The College of Christian Martial Arts has now received inquiries from prospective students in twenty-nine states and six foreign countries. We have students enrolled in each of the degree programs. Have you been looking for the right place to pursue a college degree that is both Christian and focused on the martial arts? Our information packet containing college catalog and enrollment materials is just $5 U.S.
- Make plans to attend the 10th Annual North Regional GMAU/Solid Impact Clinic in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 5& 6, 1994. Cost will be just $30 for the weekend. To register, or for more information, please call Ed at (612) 782-9607 or Scott at (612) 224-6994.
- The 7th Annual Southeastern Regional Clinic is now history, but with 56 participants and 120 at the awards banquet, it waste largest and most successful ever. Twenty-three rank advancements were presented along with two weapons certifications and several trophies and certificates of recognition. Mark your calendar for the 8th annual clinic to be conducted in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 3 & 4, 1995.
Owen Workman - 2nd Degree - Tae Kwon Do - Decatur, AL Mike McClure - 2nd Degree - Kung Fu - Delray Beach, FL Sheryl Rainfrette - 2nd Degree - Tae Kwon Do - Loxahatchee, FL Steve Walker - 1st Degree - Tae Kwon Do - Wellington, FL Larry Phillips- 1st Degree Provisional -Tae Kwon Do - Wellington, FL Jim Hernandez, Jr .- Brown Belt - Tae Kwon Do - Royal Palm Beach, Fl
"I am very excited to be a member of this outstanding association."SP, Vermont
"I admire your work in showing the real roots of the martial arts." ER, Puerto Rico
"The philosophy and articles of the Journal are very helpful for my daily walk as a Christian martial artist." AL, Pennsylvania
Having been involved with the Christian martial arts since 1979,I have seen many trends come and go. Within the last four to five years, however, I and several of my Christian martial arts associates have seen what we consider to be a dangerous tendency developing among Christian martial arts instructors and leadership. This tendency is to place far more reliance and importance on ki or the soul force of man (chi, prana, qi, mana, kundalini, khi, ihru, referred to as ki for the duration of this article)than on sound Bible doctrine and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the development of their students.
As with any issue, this one has a broad spectrum across which it lies, and I by no means wish to lump any one individual or organization into a generalized profile of behavior. My goal is not to step on anyone's toes or cause offense, but to hold the concept of ki as being taught by some Christian martial artists up to the scrutiny of Bible doctrine. I wish to bring to the forefront some specific Biblical principles and bring them to bear on all Christian martial arts instructors as related to their teachings regarding ki as well as spiritual power in the life of a Christian martial artist. If I do step on your toes or offend you, I encourage you to go to Scripture and welcome your arguments based on what you find in the Bible to support them. As Christian instructors, it is our God-given responsibility to be accurate and educated concerning Bible doctrine (II Tim 2:15-16). We may not ever fully understand all of the mechanics or dynamics of a system of the world such as ki, but we have been given clear Bible doctrine by which to "filter" all which comes our way.
Ki has been used and studied within most martial arts for thousands of years. Western society has no real analogy for it, however Louis Frederic, in A Dictionary of the Martial Arts, says that the Judeo Christian word "soul" has some affinity to it. The Overlook Martial Arts Dictionary translates ki as "spirit." In most cases, ki is defined as an "inner power." In one sense then, ki is defined as the soul or soul abilities within a man. Since man's physical body is inextricably linked to his mind and soul, these abilities, when properly focused, in effect "maximize" a martial artist's physical and mental abilities. Most Christian martial artists who practice ki would ally their definitions somewhere near this one. Some go even farther though, and claim to use a force or power external to any one individual which can be tapped for greater physical strength, endurance, and other "super-human" feats. In addition, these individuals claim to "project" their ki at others, for positive or negative effect depending on the need. Both types of ki power have been documented time and time again by martial artists worldwide throughout history.
Ki power provides a martial artist with:
Power
Speed
Self Control
Peace
Recuperative Strength
The Ability to Affect Others Via Ki Projection
The existence of ki is not the issue. How a Christian should involve him or herself, based on what the Bible says, is.
Soul vs. Spirit
Every human being possesses a soul. The soul of man is sinful(Rom 5:12, Rom 7:18, Gal 5:17). This soul is the eternal element which goes on to either heaven or hell when the person dies. If an individual believes in Christ's death on the cross for their salvation, his or her soul in addition to their justified human spirit goes to heaven; if not, their soul goes to hell.
