GMAF NEWSLETTER

January - February 2006

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

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Jesus Christ

 

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

The Apostle Paul

"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death."

Proverbs 12:28

Introduction

As a former atheist who ridiculed the accuracy of the Bible based on so-called science, I have long been fascinated by how real science supports the Bible at every turn of the archaeological shovel. I've written about it for many years in our GraceLife Bible Studies series. The following is the most recent version of our study about Archaeology and the Bible. I pray it will excite your faith as it has mine!

Archaeology is the study of material remains of past human life and activities. An archaeologist is the person who conducts the research of those material remains.

Here's what some of the great archaeologists and students of archaeology had to say about how material remains of past human life and activities affected the Bible.

1. Nelson Glueck - "It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference."

2. William F. Albright - "There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament traditions."

3. F.F. Bruce - "Where Luke has been suspected of inaccuracy, and accuracy has been vindicated by some inscriptional evidence, it may be legitimate to say archaeology has confirmed the New Testament record."

4. Merrill Unger - "Old Testament archaeology has rediscovered whole nations, resurrected important peoples, and in a most astonishing manner filled in historical gaps, adding immeasurably to the knowledge of biblical backgrounds."

5. Miller Burrows - "Archaeology has in many cases refuted the views of modern critics. It has shown in a number of instances that these views rest on false assumptions and unreal, artificial schemes of historical development ... The excessive skepticism of many liberal theologians stems not from a careful evaluation of the available data, but from an enormous predisposition against the supernatural."

1. Genesis derives the ancestry of Israel from Mesopotamia. Archaeology confirms it.

2. Genesis 11:1 reads that "The whole earth was of one language and one speech." God confounded the language in Genesis 11:9. Most philologists attest to the likelihood of such an origin for the world's languages.

3. In the genealogy of Esau, there is mention of the Horites (Gen. 36:20). Archaeology confirms the Horites were a prominent group of warriors living in the near East in Patriarchal times.

4. The Bible claims the walls of Jericho fell outwards. Critics scoffed because "walls of cities do not fall outwards, they fall inwards." Archaeology proved in the early 1930s that the walls of Jericho did fall outward, just as the Bible said.

5. One critic said the Biblical record of the laver made of brass mirrors was not an original entry into the Priestly Code. So, he dated the writing of the Law at 500 B.C. However, archaeology has since found evidence of such bronze mirrors in what is known as the Empire Period of Egypt's history (1500-1200 B.C.). That's contemporary with Moses.

6. A century ago such familiar Biblical cities as Jericho, Samaria, Bethel, Shiloh, Bethshan, Gezer, Nineven, Babylon, Ur and many others were shapeless mounds. Critics scoffed at the Biblical record. Within the last 100 years, all of these cities have been uncovered. The importance of the discoveries is that the excavation has produced material which confirms the Scriptres point after point.

7. Excavations are dated on the basis of levels at which things are found. At Tepe Gawra, a few miles north of Nineveh, a seal was found which depicted a man, a woman and a serpent. Another seal depicted a man and a serpent. Another seal depicted a man and a women picking fruit from a tree. Behind the woman was a serpent standing erect. The seals were found in the level antedating 3000 B.C. It suggests that the story of the temptation is very old. It was known about long before Abraham and Moses. It was not some Hebrew fairy tale.

These are but a few of hundreds of confirmations of the Old Testament from archaeology.

1. Sir William Ramsay is regarded as one of the greatest archaeologists ever to have lived. He believed that the Book of Acts was a product of the mid-second century A.D. (150 A.D.). He set out to prove it. However, after thorough research, he changed his mind. He became a firm defender for the mid-first century authorship of Acts.

2. For many critics the account of the birth of Jesus was held as ridiculous. They argued that there was no census, that Quirinius was not Governor of Syria at that time and that everyone did not have to return to his ancestral home for a census. Archaeology has proven the critics wrong (again) ---

* The Romans had a regular enrollment of taxpayers and held censuses every 14 years. The procedure was begun under Augustus.
* Quirinius was Governor of Syria about 7 B.C.
* A papyrus found in Egypt gives directions for the conduct of a census. Families were to return to their own governments to complete family registration of the enrollment and that the tilled lands might retain those belonging to them.

3. Critics said Acts was unreliable because Luke wrote that Lystra and Derbe were in Lycaonia and Iconium was not (Acts 14:6). However, in 1910, Sir William Ramsay found a monument that showed Iconium was a Phrygran city. Later discoveries confirmed that.

4. In his letter to the Romans, Paul mentions the city treasurer, Erastus (Romans 16:23). The letter was written in Corinth. Excavations of Corinth in 1929 found this inscripion on a pavement: "Erastus, curator of public buildings, laid this pavement at his own expense." The pavement dates from the 1st century A.D.

5. Many critics have blasted the usage of certain words by Luke.

* Luke called rulers in Philippi "praetors." Scholars argued that two "duumuirs" would have ruled the town. However, archaeology shows that the title of "praetor" was employed by the magistrates of a Roman colony. Luke was right.
* Luke called civil authorities in Thessalonica "politarchs." Critics said there was no such person. However, 19 inscriptions have been unearthed which use the title. Luke was right.
* Luke called Gallio "proconsul." The Delphi inscription was unearthed which reads: "As Lucius Junius Gallio, my friend and the proconsul of Achaia."

Sir William Ramsay wrote of Luke: "Luke is a historian of the first rank ... this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians."

The Bible is to be trusted as an authentic Book of antiquity. Archaeology supports and confirms facts as stated in the Bible.

Read "An Introduction to Bible Archaeology" by Howard F. Vos (1956, Moody Press, Chicago, Ill., 125 pages) for some excellent basics to an understanding of how archaeology confirms the claims of Scripture.

You will enjoy reading the following books if you want to go deeper into the study of Biblical Archaeology.

