Constitution of the Gospel Martial Arts Union

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Established 1986 - Revised December, 2008

ARTICLE I - NAME & NATIONAL OFFICE

Section A - NAME:
This organization shall be named the Gospel Martial Arts Union.
Section B - NATIONAL (INTERNATIONAL) OFFICE:
The National (International) office shall be:

GMAU International Headquarters
1001 East Palmer Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46203
 

ARTICLE II - OBJECT AND PURPOSE

The Gospel Martial Arts Union (GMAU) is for Christian martial artists who hold to a theologically conservative faith position, seeking to center their rank, style and testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The GMAU was organized expressly for the enabling of solid theologically conservative Christians to associate themselves with a truly Christ exalting martial arts organization without being yoked together with unbelievers and unbelieving philosophies.

The martial arts are known as disciplines which are disciplines of mind, body and spirit. The GMAU takes the position that these disciplines, to be learned right, must be studied under discipline to Christ, hence, Christ exalting principles and philosophies.

The object and purpose of the GMAU is:

  1. To provide a martial arts organization encouraging and aiding truly Christian martial arts.
  2. To develop a distinct Christian philosophy of martial arts.
  3. To publish, propogate and set a national (international) standard for true Christian martial arts philosophy.
  4. To be a national (international) clearing house of the philosophy and standard each genuine Bible-Centered Christian should practice and propagate in their personal experience and in their schools.
  5. To be a "Christian" martial arts organization not an organization for Christians in the martial arts.

ARTICLE III - Directors

Section A - Titles of the Directors Offices
The Directors of the GMAU shall be limited to the following offices. One person may hold more than one office.
  1. Executive Director
  2. Ministry Directors
  3. National Directors
  4. National Chairmen
  5. Regional Directors
  6. Academy Directors
  7. State Representatives
Section B - Founding Fathers
Chairman & Co-Founder
Dr. Ronald L. Tottingham, PhD, DD, LitD
8th Degree Black Belt - Positional
4th Degree Black Belt - Kenpo Karate

President & Co-Founder
(Organization Senior Master)
Dr. Kent N. Haralson, PhD, DMin, LHD
8th Degree Black Belt - Seigi Bushido Ryu
7th Degree Black Belt - TaeKwonDo
5th Degree Black Belt - Kenpo Karate
1st Degree Black Belt - Kenpo Jitsu

The Co-Founders shall automatically receive the title of their office and Emeritus at their resignation if they hold the office for seven (7) years or more. Any Governor may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4th) majority agreement of the Directors, but only after seeking, by Biblical means, to reconcile any difficulties.

ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section A - Description of Duties / Directors
  1. GMAU Leaders must be actively pursuing a vital and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. An active prayer life and regular reading and study of the Word should be evident in their life.
  2. GMAU Leaders must be zealous to serve the Lord and give the glory due His name. They should prefer honoring God and glorifying him to personal recognition and fame.
  3. GMAU Leaders must be active in the local church. They should attend services regularly, and be held in good regard by the church. They should support the ministry of their church with their time, resources, and money.
  4. GMAU Leaders must have a good reputation in the church and in the community. GMAU Leaders are role models in the church and the community. Their lifestyle must affirm their personal integrity.
  5. GMAU Leaders must be committed to marriage and family. In other words, GMAU Leaders must believe in and exemplify personal fidelity and relational integrity. They must be loyal and faithful to their spouse and children.
  6. GMAU Leaders must have the endorsement of their pastor and church affirming their character and fitness for ministry.
  7. GMAU Leaders must be willing to accept the oversight of pastoral leadership. All GMAU academies/dojos/ministries that exist within a church naturally come under the ministry of that local church. GMAU leadership that operate schools that exist outside the normal ministry of the local church will also benefit from the leadership of their pastor who may be a wonderful resource providing, ministry covering, advice, and support.
  8. GMAU Leaders must be committed to helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and in their value and service to the kingdom of Heaven, their family, and their community. Leaders are called to be mentors & teachers. They provide personal guidance and direction for their students. A teacher's affirmation comes from the successes of their students.
  9. GMAU Leaders must be in agreement with the beliefs (doctrinal statement), vision, and mission statement of the GMAU.
  10. GMAU Leaders must possess an expert skill (black belt or equivalent) in a valid martial art. However, it is not enough to possess a technical skill in martial arts. They must also be able to teach and pass their knowledge on to new generation of students.
Section B - Description of Duties / Resource Staff
  • Certified GMAU Academy Instructors – an HQ appointment to officially chartered GMAU school heads & GMAU Academy directors with full instructor certification. GMAU academies operate under the rigorous standards of the GMAU. Team Coaches and Apprentices are also considered GMAU leaders and work under the authority of a GMAU Academy Instructor.
  • Ministry Directors – an HQ appointment to a professional service component. These are operational positions relating to GMAU HQ day-to-day affairs.
  • State Representatives – an HQ appointment responsible for an entire state. State Reps work in coordination with local Christian martial artists and Christian martial arts groups/ministries to promote GMAU membership, organize and host local and statewide events, and encourage official dojo affiliation.
  • Regional Directors – an HQ appointment responsible for two or more states. Regional Directors work in coordination with State Reps to promote GMAU membership, organize and host regional GMAU events, and develop a strong GMAU identity within the appointed region.
  • Style Heads – an HQ appointment responsible for the rank certification of GMAU membership within specific officially recognized martial arts styles. Style Heads work in coordination with State Reps and Regional Directors to facilitate and schedule annual rank examinations.
  • National Directors – an HQ appointment responsible for an entire country. National Directors work in coordination with State Reps and regional directors to promote GMAU membership, organize and host national GMAU events, and develop a strong GMAU identity within the appointed country.
  • Board of Directors – elected officials much like an elder board at the local church level, the governors serve as an oversight board for spiritual covering, official policy development, and authorized protocol/procedure. All GMAU Board positions require an active leadership/service component within the GMAU.
  • Executive Council – an HQ appointment; Executive Council members are high ranking Christian martial artists from across the United States and around the world. Each council member is an official GMAU Headquarters appointment. Councilmen lend their expert/professional advice to the GMAU in their respective fields. The GMAU Council represents the "inner circle" of chief advisors to the Executive Director.

