West Palm Beach, FL - March 3 & 4, 1995. Black belt examinations are during the day on March 3. Workshops by over ten black belts will be held the evening of March 3 and all day on March 4. The clinic will culminate in a banquet and demonstration on Saturday night, March 4.
Cost is $25 for GMAU members and $30 for all others. Instructors include Dr. Charles Owens and Sensei Owen Workman (Alabama), Sensei Sheryl Olson (Maine), Sensei's Scott Hoffer and Sara Lawson (Minnesota),Sifu Mike McClure, Sensei's Doug Haralson, Lana Johnson, Larry Phillips, Christian Phillips, Rick Merrell, Jim Hernandez, Ray Askew and Dr. Haralson all of Florida.
Minneapolis, MN - Plan on the weekend of August 4th &5th, 1995 for the 2nd Annual Solid Impact Martial Arts Clinic! You can call (612) 224-6994 for more information. Black belt testing, workshops, and demonstrations will help make this a memorable weekend. The clinic will conclude with a banquet featuring a full Solid Impact breaking demonstration.
We are pleased to announce that the Juneau Martial Arts Studio in Juneau, Alaska has been fully chartered and recognized under the direction of Sensei Dan Graves.
See Club News for more information on the Juneau Martial Arts Studio.
Sarah Jamison - 2nd Degree Black - Erie, IL
Baird Risdon - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Mike Harris - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Bev Woods - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Tana Ellefritz - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Tony Mosley - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Loraine Law - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Clinton Law - 1st Degree Black - Erie, IL
Jerry Hernandez - Purple Belt (4th Kyu) - WPB, Fl
Tom Mannarino - Purple Belt (4th Kyu) - WPB, Fl
Julie Bare - Purple Belt (4th Kyu) - WPB, Fl
Carlo Mazoleny - Purple Belt (4th Kyu) - WPB, Fl
Martin Olson - Purple Belt (3rd Kyu) - WPB, Fl
Katie Merrell - Purple Belt (3rd Kyu) - WPB, Fl
When a Delta jumbo jet crashed a few years ago on its final approach to Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport, killing over 130 people, the lawyers were on the scene at virtually the same time as the relatives of the victims. Melvin Beli's firm actually secured a luxury suite at the same hotel where Delta had arranged for the grieving families to stay "just in case they desired some legal counsel." And counsel they did!
Lawsuits were filed against Delta, Lockheed, D/FW Airport, the FAA, and even against the pilot of the private Lear-jet in front of the ill-fated L-1011 because "he wasn't going fast enough." I'm sure someone would have filed against the thunderstorm that actually caused the crash had they known where to send the subpoena.
Now, compare that scene to the aftermath of the even larger tragedy of the Japan Air Lines 747 crash only ten days later. Here, over 500 people lost their lives, but there were almost no lawsuits. Lawsuits are, in fact, almost unheard-of in Japan where there are very few lawyers. The president of JAL visited each family, while taking full responsibility for the disaster and actually turned in his resignation over the whole thing. Imagine how Delta's battery of corporate lawyers would respond if their president had accepted responsibility for the crash at D/FW?
The differences are striking. America and Japan are indeed different cultures. Every response of the people involved in these tragic incidents was dictated by their "world view."We can define world view as a person's outlook on life determined by his culture, his education, his experiences. It influences the way workers work, lovers love and teachers teach. Should we really be surprised then that the Japanese react differently than Americans in certain situations?
The American automobile industry knows that Japanese workers are different than American workers. American business acknowledges that our normal methods of doing business don't work in Japan. American martial artists know (or should know) that the Japanese attitudes are simply different than their own.
We give the martial arts way too much credit for what are really only cultural differences between east and west. Isn't the humility of the Japanese karate master, for example, due more to his world view than to his expertise in fighting skills?