* "The Philistines and the Old Testament," Edward Hindson, 1971, Baker Books
* "Archaeology and Bible History," Joseph Free, 1956, Scripture Press
* "Archaeology and the Old Testament," Merrill Unger, 1954, Zondervan Publishing
* "Highlights of Archaeology in Bible Lands," Fred Wight, 1955, Moody Press
* "Out of the Earth," E.M. Blaiklock, 1957, Eerdmans
* "Light from the Ancient Past," J. Finegan, 1959, Princeton University Press
* "Excavations in Palestine," F. Bliss and R.A.S. Macalister, 1902, Palestine Exploration Fund
* "The Old Testament in Modern Research," H. Hahn, 1966, Fortress Press
* "Archaeology and the Religion of Israel," W.F. Albright, 1942, John Hopkins Press
* "Archaeology and the Old Testament," J. Thompson, 1957, Eerdmans
* "Documents from Old Testament Times," D.W. Thomas, 1965, Harper & Row
* "Archaeology and the Ancient Testament," J. Kelson, 1968, Zondervan
* "Biblical Archaeology," G.E. Wright, 1960, Westminster

Two other excellent resource books for researching archaeological finds that support the Bible are: "Unger's Bible Handbook" (1967, Moody Press) and "Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible" (1973, Eerdmans).

Here are some web sites that will also assist you in your search for truth concerning the Bible and archaeology:

http://www.bibarch.com/

http://www.christiananswers.net/archaeology/home.html

According to the Holy Scriptures, you have only three choices where to place your faith and trust with regards to establishing your personal worth and eternal relationship with God.

1) The only victorious Christian life is Christ's Life - "Christ in you, the hope of glory."

2) Until we know that the old self (who we used to be), we will not be able to mentally appropriate Christ as our life (Col. 3:4).

3) When we reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God IN Christ (Rom. 6:11), and allow Christ to live and express His life through us, we will experience the victorious CHRISTIAN LIFE LIKENES.

4) What you believe about who you are most often validates your personal identity and determines your behavior. The Bible, God's Absolute Truth, says, There is no condemnation or separation for a born-again child of God.

5) YOUR NEW-BORN-AGAIN SPIRIT lives in a body and has a soul. God's Word reveals that the real-you is a spirit, completely accepted, unconditionally loved and totally forgiven all sin.

(Next newsletter: Truth that Transforms)

We were learning about the Spiritual aspects of self-defense. The advantage of spiritual defense is the fact that strong emotions, properly conducted, make for a level thinking mental state of mind. Now that is even more important than having the physical strength of the World's Strongest man, the Skill and ability of a World Boxing Champion, and the greatest Karate, mixed martial Arts champion who ever lived.

You know why? Well, I'll tell you. What good is all the physical self-defense, if you lose your mind to worry, unhappiness, depression, suicide, becoming an alcoholic, or drug abuser? Think about that statement. Let's say you're the best street fighter in your city, or even State. Then your wife or girl friend leaves you for another man because you mistreated her. Now had you learned how to treat people in a loving, compassionate way, then the odds against your bad behavior might have been different. Hay! Did you know that when you have a healthy respect or fear of someone like a huge giant of a man with a violent temper and the ability to do great bodily harm to anyone who became his victim, that is called understanding your limitations.

Ha! Now listen to this: "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding". What do you think? Is God bigger, stronger and capable of much more damage that any man or groups of men? You bet your little pinky He is. Now once you have accomplished this, Understanding;,your mind is open to receive Knowledge. At this point things start to grow intellectually for the person being described here.

Understanding what is expected of us as living human beings. With this information Wisdom is created to give us the when to and who to aspects of the knowledge we process. Now our heart and soul are capable of discretion, which will in turn preserve us. From what you ask? Come on, put it together!

This is were real Self-Defense really starts to begin. This spiritual growth comes from the directional guidance learned from the almighty words of wisdom, not from the Sages or Gurus of Old, or any other Eastern know-it-all. Little words of advice like IF we receive God's words, and treasure His commands within ourselves, THEN, are you ready for this, We will understand the fear of the Lord and FIND the KNOWLEDGE of GOD. All the ideas of how to live our lives, like this for instance. You want to be happy? The Bible teaches that "Happy is the man who Finds WISDOM, and the man who Gains UNDERSTANDING!" Ha! I could go on and on because self-defense starts with Understanding, Knowledge, and Wisdom.

With all the above within us there is an overwhelming prospect of our mental lives being very much to our advantage. Did you know a wise man makes a father glad, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother? Now isn't that nice. Guess what? Having a good mind is also an advantage in getting along in the world. Check this out, here is what I learned in Proverbs, That treasures of wickedness profit nothing. Bummer, but it's great to know. Stop all your wickedness. Now the good part is that by us being righteous we have a better chance of living longer. Honest I quote: "But righteousness delivers from death." Hay! Don't believe me? Read it your self, and in Chapter 10 verse 1 and 2. Honest.

Look, you want a safe lifestyle? Then go beyond the punch and kick, past the throw and choke, further than the wrist twist, and submission arm bar. Learn that the fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. Now with that kind of information I believe you could truly be considered knowledgeable. Do you get this kind of understanding from a Playboy Magazine? Red Book? Perhaps Cosmopolitan, Popular Mechanics, or watching pornography? NO WAY José! I don't think so, no sir-ree-bob, not a chance. So, what are you going to do? Study self-defense from some quack that has no knowledge of mental attacks, and most "oftenly" (I just made up this word) used, spiritual attacks. You folks had better give this article your undivided attention. It could make a big difference in your lifestyle.

We received an e-mail recently that draws back the curtain a little more about how others in the martial arts community see Christian martial artists. We've received this type of communication many times in the past, but it was interesting to see that even Christian martial artists have a similar view to those who aren't Christian. Our thoughts about this concern in a moment, but first read what was written and consider the seriousness of the concern.

" I came across your listings of members and instructors. I have never seen so many 10th degree black belts in one place before. It shames even the World Tae Kwon Do Association. I am a Christian Martial Arts Instructor but am only a modest 3rd degree black belt(which took 8 years of active training to achieve).

