GMAF NEWSLETTER

September - October 2003

Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.

"It is finished."

Jesus Christ

"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greek's foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

The Apostle Paul

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!"

Proverbs

 

A strong stance is fundamental to quality martial arts. Stance is what roots us to the ground and helps us withstand an attack. The ability to move quickly from one strong stance to another helps us evade and redirect an opponent's energy and force. Our first lessons in martial arts are how to stand strong and move from stance to stance, strength to strength.

One rooting technique in the martial arts is called The Three Nails. The nails are imaginary but the rooting is real. One nail comes from the bottom of the heel of each foot. The second nail is on the outside bottom of the foot just below the small toe. The third nail comes from the inside bottom of the foot just below the big toe (ball of the foot). We "nail" our feet to the ground by pushing our weight to those three points at the bottom of our feet and gripping the ground with our toes. The process of "nailing" our feet to the ground moves more of the body's weight to the outside third of the foot and rounds the instep of the foot and the legs. The inside of our foot is round and coiled while the weight of the body is distributed evenly across the bottom of the outside of our feet from the heel across the supporting bones of the outside of the foot through the toes to ball of the foot. We are rooted and grounded in our stance and prepared to receive force from any direction and redirect that force at will.

Our spiritual life is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. We are spiritually strong through His Strength. We are rooted in His Death and Resurrection. Christ died for us on the Cross. He is our Sacrifice. His Blood is the payment for our sins. Three Nails held His Body on the Cross until He died so we might have God's forgiveness and life everlasting.

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left." Luke 23:33

"The other disciples therefore said unto him [Thomas], We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." John 20:25

How important is Christ's Death to every human on Earth?

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." Romans 6:5-7

When I think of Christ on the Cross, I think of my old man dying with Him so "the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." We are freed from the bondage of sin. We have hope because Christ was nailed to the Cross of Calvary!

Can we have a message of hope that does not include the Cross and the nails? Absolutely not!

"For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Christian martial arts teachers have two wonderful messages to share with their students. One message is how to position oneself properly for self defense; a message that will keep us safe for a lifetime. The other message is the position of being "in Christ"; a message that will keep us safe for eternity.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Over the years, I have trained with many instructors and have made many friends, but some of the best friends have been my instructors. Why? Well, let's look at some of the reasons behind this. When you first start in the martial arts whether it is Karate, TaeKwonDo, Hapkido, Jujitsu, Kung Fu or whatever style, you look toward the instructor as someone you wish to emulate in your heart and in your art.

Secondly, during the time of your training, you put your trust in your instructors for their knowledge and ability to teach you the proper techniques without injuries.

Thirdly, their guidance during training sessions are the lessons you use throughout your daily life. Some instructors are very good at relating the martial arts to daily life while others relate the martial arts and God's words in teaching together exceptionally well.

I have trained with instructors such as Kang Rhee, Tony Chester, Joseph Lumpkin, Daryl Covington, Kwang Sik Myung, Mike Stone, Brad Whitlow, Larry Ingle, Mike Frazier, Jeff Speakman, and Mark Barlow who have made impressions on my thoughts and teachings, but only a few have made impressions on my way of life. Some instructors change the way you look at the martial arts in a physical teaching aspect while others change the way you look at the mental teaching aspects. To me, the most important outlook on the martial arts is the spiritual aspect, which has come to light for me over the last 5 to 6 years. No matter how much you learn or do in the martial arts, all of the martial arts instructors have God to thank for their lives and accomplishments. I thank God for the ability to teach and pass on the knowledge of God's word through the martial arts.

A Sensei is not just one who teaches you martial arts, coaches you at tournaments, and picks you up off the mat; they are the ones who care about you and your family, your life, and your well-being, everyday. Sensei is the one you can call and discuss things you couldn't with anyone else. Sensei is the one you spend time with when others are out doing things they shouldn't. Sensei is the one you consider a true friend and not just an acquaintance who trained with you for a short period of time before you moved on to someone or something different. I have trained in many arts but even though I may not train with some of the instructors now that I did coming up through the ranks, I still hold them as dear friends.

As a Sensei you are looked upon as a respectable, kind, gentle, and knowledgeable individual and everyone watches every move in your daily walk in life. By walking in Christ's light and trying to lead a Christian life, you set examples for those who are around and look up to you.

To sum it all up, I believe we the Sensei have an obligation to each and every student as role models, to set examples and to build the children of today for they will be the leaders in the next generation when we are old and gray.

(Taken from: ENCOUNTER THE WARRIOR's HEART www.1stbooks.com/bookview/18526)

It has been found that the nutritional "sins" of the parents are visited upon future generations through: a weak start in life, allergies, poor health, a compromised immune system, a mindset toward a wrong lifestyle, inherited weaknesses ... Some cultures have generations of good nutrition with correspondingly good health. These cultures have similar eating and living patterns and enjoy nearly disease-free lives and great longevity. These cultures live a very natural lifestyle and eat simple, inexpensive foods - - often called the peasant diet.

The healthy cultures that have been studied are the: Vilcambambas of Ecuador, Hunza of Kashmir, traditional Bulgarians, Abzekhastan of Georgia, Yucatan natives, Greek from Crete, certain Chinese and Japanese groups. All of these cultures have these dietary factors in common: plant-based, high fiber (over 34 grams/day), high complex carbohydrates (not simple sugars), calcium intake only half of that in the USA but no osteoporosis, low protein (high protein means a loss of calcium from bones), small amounts of dairy (generally fermented, e.g. yogurt), fish once a week (if available), meat only on occasion, low fat intake (less than 20%).

All of these cultures work outside, are moderate eaters, are happy, walk a lot, get up/down with the sun, are not envious of others, the old are respected and deemed useful, and use whole-virgin vegetable oils and whole grains. As such cultures move from poverty to affluence, the modern delicacies bring the diseases of civilization.

Religion Studies

A Christian pastor studied the health of various Jewish and Christian religions. The religions which practice more natural lifestyles (teachings on diet and care of the body, in varying degrees against the use of coffee, tea, tobacco, port, pharmaceutical drugs, soda, ....) fare the best, regardless of doctrinal correctness. Statistics show they have less cancer, healthier lives and live six years longer than the average American. Those groups which do not have dietary teachings often view sickness as some kind of judgment by God and accept the view that they are powerless to change their fate. This latter group does not have as good health as those who adhere to natural diets. He concluded that the religious which practice dietary principles closely aligned with the Word of God have better health and longer lives.

It is possible, in fact God honoring, to be Scripturally sound in doctrine and to adopt a life style that is in accordance with God's principles, thus enjoying His blessings on our body, soul and spirit. (Goands Innomore)

(Next month: Importance of Alkaline Balance)

Dr. Shober is a Doctor of Naturopathic Ministries, Master Herbalist and Director of Biblical Health Ministries. He is available for seminars, conferences and workshops.You can contact him at shover@chorus.net or 608-836-9579.

Only by the grace of God can salvation and the communion we seek take place. We may ask. We may beg. But, it is only in watchful waiting that we will receive. His grace is sufficient and the only vehicle by which salvation and communion with God is granted. But what is grace?

Grace is a blessing, a blessing that is undeserved, unsolicited and unexpected, a blessing that brings a sense of the divine order of things into our lives. The ways of grace are mysterious, we cannot always figure them out. But we know grace by its fruits, by the blessings of its works. We would expect to be startled when grace manifests itself. The opposite is true. It doesn't startle us at all, for grace is everywhere. We may not discern it; we may not recognize it for we are inclined to take it for granted. "Living with Grace" by Rev. Peter Fleck

If we are walking, dancing, eating, teaching, preaching, meditating, being, we are rid of the impediments which hinder our free movement. We are rid of all the obstacles that block us from being who we are meant to be. This is grace. A grace that indicates not an addition, but rather a subtraction and removal of those things that may hinder us from being who we are. This is grace. Reverend Bill Clark

Grace "is an attitude on God's part that proceeds entirely from within Himself, and that is conditioned in no way by anything in the objects of His favor." Burton Scott Easton in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.

"When a thing is said to be of 'grace' we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in no-wise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, unasked and undesired."
A.W. Pink Attributes of God

In a time before his death, Mr. McLaren, ministers of the Tolboth church, said, " I am gathering together all my prayers, all my sermons, all my good deeds, all my ill deeds; and I am going to throw them all overboard and swim to glory on the plank of Free Grace."

