Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
"They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Jesus Christ
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
The Apostle Paul
"All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. "
Proverbs 15:15
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10
The Psalmist wrote these words in the context of believers experiencing great trouble in their lives.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."
Psalm 46:1-3
Everyone I know faces tough times in their lives. That includes Christians and martial artists. What is the secret to being calm during the storms of life?
"Be still, and know that I am God."
What does it mean to "be still?" The Hebrew words for "still" have the meaning of being "silent, relaxed, quiet." Definitions include "to recline, cease from troubling." What a wonderful word is "still."
King David was a man of great passions: physical, emotional and spiritual. He faced thousands of enemies in his lifetime and killed many of them in hand-to-hand combat. David was a martial artist of great skill. He was also a troubled man, like most men. The Old Testament writings about David give us great insight into how dependent on God he was during troubled times.
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou has enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."
Psalm 4:1-4
David's advice during distress and trouble? "Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still." The word "commune" means to "speak with oneself, meditate." David's advice to God's people who are going through tough times is to "meditate and relax." The Hebrew concept of the "heart" was as the seat of feeling and affections in addition to the seat of intelect and included mind, purpose, intention, understanding, knowledge, insight, courage and spirit. David recommends that people meditate deeply in a private place (upon your bed) for a period of time that would allow them to "be still".
About what should we meditate? "...know that I am God." The word "know" in Psalm 46:10 means "to come to the knowledge of, by seeing, by hearing, and by experiencing." How do we "see" God? How do we "hear" God? How do we "experience" God? "Be still, and know..." It is through quietness and relaxation of the mind and heart that we can "know" God. A deep knowledge about God will lead us to understand that God "will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." We have nothing to fear from our enemies. God will be exalted among the heathen. He will be exalted in the earth. That is what we "know."
David began Psalm 46 with "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." David ends the Psalm with "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." That was a great calming factor for David and the people of Israel. It should have a calming effect on us today.
One of the most difficult things for people to do today is relax and meditate. People search for physical and mental relaxation through drugs, alcohol, sex, , new age spiritism, escapism and other things that have negative results. Relax is a "secret word" in martial arts. We relax the mind, body and spirit before we practice. We learn that increased energy, power and speed come from being relaxed mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
As martial artists we can translate that ability to relax and calm our mind and body into every area of our lives. We can teach others to do the same. What a Christian martial artist can do that others cannot is lead people to "be still, and know...God." It is a privilege and responsibility we celebrate with thanks to our Heavenly Father Who has taught us to quiet our hearts and minds and experience His Love and Grace in all its fullness.
Our prayers are with you this month as you are still and know that He is God.
By Sensei Charlaine Engelhardt
(Note: Our thanks to Don & Charlaine Engelhardt for allowing us to reprint this article from their Faith Fighters for Christ website at http://www.angelfire.com/oh/ff4christ/)
"Martial arts attracts all kinds of people. Each person has
a specific reason for training. But one of the most prevalent
types of people who show up for instruction are former victims-ranging
from childhood abuse to domestic violence. These people are usually
looking to keep the abuse from happening again. Some people bring
their children in hopes that they will learn self-defense and
confidence to avoid the problems of the parents. But Christian
martial arts, because of the caring, accepting aspect brought
by our relationship with Jesus Christ, definitely is an important
avenue of healing for some former victims.
Former victims look for control over their own lives. Whether
a person was abused as a child, mugged as an adult, or was brutalized
by a spouse, someone who has been a victim lost a tremendous amount
of control about themselves. Mental manipulation is also a very
common abuse. This, first, brings a person to question one's own
judgement. It does not matter whether it is a one-time confrontation
or several years of abuse, there is now a lot of mental and emotional
confusion, which distorts the person's "alarm system"
for danger. Without that internal discernment coupled with horrible
memories, the former victim is always on guard for his or her
own safety.