This is exactly what makes "Christian Martial Arts" such a joke in the world of accredited martial arts organizations. What does it actually mean to promote ones self to 10th degree in your own style? Do you have any accountability within your organization or do you just take the checks for membership and send out certificates.

You have to look at your website and see that something is wrong here. It makes legitimate dan instructors have to answer why everyone in this association is tenth degree when we're ONLY a third. This type of self promotion drags down all of Christian Martial Arts and makes it almost impossible to reach out to the martial art community.

If your 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th degree certificates all have your own signature on them, how seriously will you be taken?"

We understand the concern this brother has about Christian martial arts organizations and the high rankings of their leaders and members. We certainly don't want to be a "joke" in the martial arts community. Though we love martial arts, our deepest love and devotion is to Jesus Christ. We don't want anything to take away from the seriousness and importance of our message that people everywhere should repent and receive Christ as their Savior and Lord.

I took a hard look at the GMAF membership directory before responding to the person who wrote the e-mail. I've communicated with everyone on the list through the years, some many times. It is my belief the names and information in the GMAF Members Directory are an accurate portrayal of who they are and what they've accomplished as Christians and martial artists. We've had a few instances where instructors we know and trust sent us information about a member not telling us the truth about their rank and/or style and certification. We contacted those people for a response and sometimes changed or deleted the listing based on our findings. If you know of anyone in the GMAF directory who is not who they say they are, please let us know and we'll investigate. As we say at the top of the directory our purpose for existing as a fellowship is "Reaching the lost and building the Body through Christian Martial Arts." Our purpose is not and has never been to promote human achievement. God's achievements through the Sacrifice of His Son are our sole promotion. Rank and style listing in the directory must be accurate to glorify God and achieve the goal of reaching the world through Christian martial arts.

Grace Martial Arts Fellowship does not charge any fees or dues for membership. We never have and never will. The cost of the web site is paid for by those who believe in its ministry to reach others. The work behind the scenes of GMAF is volunteered. No one receives any remuneration. It is a ministry members serve freely because of their gratitude and commitment to Christ. GMAF is not a ranking organization. We are a Christian fellowship of martial artists. We are not an association or federation that tests or certifies. No one derives their martial arts rank from GMAF. All member ranking comes from martial arts organizations that have the standing to do that. However, many people depend on GMAF for accurate information about who to contact in their area about training in martial arts from a Christian perspective. That means the members directory must be right. We do not want to send interested people to anyone who would lead them astray from the great purpose God has for their lives.

My thanks to the Christian instructor who sent us his concerns. We should all be concerned that Christian martial arts presents the very best to the world for Christ's sake.

(If you would like to share your thoughts about these concerns in the next GMAF newsletter, please send them to Mark McGee.)

KFCI Members and friends, here is a thought for us ALL. Please take the time to read. Make a decision this new year to be a giant slayer. Get on the team and let's go!

"Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying, Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle: Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan. And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here? And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land." (Numbers 21:1-8)

Christians in America are compromisers. Back in E'town NC, they thought I was Crazy out on the street, radical. Simply for handing out tracts and preaching the gospel on the street corner. I was embarrassed I wasn't doing more. Jesus said if you've done all I commanded you, say "we are unprofitable servants." Preaching the Gospel on the streets in NC or Philippines isn't radical, we just did what we are supposed to do.

We live in a society that doesn't understand dedication. In America, people show up for work for 6 months and think they deserve a raise. NO! You just did what you are PAID to do. You don't get a reward for doing what you are supposed to do. That is just average!

People will say, Preacher, we're here every Sunday morning. Yea, So you aren't even doing the bare minimum. That's not above and beyond the call of duty. Saturday mornings, back in E town, I just spent a couple hours one day of the week doing what we all ought to be doing all the time. (YE is plural in the Bible BTW, Plural). Look, compared to all the churches around where I pastored, we looked GOOD, but GOOD is a C. And Good looks great in America because the church is so compromised.

Think for a moment with me about Reuben and Gad and their bad request in our text. Reuben did what ever was most convenient. If you are like Reuben, you'll talk about the Lord with Church folks, party with the office folks, and the opposite sex with your school mates you'll fit in. That's Reuben. But catch this, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle. They had a lot of stuff.
That's our problem, Christian, we have a lot of stuff. I'ts not bad, or sinful, but it's stuff, and it has to be cared for, polished, repaired, shined, oiled, tuned, fed , it's just stuff. The Bible didn't say Reuben and Gad had a lot of beer, dope, or pornography. They had a lot of cattle. There is nothing wrong with cattle, but if your cattle becomes your priority, they will control you, and guide you, and lead you short of God's Blessings.

We all have STUFF, but our stuff should be in subjection to our service to God. Listen, just because something isn't a sin doesn't mean it is not a problem, or a "weight. You lived 50-60 years without the internet and e-mail, you don't have to spend 3 hrs. a day reading forwarded junk! Now, e-mail isn't sin, but time yourself on how much time you spend with that and you'll start to get my point.

Let's look further into Reuben and Gad's talking. They offer up a bum excuse as well. (Numbers 32:2-4).

"The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying, Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle."

Well, guess what, so did the other 10 tribes. They all had cattle. But Reuben and Gad were controlled by their stuff, while the other 10 tribes controlled the stuff they had. BIG DIFFERENCE. Read on:

"Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan."

Listen, you'd better be careful using grace as an excuse to disobey God. Im under grace, saved by grace, kept by grace, pardoned every hour of every day by grace, but the fact I'm under grace doesn't give me an out for not doing what God told me to do. Reuben and Gad are coming to Moses saying, by grace we want to come short of God's will for our lives. Listen, Baptist Brethren in particular. Eternal Security is to comfort you so you can go out and do something for Jesus Christ. It's NOT an alibi for you NOT to work for Jesus. From the day God called Abram, He had one purpose for the nation of Israel to cross that Jordan and enter into the promised land, dwell in it, and enjoy God's full blessings. They knew that, but now they are coming to Moses saying "would you allow us, under the excuse of Grace, to excuse God's full blessings on our life? We would rather have this pasture land for our cattle than the land flowing with milk and Honey."