Every Christian, at the moment of Salvation, receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit(Acts 1:5, 11:15-16). This baptism places the believer in union with Christ, and secures his or her position for eternity. At salvation, the believer is "born-again, "receiving a living human spirit. The Holy Spirit also indwells the new believer, filling and controlling him or her. The Christian, however, still possesses an old "sin-nature" or soul which is inherited. The grieving or quenching of the Holy Spirit(Eph 4:30, I Thess 5:19) through sin cuts off fellowship with Him, and eliminates his control and leading in a Christian's life. By confessing specific sin in their life(1 John 1:5-10), a Christian restores fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and enables Him to exert control and leading once again.
The filling of the Holy Spirit is one of the most essential elements of a Christian's life. Through the filling of the Holy Spirit during the Church Age, a Christian can receive:
Power (Acts 1:8)
Peace (Gal 5:22, Isa 26:3)
Self Control (Gal 5:23)
Consistency (Gal 5:22)
Leadership (Acts 6:3)
Strength in the face of danger (Acts 7:55)
Discernment (Acts 13:9)
This list is surprisingly close to the list of benefits that ki offers. As for supernatural power (i.e. regenerative healing or directing invisible power into another human), unless it comes from God, Christians are directed away from toying with supernatural phenomenon and power for the purpose of self-gain or mimicking of God's power (Deut 18:10-12, Acts 8:9-24, Acts 19:13-19). At this point, I would raise my first caution flag to the Christian instructor. Throughout the Bible, supernatural phenomenon or miracles have always come from one of two places, God or Satan. Human beings who were demonized or possessed were known to perform feats of incredible strength (Luke 8:26-39) and even overcome multiple human opponents (Acts 19:13-16). If, using Scripture, you cannot account for something supernatural as Godly, its only other possible source is Satan.
Without the filling of the Holy Spirit, all of our actions amount to human good, and as a result equal filthy rags (Isa 54:6). Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot bear spiritual fruit (John 15:1-5).When Christians are out of fellowship, divine discipline can occur(Heb 12:3-11), which can include physical illness (I Cor 11:28-34),and even death(I Jn 5:16).
A critical point to be made regarding the Holy Spirit as related to ki is that every Christian should be educated and practicing the above as their ONLY source of spiritual strength and power. If a Christian martial artist is not filled with the spirit, and is practicing ki as a function of the human soul, then their entire foundation for action is, at that moment, based on a sinful corrupt soul. They may in fact be less effective physically due to divine discipline.
Ki is an impersonal force which varies in its intensity within each individual. The filling of the Holy Spirit is intensely personal, and each Christian possessing it has it all, 100%.
Many Christian martial artists claim that ki can help a Christian martial artist along to maturity. The Bible clearly states that sound doctrine alone will grow a Christian to maturity (teleosin the Greek)(II Tim 3:16). In II Tim 4:3-4, Paul indicates to Timothy that a time will come when believers will no longer be content with God's way (sound doctrine), and will turn to teachers of novel ideas and untruths. Are some Christian martial artists doing the same thing?
There are some who claim a martial artist to be incomplete or inferior without the "proper usage" of ki. On the contrary, the Bible says that as Christians, we are complete in Christ, who is the head of all supernatural power (Col 2:8-10).In this specific passage, Paul was berating the Colossian practice of regulating their religious life by astrology, a human system. The point he makes is that human ideas not found in Scripture are contrary to Christ and can be destructive.
There are, in fact, many warnings against those who would add to or take away from what Scripture has to say on a topic (Deut4:2, Deut 12:32, Prov 30:5-6, Rev 22:18). Let us make sure wed not add to the Biblical requirements for a Christian martial artist's maturity.
Teaching Others Regarding Ki -
Since ki is so closely related to the spiritual side of man, let's look at what the Bible has to say about teachers of doctrine.
In James 3:1, a sobering warning is given to those who would accept the role of teacher. "My brethren, be not many masters (Lit. Teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."As a martial arts instructor, you are looked up to and revered by your students. In most cases, they take what you say as the "gospel truth"; on matters of doctrine and those related to it, you'd better be sure it is. As a result, it is imperative that you yourself posses the mental, physical, and spiritual balance that you want your students to possess. This includes understanding and studying Bible doctrine yourself, especially where it relates to what you are teaching. We need to take I Cor 9:25-27 seriously, and be temperate (self-controlled) in all things so that after we have preached to others, we should not be castaways or disqualified.
