It is our responsibilityto uphold truth with the tools that God has given us. The antithesisof that must never be.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ray Askew is a purple belt with the GospelKarate Team of West Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Askew is an independentbusinessman in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
This paper was done as an assignment given by his Dojo Sensei,Dr. Kent Haralson. Dr. Haralson felt that Mr. Askew's responsewarranted inclusion in this issue of the Journal.
Day to day operation of the GMAU is conducted from the chairman'soffice in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A. Twice a year the Boardof Governors convenes to review activities for the past six monthsand set policy and direction for the next two years. In the nextseveral issues, we will be providing you with a brief backgroundof one of our board members. This will help you to understandthe balance and strength of the GMAU. In this issue, we focuson Mr. Scott Hoffer. Scott is 27 years old and resides with hiswife Julie in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has been a martial artistfor fourteen years and is currently ranked as a third-degree blackbelt in Kenpo Karate. He also holds a first-degree black beltin Tae Kwon Do and a first-degree black belt in JuJitsu.
Following 2 years of study at Iowa State University, he completedhis Bachelor's Degree in Technical Communications at the Universityof Minnesota in 1988. Employed as a computer consultant, he hasextensive knowledge of the computer industry and has travellednationwide servicing customers. He has been the sensei of a dojoin Rochester, Minnesota and is responsible for 3 dojos in theMinneapolis/St. Paul area. Two years ago, he became associatedwith the Solid Impact Ministry Team. Since that time, he has teamedup with its founder to conduct evangelistic rallies and run aChristian karate program in the Twin Cities area, leading manyto Christ and others to deepen their walk with the Lord. In additionto his dojo and demonstration team responsibilities, Mr. Hofferhas been the Editor-in-chief of the GMAU Journal sinceits inception six years ago. Mr. Hoffer's wife Julie assists equallyin the Journal editorship, and much of the Journal's professionalismis due to her influence.
Fort Worth, TX. Sensei Rodney Gilmore of the Alpha OmegaMartial Arts Academy reports that his ministry has experiencedsome changes since he started teaching in April. He has chosento focus on teens and college-age students and has a current enrollmentof about 15. His church has recently decided to incorporate theministry as a part of their youth program, although some leadershave expressed hesitancy at this decision. Sensei Gilmore hasadvanced to the rank of Nadon in Goju Ryu in July this year andalso received a Shodon in SikiBu-Jitsu (Siki-Jitsu, SikiDo). Hecontinues to study both styles under his present instructor, ShidoshiEppars.
Carthage, IL. Dr. Stewart Jamison is pleased to announcethat his daughter, Sarah Jamison, tested successfully for her2nd Dan in Tae Kwon Do in October, quite a feat considering thatSarah is only 9 years old. Jamison's Tae Kwon Do Club is steadilygrowing and now has 45 students, ranging from beginner to redbelt black tip. Several have given their hearts to the Lord andare now active in church.
Rawlings, WY. Wyoming State Penitentiary Self-Defense Systemscontinues to grow under the leadership of Scott Bailey, and prisonofficials are considering expansion. Your prayers are needed.Recent promotions include the following: Mike Turner, red with2 strips and now an assistant instructor; and Warren Rathbun,blue. Sensei Bailey is also preparing to test for 3rd dan.
Harrisburg, PA. Evangelist Stan Harris and family havebeen traveling, as usual. Recent trips have taken them to CampCo-be-ac in Prudentville, MI, to Wisconsin, West Virginia, Pennsylvania,Ohio, and to Los Angeles, CA where 136 people were saved. Themeetings went so well that the pastor extended their stay an extraweek. Stan worked out with the Twin Dragon Karate Club while inLos Angeles, and at the end of class the sensei allowed Stan towitness to the entire class. Three received Christ, and the senseipromised that he would bring his classes to the meetings nextyear. Stan still has several openings for 1994. If in need, contactEvangelist Harris at the following address: Evangelist StanHarris
3116 Green Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Minneapolis, MN. Solid Impact Ministries is an outreach& discipleship ministry of Lake Elmo Baptist Church. SolidImpact is currently maintaining an enrollment of approximately135 students. Please pray that Solid Impact's 7 black-belt instructorscan continue to capitalize on the opportunity the Lord has given.Since the last newsletter, Solid Impact has had a light demonstrationschedule, with two youth group demonstrations in November ministeringto a combined 250 youth. On December 11th, Solid Impact conducteda Black Belt examination with 4 visiting black-belt judges. Pleasepray for Solid Impact as they continue to reach secular martialartists in their region.