Physical and sexual abuses stick in the memory of the survivor
for the rest of that person's life. He or she would do whatever
possible to avoid having this happen ever again. Sometimes, a
new student will come in actually wanting to be able to learn
skills to exact revenge upon his abusers. There are women who
will come into a karate school in order to learn how to keep their
husbands from harming them. Many are either combative (reactionary)
or very fearful. They simply want to gain control over their own
bodies and lives.
Combatives and exercise are usually a stress release for survivors
of abuse and/or assault. If the person feels the environment is
a safe one in which to learn, then experimentation during instruction
will happen. During this time, the survivor will be getting physical
exercise that helps release pent up energy. Any reasonable workout
routine will help, but martial arts was the choice of this person-probably
the first independent decision made for a very long time. Being
able to punch and kick, yell, learn joint locks and pressure points
aids the survivor in working through some emotions that are either
explosive or have been repressed. For anyone who has lost control
of one's life, there is a tremendous amount of tension and energy
released.
Everyone needs to be loved and accepted. Failure to thrive in
infants is known to end the lives of countless babies. But I dare
to say that many youth and adults are simply empty shells walking
around, trying to get through what life throws at them. Without
being encouraged or lifted up, most give up. However, when the
survivor finds acceptance and encouragement at a Christian martial
arts school/ministry, this person has the opportunity to blossom.
The love of Christ exhibited in the instructors and other students
fill up that empty area in this student's life. If a school is
performance-based and the instructor is out to make a buck, then
"failure to thrive" continues. This is not to say that
everything the student does or says is acceptable. But that the
person is always acceptable, regardless of the baggage that comes
in. The behavior changes over time. Love and acceptance is crucial
to the successful growth of the survivor. The survivor then becomes
a Victor in Christ.
Signs of Concern
Reading the signs of former abuse or assault is important in reaching these hurting people. Whether you are a survivor, an instructor, or an interested student, this checklist will be valuable to your understanding:
* Either very shy, not looking anyone in the eye for any length of time, or very outgoing to flamboyant, using eye contact as a control measure.
* Either eager to learn and to please or "already knows everything
there is to know about karate".
* Lack luster in the workouts and wants to "hide" behind
others or boldly placing oneself in front and center of everyone
for attention, trying to impress anyone who will pay attention.
* Very jumpy at loud noises and and skiddish in confrontation
during sparring or self-defense. Or the survivor is not startled
by sounds that catch the attention of most other people and are
overly aggressive in confrontation during sparring or self-defense.
* Tends to fixate on self-protection. Personal habits are to an
extreme in the area of personal safety than the normal, or personal
safety is disregarded as if the person wants to be attacked.
* Will at some point insist that the techniques cannot possibly
work, challenging the instructor to demonstrate it in supposedly
realistic conditions. Some will go so far as to "attack"
the instructor or senior student, disregarding the safeties that
must be in place for training. This is very dangerous!
* Some "check out" during an aggressive bout, which
is a survival mechanism to protect the person's emotional and
mental state. This person could be injured and never feel or acknowledge
it until the stressor is over. This is called disassociation.
* Some all of a sudden get glazed over eyes and flail at the opponent.
This is usually a flashback-mentally the student is in another
time and place that reminds them of some former attack.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it should serve as a helpful guide. Survivors usually suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, also known as shellshock. They operate in extremes, which is why these bullet points are listed with "or" on most of them. Many do not know what it means to have balance in life because it was never exemplified. Some lost balance in their lives because their sensibility and discernment was called into question; everything in his or her life's paradigm was harshly tested.
Have You Been A Victim Before?
If this list describes you and you realize you have been a victim, then seek sound Christian counsel. Talk to your pastor or to a trusted Christian friend. Ask them for information regarding a licensed clinical Christian counselor or for a support group in a church that has a good reputation. Go to a good Christ-centered church for Sunday school and worship. Surround yourself with loving, caring people, not those who hurt or manipulate you. Be teachable in your martial arts school, provided that the instructors are trustworthy. If not, then find another school. Also, remember that not everyone is perfect. Do not feel jaded because the instructor, senior student, or someone else you look up to makes a mistake. Everyone is a sinner and saved by grace. Stick with those who try hard to live by God's standards and are also teachable. You are too valuable to live the life of a doormat.