If you cannot document your belief with Scripture, you probably shouldn't hold the belief, much less dogmatically teach it to your students (II Tim 3:16).
As a Christian instructor, you should be using what you know is solid teaching for the perfection (maturity) of your students. II Timothy 3:16 clearly states this to be doctrine. Make sure you are teaching and encouraging your students in their spiritual development from sound Bible doctrine within the framework of the local church (Eph 4:11-12). Everything you teach must fall within this framework. If it does not, don't attempt to "make it fit" with ignorance, weak arguments, or out of context Scriptural references. You would only be violating the principles of not adding to or taking away from Scripture which we discussed earlier.
Ki Within a Biblical Framework -
All of this is not to say that a Christian martial artist cannot practice specific techniques and training methods which will enhance and maximize physical technique. The Bible does not condemn physical exercise, although it does call out its low priority in God's scheme of things (I Tim 4:8). We are in fact admonished to rigorously keep our bodies under control so that they do not lead us (I Cor9:27). The Bible is full of examples of Spirit-filled Christians accomplishing incredible feats of physical and martial prowess(Heb 11:32-34, I Sam 17:26-51, Gen 32:24-32). Most of these individuals were physically fit and prepared for the roles the Lord had for them in history. We than as martial artists should be doing everything possible within the physical and mental realms that we can to improve ourselves.
There is obviously a very real semantic issue with many Christian martial artists' definitions of ki. When they say ki, they usually mean the maximizing of mental, physical, and spiritual power and effectiveness through the application of Bible doctrine which results in a balanced effective lifestyle. There is nothing wrong, and everything right with doing so; however, the oriental meaning of ki is not the same. I would challenge and encourage Christian martial arts instructors everywhere to make sure your students and other secular martial artists you come in contact with are aware of what you mean when and if you say "ki."
Within Solid Impact Ministries' three current Minneapolis/St. Paul karate schools, we do not use the word "ki," although we do teach balance through the physical concepts of breath, lock-out, fluidity, one-plane, etc.; the mental concepts of focus and memorization; and the spiritual concepts taught in the Bible. Our students, on the whole, grow as balanced maturing Christians. Before you snort and ask, "Yes, but what power can you generate with your techniques?", our Black Belts regularly break stacks of up to 7 patio blocks with arm and hand techniques without injury during our outreach demonstrations.
I John 4:4 tells us "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." A Christian martial artist should take encouragement and joy in that fact. As long as a Christians in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, he is controlled and lead by the most powerful Being in existence! There is simply no need for anything else.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Hoffer is a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and the Assistant Director of Solid Impact Ministries in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Sensei Hoffer is a UNIX and computer networking consultant in Minneapolis, MN.
Sensei Hoffer has been involved with Christian martial arts since 1979. He has been involved in many demonstrations and clinics in many states, and has been a dojo sensei since 1987. Sensei Hoffer plans on beginning Greek and Hebrew classes through Chafer Theological Seminary in the Fall to assist him in both learning and imparting Bible doctrine to his students.
Dr. Charles Owens has been a member of the Board of Governors since the fall of 1993. He brings to the GMAU a strong background in the hard styles of the martial arts and significant spiritual direction. The pastor of First Baptist Church of Saks, just outside of Anniston, Alabama, Dr. Owens has earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary. He also has an M.Div. degree and an M.B.A. Prior to entering the pastorate, he was a successful businessman.
Dr. Owens earned his fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from General Choi Hi. He has been ranked by several other organizations, is a certified international competition umpire, has been a representative to the U.S. Special Olympics and is listed in several martial arts "Who's Who" publications. The founder and president of Keedok Kyo Tae Kwon Do, he is responsible for the development of Christian martial artists throughout the Southeastern United States. He has twenty-nine years' experience in the martial arts, has been involved in martial arts evangelism and is also a private pilot.
You've heard of Aikido, but what about Aio Ryu?Arnis is familiar to most martial artists, but is Cuong Nha? Everyone has heard about Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Kung Fuand Isshin-ryu, but most wouldn't begin to be able to tell you about Fan Zi, Hoki Ryu Kyu Jutsu, Keichu Do, Seikidojoand Taiho-Jutsu.