Sound familiar? Let me put this in a modern setting for you: "We're a small church, we can't afford to part with our money to support missions we're content on the wrong side of the Jordan. We are a small school, we will just reach the people here, we can't help reach Asia we're content on the wrong side of the Jordan. I'd like to be more involved with Karate for Christ, but I have to spend my time keeping up my stuff, and working for more, so I can't. I'm content on the wrong side of the Jordan.

Listen guys, I'm not saved by works, so I don't HAVE to go to church, but I prefer it over tending cattle in the wilderness. I don't HAVE to read my Bible, but I prefer feeding on milk and honey of God's word than tending stinking cattle on the wrong side of the Jordan. I don't HAVE to witness, give out tracts, or street preach, But God's full blessing is across that river, and I'm NOT staying on this side with a bunch of Cows!!

You are free- you can go home and do nothing. You don't have to support your local church; you don't Have to go to the mission field, you don't even have to support missions and you can still go to heaven. You don't ever have to do ANYTHING with Karate for Christ either, but why be a Cowboy in the wilderness when you can be a gaint killer in Canaan!

Look at the Big Question: "And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?"

Hey guys, somebody's out there fighting, somebody's out there waging war, somebody's out there taking on the enemy, somebody's out there claiming the promises of GOD. Somebody's out there trying to do something for the LORD, and you want to be content where you are? You want to stay here and throw hay to the cows while the warriors take the promised land? Let's put it in modern perspective: I would go witness with you, but I need to work some overtime to pay for my 4 wheeler. GET RID OF THE 4 WHEELER! All it will be is a curse to you. It will break, the trailer will rust, the engine will have to be tuned, then there is insurance, tag for the trailer. Hey, you'll spend more time working with it than enjoying it. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a 4 wheeler. It's not a sin to have one and enjoy it, but if you don't have time to whip up on some Canninites or resources to help your church or missionaries because you are poslishing up something you only use during deer season, I want to ask you, "Why won't you help the others fight?"

I like to hunt, but I decided if I spent less time up a tree I might get something for God DONE! Never once have I had a preacher say, "who could come skin a deer for us before the preacher comes, who could come hit a ball out of the park before we start up the services to get us in the mood?" Listen, man oh man, if we could get born again Bible believers to devote as much time to getting people to heaven as they do getting their kids to little league! Now, there is nothing wrong with hunting or sports, but when we get to heaven, we'll find out a lot of what God allowed is not rewarded. Cowboys that ought to be soldiers. Cattle tending instead of fighting Canninites.

My church thought I was crazy for taking my vacation time to take my family to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God in Communist China. Why, there is nothing I enjoy doing more than what I am doing. Some in my congregation said, "Preacher, you need to Take off and do something, get a hobby. THIS IS MY HOBBY. Some tell me I need to do something to get your mind off ministry. NO! I need to Keep my mind ON mininstry. This is my family's life, Driving out Giants, watching walls fall down, drinking milk and honey in the promised land and you can't do that tending cattle. Taking my kids to China was far better than a trip to Disneyland.

I want you to look at the saddest part of the story of ole Reuben and Gad: "And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?"

Catch that? It discourages me when saved, born again people won't help in the work of the Gospel. It's discouraging to a pastor, missionary, or the KFCI body when saved, born again people won't pick up a weapon and say "we'll go over the Jordan with you, we'll help wipe out those Gaints." It's an encouragement when someone will say, "We sold off our cattle, because they were just getting in the way, and we want to get over there in the battle territory, and do something for the Lord!"

Reuben and Gad's request was selfish. Every tribe was sent to that land, but 2 said, "We don't want it, ya'll go get it." Listen, when a member of a local church or a KFCI member knows we ought to witness, come to the services, win souls, invite others to church, train up the children right, but they won't help, THAT IS SELFISH! If you just show up at church, or join up with KFCI, and don't get involved in the fellowship of the mystery we are entrusted with, you are to the church and KFCI what the welfare crowd is to our nation Living off the labors of others. May God deliver our churches and KFCI from cattle-tending, welfare-minded members.

Their request wasn't only selfish, it was worldly. They wanted immediate benefit, what they could see THEN! "Look at the grass, look at the cows, look how fat the cows can get on this grass," instead of "Look at the Jordan, think about the other side, think what God can do if He wants us there." Moses had the same problem with people then as we do now, people don't want sacrifice in this country, they want pleasure. In North Korea, my Christian friends are putting their lives on the line to get the Gospel to their people. Here, many won't even take the time to pray before a bountiful meal. In North Korea, the people are starving to death, but will forgo eating to have more time to smuggle in the Gospel.

That's why people do dope, gamble, fornicate. All they see is right NOW! We have had a great opportunity to travel and present our missions work in many places. It would break your heart if you travel this nation and you see the gray haired pastors waiting patiently for their churches to get in gear so they can get something done for the Lord. I encourage all you church members and KFCI members: Don't get short-sighted! You may say "we have a good pastor, good teacher, good church, good young people." Listen, you won't have any of it 20 years from Now unless YOU get involved in the fight. Don't just come to tend your cattle, cross on over the Jordan and get in the War Man!"

Look at the Brash Rebuke Moses lays out. In vs. 6 of Numbers 32 Moses said their request eroded the unity of the nation. Let's make that applicable to us. Every saved person was given the Holy Spirt to be a witness. You have SOMETHING to do that involves telling lost people how to be saved or you are working disunity and division among the believers. Read Numbers 32:8-14 when you finish this newsletter. Here is a summary: "When you choose your cattle over fighting the battle for the Lord, you kindle the anger of the Lord." They weren't drinking, watching bad movies, listening to rap trash music, and gambling. They just refused to get involved!

After seeing firsthand what seems to be important to pastors, I want to offer the following statement. There are lost people that dress better and more modest that our "saved crowd," that gave more to Katrina relief efforts, and that do more good with the martial arts than we do. There is more to it than that friends. Fight! The sin that cripples the nation is when people put their cattle over fighting in the name of God.