During the course of my employment at Dallas Theological Seminary, I have had the opportunity to work with several Asian students. Their quiet demeanor and servant attitudes were typical of the characteristics we might attribute to martial artists. But these were not martial artists; they were only foreign students and their wives unavoidably showing their cultural world viewing their everyday conduct.
If it really was mastery of martial arts that produced these characteristics, then we would expect to see these same humble attitudes demonstrated by at least the majority of American-born black belts. At the last large tournament I was at, five of the eight black belt finalists were obvious egotists, strutting around the ring holding a fist up in the air after every clash, almost daring the judges not to call their point.
The demonstrations were even worse. One guy wore his name on 24-inch satin letters on his back preceded by the word "master, "so everyone would know how good he was. He was under thirty.
Another famous expert slit his partner's throat while doing an over-zealous knife demonstration, and the poor fellow had to rush over to the paramedics for immediate attention. Whereas the humility, the self-control that the martial arts supposedly teach?
Perhaps they have not studied long enough to learn these things, you say. How long is enough? Five years, ten, thirty?
Perhaps they did not have the proper teachers. But who can say who is the best teacher? An old Chinese master? An American tournament champion?
My point is simply this. The martial arts contain no intrinsic moral or spiritual lessons for us to learn. The character building comes from the teacher (or the teacher's world view) and not from the art itself.
Depending on where you go, you can learn the "tenets of tae-kwon-do" such as "courtesy, integrity and self-control, "or you can study the style called "combat karate" and never get lessons on humility. But does that mean pure combat training is any less a martial art? Remember the word "martial" merely means "war-like."
I know there are many who would answer, "Yes."Any style that doesn't teach these things is not truly a martial art.
Let's take the good ol' American pastime of baseball. It's very big in Japan, you know, but it's a different sport over there. Players don't hold out for bigger contracts. Managers don't protest the umpire's decisions. Fights on the field are unheard-of.
It is not the way Americans play it, but it's still baseball. Wouldn't it be ridiculous for Billy Martin to say they shouldn't call it baseball just because they play it with different attitudes, with a Japanese world view?
It is equally ridiculous for someone to say that if you don't teach karate with all the spiritual trappings, then you have no right to call it karate.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying we shouldn't teach our students positive character building traits. I do it myself. But I do it because of my Christian world view and not because I think that simply learning down block, reverse punch will make someone a better person.
Incidentally, I seldom mix my martial arts with Christianity. I do not try to proselytize my students to an Evangelical viewpoint. I do, however, tell them that the spiritual decorations that so many instructors stick onto the martial arts is an Oriental worldview that is not an inherent part of what they are learning.
Studying the martial arts does teach mental and physical discipline. It develops physical fitness and coordination. But it is not a path to spiritual bliss any more than any other physical activity. Let's not conclude that the results of an Oriental worldview are due totally to an individual's martial arts background when millions of Japanese housewives, Chinese laborers, and Okinawa fishermen exhibit the same qualities without ever having taken a martial arts lesson.
About the Author: Mr. Yates is an eighth degree black belt in Nam Seo Kwan Tae Kwon Do. He is the founder and president of the Southwest Tae Kwon Do Association, a secular association of at least 18 Tae Kwon Do schools across the southwestern United States. He has 30 years of martial arts experience. Mr. Yates is the author of 5 martial arts books including Warrior Secrets and The Complete Book of Tae Kwon Do Forms. Mr. Yates is on staff at Dallas Theological Seminary.
One day, Richard Kim asked his instructor, "If a student of karate truly understands and embraces the precepts of the martial arts, what does he become?"
The instructor answered, "A man of humility. Never forget: the stalk that bears the most rice hangs lowest."1
Humility is a noun which suggests an unassuming character in which there is an absence of pride and self-assertion.2 We achieve the virtue of humility when we learn to control our feelings of pride.