Students and Instructors Can Minister to Former Victims
So what can you do to minister to people who have been hurt so badly? It depends on what role you play in your school/ministry. If you are another student, befriend new students when they come in. Everyone needs to know they are welcome regardless of their backgrounds. Find one person that displays these symptoms and care about them. Listen to their concerns. Encourage them. Do not let them bully you or someone else. Point them to the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and your own life's example. Help them with their techniques that are tough for them to learn. Your friendship is the most important thing you can give a survivor.
If you are an instructor, there is a lot more that rests on you.
Survivors will either distrust you or put you on a pedestal-the
only way happens to be down, by the way. It is never good to be
any student's buddy. But you can become a mentor or set them up
with other students as mentors. Show the same interest you would
to anyone else in your class. Keep firm, but healthy boundaries
set-and enforce them graciously. Stop or reset spars when flashbacks
occur or when they look overwhelmed. These students need to be
able to regroup their thoughts and composure. Give them responsibilities
with which they can succeed. Adjust these responsibilities as
their abilities improve. Always show the Bible as a standard for
all of life and Jesus as Savior and Lord in your own life. Point
them to good, solid churches for guidance and direction. Nothing
speaks louder than the example of someone who is a role model.
What they see in you they will want to imitate.
This article is the result of my own experiences as a student
and instructor, as well as from research done for my college English
paper regarding biblically-based counseling being best for domestic
violence survivors.
References to check:
Ochberg, Frank M. Gift from Within. Posttraumatic Therapy. Psychotheraphy, vol. 28.No.1. Spring 1991. http://soucemaine.com/gift/trauma.html.
Diehl, Emily Spence, MSW. Psychobiology of Trauma. Forida State University. http://www.fiu.edu/~victimad/psyart.html.
Thomas, Rachel G. Spiritual Comfort Can Help Heal Some Wounds. The Standard-Times. http://www.s-t.com/projects/DomVio/spiritualcomfort.HTML.
Olsen, Kathy. Silent Pain.Copyright 1992 by Kathy Olsen. NavPress, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Rentschler, Ray. Personal Protection Concepts website. www.americanninjutsu.com.
We thank Soke Karl Marx for forwarding to us this wonderful poem.
"I've never made a fortune
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones around me, and that makes
me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'cause my cup has overflowed.
O, Remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and sun
peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
"Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
"Cause my cup has overflowed.
Thanks to Pastor David Havard for sending this to us.
"Today I am mourning the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.
Common Sense, AKA C.S., lived a long life but died from heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.
For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over C.S. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn't always fair.
C.S. lived by sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable teaching and parenting strategies (the adult is in charge, not the kid).
A veteran of the Industrial
Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution,
C.S. survived cultural and educational trends including feminism,
body piercing, whole language and "new" math. But his
health declined when he became infected with the "If-It-Only-Helps-One-Person-It's-Worth-It"
virus.
In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal regulations. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors. His health rapidly deteriorated as schools mindlessly implemented zero tolerance policies. Reports of 6 year old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student.
Finally, C.S. lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports. As the end neared, C.S. drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding questionable regulations for asbestos, low flow toilets, "smart" guns and mandatory air bags.
Finally, when told that homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which enhanced property values, he breathed his last breath.
C.S. was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his Son, Reason. He is survived by three step-brothers, Rights, Tolerance, and Whiner. Few attended his funeral, because so few realized he was gone. "
Many people have asked us to archive our previous GMAF Newsletters. Good news! We have! You'll find every newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.
Several members of GMAF have been asking how they can purchase Christian martial arts books and materials. One way Christian martial artists can support other Christian martial artists is to look at their web sites first when searching for books, video tapes, supplies, etc. Here are some places to visit when you're searching for martial arts materials. If you know of a Christian products site not listed here, please send it to us and we'll include it in next month's newsletter.