There is one work which is right and proper for us to do, and that is the eradication of self. But however great this eradication and reduction of self may be, it remains insufficient if God does not complete it in us. For our humility is only perfect when God humbles us through ourselves. Only then are they and the virtue perfected, and not before. Meister Eckhart

If I were good and holy enough to be elevated among the saints, then the people would discuss and question whether this was by grace or nature and would be troubled about it. But this would be wrong of them. Let God work in you, acknowledge that it is his work, and do not be concerned as to whether he achieves this by means of nature or beyond nature. Both nature and grace are his. What is it to you which means he best uses or what he performs in you or in someone else? He should work how and where and in what manner it suits him to do so. Meister Eckhart

The self-righteous, relying on the many good works he imagines he has performed, seems to hold salvation in his own hand, and considers Heaven as a just reward of his merits. In the bitterness of his zeal he exclaims against all sinners, and represents the gates of mercy as barred against them, and Heaven as a place to which they have no claim. What need have such self-righteous persons of a Saviour? They are already burdened with the load of their own merits. Oh, how long they bear the flattering load, while sinners divested of everything, fly rapidly on the wings of faith and love into their Saviour's arms, who freely bestows on them that which he has so freely promised!
Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon

Humility is a grace in the soul... It is indescribable wealth, a name and a gift from God. Learn from Me, He said; that is, not from an angel, not from a man, not from a book, but from Me, that is from My dwelling within you, from My illumination and action within you, for I am gentle and meek of heart in thought and in spirit, and your souls will find rest from conflicts and relief from evil thoughts. John Climacus

Our activity consists of loving God and our fruition of enduring God and being penetrated by his love. There is a distinction between the love and fruition, as there is between God and his Grace. John Ruusbroec

Jesus, are you not my mother? Are you not even more than my mother? My human mother after all labored in giving birth to me only for a day or night; you, my tender and beautiful lord, labored for me over 30 years. Marguerite of Oingt

We are only here and possess what we have because of the timing and grace of God. Whether we have little or we have much, we have it because of God. The love in our hearts and all things we have and feel are because He made us as we are. He sets our path and places us on the path at His time. The people we meet and places we go and thus the situations springing from them are in our lives because we were born at such a time as this. Gratitude keeps our arrogance and pride in check. It assigns all of what we are and all we have to God who made all things and keeps them in existence. Gratitude is the balance point between God and man. Thankfulness is a measure of our dependence on God and our obedience to Him. It is the path that our prayers walk to get to God. Gratitude is how we approach Him. It is said there are only two things that motivate us to do things: desire and desperation. It is said, "Gratitude comes from desire". This is the idea of some philosophers, but there is a higher gratitude not understood by the world.

There is a gratitude springing from the realization that one has no desires, no needs, nothing lacking. It is gratitude from epiphany. Insight brought on by grace enables us to see how God is providing our path and all things on it. It does not mean we have riches or even health, but that we are where we are supposed to be. Even in our lack or pain, we see somehow we are exactly where God would have us to be. It is the gratitude of knowing what we need to fulfill our purpose will be provided on God's path for God's purpose. All things are seen in a state of grace and balance and we are here for a purpose; God's purpose.

(Forwarded to GMAF)

Black Belts in Martial arts are supposed to be great roll models for the younger generation. There appears to be some kind of problem with this definitions results. To many at most are not worthy of even being a green belt. Most have a fair to middlen technical ability, however their Morals leave a lot to be desired. The rank Happy attitude of most black belts is that of an egocentric, prideful, self-serving jerks. Me too I was one myself before I learned what a real MAN is supposed to be. Ha! and I had to learn that from the Holy Scriptures in the Bible. Proverbs is jammed packed full of God's instructions on the how's, what's, and who's. There is a secular old saying also that says, "It's Not the belt that makes the man/woman, but the man/woman who makes the belt." Former President Kennedy told us correctly when he says not what your country can do for you, rather ask what you can do for your country." Ranks and titles are not what we as Americans should be looking for. We should be practicing to be God fearing, Christ loving, Holy Spirit following, roll models for the youth of this World. We are Americans, and if we are going to make up an American version of self-defense, then we should STOP using Oriental languages, and seeking Oriental acceptance. So many so called American styles are really Bogus backgrounds, Why? You don't need a long oriental heritage to prove your good. Everyone has the right to create their own Karate or other martial Art, lets just stop deceiving ourselves and especially others by using all this oriental language and names, or titles. Sensei, this or Soke that, Hanshi who? Or Koishi somebody. Lets just be our selves and not pretend to be someone else. We who are not oriental have no business attempting to fool innocent students or the media with statements that some great grand master chose us over a thousand Orientals students he has taught for years, and gave us the inheritance of his style. That is really a lame lie in most cases. Even our Lord Jesus Christ, although He was the King of the Jews, did not go around wearing His title on his head in the form of a Golden crown. Hay I am guilty of doing the same things I telling you Not to do. I been there, done that stuff. Well, enough for today. I was up until 4:30 this morning writing this, Ha! when I get on a roll I go! Until later, please send in YOUR views, agree or disagree.

In Christ I remain
Dr. Karl W. Marx

What are your children learning from you,

As they study your actions, and all that you do?

Are they learning that Jesus is Lord of your life --

The answer to problems and heartache and strife?

Do they learn by example to keep the Lord's Day,

And meet with His people to worship and pray?

Do they learn as they watch you, to put the Lord first,

And share Him with all those who hunger and thirst?

Do you teach them to study the Bible each day;

To keep God's commandments, and watch what they say?

The time is so short -- they grow up so fast -

But all of the habits learned early will last.

Dear Parents, be careful what actions you teach,

Before it's too late, and you find you can't reach

Their hearts for the Lord, for they've gone their own way,

And made the wrong choices, and wandered astray.

A short time to teach them is given to you.

Oh, make sure your example they follow is true!

Betty Jo lives in Garden Grove, California, with Rowland, her husband of more than 50 years. She has three children and six grandchildren who all love the Lord. She started writing poems as a child, about the same time she received God's gift of eternal life. She has had countless poems and articles published in books, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and anthologies. Her writings are also available on her personal Website at http://www.bettyjomings.truepath.com. A book of her poems titled "Poems For The Common Man" has just been released. To order call toll-free 1-888-280-7715 or visit www.1stbooks.com, www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com. If you would like an autographed copy please contact Betty Jo at bmings@verizon.net

One of the keys to a school's success is the personal success of the students. A key to personal student success is willpower. "One of my students has been extremely successful in sticking to his martial arts training program," my associate Kevin Huston muses. "He has so much determination; he keeps up his attendance and is making good progress. Another student has come to see me a few times, but is always making excuses. I can't help comparing them. The two men are similar in so many ways, but their biggest difference is commitment. You could also call it willpower, in the martial arts training success, as with success in any area of life."

As the manager of the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies in Ocoee, Florida, Huston says: "Willpower creates Real Power! The power to do, the power to be, the power to achieve. I just wish I knew how to give it to everyone."

Call it what you want --commitment, determination, willpower or self-control-- you know it varies widely from person to person. It interacts with many factors, and contributes greatly to a person's success when it comes to lifestyle change. Becoming a martial artist is a major lifestyle change. This is one of the largest hurdles in martial arts school success. Transforming the "curious about martial arts students" into "serious about martial arts students" is an enormous challenge. Helping people improve their willpower creates success on both sides, for the student and for the school. I found that my own personal teaching success improved when I became a better personal motivator.

Developing the Nature of Self-Control

Self-control refers to the control exerted by the self over thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Self-control is involved in making decisions and choices, initiating and inhibiting behavior, and making and carrying out plans. We use self-control when we forgo immediate pleasure (i.e., decide not to eat dessert) in order to obtain future benefits (like better health). Self-control allows us to examine and change habitual behavior. Hence, whenever we attempt to help students implement behavior-change programs, students' efforts at self-control help to determine their likelihood of success.
Some psychologists who study self-control believe it is a limited resource. In other words, each person has a finite amount of psychic energy available for the purposes of self-control.

This notion of limitation helps explain why people who train early in the day or in a private class setting are most likely to be successful; they have not yet expended time and energy overcoming the barriers that inevitably develop during the day. This concept of limitation also explains why dieters are most likely to overeat in the evening. After spending all day exerting self-control to resist temptation, their resolve wears down by the end of the day. I was experiencing some sluggish feelings in the evening myself and found that by scheduling more of my private training clients in the mornings and before lunch I was able to feel better. My success became their success.

Daily life stress can reduce energy for self-control. Self-control energy is expended more quickly when you are under stress, since you use self-control when you adapt to stress. You expend energy to change your behavior, thoughts and emotions. Coping with stress can leave you emotionally exhausted, and without the energy to get to your workout, or to resist the temptation to smoke or overeat. In fact, stress is the most common reason people slip up in their attempts to overcome addictions or change other habits. Part of the explanation for this may be that the demands placed upon these stressed-out people have exceeded their supply of self-control energy.

In addition to using up energy, stress also causes negative emotions, like anger and sadness. When people experience negative feelings, they look for ways to feel better. The need to overcome distress is perceived as more important than behaving in ways that may result in future benefits. So if you feel bad and you think eating some chocolate cake will make you feel better, you will eat the cake, even though you want to lose weight. Self-control can increase student success.

Martial arts professionals are often guilty of designing training programs that look great on paper, but don't match the amount of energy students are capable or willing to expend. This is partly because students don't always understand what they can realistically take on, and they underestimate the time and energy a martial arts program will require. To improve the success of your students, try to help them maximize their motivation and self-control, while reducing the self-control required by their martial arts program, by using the following suggestions.