The second chapter of Philippians, verses 3 and 4, gives us some very practical advice regarding the attainment of humility."Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."3
Robert E. Lee was highly esteemed by friend and foe because he was a man of humility. During the American Civil War, Jefferson Davis wanted a reliable officer for an important position. He asked General Lee what he thought of Mr. Whiting for the position. General Lee commended him highly. One of Lee's officers, hearing of the appointment, was greatly surprised at General Lee's fine commendation and, calling him aside, said, "Don't you know what unkind things Mr. Whiting has been saying about you?"General Lee answered, "I understand that the President wanted to know my opinion of Whiting and not Whiting's opinion of me."
Great men do not notice criticism or slights. It is the small man who is carried away with his own importance, who cannot overlook personal attacks.4
Colossians 3:12-13 contains more advice about the attainment of humility. "And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."3
The greatest example of humility is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. His life is summarized in Philippians 2:6-8. The Son of God became man. He assumed the role of a servant and was executed in a degrading manner.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a story which illustrates a lack of humility. A zen master received a visit from a university professor who was interested in learning about zen. The professor was eager to impress the master, and so began a monologue about his knowledge, experience and opinions. Listening quietly to his guest, the master served tea. He filled the professor's cup and continued to pour as tea overflowed and spilled across the tabletop. The professor was alarmed and shouted, "Stop! Stop! Can't you see that my cup is full?" The master calmly replied, "Yes, I see, and, like the cup, you also are full. Because you are full of yourself and your ideas, you cannot receive anything I would give you. Thus, my efforts to teach you, like this spilled tea, would be wasted."5
When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)3
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before stumbling. (Proverbs 16:18)3
The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. (Proverbs 15:33)3
1. Kim, Richard. The Classical Man.
2. Colliers Dictionary, paraphrased.
3. Holy Bible (NAS).
4. Barley, Dave. America's Promise Newsletter.
5. Hyams, Joe. Zen in the Martial Arts, paraphrased.
About the Author: Paul L. Mann is a black belt from Houston, TX, and a former instructor of Chinese martial arts. He has also studied and taught Tae Kwon Do. He formerly owned his own school, the Cypress Academy of Self-Defense. This is his third contribution to the GMAU Newsletter.
Mail from GMAU schools and evangelists.
Juneau, AL. Dan Graves, shodan in Sto-ryu, introduces the school he leads which was recently accredited by the GMAU. The school originated about three years ago and is part of the ministry of the First Church of God, headquartered far away in Andersen, IN. Presently, there are 10 dedicated students, and the dojo/fellowship hall is getting rather crowded. Class is opened with prayer and closed with meditation on a weekly scripture selection. Mr. Graves appreciates your continued support and prayers for this growing ministry.
Juazeiro Do Norte, Brazil. Master Instructor Phil Lewis is back on the field as a missionary. He uses his martial arts experience in his mission work. He was able to lead another martial artist to the Lord last month. He also recently gave a demonstration to 300 young people at a special physical educationally and was able to witness to them. He has developed a Biblekata to walk students through the Bible story for such occasions.
Erie, IL. Dr. Stewart Jamison has seen some very exciting events occur in his clubs in the last few months. Several black belt promotions have taken place (see news item on first page),including a 2nd dan for his 10-year-old daughter Sarah. In October, Dr. Jamison successfully tested for 4th dan black belt in the Tae Kwon Do system of martial arts. Master Jamison currently has two schools in operation, one in Carthage, IL and the other in Erie, IL.