Look at what happens when people choose to be cowboys in the wilderness instead of gaint killers in Canaan. In Israel's case, The Nation ultimately goes into Idolatry. Guess which were the first 2 Tribes to fall! You got it, Reuben and Gad. The Second result, Reuben and Gad got attacked over and over by the enemy. Why? They were on the wrong side of the Jordan. The Jordan was a barrier Israel couldn't cross unless God stopped it. The Tribes were on the wrong side and couldn't get help when they needed it too far from the brethren. Guess which were the first 2 Tribes to be carried into captivity? Did you guess Reuben and Gad?

Guys and gals, church, KFCI member, don,t be afraid to get out there. Take your kids, witness to a drunk, teach them Jesus Loves me. They'll know something is wrong with that guy. It won't lead them astray. When I was working closely with my youth in the church, I took them to the prison to preach the gospel. Some said "teenage boys preaching in jail, do you really want them around that?" Oh, yea man. I would always ask them, "Like those second-hand slippers and orange jumpers? Mess up and you'll get a set at the taxpayers expense!" You know, none of them ended up in jail!

What is my point? Don't be afraid to get out there guys. Jerico will fall. You can take AI. You can Drive out Gaints. You have GOD. Don't discourage the brethren, be part, do what you can. I challenge you, Look for something you can do without that will give you more time as a family for Jesus besides just going to church. Sell something, give up something, Shoot something, as fast as you can get out of debt, and get out there and serve the Lord. Don't be in bondage to your cattle. Don't get left on the wilderness side.
You Don't have to have it all. Men, you don't HAVE to play golf twice a week. Women, you don't HAVE to have every thing that says "country welcome" and is made out of wicker.

I don't say this bragadociously, but my family got rid of almost all we had to get ready to go on the road to raise support for the ministry in Korea, and we haven't missed a thing. We've gotten along FINE in clothes from the thrift store and used vehicles for ten years in the pastorate. Ultimately, I thank GOD for a wife that lets me be a Soldier in Canaan instead of a wilderness cowboy. She does without a lot of what the world says we NEED! It gives my family time to get in the battle.

When you stand at the Judgment seat of Chirst, a lot of what you THOUGHT was important will be nothing at all.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve." (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)

THAT is the GOSPEL. THAT is what we are to preach. THAT is what should consume us. IF you aren't doing SOMETHING to get that word out, whether going yourselves, getting involved with this ministry, your church or missions, I exhort you, Cross the Jordan and let's go kill some giants. You don't have to, but is sure beats shoveling up cow manure in the wilderness.

I hope you have a God Blessed New Year. Do Something for Him.

Confident Kid Martial Arts is looking for Christian martial artists who want an exciting opportunity for a new ministry in 2006! Dr. Robert Xavier is founder and director of CKMA and has openings for sponsors and instructors in developing the lives and hearts of young people across the United States. If you would like to be part of an exciting organization that is reaching out to touch the lives of thousands of children and young people through Christian martial arts, please contact Dr. Xavier or Mark McGee to learn more about how you can start a CKMA chapter in your community. Confident Kid Martial Arts is also planning for new training opportunities, so we appreciate your prayers in the coming months as the ministry expands.

When we started the outreach in 1990 that became Grace Martial Arts Fellowship, our desire was to support and encourage Christians in their lives and ministries. Resources for that journey have been an important consideration. We have partnered with other Christians in developing resources in addition to creating some specific to GMAF.

The last newsletter included information about some of the books written for Christian martial artists by Christian martial artists. This month we're going to list some of the martial arts videos produced by Christian martial artists.

We begin with Shinsei Hapkido. Joseph Lumpkin, head of the Shinsei Hapkido system, produced an excellent video a few years ago that takes students through the main aspects of the system. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about Shinsei Hapkido from the head of the system. It's available for a small charge by calling Christian Computer Concepts at (660) 747-7097.

GMAF has a new DVD available to introduce the basics of learning martial arts from a Christian perspective. It includes the philosophy of Christian martial arts and six basic one-steps (wazas) and four basic forms (kata) used to take students from white to orange belt in some martial systems. It's called Christian Martial Arts Basics. Contact Mark McGee for information about receiving the 90-minute DVD (also available in VHS). GMAF does not sell products, but we appreciate donations to help us continue this outreach.

Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Health and Wellbeing began producing T'ai Chi, Chi Kung and Kung Fu videos several years ago. The video series features Robert Xavier, head of the Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi and Yon Ch'uan Martial Arts systems. The videos are available at www.videoTaiChi.com.

Philip Lewis is head of the Shinsei Kenpo system and has several videos and DVDs available at jmactiondvd.bizhosting.com/shinsei_kenpo.html. He also has a new DVD book entitled "The Ultimate Self Defense" that includes one of the katas from the Shinsei Kenpo system.

Please let us know about other Christian-based martial arts videos and we'll include them in the next GMAF newsletter!

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.

The Akayama Ryu winter camp will be held on Jan 14-15 Mobile Al. For more info go to www.akayamaryu.com and sign the form to reserve your place. Guys, this is ALWAYS a great event. Mark Barlow has been a friend and supporter for almost 20 years. Come enjoy and return the favor. Headmaster Ian Cyrus will be holding a Hapkido camp in the near future. We will have more info on this event as time draws near. I would suggest you attend if possible. Headmaster Cyrus is one of the highest ranking teachers to have trained with the founder of modern Hapkido, GM Ji. The camp will be in PA. Shinsei Hapkido is recognized and supported by Headmaster Cyrus through the ChoSonDo Federation. Check at www.booksforsale.info or on Amazon.com for Mark Barlow's new book on Jujutsu. It is wonderful! Joseph Lumpkin

FUN TOURNAMENTS FOR THE MID-WEST:

Ask me about any of these fine tournaments by calling 812-290-5488 or mail at joecom50@earthlink.net

NEW YEARS KICK OFF IN LEXINGTON, KY.... JANUARY

P.U.M.M.A. FUND RAISER IN FRANKFORT, KY.... FEBRUARY

ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IN FLEMINGSBURG, KY.... MARCH