Karate For Christ Products: http://www.karateforchrist.com/ProductsPage.html
McGregor Martial Arts Catalog: http://www.midnightgx.com/karateclass/catalog.htm
Keichu-Do Karate Training Tapes: http://www.oakknolls.com/keichumain.htm
Christian Martial Arts Recommended Books and Videos: http://members.xoom.com/DYoung654/journey.html
Mighty Warrior Martial Arts Merchandise: http://www.Mightywarrior.com/Pages/merchandise.html
Dayspring Martial Arts Products: http://www.wizard.net/~eniygma/page11.html
Pencak Silat Ratu Adi Training Tapes: http://home.earthlink.net/~lrudd/store.html
Meir-King Books & Videos: http://home.sprynet.com/~rmieir/books.htm http://home.sprynet.com/~rmieir/video.htm
This note is from Master Joseph Lumpkin of Karate for Christ. He recently had surgery and we rejoice that he is healing.
"Please forgive the fact
that this is a general e-mail. I do not have enough strength to
write to each. The operation to remove the gall bladder went well
yesterday and today I was sent home. I am very, very sore and
I am on meds for this. They say I can start driving in a few days
and get back to work in a week or so. It will be about a month
before I will be on the mats again.
Thanks to InfoSystem...the wonderful co. I work for. They sent
a plant and card.
I look forward to feeling good again. It has been a while.
Thanks for all of your prayers.
Joseph Lumpkin"
This announcement is from the Christian Jujitsu Association.
"To begin with we must announce that the Montana Regional Camp for the CJA has been scheduled in detail for months. It will be held August 25, 26, & 27 at the Shin Mei Kan. There will be a comprehensive schedule of classes, along with special entertainment and campfire. The fee for the camp is $30. All participants must be CJA and USMA members. You will be required to show your 2000/2001 CJA membership card. Just like the previous national camps, participants will sleep in tents and sleeping bags outside. You must provide your own camping items. Meals will be served cafeteria style on the deck. While our camp is intended primarily for local CJA students, other CJA members are welcome to attend. More information will be coming soon. Please check back!
Brian Holland, sensei of the Palouse JuJitsu School in Northern California has advised us that the CJA Regional Camp there will be held August 18, 19, & 20. Go to the CJA Site linked below and contact Brian for more information!
USMA SUMMER CAMP and HALL OF FAME BANQUET is still scheduled for August 10,11, & 12 at the Excelsior Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. We are encouraging all CJA members to attend this great event in lieu of our regular CJA National Summer Camp. We are especially encouraging all of our BOD and as many Yudansha as possible to attend. This will be a great oppportunity to meet and work out with many of the world's leading martial artists. There is still time to get your reservations in for the camp ($100) and dinner ($50). Send your check and reservation to Prof. Marty Cale, 2179 N. College, Fayetteville, AR 72703. We can confirm that at least four members of the CJA BOD will be there along with some other CJA Black Belts. Get your reservation in today!!!"
http://members.tripod.com/ChristianJuJitsu/index.html
This note is from Kevin Schaller of Carson Valley Christian Center in Minden, Nevada.
"As many of you may know, over the last few months, there has been an ongoing negotiation over the sale of the building we occupy. As of 2 months ago, we were told that the "deal was done" and that the dojo would essentially be permanently there. Unfortunately, during the course of negotiations, circumstances changed for both parties and the deal has "fallen through".
I was just notified this morning
that we must vacate the facilities as soon as possible. Pastor
John Jackson is initiating a search for a new facility for us,
and we may be up and running shortly. I ask that you pray for
us,
and that we find an adequate facility in the near future.
If any of you are free this
coming Saturday morning, I would greatly appreciate any help you
could lend in packing up the school. I intend to store all the
materials in a large cargo trailer I have, then move it in one
shot to our new facilities, when we locate them.