Harrisburg, PA. 1994 was the busiest year yet for Evangelist Harris and his family. Dr. Harris performed 174 karate demonstrations and was on the road for 340 days in 1994. Recently, Dr. Harris did a demonstration and preached at the Golden Dragon II Karate Tournament in Harrisburg, and 98 people received Christ. All 300participants received a gospel tract. Dr. Harris also won first place in black belt fighting. In Prudenville, MI at a special inter-city camp, 28 teens were saved, and 51 made purity promises. A karate class in Woodville, MS invited Dr. Harris to teach and speak to the class, and nine students received Christ. In Centerville, MS where Dr. Harris tested Mr. Larry Andrews for his Shodan in Christendo karate, a system founded by Dr. Harris, a community rally was held. Dr. Harris broke 11 cement blocks on fire, and118 were saved. Praise the Lord! Please continue to uphold Dr. Harris and his family in your prayers.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Solid Impact Ministries is an outreach & discipleship ministry of Grace Community Church. Solid Impact is currently maintaining an enrollment of approximately 120 students in four classes. Solid Impact's black belts recently donated their time and judged at a WMAF tournament in Austin Minnesota. Please pray for the Lord's guidance for a number of black belts who may be joining Solid Impact in ministry. Also pray for Ed Komoszewski, Solid Impact's director, as he prayfully considers a pastorate in the twin cities area as he finishes seminary.
Sioux Falls, SD. The EBT Karate Team is progressing exceptionally well. A full and formal testing is planned for February 4, 1995.Vince Swenson, a team Black Belt, was home on leave from Army Basic for two weeks in December. Dr. Ron Tottingham has several promotions to report from October, 1994:
Gregory Bennett - Orange Belt
Marie Bennett - Orange Belt
John Bennett - High Green Belt
Quinn Cook - Green Belt
Nolan Ruby - Green Belt
Denise Pankratz - Yellow Belt
West Palm Beach, FL. The Gospel Karate Team hosted a special one day CPR/1st Aid class for all its instructors and interested students. Each attendee was certified in CPR at the conclusion of the class. This will provide for an even safer dojo/dojang in the future.
Their demonstration team, under Sensei Larry Phillips, has conducted three demonstrations since the last issue of the Journal to a combined audience of 220 people. The Gospel is presented at each demonstration and has resulted in several salvation decisions this past year.
Another addition to the team this year has been its soft style class under Sensei Lana Johnson. Students now have the option of learning a blend of hard styles or kung fu. A test night in December saw six soft-style students receive new sashes for their efforts.
With the departure of Sensei Sheryl Olson to Maine, the children's ministry leadership has been assumed by Sensei Rick Merrell.
The overall ministry comes under the umbrella of Berean Baptist Church and is directed by Dr. Kent Haralson.
Rawlins, WY. Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP) Self-Defense Systems had a fantastic year. Many students were led to the Lord, and they're continually being blessed. Sensei Bailey, 3rd Dan, Kirisuto Shinsei Ji Ei Budo, reports the following promotions:
Steve Parson - Basic Level 3, Blue Belt
Steve Johnson - Basic Level 3, Blue Belt
Petronilo Ramos - Basic Level 2, Green Belt
Special thanks are extended to Dr. Ron Tottingham, Dr. Kent Haralson, and Rod Crowder for their continued support. WSP Self-Defense Systems is under the sponsorship of Chaplain Wendell Rogers, Rock of Ages Ministry.
Easton, PA. Shiloh Kyokai Karate Club has 17 active students. Chris Jefferson and Ike Fields were recently promoted to orange belt, and Monica Harmon recently earned her green belt. Sensei John Gaddy competed in Tokyo, Japan in November. He was a member of the U.S. Koshiki Karate Team that competed in the 9th World Koshiki Karate Championship. Shiloh Kyokai, a ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church, prays that the Lord will continue to guide their dojo.
You can now communicate with GMAU Headquarters or the Journal's Editorial offices on the internet. We are taking this step to enable all our readers and especially those who are overseas to have easier access to us. Add these into your address book and drop us some "E-mail."
Use the GMAU Headquarters for all orders, membership information, general correspondence and certification. The Editorial office can receive your Journal input via E-mail, welcomes your letters to the editor and is also the contact point for Solid Impact Ministries in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
John Porta, 7th Dan in Okinawan Goju Ryu and a teacher since 1966joins us from New Jersey.
Dan Graves, 1st Dan in Sto-Ryu Karate joins us from Alaska.