Friendship, WI. Richard Church and Scott Sipla both testedfor their 1st degree black belt in taekwondo at a promotionaltesting recently held in Green Bay on November 4. On the testingpanel were Doug Wiesz (4th dan), Bill Piekarski (2nd dan), andDavid Havard (2nd dan). Both successfully passed and receivedtheir black belts at a promotional testing held on November 11and are now able to help instruct the children's class which hasgrown to over 20 students. Coupled with the adult class, the totalenrollment at the Friendship Taekwondo Club is over 35 students.David Havard, head instructor, said, "It was really a proudmoment to be able to tie the black belts on Richard and Scott.I don't know who was happier, me or them. It's also great to havethem to help out in class. The Lord has really blessed our efforts.I never thought we'd have the opportunity to reach so many students."The club continues to meet twice a week in the basement of theFriendship Congregational Bible Church. They recently integrateda testing curriculum based largely on that developed by SolidImpact Ministries.
Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Ron Tottingham reported that a clinic/testingsession would be held on December 18, and was anticipating severalpromotions. The club under his direction has also recently changedtheir name to the EBT Karate Team, sponsored by Empire BaptistTemple. The current instructors are Dr. Ron Tottingham, FrankTottingham, Jim Sickmeyer, Ron Hargrove, and Erich McCandless.
West Palm Beach, FL. West Palm Beach, FL. The Gospel KarateTeam reports a total of 78 register students in two classes. Severalnew students received gospel presentations resulting in a couplesalvation decisions and church baptisms. Jim Hernandez and ChristianPhillips, both experienced brown belts in the team recently testedfor and received their Assistant Dojo Sensei instructor certifications.The team now has seven certified instructors to help "disciple"the students. The teams are under the direction of Dr. Kent Haralson(Master Instructor) and Mrs. Sheryl Rainfrette (Dojo Instructor).
What's our mission? Why do we do what we do? Understanding ourmission is vital to keeping a proper perspective of why we areinvesting our time and lives in the Christian Martial Arts. Ourultimate purpose to live for God's glory and the good of otherscan only be reproduced under our leadership when we adhere toour God-given mission. Yet one of the greatest problems we facein our dojos is losing sight of or shifting from our mission.The apostle Paul in his last communication to Timothy challengedhim to stay focused in his mission (2 Tim 2:1-2). The role givento Timothy was to preserve the truth and to pass on the truth.What a call to those of us in the Christian Martial Arts --- "Takehold of truth and pass on truth, don't lose sight of your mission."
When you consider the youth of our country over the past severalgenerations, the word "cause" comes to mind. Young peoplehave always needed a cause or a mission. What made young Davidfunction differently on the battlefield than his brothers andthe king? David's brothers were tied up in the military technicalitiesand lost sight of their mission. As a leader, Saul lost focusand cowered under the threats of the giant. But David went tothe field as a servant, and ended up as a soldier because he sawthe mission --- "Is there not a cause?" He said, "I'llbe willing to feel pain, but that big-mouthed giant has to go."What happened to the trained soldiers? They had lost their mission.What a sad picture --- we can have trained people with multipleskills in the martial arts; but if they have lost their mission,the world's giants, attacking the absolutes of God's truth, gounchallenged.
If there is one thing that we as Christian Martial Artists needto tenaciously grip, it is the fact that we have a distinct purposeand that our dojos and organizations must determine toadhere to their God-given mission. In so doing, we can fully expectrejection and opposition from the world and carnal Christianswho have opted to capitulate to pressure. God give us more ChristianMartial Artists who will stand with David against the giants.
As a martial arts instructor, one of the most common questionsI'm asked by my students is "How can I make my hands movemore quickly?"
Before I proceed, I must be confident that the student has anadequate grasp of the technique related to our art's hand andfinger techniques. Or, if the student has the proper mindset,and is at the proper point in his or her development, I will workwith them to develop the necessary understanding of the requiredtechniques first. To develop speed before proper technique willset the student back in his or her training and should be avoided.
Once I'm confident in the student's skills as a technician, Iwill teach them what I call "get the bee off." Whena bee lights on you, your hand moves quickly and reflexively toshoo the bee away before it can sting you. This is an involuntaryinstinctive reflex, and the same attitude and reflexwhich thestudent 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, andthe instant the match begins, "get the bees off."
Have you read The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook by DavidMitchell? This book is a wealth of information for all karatekafrom novice to intermediate levels. Focusing on Japan, Koreaand China it touches upon the various styles, the history, religions,weaponry, moral development and the modern sporting events. Majorplayers are discussed and style derivations identified. Whilewritten from a traditional pantheistic monism perspective, theChristian can still learn much from the book and identify a varietyof Biblical principles.
Published by The Overlook Press
Reviewed by Sensei Jim Hernandez - NiKyu
All material published in the GMAU Journal is Copyrighted 1996 by the GMAU. Permission to use material found inthis GMAU Journal for non-profit purposes is granted as long ascredit 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.