Acknowledge that daily training requires time and energy. People who mentally prepare for the challenge of taking on a program of daily training are better able to summon the self-control required to make their programs work. Rather than telling students that martial arts classes are easy and effortless, prepare them for the work, as well as the rewards. This allows you to teach the higher standards you want without losing students with weak willpower in the early stages of their training.

Let students know they must make their martial arts training a priority. After all, it could someday save their life. Unless people see daily martial arts training as a priority, other commitments will consume their time and energy. Proper martial arts training can not only provide great self-defense techniques, but can also replace their need for any other type of fitness training. I have found that many of the adult men in our program do it mostly for the exercise. That way they avoid the macho ego attitude at the gym where people look at you funny if you are lifting everything on the rack. Martial arts training allow them to progress at their own speed and the belt rank system allows them to compare their personal progress with their time in training and not against the other students in the room.

Help students make martial arts a habit. Once martial arts training become a habit or enjoyable routine, little self-control is required. Use the force of habit to increase martial arts training success in your students. My Hapkido Grand Master, Yong Ki Song calls martial arts training an addiction to better health and safety. Recommend training early in the day. Research shows that people who do any form of training or exercise first thing in the morning have the best adherence. Their goals have been accomplished before other demands eat up their time and wear away their self-control energy supply. After all, why do you think those millions of people gather in public parks in China to practice Tai Chi early in the morning? Because most of them are too tired from daily work and stress to come back for the lunchtime class!

Increase martial arts self-confidence with daily success. A few words of encouragement go a long way. As students become more confident in their abilities to stick to a long-term martial arts training program, they will try harder to do so when obstacles arise. Start students off with modest demands that they will really accomplish. One of my first students told me after receiving her Black Belt she really had doubts about herself and did not plan to come back after the first class as a white belt. When she received a personal note from me telling her what a great job she did on her first day, she couldn't help but come back. She was really excited to find out the teacher thought she had done well! She kept coming for seven more years.

Help students use training to reduce stress. Just as people can learn to overeat to reduce stress, they can also learn to train to reduce stress. Educate students about the stress-reduction benefits of martial arts training. Martial arts training does three great things: it reduces stress, creates incentives to train and increases self-control energy. Not to mention the many benefits of a total mind, body and spiritual experience that come from true martial arts training.

Encourage social support. Less self-control is needed when control is supplemented by encouragement from others. Recommend that students get a close friend or family member to join class with them. Help students set up environments and situations that require the least amount of self-control. If students seem uncertain about their class environment, help them feel welcome and at home. Remember, the family that kicks together, sticks together!

(We would love to hear from you about any topic relating to Christianity and the martial arts. Please send your thoughts and articles for publication to mmcgee@gmaf.org.)

This month we feature one of the best known and oldest Christian martial arts systems: Keichu-Do Karate. Our dear friend Soke Karl Marx founded the system more than 40 years ago. It is based on elements of Karate, Judo, Jiujitsu, boxing, American wrestling, and street fighting techniques. Soke Marx has been a wonderful supporter of so many Christian martial artists. We thank him for his love for Jesus and his friendship and partnership in the wonderful Gospel of Christ. We are happy to feature Pastor Marx and his wonderful Keichu-Do students!

Please send us a picture and information about your martial arts ministry and we'll feature your group in an upcoming newsletter.

We all wander the paths of blindness at times yet there are torches of wisdom all around us to light the way and show us the path before us. For the Christian our guide is the Bible and the life of Christ but many times we only reach a small portion of our potential witness and development for our Savior because we miss and ignore the means to acquire knowledge. We fail to read the Bible and seldom perform indepth study which we can apply to our life. In kata their are correct steps to learning also that often we do not follow either. Careful attention and awareness must be maintained in order to truly learn and reach our potential.

The best way to learn is to study the example and path of the Master. In kata, we look at the masters who preformed kata.... they became the kata....their kata was alive. In Christ, He lived his message in His teachings and His actions as a constant example for us. One key to gaining skill is understanding the principles, applying them, visualizing what is occurring and our goal, and using the mind to direct our intent and energy into our efforts or techniques. Skills must be carefully developed and honed over time to attempt to follow the Master's example and to be of benefit.

In kata, there are skills to recover and apply to our training. Incorrect coordination of breath with body movements, causes conflicts to occur that rob us of the true natural power in the kata at various levels of executing techniques (ie. stability, deflecting or redirecting, or striking). In our Christian walk, the example we are showing also affects the effectiveness of our witness.

In Goju, Sanchin claimed to house the knowledge of this coordination and teach basic breathing principles and skills. It can be viewed as a template for teaching a developmental process for all kata. The Bible is our means of finding the information and knowing our Lord just as a kata allows us to get to gain the knowledge of past teachers.

The skills of kata seems lost once today as one enters into the "real time" of a confrontation. Breathing does not necessarily follow the pattern in kata as is commonly taught, but should follow the mind and intention of the one performing it. This is when the kata truly becomes "ours". The Scripture will also guide us and as we hide its words in our heart we will also make it "ours".

There are natural steps which one must follow in performing kata that will fuse the movements and breath to become one with the intent of the practitioner. Constant prayer and study of God's Word also fuses knowledge and strength in our Savior.

There are four main steps whether it be growing in the Christian walk or the study of kata:

1. Total separation

2. Partial separation

3. Unified separation

4. Total harmonization

Focusing on the kata as an example, Steps 1-3 each have two sides (Yin and yang theory) which is governed by a division between the upper body and the lower body, traditionally representative of Heaven and Earth. The 4th step is the culmination of knowledge of the prior three steps, which brings about the development of true technique and represents a way to unify our mind, body, spirit and intent through the actions of kata movements.

Total separation involves complete separation between the movements of the lower body and the upper body. Breath is coordinated with each individual movement whether it be hand movement or foot movement. In the earth version, foot movements always occur first then the hand movements are performed. In the heaven version, the hand movement occur first then the foot movement is performed. This is the slowest of the 3 steps because breath is performed in both areas with the mind focused on that area only but totally separated from the other. This is similar to the time prior to our trusting Christ in salvation.

Partial separation narrows the time between the responses of the lower and the upper body. The earth version has the breath following the footwork only and the hand movements occur immediately after with no breath occurring. The heaven version has the breath to coordinate with the hand movements and the footwork follows immediately with no breath occurring. One will notice movements starting to combine with in and out breaths but they still remain separated. The mind is still separated and the area focused on in breathing has the power and the other has speed. This is similar to when we are first saved but still dominated in mind by our past lives.

Unified separation involves the upper and lower body movements occurring at the same time but breathing is focused on only one area. In the earth version the focus is on the feet and in the heaven version the focus is on the hands. Movements are simultaneous but the breath is only focused on one aspect of the movement. The mind begins to focus on the intent with power and speed and technique begins to truly develop.This is similar to when we are drawing closer to Christ and letting go of our past to serve Him and keep Him as our focus.

During performance of each of these variations (6 total) of doing the kata, certain bunkai applications will become apparent for individual movements based on this focused coordination of breath.

Subtle variations created in timing will be noted at the initial level which can be further enhanced later by slightly altering the breathing pattern. This is known as Altering of Breath Duration. It is an advanced method where timing is further coordinated with breath through this separation of body movement and hand actions (heaven and earth). There are Five variations which are applied to the above steps.

a) long inhale, long exhale
b) short inhale, long exhale
c) long inhale, short exhale
d) short inhale, short exhale
e) no breath, just action

*NOTE*--(e) can occur with all movement in creating openings or positioning ones self prior to
directing of energy with the breath.

Tension and relaxation are important to mention at this point as this helps to achieve proper grounding and proper directional flow of energy in technique. It can follow:

1. breathing ... (in = tension, out = relaxation) or (in = relax, out = tension)
2. stepping... (relax while stepping, tense in stance)
3. sides of body... (tense right side while relaxing left and vice versa)
4. pulling/pushing actions... (pull = tense, push = relax) or (pull = relax, push = tense)
5. inside/outside actions... (inside = tense, outside = relax) or (inside = relax, outside = tense)

This is vital to understanding energy fluctuation and where to place the mind during the action. Sanchin and Tensho are particularly well suited to practicing these aspects although they occur in every kata.

Total harmonization is where one becomes free. The focus is no longer attached to either movement (upper or lower body). The mind is able to focus on nothing but the concepts of doing what one envisions in their mind. The breathing harmonizes naturally with the actions of these visions and is no longer bound by either hand or foot and a timing is created that can fluctuate with the will or intention of the individual.

In our Christian life, total harmonization occurs the closer we become to the Lord. The more He is actually our Master the more this becomes evident not only to ourselves but also to others. This only occurs with much dedication and persistence.