Carrie Robertson, NiKyu in Tae Kwon Do comes to us from Maryland.
I was born a male. But early in my life, I learned that being a male did not necessarily make me a man. At first it meant being tough and athletic. It meant never saying I was sorry or admitting that I was wrong. Real men didn't cry either, I was reminded of that by the other boys in my elementary school. They woo women, work hard, and win. A host of other cultural expectations pulled me back and forth during my adolescent years of plodding the path of manhood. Even today, as a man nearing the midcentury mark, I find that the task of manhood is as challenging and confusing as ever. What does is mean to be a man? Society presents us with the macho Marlboro man, the mild-mannered sensitive man, the buffoon portrayed in "Married with Children," the Monday night football man, the cunning marketplace man who moves through the corporate stream like a shark. These contrasting portraits make many of us feel insecure about our manhood. There always seems to be a better athlete or a more successful businessman. There is always someone who is slimmer, trimmer, better looking, and tougher than we are. When we are rejected by a women, these insecurities surface painfully. When confronted by family pressures or marketplace sharks, we feel intimidated. Our cultural environment compounds the problem, making some of us feel almost ashamed of our masculinity.
One of the many things I love about my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is that He cuts through all the cultural confusion and leads me to a focused, singular agenda of true manhood. Toa martial artist, who is interested in living the "way "seed in John 14:6 (as also identified by the do from Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Hapkido, etc or the Tao), behaving like a "man "becomes even more significant. At the end of my life, I want to be able to look back through the rearview mirror and see that I have left a legacy of significance and worth through my family, my relationships to others, my ministry and my investments for God.
The incredible reality is that Jesus Christ dwells within all of us who have come to His cross and experienced His redemption. His redemptive purpose for us on this planet is that we cultivate a relationship with Him so strong and deep that He emerges through all that we are (ref. Romans 8:29). In this way the world will see not only our changed life, but the glory of His character in all aspects of our existence.
This is the key. It is our privilege as redeemed men to allow Christ to emerge through us, through the particular qualities we have as men. But many of us fear that. We're afraid that if we fully yield the reins of our life to Christ, He will take away our manhood. Victims of a demasculinized portrait of Christ, weave forgotten that His perfect blend of divinity and humanity was expressed through His existence as man. He was the perfect expression of manhood. While that meant He had a special compassionate side, He also displayed strength and power. Enough strength and power to attract strong men as His followers. Enough so that they even gave up their careers and personal ambitions and followed Him.
Jesus Christ does not at all diminish our manhood. He emerges through the distinct qualities of our maleness to create a fuller and richer expression of what a man can be. He redefines our manhood by replacing the motivations of the world with new guidelines for success. He directs our manhood along the path of ultimate significance. He takes our instincts to protect, provide, conquer, and accumulate, and points them in productive directions. In the expression of our manhood, He becomes the central control system of our life that dictates all that we do, all that we are, and all that we hope to become. Paul put it this way, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Our goal, he explained, is to stretch toward "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." That maturity, when expressed distinctively by men, will keep us from being whiplashed by our culture, "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine."
When we tell our young martial artists to "be a man, "they need to know and see how that can happen --- through the emergence of the indwelling Christ.
It is imperative for martial arts teachers to stay on the cutting edge of their profession. For the Christian, the martial arts is a ministry and this requires an even stronger dedication. The GMAU makes available a variety of good publications, books and booklets. These are both philosophical, informational and practical, based upon your needs. We have material that will help you in your ministry. Check the back panel of this issue and order something today.
When I walked into the Judo DoJo in Wakkanai on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido in my bare feet, slipping quietly along the back wall, it was as if we were in a sacred shrine of some sort.
The students were called to sit in rows facing their instructor who sat under the typical "god shelf." On this "god shelf" sat urns representing the ashes of ancient judo masters who now are "gods." The instructor and students satin yoga fashion, faces bowed to the floor with their hands spread out in front, in meditation as they attempted to empty their minds of all outside things so they could be open to their Chi or Kiin Judo instruction.