ARTICLE V - OFFICIAL SEAL


GMAU Logo

ARTICLE VI - DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

  1. We believe in the existence of the Triune Godhead; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory, yet one in being, and that Jesus Christ is the incarnate Virgin born, sinless Son of God (God the Son), and His shed blood is the only atonement for sin.
  2. We believe in the literal Genesis accounts of the creation and fall of man, and oppose any form of evolutionary teaching.
  3. We believe in the verbal-plenary inspiration of the Old and New Testaments, as the actual Word of God; that they constitute the final authority for faith and practice for the Christian.
  4. We believe in salvation through personal faith in the shed Blood of Christ and the regeneration of man by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  5. We believe in the existence of Satan, who is a real, distinct, and definite personality, and in the existence of fallen spirits who oppose God's work and purpose.
  6. We believe in the natural depravity of the human heart, because of the sin of Adam and subsequent fall of man, and the need of each person to be changed through the new birth.
  7. We believe in the existence of heaven, where the righteous shall dwell with God for eternity. We also believe in the existence of a literal hell, or lake of fire, into which the lost shall suffer all eternity.
  8. We believe in the visible, actual, bodily return of Jesus Christ to this earth.
  9. We believe that the bodily resurrection of the Saints of this present age, who will be caught up to meet Christ in the clouds before that great and terrible day of the Lord, will begin a series of climatic events "such as not known before," consummating this present age, opening the millennium, and final judgments.
  10. We believe that the born-again child of God is to live a holy life, separated from the things of this world which would hinder his spiritual life and his testimony before others.
  11. We believe that the church is the body of a truly born-again believers
  12. We believe that every born-again Saint is commanded to be an active participating member of such a local church.

ARTICLE VII - ETIQUETTE

Section A - Personal Appearance:
The martial arts student should be clean and neat at all times. The uniform should be clean and neat, patches neatly sewn on, belt hung evenly, finger and toe nails always neatly trimmed. No jewelry should be worn in the dojo (with the exception of medical ID).

Section B - Dojo Appearance:
The Dojo should be neat and clean at all times. This means that upon arriving for class if there is set-up or clean-up to be done, each student should automatically assume it upon themselves to get it done.

Section C - General Protocol:

  • Christian Martial Artists should never forget that they represent the Lord Jesus Christ first of all, then their Dojo and the GMAU.
  • Each Christian Martial Artist should exhibit self control both inside and outside of their dojo.
  • Always, and in all things "Do all to the glory of Jesus Christ," yield your heart unto Him and be disciplined to a strong personal devotional life of reading your Bible each day, seeking to genuinely walk with God.