**The key to achieving this knowledge is slow continuous purposeful training with intent
in all that is done."

This "IS" the true nature of what Sanchin was to teach in this aspect. A template of 6 steps used to free the mind and harmonize breathing, motion, and intent. A spirit where the reflexive animal nature rules controlled by the will of the individual.

It also is a good parallel to the Christian life.

STEPS IN LEARNING AND TEACHING IN KATA

BASICS

Phase 1.0 : Technique and pattern

1.One must learn the basic movements:

a) stances to be used during the kata.
b) hand motions to be used during the kata.
c) punches, kicks, and other particulars used during the kata.
d) learn and apply the breathing principles of technique.

2.One must learn the lower body pattern of the kata.
3.One must learn the upper body pattern of the kata.
4.One must learn the pattern of the kata (upper and lower body pattern combined).

TOTAL SEPARATION

Phase 2.1 : Earth Version -- Breathing pattern # 1

1.One must learn to separate lower body from upper body
2.One must coordinate breath with movement then technique.
3.One must analyze and refine till the correct pattern is obtained and realized.
4.One must progress through the *four phases: mind, body, spirit, and unity.

Phase 2.2 : Heaven Version -- Breathing pattern # 2

1.One must learn to separate upper body from lower body
2.One must coordinate breath with technique then movement.
3.One must analyze and refine till the correct pattern is obtained and realized.
4.One must progress through the four phases: mind, body, spirit, and unity.

PARTIAL SEPARATION

Phase 3.1 : Earth Version -- Breathing pattern # 3

1.One must learn to separate lower body from upper body
2.One must coordinate breath with movement then technique.
3.One must analyze and refine till the correct pattern is obtained and realized.
4.One must progress through the four phases: mind, body, spirit, and unity.

Phase 3.2 : Heaven Version -- Breathing pattern # 4

1.One must learn to separate upper body from lower body
2.One must coordinate breath with technique then movement.
3.One must analyze and refine till the correct pattern is obtained and realized.
4.One must progress through the four phases: mind, body, spirit, and unity.

UNIFIED SEPARATION

Phase 4.1 : Earth Version -- Breathing pattern # 5

1.One must learn to perform and coordinate lower body with upper body.
2.One must coordinate breath with the lower body movement only.
3.One must analyze and refine till the correct pattern is obtained and realized.
4.One must progress through the four phases: mind, body, spirit, and unity.

Phase 4.2 : Heaven Version -- Breathing pattern # 6

1.One must learn to perform and coordinate upper body with lower body.
2.One must coordinate breath with upper body technique only.
3.One must analyze and refine till the correct pattern is obtained and realized.
4.One must progress through the four phases: mind, body, spirit, and unity.

TOTAL HARMONIZATION

Phase 5.0 : Personal kata

This stage occurs only after one has developed much understanding into the kata and application of the techniques therein. This occurs when the kata is performed with visualization and intent added. The kata is now yours and your breathing will follow the intent of the actions and perceptions of your mind. Whether in response to a hostile action (defensive) or because a threat has been perceived requiring one to initiate action to protect ones self or others (offensive), the mind is in control and dictates the responses of the body.

**NOTES**

FOUR PHASES

1. Mind--the mind must learn basics and techniques, understand patterns, and apply (put actions together)
2. Body--repetition is applied and physical strength added along with gradually increasing controlled speed
3. Spirit--inner spirit and emotion are added to desire to strengthen the will
4. Unity--everything is pulled back into control and allowed to flow naturally and freely

Often individuals try to separate their Christian life from the martial art, but in truth, they can work together. The difference is that Christ MUST come first and be our focus and our martial arts is a means of others seeing His presence in us. If this is not happening then we are not accomplishing much for Christ no matter the morals or lessons we may teach.

We'd like to hear from you! Let us know what you do in your martial arts ministry that you think is special and we'll share it with the Fellowship. Many members write us each month asking for guidance in developing and expanding their martial arts ministries. Please send your ideas to mmcgee@gmaf.org .

You'll find every GMAF newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.

Friday Night, September 19, 2003 7­ 9pm (Black Belts Only)

Saturday, September 20, 2003 8am ­ 5pm (All Ranks Ages)

Sunday, September 21, 2003 8am ­ 12pm (All Ranks Ages)

Location: Hamm's Martial Arts Academy - Selmer, Tennessee
(Location Subject to Change Depending on Attendance)
Hosted by Hamm's Martial Arts Academy

Instructors:

Joseph Lumpkin - Principle Technique Theory of Shinsei Hapkido

Daryl Covington - Grappling

Craig Hamm - Cane Fan

Mike Frazier - Judo

Larry Ingle - Muay Thai Techniques

Les Pearson - One-Arm Techniques

Tony Chester - Hapkido in Kata or Forms

Chris Dewey - Judo

Mark Barlow - Jujitsu

Fri., Sat. Sun. Agenda

Friday

7:00 ­ 9:00 Dr. Daryl Covington for Black Belts Assistant Instructors only!

Saturday :

8:00 ­ 8:15 Prayer, Pledge Introduction

8:15 ­ 9:30 Jujitsu Mark Barlow

9:30 ­ 10:45 Grappling Daryl Covington

10:45 ­ 12:00 Hapkido in Kata Tony Chester

12:00 ­ 12:45 Lunch

12:45 ­ 2:00 Cane Fan Craig Hamm

2:00 ­ 3:15 Judo Chris Dewey

3:15 ­ 4:30 Muay Thai Larry Ingle

4:30 ­ 5:00 Awards

Sunday

8:00 ­ 9:00 Devotional Message Tony Chester

9:00 ­ 10:00 Shinsei Hapkido Principles Joseph Lumpkin

10:00 ­ 11:00 Wrist Techniques Mike Frazier

11:00 ­ 12:00 Hapkido Les Pearson

The Shinsei Hapkido Winter Camp will be help in the mountains of West Virginia on November 7th.
This place is beautiful! Adam Bradford has reserved the biggest hall that they have, and all of the resorts 20 some rooms. The full price of the rooms at the resort, this is with tax included (sales+hotel/motel tax) comes to, $64.31 a night. That total is for suites and regular rooms both that weekend.

I do need fee's sent to me by Sept. 1st, and I will book the rooms from there.

Contact Adam Bradford at bigsifu@yahoo.com

A note to let all know that the Dogwood Ministries Fall camp is scheduled for Nov. 7,8, and 9th at the Holiday Lake 4-H camp. Plan to join us for a Christian martial art camp. The physical seminar will be focused on Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujuitsu. The Christian living part will be on spiritual warfare. More info coming soon.

To help announce our future mission team trips to Japan we are hosting a Japanese Swordmanship seminar as a fund raiser.

On Sept. 20, 2003 from 1pm to 5pm at the New Beginnings church in Appomattox VA.
Cost: $10

Sessions will include: Sword basics, sword draws, sword kata, sword etiquette, what to avoid and more. All will be taught from a Christian perspective!

Bring a bokken (wooden practice sword). iaito or katana are optional. All weapons will be inspected for safety.

Wearing of the traditional iaido uniform or karate uniforms are encouraged. They must be black, white or indigo blue. Rank achieved in other martial arts can be worn. This is a great way to learn about the Japanese culture.

Contact Pastor Hershman for details
434-352-9402 or edhershman@att.net

BLACK HAWKS MARTIAL ARTS MANAGEMENT NETWORK / ASSOCIATION IN CONNECTION WITH NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOL MARTIAL ARTS YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME

Address: Lp 7 Grass Trace , Curepe Trinidad West Indies
1(868) 752-7723, 1(868) 774-1161
E-mail black-hawks @trini.com

We greet you in the name that is above all names which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The above mentioned association once again invites you/ your students and supporters to participate in our eighth (8th) anniversary National Inter-School Martial Arts Youth Championship at the Jean Pierre Sporting Complex, Port Of Spain, Trinidad West Indies.

DATE: Sunday 2nd November,2003
TIME: 10:00am sharp
All ages and ranks are invited.

Final registration for all participants will take place at the venue from 7:30am to 9:30am. Championship officially starts at 10:00am.

LOCAL COMPETITORS- 25 US all ranks and all divisions.
FOREIGN COMPETITORS-25 US all ranks and all divisions.

Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners and certificates will be awarded to all participants in all divisions.

For all your accommodation arrangements, kindly call Professor Christopher Francis, Championship Director at the above phone and e-mail address.

Each student who pre-registers before the 10th October, 2003 is entitled to a discount of US$5.00.

DIVISIONS

Kata, Kumite, Weapon Kata and Self-Defense.

THIS CHAMPIONSHIP IS OPEN TO ALL RANKS, STYLE AND SYSTEMS.

OPENING CEREMONY 10:00AM SHARP.

SPECIALLY INVITED GUESTS

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

The Minister of Education

The Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs

The Minister of Works and Transport

The Attorney General and other Government Officials

Chief Arbitrator Grand Master Mark Barlow Head of the Akayama Ryu Ju-Jitsu Association representing Karate for Christ, plus five other Grand Masters from the U.S.A.