SOMERSLAM IN SOMERSET, KY.... APRIL

MOUNTAIN FRIENDSHIP IN JINKINS, KY... MAY

KARATE FOR CHRIST..... JUNE

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC IN NEWPORT, TN.... JUNE

MASTER BOWLINGS INVITATIONAL IN SOMERSET, KY... JULY

CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC IN FRANKFORT, KY.... AUGUST

BATTLE OF GATLINBURG.... SEPTEMBER

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC.... OCTOBER

THANKSGIVING BASH IN LONDON, KY.... NOVEMBER

P.U.M.MA NATIONALS AND BANQUET IN FRANKFORT, KY.... DECEMBER

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS :

November - KFCI Tournament in Fayetteville

November - Shinsei Camp in West Virginia

2007 - KFCI Christian World Martial Arts Seminar

FULL KFCI TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Guys, if you make ONE KFCI event for the year, make it this one. I hope to see everyone there. It may be the last time I get to spend with the KFCI Family before moving permanently to Korea. COME out and enjoy with us!

Smoky Mountain Christian Martial Arts Classic
Karate for Christ World Championships
Registration Form
June 10h 2006 at the Pigeon Forge High School
Located on Tiger Drive in Pigeon Forge TN.
8:00am 9:00am REGISTRATION, 9:00am BLACK BELT MEETING

Karate for Christ Tournament Circuit Rules
Grappling Rules
Rules:
· One 2 Minute Round (1.5 Minute round for 12 and under)
· 5 Points for throws
· 10 points for submissions, pins, and chokes.
· Note: submissions do NOT instantly win the match. Upon a submission, pin, or choke, the match stops, points are awarded, and then the match continues, from the standing position.
· 1 point for open hand strikes (No strikes below the belt, to the head, or to the back. Striking allowed to torso only). Note: This is a GRAPPLING event. Controlled striking is allowed to set up throws, ETC. The fighter that will not grapple can be penalized.
· Controlled kicks to the torso are allowed and will be awarded one point.
· No small joint manipulation.
· No hands to the face.
· No biting, gouging, pinching, pressure points, pulling hair, etc.
· Anyone "Talking Smack, cursing, or arguing with the officials will immediately be disqualified.
· The official will award points and stop the match for pins, submissions, and chokes. On a throw, points will be awarded, but the match will continue.
· If the official sees one player has the other in a submission type or choking type technique, he may choose to stop the match and award points to protect from injury. This is NOT the UFC.
· The players with the most points at the end of the two minute time wins.
· A pin is constituted by holding the opponent to the mat for 10 seconds where they cannot escape, and the pinning player is not in the other players guard.
Note: NO Techniques should be "snapped, or done in an injurious fashion. If the official rules the technique was done without control or to cause hard, the player performing said technique is disqualified.
Event:
· All grappling events are SINGLE elimination. If there is an uneven number of a participant, one participant will get a "pass to the next round.
· 1st place is awarded to the winner of the winner of the last match in a division, with the looser of that last match taking second.
· Third place is awarded to the player not fighting in the last match with the highest point total in one match.

Grappling Divisions
5 6 Boys Light 17-18 Boys Light
5 6 Girls Light 17-18 Girls Light
5 6 Boys Heavy 17-18 Boys Middle
5 6 Girls Heavy 17-18 Girls Middle
7 9 Boys Light 17-18 Boys Heavy
7 9 Girls Light 17-18 Girls Heavy
7 9 Boys Heavy 19-30 Men Light
7 9 Girls Heavy 19-30 Women Light
10 12 Boys Light 19-30 Men Middle
10 12 Girls Light 19-30 Women Middle
10-12 Boys Middle 19-30 Men Heavy
10-12 Girls Middle 19-30 Women Heavy
10-12 Boys Heavy 31 UP Men Light
10-12 Girls Heavy 31 UP Women Light
13-14 Boys Light 31 UP Men Middle
13-14 Girls Light 31 UP Women Middle
13-14 Boys Middle 31 UP Men Heavy
13-14 Girls Middle 31 UP Women Heavy
13-14 Boys Heavy Open Division Men
13-14 Girls Heavy Open Division Women
15-16 Boys Light
15-16 Girls Light
15-16 Boys Middle
15-16 Girls Middle
15-16 Boys Heavy
15-16 Girls Heavy