Besieged by the virtual plethora of martial arts styles and systems, the GMAU undertook a three month research effort culminating in a new publication now available from the GMAU (see panel on back page). Several resources were used and several martial arts headmasters were contacted to identify as many martial arts systems as possible. A one line description of each system was created, and the name of the founder was identified wherever possible.
What was developed was a manual identifying 364 unique systems. While we assure you that there are many more, this is at least a start at categorizing the ryus of the world. We invite you to order a copy of this publication and use it to help you build your own understanding of the variety of martial arts around the world. Help us identify additional systems. To order this, send $3 U.S. to the GMAU asking for the publication Ryus of the World.
Easton, PA. Shiloh Kyokai Karate Dojo currently has 26active students, ranging in age from 5 to 46 years old. Sensei Gaddy and his wife Deborah attended the GMAU clinic in Florida. They enjoyed the clinics and the fellowship. Sensei Gaddy would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Haralson and Sensei Hoffer for all their kindness and concern which helped make the clinic a memorable one. Shiloh Kyokai Karate is a ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church.
Delray Beach, FL. The Valor School of Self Defense reports several rank promotions, as follows:
Sean McClure - 10th Level, White Sash
Richard Simpkins - 10th Level, White Sash
Amanda McClure - 8th Level, Gold Sash
Mark Rosa - 8th Level, Gold Sash
The class is under the leadership of Michael McClure and is a ministry of West Park Baptist Church.
Harrisburg, PA. Evangelist Stan Harris and family have been busy as usual traveling across America and several foreign countries performing karate demonstrations and preaching the Gospel. Recently, while preaching at Independent Baptist Church in Kingwood, W.V., Dr. Harris performed several demonstrations and spoke at the Preston High School to 1200 students. Although he was not allowed to give an invitation, he presented the Gospel and gave his personal testimony. The students all cheered at the end, and many attended the church services over the next 5 nights, with some being saved by the grace of God. Using karate as an evangelistic tool can be very fruitful! If in need, contact Evangelist Harris at the following address: Evangelist Stan Harris
3116 Green Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Solid Impact Ministries is an outreach & discipleship ministry of Lake Elmo Baptist Church. Solid Impact is currently maintaining an enrollment of approximately100 students in three classes. Please pray for the addition of a fourth class at Grace Community Church in Golden Valley, MN starting in June. The Solid Impact Demo Team had two demonstrations in February, one in Woodbury, MN, and the other in Janesville, WI. Now that spring has arrived, the demo schedule is picking up, with two demonstrations coming up in April, and more on the way. Solid Impact took 10 prepared students to their first tournament in March, and all 10 came home with trophies! While this was unusual, it was a real blessing, and gave Solid Impact a powerful opportunity for a very visible testimony within the local tournament scene.(Solid Impact's policy is that a student can only compete when their instructor deems them physically & emotionally prepared for competition, win or lose)
Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Ron Tottingham reports that their team is doing great. They have 35 active students and are preparing for another full testing in mid-April. Dr. Tottingham was recommended to membership on the World Head of Family Sokeship Council and was accepted as a legitimate Soke. Frank Tottingham completed his tour with the U.S. Marines in July 1993 and is now in Australia preparing for his wedding on July 2. He plans to return to the team in mid-July. A new Christian martial artist, Bud Downs, recently moved to Timberlake, S.D. and has been corresponding with Soke Tottingham. A meeting was held in March to discuss working together in testing and training. The Baptist Karate League is lead by Dr. Tottingham and is a ministry of Empire Baptist Temple.
West Palm Beach, FL. West Palm Beach, FL. The Gospel Karate Team reports a total of 77 registered students in two classes. They recently expanded their program with the addition of a KungFu class to complement the hard, eclectic style of Tae Kwon Do, Kenpo Karate, and Jujitsu. They have also added structured teaching segments on flexibility/stretching and kumite(sparring) to their class format. The team now has six black belt instructors and four brown belt assistant instructors. One of the black belt instructors is in the process of developing a demonstration team. These teams are ministries of Berean Baptist Church and are under the direction of Dr. Kent Haralson.
Editor's Note: From time to time, we will feature a column on legal aspects related to the Christian martial artist. The GMAU strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your state related to self-defense and the martial artist.