INVITED COUNTRIES

United States Canada
Guyana Barbados
St. Lucia England
Grenada Cayman Island
Antigua Dominica
Venezuela Suriname

And all Karate For Christ members from around the world.

HOST COUNTRY
Trinidad and Tobago

It would be a honour and privilege for your school to join us at this Martial Arts event.
We wish you God's grace and peace.

REMEMBER MARTIAL ARTS IS JUST NOT A SPORT BUT AN EDUCATION.

Many GMAF members have told us their favorite part of the monthly newsletter is Fellowship News. It's wonderful to see Christian martial artists praying for each other across the United States and around the world. No distance is too far for Christians. The instant we pray, God hears. We impact the lives of our brothers and sisters positively through our prayers. God answers prayer. It is pleasing to Him. Thank you for caring so much for each other!

Here are some of the notes of prayer and praise we received at GMAF the past two months.

From Dr. Daryl Covington

I have recently returned home from a 10 day tour, meeting many of the KFCI instructors.

The first stop on the tour was to the Home office, in Cleveland, Alabama, where I visited with my old friend, Do Ju Nim Lumpkin. It was great to see the new house and future International Headquarters of Karate for Christ International.

The next stop on the tour was Pigeon Forge, TN. Jim Carpenter hosted the Christian Martial Arts Classic Tournament there. I want to thank him for his hospitality, as well as thank FBC Pigeon Forge for their support of the arts. I look forward to coming up and helping with the tournament next year. Let me encourage EVERYONE to try to make the tournament. In the 26 years of tournaments I have seen, this was the SMOOTHEST run of them all. I recommend Jim Carpenter as the "tournament" advisor for Karate for Christ International. Thanks for the great work. I wish more of the other participants would have shown their support for the work there and attended the church's services the following Sunday Morning. (As well as the Christian Concert the Friday before the tournament).

Thanks, Sensei Carpenter, for putting me up while in town.

Rodney Finn, of Finn's Kenpo in Danville KY, brought a HUGE group to the tournament (as usual). I've know Rodney for Years, and he always brings a bunch of kids. I think he enjoyed the tournament more than anyone. It was great to see my old friend. www.finnskarate.com will surely have some pictures of the 18 wheeler load of trophies his guys took home. Rodney is also the ISKA fight promoter, and a KFCI school affiliate.

There were many other schools represented at the tournament. Too all of those schools, hats off. Job well done. To the rest of KFC, I challenge you to come out to a CLASS event with Jim Carpenter next year.

Moving across the country, I next taught a seminar with David Dunn and Kevin Latrell, two of our KFCI partners in Springfield, MO. Ridgecrest Baptist Church, home of David Dunn's class, has a promising future ahead of them in KFCI ministry. Thanks Sensei Dunn, for talking care of the hotel room. What a blessing. The class was fun. Since there were mainly kids in attendance, we only covered the very basics of the Shinsei yellow belt techniques. The kids had a blast. Special thanks to "James" for helping out.

Kevin Latrell Sa Bum Nim, who is over the boys and girls club martial arts programs, was also present. We look forward to working more with him in the future as well.

Leaving Springfield, I ventured to Enid Oklahoma, Home of the Wha Moo System, and America's Kids Against Crime. Mike Mason was given the reigns of the Wha Moo System, and Shane Musick was presented an award from Karate for Christ. Shane Musick is a former employee of Chuck Norris, and has trained in his teaching methods. The school in Enid, under Mike Mason and Shane Musick (Our KFCI man in Enid) is rated as one of the AAU top 5 Tae Kwon Do Schools in the National.

We taught a 2 day seminar there. There were people from TN, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, in attendance, including black belts in Brazilian JuJitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Wha Moo Do, Aikido, Jeet Kune Do, and Gung Fu. Team Fear put on a demo in honor of Mike Mason receiving control of the System. Shane Musick received his 5th Dan in TKD also.

Thank you to Shea Donahoo, Kelly Doyle, and Lizzy Doyle for helping teach the seminar. After my school competed in the World Championships in Mexico, many of my students got lazy, well, most did. These 3 are the only ones who never missed a beat, never "took time off", never missed a class, and have been willing to literally "travel the globe" with KFCI. Kelly and Lizzy were put "on the spot" with forms demo / testing, as was Shea. He was beat on all day, and at one time, demonstrated how to apply an arm bar when someone is trying to beat you to death. Naturally, we wanted it to look real, so I beat him to death until he applied the technique. We had a great time.

Congratulations to Shea, Kelly, and Lizzy on their promotion to 3rd Brown (Black Recommended), and their advancement and status in Pa Sa Ryu as instructors. (One can instruct in the Pa Sa Ryu System Prior to Black Belt). They truly have earned that rank. Shea, Kelly, and Lizzy all started their martial arts journey in some other style, but came to Shinsei, and STUCK. What a blessing to see those that are impervious to "burn out", and are more concerned about giving back than resting, more concerned over Living the Martial way than just "doing karate class".

On the tour, Karate for Christ Picked up over 200 more members, and some new schools as well.

To all those I got to meet, An Young, and CON SAY HOM NHE DHA, Thank you.

If I can ever be of assistance to any of you in the KFCI family, from helping with tournaments to coming to teach a seminar, give me a call. I'm at your service.

Grace and Peace,
Darryl

662-86-5668
drdarylrcovington@yahoo.com

We had an interesting class last night here in Alabama. The Sumter family came from MO. to work out and visit. I asked the two boys, Cody and Geofry, to teach. They did a wonderful job. They also gave a devotional. After the devotional, Beverly spoke and gave an alter call. We had several ( 6 to 8) little hands raised to ask Jesus to save them. This really shows how God is working in Karate for Christ ministries. It also shows how we can have a kind of parent / child relationship with the kids which allows them to tune out what we tell them. As the bible tells us, "A prophet is without honor in his own land." Sometimes a visitor can say something that is heard and headed where if the teacher or parent says it they would be ignored. I wanted to thank the Sumters for a great visit.

I also wanted to thank all of you for praying for Lynn and I as we sought to buy the house and office. It looks like we will close on the house on Wed. 7/23. Praise God! The next thing I want to do is attempt to buy the little church which is only a few yards away from our house. Karate for Christ needs a church as its headquarters.

Grace to you all.

Joseph

Today we finished the camp which I made for the instructor of Taekwon-Do Club "Stolas Leukas" in order to learn from the Word of God how to be a better mentor and instructor and also to practice and improve their skills in practicing and teaching Taekwon-Do. At the camp there came 37 people and some of them will start only this September to teach Taekwon-Do.

Nicolae Dunas, our instructor from Cahul ( the town in the southern part of Moldova), came with other 3 the best of his students and this September they are planing to start groups with other 100 nonbelievers in three villages.

Alexandru Mitu is a handicapped guy. He came three years ago to take lessons at our club and at that time was very difficult to walk for him. He was very insistent in his training and Bible study and now he
has his red belt and this year will get his first black belt. But, the most important is that he got saved and now is a child of God with a big desire to preach the Gospel. This September he is planning to start teaching a Bible and Taekwon-Do class for handicapped people.

The first day at the camp we had big difficulties. The man who promised us the place treated us in a very bad way and we had to move to another place in the forest and to carry all the staff for the camp. There was rain all the day and we had to set up the camp till after the midnight and also then to have the dinner. The weather forecast was informing us that there will be rain for 6 days of our 9 days camp and it was so. Everywhere around was rain all that days, but in our camp only one day was a very little shower and it was God's protection for us and I think it was one of the reasons God moved us the first day.

All the instructors are planning to start teaching the Bible and Taekwon-Do in September to 722 students in 22 localities of Moldova. In order to do this we have to do many evangelistic exhibitions in
this localities with all the team. We continue to ask in our prayers for 2 vans and for the Bibles and study materials for all this students. Another need is an acoustic system which is very needed for the evangelistic meetings we are invited to do.

We had a big privilege to have at the camp my mentors, Mia and Costel Oglice, the director for Eurasia Precept Ministries, who were on their way from Ukraine to Romania. For two day they shared from the Word of God how to be a good mentor and instructor and it is very encouraging for all of us to listen to their teaching and to have them as models.

Thank you for praying for us and for the ministry we are doing. Thank you for helping us and let me ask you to pray and help us in reaching young people of Moldova for Christ.

May God bless you!

With love in Christ,

Vasile Filat

I've got another prayer request, this time something more serious than tournament success.

I was speaking with my JKD sifu today, Anthony Chan. He tells me his mother is suffering from kidney disease and in little more than a month, they've dropped from operating at 15 percent capacity to 5 percent.

I'm sorry that I don't know her first name, but I've always addressed her at Simo (female teacher) Chan. In addition to being Tony's mother, she's also his first martial arts instructor. She's a direct descendent of Hung Gar's founder and teaching the art was her family business in Hong Kong.

The last time I saw her, she was an extremely healthy 56-year-old woman with a figure and a complexion that many women in their 30s would kill for.