Rules Summary
Competitor: Each Competitor must present him/herself to the referee suitably attired with proper uniform and equipment and physically prepared to compete. If he/she is not prepared to compete as deemed by the center referee, the competitor may be penalized for delay of time. All competitors must be at ringside when the events start. If not the competitor will not, be allowed to compete.
Rank Rule: A competitor must compete at the highest belt level they have earned in the martial arts. A competitor can never compete in a division of which he/she had not earned that rank. Once a competitor competes as a black belt legally, he/she must always compete as a black belt. A competitor can never compete in a lower belt division that the level of belt he/she has earned in the Martial Arts
Proof of Age Rule: All competitors must have proof of age. If there is a legitimate reason to question a competitor,s age, he/she must present a proof of age (birth certificate, driver,s license, or other acceptable documents to prove his/her age.
Uniform: All Competitors must wear a complete (top and Bottom) traditional or professional sport karate (Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Etc.) uniform in good state of repair. The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn in competition. Sparring, Form and Weapons: All uniforms must have sleeves that reach at least to the middle of the forearm. No T-shirts, sweats, tank tops or shoes are allowed in the division.
Competitor responsibilities: It is the responsibility of the competitor to know the rules and be ready for competition when called to do so. He/she must be suitably attired, and at the appropriate ring when competition begins, he/she will not be able to compete. If a competitor leaves the ring after the competition begins and is not present when his/her name is called to compete, his/her name will be called three times at ringside. If he/she is still not present to compete, he/she will be disqualified.
Required and Recommended Safety Equipment: Approved headgear, hand and foot pads, mouthpieces and groin cups (for male competitors only) are mandatory for all competitors in sparring divisions. The competitors equipment will be checked and if it is deemed unsafe, he/she will be asked to change the equipment before he/she can compete. Hand Pads: A soft padded surface must cover most of the fingers, the wrist and any striking surface of the hand. Foot Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the instep, sides, toes and ankle and the back of the foot. The bottom of the foot does not have to be padded. Head Gear: The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface. Insufficiently padded gloves, foot and headgear will not be allowed. Equipment must be in good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs that my cause injury. The tournament,s head rules arbitrator ultimately determines the approval or denial of the equipment. A properly fitted mouthpiece is required. Shin pads and rib/chest guards are highly recommended for additional safety to all sparring competitors.
Referees: The referee is the most experienced official in the ring and is thoroughly versed on the rules and order of competition. He/she promotes the safety of the competitors, enforces the rules and ensures fair play. To this end, he/she starts and stops the match, awards points, makes penalty decisions, administrates the voting of the other judges, communicates clearly with the scorekeeper and timekeeper, and announces the winner of each match. Added Powers of the referee: 1) Match starts and ends only on his/her command(not the command of the timekeeper); 2) Has final decision on any disputes on score; 3) Has the power to issue warning and award penalty points without a majority decision; 4) Can overrule a majority call only to issue a warning or a penalty point; 5) Automatically has power to disqualify a competitor who receives (3) penalty points; 6) Has power to issue time-out. A competitor can ask for a time-out, but it is the determination of the referee to issue one. The disqualification of a competitor, where disqualification is not automatic, is determined only by a majority vote of the judges.
Judges: The judges call points as they see them. They may be consulted by the center referee to help in determining penalties or warnings, although the referee alone has the power to issue them. They will be asked to vote on disqualification rulings. It is the majority vote of the judges and referee that determines a scoring point. Calls an Official may make: When the referee believes there has been a significant exchange of techniques, or when signaled to do so by so by a corner judge, he/she shall call out the word, "STOP! in a loud voice. The referee shall then return the competitors to their starting marks and addresses the judges by saying "JUDGES CALL! All judges and the center referee cast their votes simultaneously and assertively in the following manner.
Judges see a point he/she should hold up one arm and yell out in a loud, clear voice to let the referee know he/she has a call.
Point Calling When signaled by the referee, a judge raises the arm and points to competitor that has scored the point.
No Point Scored An official crosses his/her arms at the wrist at waist level if he/she believes that a point was not scored.
Did Not See If A Points Was Scored The official holds his/her hand over his/her eyes indicating the he/she could not or did not see whether a points was scored.
Clash Officials make a motion as though they are hitting both fists together, indicating that both competitors scored at the same time.
Penalty The judges waves the hand and arm in a circular motion while pointing at the offending competitor.
Disqualification A disqualification vote is taken separately from any other vote. When a disqualification vote is asked for the referee will say, "JUDGES CALL. The judges will then point to the competitor who is to be disqualified. If the judge does not feel the competitor should be disqualified, he/she crosses his/her wrist at waist level.
Late Calls: All officials should make their calls at the same time. If, in the opinion of referee, the corner judge is making a late call intentionally, the referee can disqualify the call. (Noise not allowing the judges to hear the referee and the honest mistake of raising the wrong color or pointing at the wrong competitor should be taken into consideration not to disqualify the call).
Number of Officials: Five officials are required in all black belt form and weapons divisions. At least three judges are required in all sparring division and under black belt form and weapon division.
Removal of Officials: If a competitor feels that an official should be removed from a form or weapon division for GOOD reason, he/she must file a protest before the division begins. If a competitor feels that an official should be removed from a sparring division, he/she may file a protest at any time. It is totally up to the center referee and the rules arbitrator to determine if an official should be removed.
Protest of Official: A competitor has the right to protest an infraction of the rules or if a possible mistake was made (not a judgment call). If a competitor wishes to protest they should first let the referee know they believe there has been an infraction of the rules or a mistake has been made. The referee will summon the arbitrator to the ring to render a decision if the referee cannot settle the protest to the competitor,s satisfaction. All protests must be made in an orderly, proper and sportsmanlike manner. All protests must be made immediately. Protests are not allowed once competition has resumed. A competitor may be penalized if he/she is protesting improperly or without proper cause.
Late Entries: Once a division has started (the first competitor has started his/her form/weapon routine or the first fight divisional fight has started) no competitor/s can be added to that division. BE ON TIME!
Order of Competition: FORM: Once the final call for the form and weapon divisions has been made at ring side, the competition cards will be collected and mix-up thoroughly. The competitor,s cards will be drawn randomly for the order of competition. The first three competitors will perform before any scores are awarded. After the third competitors are finished, the first competitor will be called to come back for scoring followed by the second and then the third competitors. This is to give the judges a sampling of the quality of the competitors. All competitors in the division will be judged in comparison to these first three competitors. SPARRING: Once the final call for the sparring division has been made at ring side, the division is ready to be set up. The competition cards should be collected and counted to see if byes are needed. If byes are needed, they will be picked randomly. Matches should always be selected by random, but certain allowances MAY be given to competitors from the same schools that are matched up in the first round of competition. They may be separated randomly from each other in the first round if possible. Competitors cannot pick whom they want or do not want to fight. Line the youth competitors up by height at least in the first round to fight each other.