Section D - Dojo Protocol:

  • Each Dojo will have some differing protocol and this should be followed, beginning with the entrance and exit from the Dojo itself. If no other protocol is established, each student should always bow in respect to the highest ranked instructor present upon entering a Dojo.
  • Each student's attitude should be one of respect and attentive willingness to learn. When it comes to falling into formation, doing what one is told by an instructor, participating in class actions, etc., students should always run.
  • When falling into formation, the line-up should be the highest ranked students beginning on the instructor's left forming to the instructor's right. The most common way instructor's gain their student's attention is to loudly clap their hands. When the student hears this he should immediately stop at attention, unless otherwise instructed.
  • When any upper (4th Dan up) ranked Black Belt enters the class while in session, the first student or instructor who sees them should call the class to attention and lead them to bow in respect, then continue with the class. The senior instructor present should turn the class over to a junior instructor and personally greet the guest, before returning to teaching the class.
  • When arriving after a class is in session, the student should wait at the rear of the class until acknowledged by the instructor and instructed to enter the class formation for training. No student should assume he can enter without recognization by the instructor.
  • When any instructor communicates with a student, the student should stand at attention and answer with "Yes Sir", or "No Sir" (or Madam), never with "yea," "nay," or "uh huh," etc. When being addressed by anyone with an upper belt, stand at attention and answer with a sharp quot;Sir" (or Madam).
  • When addressing any instructor in the Dojo always use their last name and Mr., Sensei, Dr., Pastor, Professor, Soke, Miss., Mrs., etc.

Section E : Outside Dojo Protocol:

  • Each student should never forget that they are representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ first of all, then their Dojo and the GMAU.
  • Each student should exhibit self control both inside and outside of the dojo.
  • Never start a fight! First to strike in life threatening situation is one thing, however to begin a fight is entirely another.

VIII - UNIFORMS

Section A -
For Colored Grades: A white traditional uniform will be the accepted uniform for all colored belt grades. The belts will be plain colored belts as designated by each dojo. Exceptions will be allowed where a style does not use traditional attire.

Section B -
For Black Belt Levels: No red shall be worn by anyone below the fourth degree black belt level. Since various martial art styles vary in uniform color configuration, patches worn, etc., it is suggested that there be some simple organized standard throughout the GMAU.

The following is suggested.

1 * Provisional (Temporary/Teaching) First Degree Black * Regular First Degree Black
A separation between, the second, third and fourth degree black belts is suggested here. A traditional white top with black bottom is suggested for these belts, with no trim or other identifying decoration. The belt also sould be plain, with no bars or other marks, and the belt for the Provisional First Degree should have 1/4 inch white stripe sewed in the center around the entire belt or as a large tip.

2 * Second Degree Black * Third Degree Black
These degree levels are of greatly matured levels compared to the First Degree and could be distinguished with uniform trim, a different color, or different colored bottoms, bars on the belts, etc.

3 * Fourth Degree Black * Fifth Degree Black * Sixth Degree Black - - - - \ * Seventh Degree Black - - - Positional Ranks * Eighth Degree Black - - - - /
These are considered Master's Ranks and shall be at liberty to wear any respectable uniform design, color configuration, or trim. Master's belts are traditionally either extra wide black belts with a 1/2 inch red stripe around the center, or either red and black checkered or red and white checkered, and in some cases one will see a wide solid red belt with a 1/2 inch black stripe around the center. (In the orient one will generally see the Ninth and Tenth Degree Black Belt Masters wearing wide solid red belt.)

IX - IDENTITY AND POWERS

Section A -
Each recognized club, academy, dojo, or school (hereafter school) to receive recognization, MUST be a ministry of a theologically conservative church with a certified instructor. In this required structure, each one will retain it's own identity. Membership in the GMAU shall not be construed to render the local school liable for acts or representations of the GMAU or vice-versa. Each party shall hold the other harmless from any liability of the other.

Section B -
The GMAU shall retain all rights and interests in it's name and use thereof. Any member school is hereby authorized to use the logo or name indicating affiliation, on any promotion certificate or other device.

Section C -
The GMAU shall have the power to do any and all things necessary and proper to carry into effect the objectives and purposes of this organization.

X - MEMBERSHIP AND FEES

Section A -
Membership: Individual....Any theologically conservative Christian martial artist in any recognized style, system or art may request individual membership. All candidates must sign a profession of faith in Christ as personal savior, and be the member of a theologically conservative church, and give a short statement of their personal Christian activity. The GMAU reserves the right to withdraw membership from any member upon proven evidence of physical, mental or spiritual conduct unbecoming of a genuine born-again Christian. School....The GMAU reserves the right to revoke the charter of any school upon proven evidence of teachings, conduct, misrepresentation, or other, which is not in keeping with standards set by this organization.