During the conversation, she told me she didn't practice kung fu much anymore because she was "too old." Later, she showed me a short reverse punch that only moved a few inches, but it was so fast and hard, it made the air pop. I know if she hit someone with it, that person would be hurting.

I know she and Tony's father are devout Christians, but they don't seem to trust modern medicine. She's doing qigong and I hear that she's doing a phenomenal job keeping up her strength because of it.

But it doesn't change the fact that her kidneys are still failing her and she's dying. She's only 59.

If you can, I'd like for my Brothers in Arms and my Brothers and Sisters in Christ to pray for her. Pray that the Lord heals her, or at least opens her eyes and her mind to the possibilities that dialysis might keep her alive long enough for a kidney transplant.

And if it is her time, then may the Lord take her quickly and comfort her husband, her sons Tony and Warren, and her daughter-in-law, Nicole.

A Brother in Arms, A Brother in Christ

Sean C. Ledig

This weekend I was talking with an Instructor who is working with me on doing research for my radio show. I told him about the upcoming Karate For Christ radio program and he was surprised to hear that there was a martial arts organization dedicated to Christ. As the conversation went on something happened that I have never experienced before at work. He asked me how he could become saved. I told him that all he needed to do was bow his head in prayer and ask Jesus Christ to become his personal savior and forgive him for all his sins. Then he did it. After his prayer he said that he felt a great weight lift off of him. This is the first time that someone has become saved because I had witnessed to them and I admit that it felt great. I felt that God had finally allowed me to be his voice to others. I want to thank you all for the support and e-mails. It has given me the confidence to witness to others. It was great to see another martial artist accept Christ as their personal savior. It has been a blessed day!

Sincerely,
Richard Hackworth
drhackworth@earthlink.net

Greetings!!!!! i greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus !! thanks for all your mails you've been sending they have been touching and a blessing as well. our karate club here is doing ok only that we don't have experienced trainers to teach the boys all the skills of karate. so what we need is if you can send a team of trainers here in Uganda , this will indeed help us a great deal and will be a blessing to those trainers as well, coz they'll have an opportunity to work in a different environment with different people. secondly my pastors need to confirm what I've been telling them all along about this karate project, so if you sent trainers it would surely confirm to them and they will support this ministry. so i need to hear from you and then we can begin to work on your visit. hope to hear from you soon

kayira grace
kampala,uganda eastafrica.
kaygrace2003@yahoo.co.uk

I am running a martial arts class through my local church, and I have noticed a bit of a problem develop. We have a good amount of interest from the folks in the church, and a few Christians who attend other churches but have seen the flyer or heard about the class; but we have very little interest from outside of the church. The purpose of the class was to reach non-Christians in our community with a friendly and open environment, but so far this hasn't seemed to develop. Any ideas? Any good advise is welcome! Mainly, I am looking for creative (but cheap) ways to advertise the class. Thanks!

Dan
kenpodanedwards@yahoo.com

I live in Powder springs Ga (west side of Atlanta) and was wondering if you know of anyone in the area giving classes. How young can you start a child?

Thanks

William Crossno
wcrossno@getAGS.com

I had my first class at my church this past Saturday and it was great. I have 50 women show up and the Lord gave me a special word for them. The response was Awesome!!! They all asked for follow-up classes and I gave God the glory for all that he had done. Thanks again my brother.

May the Lord continue to bless and strengthen you. Remember, "WHAT'S RIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS POPULAR, AND WHAT'S POPULAR, IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT."

In His Grip,

Mark

We Have Great News - A Wholesale Account for ALL Members of Karate for Christ!

The Bold Look will donate 4% of all sales plus one dollar per uniform to Karate for Christ. All you have to do is tell them you are with Karate for Christ. Only teachers can order. Just call them, set up your account under the Karate for Christ account. It is free. After that, each time you order, The Bold Look will donate to the ministry.

Here is number and web site. Included below are some of the prices of uniforms.

1-800-230-2653 ask for Sean or Janet.

http://www.boldlook.net/

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. -My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ... Matthew 7:12; John 15:12-13 (NIV)

Mike Lewis: Manager, Instructor: www.msnusers.com/SeishinDoKarate/home.msnw

God bless,

-Mike

I spoke to my Pastor several weeks ago about starting a MA ministry at our church. During our talk, he was very receptive and planned my first class. I advised him that I wanted to teach a "victim awareness and prevention" seminar with my wife to the women of our congregation. After announcing the time and date, we were very surprised to see that I will be teaching approximately 100 students tomorrow at our church from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Praise God!!! The response was awesome. I will let you know how it went.

Thanks for all of your help in the past.

Mark

Christian Forces is growing by leaps and bounds and we have to give God all the Praise and Honor!!! We will be opening two commercial dojos in August and September bringing the Gospel to the secular world through the martial arts. Our message of using the martial arts as a tool for sharing the Gospel is catching on like wildfire! There are souls out there hungry for the Word and they are walking in our doors. This month alone we've doubled our student base! We have also accepted the challenge of supporting our Sri Lanka dojo in their efforts to serve the youth of Sri Lanka by providing them with free Christian martial arts training in the art of TorukuKai Aikijitsu. Our plan is to buy 4 acres of land in the province of Trincomolee, Sri Lanka and build a dojo/headquarters for Christian Forces Sri Lanka. The facility will be called the Christian Forces Center for the Martial Arts. Sensei Prassana Fernando and the Sri Lanka dojo members will build the center themselves!! It will be a logistical and financial challenge for us but we know that our God, a God of abundance, has ordained us to do this project and He will provide the funding. This is an incredible opportunity to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a nation where 93% of the population are other than Christian!!! We will be hosting seminars that will bring the best martial artists together for the purpose of sharing exciting technical knowledge and supporting the Sri Lanka mission. Please pray that we will be able to accomplish all that God has set before us and that we may bring Him Honor and Glory in all we do according to His purpose!

Your brother in Christ,

Sensei Joe Morejon

Christian Forces Martial Arts

www.christianforces.org

www.torukukai.com

I am looking for an instructor in upstate NY area.

Thanks

Stefanie Wilson

stefsspa@yahoo.com

We have children that have taken Karate in Northwest Ohio that was Christ centered. We moved to Northern VA 6 years ago and have not been able to locate anything similar here. Do you have any location close to Loudoun County?

Thank you for your time.

Sean and Ellen Bethel

Do you remember praying for Leslie Sowl? Here is God's answer!

My blood work came back! Thanks to everyone who was praying! I do have a Factor V Leiden Mutation, but it is a single mutation which means that I just have to inform surgeons of this condition and that I have to get out of the car on trips every hour or so. I have to take 81 mg of aspirin daily which will cause me to bruise easier but no blood thinners. I can resume all normal activities, including light sparring with very light head contact. I can be thrown, but not body slammed. I also have to watch deep bruising. These are very minor things considering what I was told my life would be like! This is a definite praise to God because all indications up till this point were suggesting that I would not be able to do much of anything because the doctors wanted to put me on coumadin. I also have another slight genetic mutation, but because all other factors are normal it means absolutely nothing.

Yippee! I think I will call a sparring class on Tuesday!

Leslie

I live in Leeds (West Yorkshire) in England. I am interested in doing martial arts again at a school without eastern religion. I used to do Wing Chun Kung Fu 14 years ago before I was a Christian. I would be grateful if you know or could put me in contact with someone who would know of a suitable Martial Art school in my area. I am interested in any discipline apart from Judo.

Thanks you

Alex Hunter

my wife passed away last sun and I buried her last wed. I miss her deeply and love her even more deeply. I'm a little lost right now. below are a couple of poems I wrote her for the service,,,

Bill Wilson

Something for my wife

Just 1 more minute I pray
Just 1 more hour I say
Just 1 Lord please just 1 more day
To spend with my love

Grant me dear Lord just this I wish
So I may tell her just how much I love her

Just 1 more minute to hold her
Just 1 more hour to kiss her
Just 1 more day to love her
Lord,,,, just 1 more time,,,,,
To say I love you......

My Angel

My Angel was called home today
I know not how I will go on
She was the best of me

When the Lord called her home today
She left with no delay

Heaven needed another Angel and the Lord picked the best
The Lord called my Angel home to rest

The birds were silent this morning
For they grieve in my stead
They know my Lisa has earned her wings
The flowers refused to bloom today
They also know my Lisa was called home
They mourn for my loss,,,but rejoice
For Lisa's pain is now gone

She was in such pain, she tried hard to carry on
But the Lord could not bear to see her in pain
And called my Angel to his side

At first I was angry and filled with rage
But deep down I know she is in a better place
And free from pain

I now have such an empty space within
A space for which my Lisa filled
As only she can

My Angel now in heaven
No longer by my side
I loved her with all my soul, I truly do
I must carry on for her so she may rest

Why must the Lord take the best
Dear Lord please tell my Angel
Not to worry I will Take care of our children
And Lord please tell her that the kids and I
Will never forget her

That my Angel will always be in our hearts
And everytime I see our children
I see you
My Angel,,, My Love,,,My Wife...