We have accomplished a great deal in this school and the church is committed to continuing the program. We will make every effort to resume classes, as scheduled, on August 2nd. (Praise God that we decided to take a break during July!)
Thank you for all your support over these last 2 years and I look forward to an even better facility in the near future.
Respectfully Yours,
Kevin Schaller
PS: The July schedule shut-down was planned in advance and wasn't related at all to the move, however, it sure is a blessing that the July break was scheduled! (it was my wife's idea, naturally)"
Kevin also
asked if anyone knew of a Christian martial arts instructor in
the Minneapolis / St. Paul area. He has a friend who is moving
there at the end of July. You can e-mail Kevin at kevin@annuity1.com.
This note is from Pastor Vasile Filat of Moldova, a small
country between Ukraine and Romania. Vasile has a Christian Taekwon-Do
Club called Stolas Leukas.
"From the last my letter to you our Lord made many wonderful things in our lives and the ministry He gave us to serve. In May I was in Romania teaching in the Precept Institute Marriage without Regrets but most of studying from my teachers Mia and Costel Oglice Counseling. It worked very on the character of me and of other 60 students who studied there. As a result, students decided to start other 73 Bible study groups with 737 students from 26 localities of 6 countries. Pray for this.
When I came home , I was very
glad to know that He blessed our daughter Nastica and he took
a very good mark at the test in the art school where she is studying.
During a week we studied the Bible with her and
her wonderful brothers David and Daniel and also played a lot.
After, I and Nastica, my wife
went to Saint Petersburg in Russia to the conference where Kay
Arthur tout Daniel and where came more than 200 people from 27
countries. They asked for other 9 Precept institutes
and we need very much your prayers to accomplish all this work.
Praise the Lord for doing this!!!
Now, I am in Siktivkar which
is in Komy republic in Siberia, teaching in the institute Counseling
to 20 students. Pray for them because they have many different
difficulties in their ministry but they are
faithful.
After this course, I will go home and there will go to the camp with 100 of the students of my club to teach them Revelation and also to train them hard so that they will be able in September to start other 25 groups in other localities where is not yet a missionary and to teach there the young people the Bible. It will be also a very good time for me to be with my wife and children and we will teach them the Word of the Lord. Pray for us and for the ministry we are doing because the volume of the work grew and I need more other people to be involved.
With love in Christ,
Vasile"
Robert Fabian is looking for a Christian martial arts club in Somerset County, New Jersey. Please contact Robert if you know of a Christian club near him.
This note is from Master Robert Xavier about the success of the summer Christian martial arts camps.
"The Saint Stephen's classes
are being received very well as a physical challenge. We have
had good sharing times about PBA (Performance Based Acceptance),
our identity and whatever is on the kids' minds. I am having an
enjoyable and fulfilling experience teaching both the Yon Ch'uan
and Hwa-Yu T'ai-Chi. It is really
neat and helpful to be able to point the kids to the GMAF website
and have them come back to class and say that they visited the
site. I pray for each of those who say that they visited GMAF
domain read about the love, acceptance and forgiveness that is
provided them through the Gospel of the Grace of God. (ACTS 20:24)
Joyfully in Christ,
Master Robert Xavier"
(Note: We appreciate everyone pointing students to the GMAF website. We pray it will be a blessing to them and help you in your ministry to them.)
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists and their ministries.)
Please let us know if you have moved, changed jobs, received a belt promotion, started studying a new martial art, started a Christian martial arts ministry, etc. We want to be sure your listing in the GMAF Internet Directory is all you want it to be.
We appreciate your Fellowship in the Gospel of the Grace of God. We are praying for you and your opportunities to serve Christ. Please let us know about ways GMAF can help you in your service. If you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving this monthly newsletter, please ask them to e-mail Mark McGee. We'll be glad to put them on our monthly mailing list.
You are invited to read previous GMAF Newsletters.
If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.
Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a service of GraceLife Ministries
Taking God's Grace to the World!