Section B - Fees: A membership fee, testing fees for the various belt ranks, and certification fee for new members who wish their belt rank registered with the GMAU will be set by the Directors. These fees will be minimum for the service.

XI - AMENDMENTS & ADMINSTRATIVE ACTIONS


Amendments may be made to this constitution by a majority agreement of the Directors. Any procedures necessary and not expressly covered in this document may be established through Official Administrative Actions agreed upon by the Directors by majority agreement, either verbal or written communication. The Chairman and President shall have the final authority in every matter.

- OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS -
(BY MAJORITY AGREEMENT OR ELECTION)

(Est. 1986 - Offical Actions since 1986)

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - ONE
Action One - In 1987 it was decreeed to begin the GMAU Newsletter as the Official new organ for the GMAU. Action Two - It was decreed to have an official GMAU clinic each year, as possible.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - TWO
Action One - In 1990 it was decreed to rename the newsletter to the GMAU Journal.
Action Two - It was decreed to expand the Board of Directors to four by ncluding: GMAU Journal Editor Scott Hoffer, BS 2nd Degree Black Belt - TaeKwonDo/Kenpo Jitsu Adjutant Chief Dr. J. David Jones, DMin, DD 1st Degree Black Belt - Ji El Budo ADMINISTRATIVE

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - THREE
Action One - In 1992 the Directors decreed to enter into action with Great Plains Baptist College to institute and promote for educational purposes a College of Christian Martial Arts as a Christian Martial Arts major study field with a Bible minor.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - FOUR
Action One - In January 1993, by election of the Directors, the Chairman and President were promoted to the positional ranks of 8th Degree Black Belt (Chairman), and 7th Degree Black Belt (President). The Chairman holds the 4th earned Dan rank in Karate and 8th Dan rank as Chief Master of the Ji El Budo style. The President holds the 5th earned Dan rank in Karate and 7th Dan rank as the Senior Master of the Ji El Budo style. The Editor holds the 3rd Dan rank in TaekwonDo and the Resource Officer holds the 2nd Dan rank in Kung Fu. Action Two - In April 1993 it was decreed to expand the Board of Directors to five by electing: National Representative (Organization Associate Master) Dr. Stan Harris, BS, DD 5th Degree Black Belt - Isshinryu

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - FIVE
Action One - In July 1993, the Directors recognized and chartered the Baptist Karate League as an independent organization to expressly enable and aid Christian Martial Artists holding to a historic Baptist theology and spirit, to have a vehicle for that expression and associations. The founding Provost General is J. David Jones, D.Min., the Deputy Provost is Ron Tottingham, Ph.D., and the National Representative is Dr. Stan Harris, DD.
Action Two - Dr. Kent Haralson, by election of the Directors, was chosen as the next Chairman of the Gospel Martial Arts Union, and Dr. Ron Tottingham was honored with the title of Chairman Emeritus as one of the original Co-Founders.
Action Three - The Directors accepted the resignation of Dr. Ron Tottingham, Dr. J. David Jones, and Dr. Stan Harris from their respective positions so that they could assume leadership roles in the Baptist karate League.
Action Four - The Directors appointed to the board the following three (3) individuals to serve with the remaining Directors Dr. Kent Karalson, Ph.D, D.Min., and Mr. Scott Hoffer, BS:
Dr. Charles Owens, D.Min. - Associate Master 8th Degree Black Belt - Tai Kwon Do President/Soke - Keedok Kyo Tae Kwon Do
Pastor Mike McClure, B.S. 2nd Degree Black Sash - Kung Fu Dojo Sensei
Mrs. Sheryl Olson, BSN 2nd Degree Black Belt - Tae Kwon Do Dojo Sensei
Action Five - Upon the resignation of Sheryl Olson from the board (August 1997), the Board of Govenors unanimously voted to elect Mr. Larry Phillips to the board. Mr. Phillips was also appointed as the Editor of the GMAU Journal, with Mr. Scott Hoffer retaining the layout and production responsibilities.
Action Six - In December of 1997, the board voted to promote Mr. Scott Hoffer to the position of President of the GMAU. Dr. Haralson remains as the Chairman of the Board.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - SIX
Action One - In 1997 the Directors voted to add Mr. Chris Foley to the Board of Directors.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - SEVEN
Action One - In October of 2000 the Directors voted to add Mr. Johnny Russell to the Board of Directors for the GMAU, giving him the title of Executive Director, and thus responsible for day to day operations of the GMAU.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - EIGHT
Action One - February 19, 2005- Expanded Board: By vote of affirmation by our Board of Governors, we have added two new members to the board. In recognition of our growing impact to the world and also our need to position ourselves for the next generation of leadership, Sifu John Himes (jhimes@mbbc.edu) of Japan, and Sensei Doug Haralson (doug.haralson@mail.com) of Eagan Minnesota have been added to the GMAU Board of Governors.
Action Two - In August of 2006 the Directors voted to remove Mr. Scott Hoffer, Pastor Mike McClure and Dr. Charles Owens from the Board of Directors for the GMAU.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - NINE
Action One - JANUARY 9, 2009:
Job Description for GMAU Chairman (unanimously approved by the GMAU Board of Directors)