When called upon to deal with a fight, law enforcement personnel will automatically react when made aware that martial arts skills are known by those involved. Their reactions may be comprised of anything from considering the martial artist dangerous to making a mockery of their training.
Let's ask ourselves some questions about the issue of "trained force." It is true that a martial artist has some form of training in a fighting skill. Now, most know that some training is not sufficient to be a true defense, or exceptionally dangerous to anyone. However, to the untrained, the mere mention of martial arts training brings visions of Bruce Lee, Kung Fu, Ninja, Bloodsport, etc. along with the illusion of an expert martial artist. This image is not necessarily true, but it is assumed.
Let's say we are trained further and could be dangerous to an attacker. The more the training, the more the control! Now, let's say a mugger attacks us. Just how much force do we use?
If we find ourselves facing a legal question after an attack/defense situation, the question of force will undoubtedly come up in the legal defense. The more training a person has received, the higher the expectation of control. Too much force, from one trained to use it, is legally seen as undue aggression.
Also, what target you chose to attack, when defending yourself, is vital. To attack an opponent's eyes when a simple defense of deflection would have been sufficient, would likely be deemed aggressive. In a courtroom or lawsuit for injury damage the martial artist would be in a libelous position. Therefore, it is suggested that we consider ourselves and use extreme care to not be in dangerous positions by choice, in foolishness. If we are attacked, we should use great judgment concerning necessary force in defense and/or counter attack. It is likely that one would be held liable where the martial artist gives the appearance of using undue force in a situation of defense and struck an unnecessary vital organ in a counter attack.
God instructs us to defend righteousness and honor, but He gives wisdom and love toward others to not use undue force or cause injury. We should be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."(Matt 10:16).
About the Author: Dr. Tottingham holds an earned Doctorate of Religious Education in Church Law, having studied the law for several years as it relates to churches, the pastorate, and the Christian in relation to legal matters. He also holds a PhD in counseling.
Dr Tottingham is also the founder and pastor (since 1974) of the Empire Baptist Temple, President/Founder of Great Plains Baptist College, President/Founder of South Dakota P.S.A.L.M., a Christian legislative lobby in South Dakota, Chairman Emeritus of the GMAU, and Founder of the Baptist Karate League. He holds the rank of Lt. Col. in the US Air Force Civil Air Patrol as a Chaplain and is a US Marine Vietnam Veteran and present Commandant of the Department of South Dakota Marine Corps League.
When I began my study of the martial arts in the early 1970's,I remember looking upon my master instructor with awe. Here was a man of character as well as respect. Now, over twenty years later, I look with some concern across the landscape of the martial arts. Is it just me or is there a world-wide dearth of good martial arts leadership these days? If you're like me, you want leaders with high integrity and strong spiritual and moral values. Ina day when some leaders are stumbling and falling, there is an urgent need for martial artists who resolve to honor the Lord in every area of life.
Two things ought to be expected from every true leader. First, true martial arts leaders need to be people who passionately believe in something besides themselves. Some cause for Christ and the martial arts should so possess and drive them that all their followers will know instinctively that the goal --- not the leader --- is what is important. One of the great curses of our society is the hollow administrator, the person who can run a program with efficiency, but turns out ho-hum students. The second quality that ought to be assumed in any leader is truth-telling. Our youth have been disillusioned and lost because of the hypocrisy they see in their leaders. Hypocrites is exactly what Jesus used to refer to those who spoke one way and lived another way. We need leaders for whom truth-telling flows from the heart. They tell and live the truth not because they are forced to do so, but because it's the essence of their character.
Such leaders do not just happen. Jesus Himself did not assume His disciples would grow on their own. He spent time with them--- taught, shared His vision, lead by example, challenged, prodded, and warned them. Are you, the martial arts instructor such a leader? Do you have a purposeful method by which you are discipling those God has placed under your watch care?
by David Chow and Richard Spangler
Have you read Kung Fu - History, Philosophy and Technique1by David Chow and Richard Spangler? The authors provide the reader with a wealth of information as they trace the history and development of the martial arts in China. We are given further insight into the various styles discussed as we learn about their founders and the religious philosophies. The material on the dynamics of Kung Fu does present questions for the Christian martial artist. This book is worth including in your library.
1 Unique Publications, Burbank, CA
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.
| |
|
|
|
Copyright 1996 by the Gospel Martial Arts Union
All rights reserved.