Karate for Christ has a new radio show you can listen to on your computer.

You can listen to the Karate for Christ internet radio show at http://www.martialartsradionetwork.com

If you wish to underwrite the show or advertise on it please email me at karate@otelco.net

Hope this is a bit of good news to the hearts of all Karate for Christ members. Upon checking my e-mail's after class tonight, I was happy to hear from a childhood friend, who had this to ask of me:

----- Original Message -----

Hi Mike,

I am glad to hear from you. I have a question, my husband wants to set up a class for the young boys.

Is it possible that you could come out on the 4th Saturday at about 3:00pm to start a class for us starting next month?

Please reply as soon as possible so we can announce it to our little fellows.

In His Righteousness,
T. Luster, Church Administrator
__________________________________

Well, as you know, my answer was yes! Pray for us as we continue spread the good news, here in Hampton Roads Virginia.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. -My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
.... Matthew 7:12; John 15:12-13 (NIV)

Mike Lewis
Manager and Head Instructor
Seishin-Do Karate/ Karate for Christ
Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, VA.
www.msnusers.com/SeishinDoKarate/home.msnw

God bless,
-Mike

On August 15, 2003, The Helena Karate For Christ School, had our first belt test. 16 students tested from white belt to Gold belt. Six more students will be taking a make-up test. The belt test was a culmination of class room training that included 7 hours of Christian Devotions, 3.5 hours of stretching/exercises, and 14 hours of karate instruction. 52 people were at this testing, which demonstrates the support these kids and Karate For Christ receives. Praise the Lord!

Regards,

Jim Lindsey
Instructor Helena Karate for Christ

I was having a discussion with someone who has a person from their church visit weekly for Bible study in their home and they were feeling guilty because they hadn't made it to their church in two weeks. It occurred to me in the course of the conversation that they were forgetting that God isn't just in Church. I pointed out that God is a 24/7 event, not just on Sundays. I had another martial artist call me today because he had heard that I was saved. Me, a martial artist, got saved? He couldn't believe his ears. I asked him if he had heard of Karate for Christ? I told him that there are a lot a Christians in the martial arts and we find a spiritual connection to God while we are doing it.

Many people go to church once a week and feel like they have done their job and served their spiritual duty. They then go home and don't think about anything loving, kind or spiritual the rest of the week. I suspect all of us have been there at some point in our lives. The bottom line is that God Time is all the time. God is everywhere in everything. God doesn't just show up on allotted days of worship and then disappear the rest of the time. God is always there. We are the ones who forget to "show up!"

People talk about "showing up" and "being present" in our relation ship with God? Maybe in our subconscious minds we know that it is a 24/7 job that would require a lot of work. In Muslim countries they have calls to worship multiple times a day. The get a reminder every few hours to stop what they are doing and pay attention. I'm probably safe in assuming that these countries have a few people who tune out the call to prayer or ignore it. We know that the Buddhist teachings cover the "being present" taught in their Dharma. The Buddhists have the 24/7 thing down to a fine art, but what about the rest of us who are wandering around being a little mindless? OK, some of us a lot mindless.

Just like riding a bicycle, the "mindfulness-being present" thing takes practice. The great American way is to expect everything overnight. The truth is that a little practice every day can add up to a big shift in perception within a reasonable amount of time. There are many different practices that can lead you to a space of being present with God: Sitting in nature and absorbing all the sights, sounds and smells while holding the thought of beauty and perfection of their creation, Breathwork, meditation, singing, toning just to name a few. The trick is finding what connects you. All of us take in information and stimulus in our own unique way. The visual learner might connect sitting in nature and looking at the plethora of colors, shapes and textures, the auditory learner might connect to the sounds of birds, wind or flowing water, the kinesthetic learner may have to touch the flowers, walk barefoot in the grass and hug the trees. What practice creates a God Time connection for you? For me it is martial arts. When I work out with Dr. Fred Soto his enthusiasm and spiritual strength rub off on me and after our work out I feel closer to God.

Most of us are time challenged. We fill up every waking moment "doing". Part of creating a space for the shift in consciousness necessary to connect to God Time 24/7 is to move from doing to being. This is a stressful thought for those of us who run a little ADHD. Time needs to be set aside for a daily practice that connects to God Time. Many of us have to start with God Time 10 minutes/7 and work up from there. Just remember that you can win the game of "Mother May I" with baby steps. Establishing a daily practice is the starting place, the proverbial building blocks of the bigger connection to come. Once the foundation of a daily practice is established the awareness of the presence of God in all things becomes pronounced. Experiences occur that leave the practitioner certain of the presence, power and very existence of God. "God Time All The Time" leaves the realm of concept and becomes a Truth.

Most people wandering around on their spiritual path are seeking those experiences and the knowing of the Truth that comes from them. There are some who can't understand why they don't have "those" experiences or those gifts, and yet, expect them to just happen out of the blue. They float from practice to practice trying a little of this and a little of that. If they could just drop anchor for a period of time they would reap the proverbial fruits they desire. This fall is a great time to spend on a spiritually connecting practice. I hope that others will find that connection through martial arts. To have a dear friend like I do who brings God Time into my life without me having to think about it. Take some time to evaluate how you tend to process your life experiences and what creates a connection with God for you. Schedule time to do your practice. Remember, God Time is ALL the time whether you choose to be aware or not. I hope that this letter may be shared with the KFC newsletter.

Sincerely,
Richard Hackworth

I have already passed my 67th birthday and another World Championships attendance. I must say however that this was the best of all others. Well that glow lasted until My doctor informed me that I had to have another MRI, on my left leg. I felt it was not necessary since I had taken one four years earlier. My doctor was insistent so I did as he requested. To my dismay I was asked to repeat this examination the very next day, along with the added Scat Scan, and four regular x-rays. You can imagine what my mind was playing on me during this time. CANCER! They must have found cancer, dear God oh! No, not that. Ha! On top of that, my doctor calls me at home and tells me that I should drive 3-1/2 hours to UCLA Medical Hospital in Los Angles, for their opinion. Wow! I'm not afraid to die, I just would prefer going out with a heart attack. Of course that is likely to happen with the operations needed should I really have Cancer. Personally I don't believe I do. I trust my God not to allow this kind of disease to strike me down. That has been my prayer for years. God does not lie, and I believe I'll be here for the Rapture.

I know for sure that God is in all this somewhere, how else could I be so mentally stressed and not be in full Anxiety Panic? I know I'm at peak anxiety because I have been having Angina attacks again and they were almost non-existent for the last four years. I've only experienced two others in all this time, and one possible mild heart attack, that was the only one to show any damage to the heart. So here I am, right here between a rock and a hard place. "To be, or not to be" William Shakespeare once ask the Question and as I set here at the computer I have no choice, in as much as to trust or not to trust God in this matter. Eph: 5:20 teaches us to be grateful ALWAYS for ALL THINGS, in Christ Jesus. I have to tell you, this is the most difficult test I have ever faced, and to be grateful is awfully hard to obey. But shucks! Why! Not? We can't go wrong with Jesus Christ! and that a fact Jack.

Dear readers, let me say something here to keep the record straight. I am not afraid of the pain, or dying, it's the financial cost to my family that frightens the Bejibbies out of me. Hay! I'been dying before, It's up to God not the Doctors. Ha! I have so many things wrong with me that can kill me they have to pick a number and wait. What's to fear? As soon as I do pass on, I'll be getting a brand new body, with a no time limit warranty. Just walking and talking with my Savior.Wow! No not mourn me when I do go, Have a good old Irish Wake or Party without all the substance abuse. Be Happy for me. Ha! Listen to me, I'll probably out live many of you. My prayer is to go up in the Rapture, or live to over 100 which ever comes first. My actual prayer is to live to at least 133 years of age. That in itself could constitute a miracle and introduce someone to Jesus Christ. As ugly as I am at 67 just think what I would look like at 133, Aaaaaah! What is my point here? Heck what do I know? If anyone out there is helped, through a tough time, because of my rambling, Praise God and to Him all the glory. What ever you do please do Not feel sorry for me. Just pray like the dickens and barrage Heaven's phone operator board for the Lord's intervention, mercy and healing power for me. Ok! That's it, for now. Be Blessed all of you. Keep Jesus Christ first in all you do.

Pastor Karl

Please pray for my friend and mentor, Karl Marx. Papa Marx may have cancer around the knee area. Karl Marx is one of the fathers of Christian Martial arts and was the first new and fully recognized soke in the US.

Dr. Niel also needs our prayers. He has torn the muscles in his legs and will have to go under the knife unless God heals him before hand.

Please pray for the KFCI members and family.

Thanks you all

Joseph

Encounter the Warrior's Heart is out in E-book format. It will be in hard copy and available for purchase in a week or two. You can view it, down load an E copy, and read about it at

www.1stbooks.com/bookview/18526

In less than a month it will be available through all major book stores. This book contains essays from artists we have come to know and admire.