The GMAU Chairman:

  1. Will serve a term of four years upon approval by the board. In the event the chairman resigns or is no longer able to serve, the most senior (years on the board) member of the board will act as the chairman until a replacement can be selected.
  2. Will make every effort to attend board meetings when held at GMAU HQ.
  3. Will coordinate monthly or quarterly "online" board meetings via email or other technology driven media as necessary.
  4. Will preside over meetings of the board.
  5. Will establish and/or propose the establishment of committees to address issues relating to the mission and purpose of the GMAU.
  6. Will assign committee heads tasks and delegate responsibilities to directors.
  7. Will appoint coordinators of each organizational committee from the board of directors or other GMAU appointed leaders.
  8. Will be an ex-officio member of every committee.
  9. Will conduct an annual review with the committee coordinators of the effectiveness of each committee. Results will be shared to the directors electronically.
  10. Will supply vision, future planning, institutional development, and imagination at the highest level for GMAU ministries operating in the United States and abroad.
  11. Will formulate direction and strategy initiatives that will promote the mission and goal of the GMAU.
  12. Will plan and implement advertising and promotional strategy that will grow the GMAU outreach.
  13. Will develop and implement strategy for organizational development and growth both administratively and through our facility expansion.
  14. Will ensure that the GMAU maintains positive and productive relationships with media, donors and other Christian and secular organizations.
  15. Will serve as national ambassador and liaison as necessary with other national organization/association chairs.
  16. Will ensure that the GMAU remains true to its mission statement and history of ministry.
  17. Will maintain awareness of contemporary operational development theory (thus enabling the GMAU to stay relevant to a changing culture … we wish to stay anchored to the Word, while engaging the culture)
  18. Will strive to follow Biblical principles of leadership, specifically:
    • Function and operate as a servant, as Jesus Himself was a servant
    • Rely on the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as the source of his power and effectiveness within GMAU ministry initiatives.
    • Genuinely care for and possess a Christian love for the saints, for the lost, for the GMAU membership and for all within GMAU leadership as he provides vision for ministry implementation.
    • Set a good example for those within the Christian martial arts ministry by providing proven sustained models of effective evangelistic and discipleship oriented biblical martial arts ministry initiatives.
  19. Will continue to dedicate himself to a life surrendered fully to God exemplified by:
    1. Demonstrating the highest level of personal and public integrity as outlined by the Bible (specifically those character qualities identified in 1 Timothy 3 for deacons and elders in the church)
    2. Maintaining godly relationships with spouse and children as outlined in the Bible through personal fidelity and relational integrity. Must be loyal and faithful to spouse and children.
    3. Actively pursuing a vital and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. An active prayer life and regular reading and study of the Word should be evident.
    4. Demonstrating a zealousness to serve the Lord and give the glory due His name. Should prefer honoring God and glorifying Him to personal recognition and fame.
    5. Remaining active in the local church by attending services regularly, and be held in good regard by the church and the pastors of the church. Should support the ministry of their church with time, resources, and money.
    6. Demonstrating a commitment to helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and in their value and service to the kingdom of Heaven, their family, and their community. Biblically, leaders are called to be mentors & teachers. They provide personal guidance and direction for their students. A teacher's affirmation comes from the successes of their students. Such should be evident and true of the chairman.
    7. Maintaining a focus on personal and corporate (GMAU) evangelism.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - TEN
Action One - JANUARY 26, 2009: by unanimous approval of the board (Dr. Kent Haralson, Dr. J.R. Russell, Rev. Chris Foley, Rev. John Himes, and Mr. Doug Haralson), be it known to all that Mr. Keith Yates has been added to the GMAU Board of Governors.