When I was in Seoul, Korea, I had seen a similar meditation time, yet it was only called a time of mental preparation. The worship shrine spirit did not seem so intense; however, it was taught as a mind-emptying time, a time when the student's mind was to be cleared of all else for the study of Tae Kwon Do.
Some time ago, I was in south central Missouri and was invited to sit in on a karate club's testing board. There I witnessed the Senior Sensei as he began with all instructors and students bowing upon the floor holding their hands up in the window. Finger touching finger, thumb touching thumb, palms facing outward to receive light into their emptied minds as he taught. I did not participate in any of these things, but I observed as a guest.
Having been a student of the Martial Arts since late 1963and observing several styles in as many countries, I have concluded that there are two foundational forms of meditation found in the Martial Arts.
What is Christian meditation? Christian Biblical meditation is the inner mental activity of filling the mind (intellect, psychic life center, or soul) with God through His Word. Christian meditation is active. It is choosing what to put into one's mind. It is the filling of one's thoughts with the positive and pure mental character of God Himself.
Now, let's look more closely at Zen meditation. Zen meditation is as much the same as Yoga meditation as one variety of apple is the same as another. There are variances, but the same principles are found therein. It is my opinion that such meditation is occultic or subject to spirits not of God. For the sake of this article, I will use "occultic" to refer to all meditation not Christian as I've described it.
Occult meditation is a passive emptying of the mind, a clearing of the mind of all that would hinder full and total concentration on the art one is studying. Occultic meditation is passive, so the student is open and prepared to receive light.
Occult meditation is extroverted as it reaches out to deeper realization, light, the universal intelligence, life force, Kior Chi, etc. Occultic meditation teaches the filling of one's mind (psychic life center) by external, not understood, unknown lights. It is seeking to join with an unknown in an attempt to know it. This is a form of demonism. Masters of this are often called "mediums" into the dark world. Devoted masters who understand and are considered as "priests" of this emptying, are mediums to their students. John 4:22 says, "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship."
Christian meditation is the active filling of one's mind with a chosen subject, i.e., God's Word, whereas occultic meditation is the emptying of one's mind to any chosen force or thought. In the martial arts, this force is chosen by the spirit of the instructor or the instruction.
Martial Artists are often taught in the Orient to empty their minds in preparation for the spirit of Tae Kwon Do, etc. Is TaeKwon Do, or any art for that matter, of a spirit? It most certainly can be. Just like churches may become places of "Doctrines of Demons, seducing spirits" (1 Timothy 4:1). And communion can become "sacrifices to devils, and not to God" (1Corinthians 10:20). Good things, things of God can become wholly possessed of other spirits and turned to non-divine issues.
Let me say in conclusion, that Christian meditation is the deliberate filling of one's thoughts with the personally-chosen subject, God's Word. Now, God's Word and God will not crowd any training thoughts. God will rather help one know it better, teaching the student to function in it more accurately.
Occult meditation, on the other hand, is the emptying of one's mind so that it may be filled with an unknown element which may later become possessive. It is the subjection to spirits other than God's Holy Spirit. Christians should never, under any circumstance, submit themselves to occult meditation. It is dangerous and demonic. I hope this has been helpful and informative for you.
About the Author: Dr Tottingham is 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.
Have you read Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in DailyLife1 by Koichi Tohei? Written originally in 1976, this book can be very useful for the Christian black belt who is also very spiritually discerning. The GMAU Journal has published several good articles in the past on the topic of ki/chi. We also have an excellent booklet available on this topic. In his book, Toheidoes provide four good principles to help the martial artist tap physical ki/chi power in the second chapter. There are several other useful items in the book and we would recommend it for your library. You must, however, read it with your "scriptural glasses" on because it is wrought with eastern mysticism and New Age ideas.
1 Published by Japan Publications Inc.
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
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