(From Joseph Lumpkin)

Karate for Christ wishes to welcome a new style into the fold. Mike Fraizier, Larry Ingle, and Joel Redman have organized and started the style of Nami-Do Jujitsu. Nami-Do will make its debut at the next seminar hosted by Shinsei Hapkido in Selmer Tn. Mike Frazier will be instruction. We wish them well and look for Nami-Do to continue to spread the Gospel of Christ in all they do. We understand that Brother Joel Redman will be the head of the new style with Mike and Larry forming its first board of directors.

In many ways, martial arts styles are like Christian denominations. One denomination can argue with another about about truth and scripture, about one being correct and another incorrect. One style may argue about being better than another. Yet, the moment we believe we have THE truth and are able to understand ALL truth we have fallen into the error of pride. Humans are very limited creatures. We are able to see only slices of the pie at a time. No one style is correct. No one denomination owns the entire truth. We choose the style or denomination that most fits our belief or personality. Sometimes we receive a vision which drives us on to form another style or denomination. When this happens we pool all the knowledge we have acquired and infuse it with insights we have gained to form a new and more complete picture. This is a bold step and not to be done lightly. It represents the formation of a new family. The head of the system becomes the father image of the family. He must struggle from that point on to make each move with the entire family in mind. He must do so at times contrary to some of the members of the family. He must do so with caution, making sure he has as much information and insight as possible. It is a bold step to step out on their own. All legitimacy now rides on the performance and actions of the leaders.

The future of the new system is dependent on the vision, the abilities, and the drive of the creator. The abilities include not only martial arts training but the ability to see the political and social landscape and to deal with students and teachers alike.

The creators of Nami-do have the martial knowledge gained from Shinsei Hapkido as well as Judo, Muay Thai, and Karate. They have a personal vision. They have the support of Karate for Christ.

I want to encourage Mike, Joel, and Larry to follow the vision, be true to the Lord, teach the children, Save the lost, mature the saints, and do so with honor, truth, and selflessness. It is not easy - but with God's help it can be done. Karate for Christ wishes them well in the quest for lost souls.

It looks as though God is opening a door in Benton Arkansas for me to finally start Kickin for Christ. I will wear the Karate for Christ patch, as will all of my students. Please pray for this ministry, and this Instructor. This will be my first school on my own. I am very open to suggestions also. I am looking for prayer, and any other help out there. Including written literature that would help me along the way.

Thanks,
Bobby Teague

Hello. My name is Drew Arthur. I live and work in Tyler, Texas. I would like to make contacts in the area here. I work as a Senior Judicial Security Inspector (Deputy US Marshal/Criminal Investigator).

I have been in Martial Arts since I was a kid. I am a certified Physical Fitness Specialist under "Cooper's Clinic for Aerobic Research, (SMAC) Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning and (SPN), Specialist in Performance Nutrition under (ISSA) International Sports Science Association.

I have a web page attached to the www.dusma.com (Deputy US Marshal Association) website. After you click on , scroll down to the Marshal Star and the Dragon.

I am looking for a church in the Tyler, Texas area where I can instruct (Free) kids in Martial Arts (Standing and Grappling Arts/Defensive Tactics/Combatives), and Adults in Cardio Kick Box Aerobics (Also free). I do all this in the spirit of Christ. I want to exemplify his spirit and teachings of giving. I also want to show kids, and adults that they can get FIT, Defend themselves, receive top notch, state of the art training , FREE This training is Christian Based. We are all soldiers/warriors for Christ. We never need to hide our faith, be timid by loud folks who attempt to intimidate us. We can take the confidence of knowing realistic martial arts based on combining the same with being FIT, and the reassurance of the power of Christ to know that we can stand up to all adversity.

I can be contacted at:
(903)-941-0390 cell

(903)-590-1381 X 245
Desk/Direct

drew.arthur2@usdoj.gov

zenmasta@worldblackbelt.com

Fraternally Yours in Christ and the Martial way

Drew "Thunder Wolf" Arthur

Daryl Covington has launched a new website for Shinsei Hapkido. Take a look!

http://www.webspawner.com/users/christianhkd/index.html

Just got back from Guyana with the great news that we have been able to establish our programme throughout the schools and different towns in Guyana.We have also set up a board of Directors who will look after the organisation's affairs.we have also promoted Karate for Christ throughout all our programmes, 70 students and their parents have given their heart to Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. Out of the 70 students, 10 were Hindu,8 Muslims all surrendered to the kingdom of Christ.We did 12 TV, radio and newspaper interviews. We also met with the Prime Minister and all his Ministers. The Prime Minister of Barbados and his government has given us the permission to conduct programmes at their schools, the same for Grenada, St.Lucia, St. Vincent and Suriname.We will be conducting the same Christian programmes in all of these countries, winning souls for the kingdom.We have an evangelist team of 8 persons headed by Sensei Clyde Robinson and myself who will be going through the entire Caribbean as missionaries for Karate For Christ International.We done tremendous work at our Summer Camp programme this year again going to the Hindu and Muslim schools and bringing them into our Christian programme. Special thanks for your visit, we pray that God will continue to bless you your family.

Your brother in Christ, Prof. Soke Francis.

Yesterday we finished the English Bible Study Camp 2003 and it was a great time. There were two shifts and totally came 340 students. Abut half of them came as unbelievers to the camp and we studied Gospel of John, Marriage without Regrets and Phillipians. The students were very diligent and every day they spent studying the Bible in English for 6 to 7 hours. Also, being divided in small groups, after completing the lesson, they had to make a skit on the lesson and to present it in the evening. During this period
51 students accepted Jesus as their Savior and one evening the Spirit of the Lord touched 31 people to accept Jesus. Among them were Angela, my sister in law and my wife Nastica's sister. She was before at the doctors camp which we organized with Alexandra Grejdieru for the medical workers and students. So, there came about 90 people and for 5 days Alexandra was leading the camp and I was going every day to teach the course Marriage without Regrets in session. The camp had such a deep impact on the people that most of them were crying when they were leaving the camp. Carolina, who came as unbeliever there said with tears:"If I will know this things before I could keep my marriage, but I will do
all I can to restore it". So, after the camp, Angela accepted Jesus and I never had seen her with such a joy as she is now. All the day she asks us to study more the Bible and says: "Why I didn't come to Jesus before???". Also, that evening came to the camp my uncle Alexandru and he also accepted Jesus. Today, when me and Nastica went to Lapusna to teach there the Covenant course, he came and asked me how we can give him more discipleship, so that when he will go to Siberia, where he is working all the year, he can preach the Gospel and start a Bible study group there.

I am very glad for the many students who desire to come and study at Precept Bible Institute of Moldova and also to be trained in order to start this fall doing missions through English and Inductive Bible studies. There are more than 50 of them who have this desire and tomorrow we will start the session of the institute in order to give them training.

Now, is the period when every teacher of English for a New Life School has to work hard in order to find room to start classes. Many of them are going to the localities where there is no church so that the Gospel will be proclaimed in those places. The big need of us now is to print more books. We need for this month to print 1500 books and the cost for one book is $3. Another need is sponsorship for the training
seminars for teachers and it is $30 for a person. The same is for one student to come and study at the Bible Institute for one session. We continue to pray for support for our teachers and to involve more people in mission. The monthly support needed for one person is $150. As trainers of our mission are going to teach in different countries of Eurasia it remains to be a big need for them to have laptop computers in order to maintain a good communication which is so important in our ministry.

Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for us and for our country Moldova. Let me ask you to continue pray and support the ministry in Moldova.

May God bless you!

With love in Christ,

Vasile Filat

I hope the Lord have showered blessings to the ministry. We have a huge project going on here. We are planning to organize a tournament for all styles of martial arts in the true spirit of Christianity hoping the tournament will enlighten the martial artists here in Mizoram, India to carry on the torch of the Gospel to the dark nation of India with every participation in the frequently attended National tournaments
organized by several bodies. We ministered once at the Japan Karate Ryobukai Nationals by distributing more than 30 Bibles to non-believers. So, i would request you, my brother in Christ, to write a formal
Letter Of Goodwill to wish the Tournament which will be read out at the opening function. If possible, could i request you to send an article on your insight on ministering through Martial Arts especially to the non-believers.

Eager to hear from you,

In Christ

Laldinliana

3rd Dan Shotokai Karate

Member-All India Shotokai Karate-Do Association

Karate For Christ International

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 welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship. We have shared their interest in GMAF in their own words. We have edited the notes for space.

My name is Bob Chester. My wife and I run a martial arts school full time in Groton, Connecticut. We're both born again believers in Christ, and attend a messianic congregation. I'm a 5th Dan in Taekwon do. I also teach Arnis, Hapkido, and Ju-Jitsu. I would like to join your organization. Teaching to glorify GOD is the main reason I run the business. GOD has truly blessed us.

Yours in Christ
Bob Chester

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.

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