The Ring: The size of the fighting and form adult black belt rings shall be approximately 20, x 20,. Starting lines should be marked approximately six feet apart in the middle of the ring. Additionally, each ring should be posted with a ring number visible to competitors, officials, and medical personnel from across the floor. All youth and under black belt adult rings shall be approximately 16, x 16, minimum.
Sparring Rules
Length of Match: Two-minute running time unless five points are scored before time has expired. If a match is tied at the end of two minutes, sudden victory (First person to score a point) overtime period will determine the match.
Point values and winner determination: All legal hand and kicking techniques that score will be awarded one (1) point. All penalty points awarded will be awarded one (1) point. The competitor who earns five (5) points by the end of the two minutes or whoever is ahead at the end of the two minutes is declared the winner. All Grand Championship matches are two-minute running and total points.
Majority Vote: Points are awarded by a majority vote of all judges. The majority of judges do not have to agree on the same technique being scored, only that a point was scored.
What is a Point: A point is a controlled legal sport karate technique scored by a competitor in-bounds and up-right without time being called that strikes a competitor with the allowable amount of focused touch contact.
Legal Target Areas: Entire head and face, ribs, chest, abdomen, collarbone and kidneys. Illegal Target Areas: Spine, back of neck, throat, sides of the neck, groin, legs, knees and back. Non-Target Areas: Hips, shoulders, buttocks, arms, and feet. Legal Techniques: Legal techniques are all controlled sport karate techniques, except those listed as illegal. Illegal Techniques: Head butts, hair pulls, bites, scratches, elbows, knees, eye attacks of any kind, take downs, ground fighting, any stomps or kicks to the head of a downed competitor, slapping, grabbing for more that one second, uncontrolled blind techniques, and any other dangerous techniques that are deemed unsafe.
Grabbing: A competitor may grab the uniform of his/her opponent in an attempt to score with a sport karate technique for only one second (IMMEDIATELY), after which time he/she must release the uniform.
Light Touch Contact: Means there is no penetration or visible movement of the competitor as a result of the contact. Light touch is allowed to all legal target areas except to the face of all youth and under black belt adult competitors. Light touch does not have to be made to the head gear in all Youth competitors and adult under black belt competitors but must be approximately two inches away without being blocked.
Moderate Touch Contact: Means slight penetration or slight target movement. Moderate touch contact may be made to all legal target areas except the head gear and face.
Warning and Penalties: One and only one warning is allowed for breaking the rules before a penalty point is awarded. After the first warning is giving, a penalty point is awarded for each and every rules violation. If a competitor receives four warnings (three penalty points) in any one match, he/she will be disqualified. If the severity of the first rules violation is deemed by the referee to be too severe a penalty point can be issued immediately.
Other Penalty Rules: A competitor cannot be penalized and still receive a point on the same call. A competitor can receive a point for a proper technique and another point from a penalty call against his/her competitor (two points awarded). If, in the opinion of the referee and/or the medical personnel, a competitor cannot continue because of a injury caused by an illegal penalized attack executed by his/her competitor shall be automatically disqualified.
Other cause for Penalization: Attacking illegal and non-target areas, using illegal techniques. Running out of the ring to avoid fighting, falling to the floor to avoid fighting, continuing after being ordered to stop. Excessive stalling, blind, negligent or reckless attacks, uncontrolled techniques, showing unsportsmanlike behavior from the competitor, his/her coaches, friends, etc., excessive contact, and delay of time are examples of possible penalization.
Disqualification: Requires a majority vote by all officials, unless it is an automatic disqualification. Non-Competing Penalty: If, in the majority opinion of the officials, it is considered that the competitors are not making an obvious attempt to fight in the true spirit of competition, both competitors will be warned and if it continues, will be disqualified. Wrong Division: If any competitor competes in a division he/she does not qualify to compete in due to age, rank, gender, style, etc., then he/she will be disqualified.
Coaching: Coaching is allowed but will follow the following guidelines: 1. Never, at any time, can a coach enter the ring without the referee,s permission; 2. No abusive, violent, unsportsmanlike or overzealous coaching; 3. Coaches cannot ask for a time out (only the competitor may ask for a time out); 4. Coaches can never, at anytime, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the decisions of the judges.
Forms Rules
Time Limit: Each form or weapons routine must be three (3) minutes or less. The time starts once the competitor inters the competition ring.
Scoring Ranges of Form and Weapons: Black belts: 9.50 to 10.00 points; Advanced belts: 8.50 to 9.50 points; Intermediate belts: 7.50 to 8.50; Beginner Belts: 7.00 to 7.50.
Ties: To break ties for 1st through 4th place the competitors who are tied must perform again to break the tie
Weapon divisions: For safety, a competitor who unintentionally drops his/her weapon may be disqualified. If a competitor recklessly misused his/her weapon, he/she may be penalized or disqualified.
Starting A Form Over: If a competitor starts his/her form over because of a memory lapse or any other reason due to his/her own negligence, he/she may perform the form again. The officials will score as though there was not a mistake, but the center referee will instruct the score keeper to subtract .50 points from the competitor,s final score. The three-minute time rule will start over. A competitor can only start over one time. If a competitor has to start over not due to his/her negligence, he/she will not be penalized on the start over.
Forms and Weapons Divisions
Age Division Belt Divisions
5 and under Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
6 7 Boys and Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
8 9 Boys and Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
10 11 Boys and Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
12 13 Boys and Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
14 15 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
14 15 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
16 17 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
16 17 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Adult 18 35 Men Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Adult 18 35 Women Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Senior Men 36 45 Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Senior Women 36 45 Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Executive Men 45 over Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Executive Women 45 over Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Novice Division Intermediate Advanced
White, Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown, Red
Orange Blue 15 and under will include Black
Belts
Point Sparring Divisions
Age Divisions Belt Divisions
5 and under Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
6 7 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
6 7 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
8 9 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
8 9 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced
10 11 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
10 11 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
12 13 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
12 13 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
14 15 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
14 15 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced,
16 17 Boys Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
16 17 Girls Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Adult 18 35 Men Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Adult 18 35 Women Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Senior Men 36 45 Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Senior Women 36 45 Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Executive Men 45 over Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
Executive Women 45 over Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Black
ENTRY FEE FOR COMPETITIONS
$40.00 PRE-REGISTRATION
$50.00 REGISTRATION AT THE DOOR
$5.00 FOR SPECTATORS (ALL AGES)
$15.00 REGISTRATION, FOR All ADULT BLACK BELT COMPETORS THAT ASSIST IN JUDGING.
All BLACK BELTS THAT JUST WISH TO JUDGE ARE ALSO WECOME.
Entry Fee,s cover all competitions
Mail all registration forms and fees to: All-American Christian Martial Arts inc.
Phone# 865-654-9791 P.O. Box 624 Pigeon Forge TN 37868-0624
E-mail "/ym/Compose?To=pfpd779@aol.com" Web page "http://www.aacma.com/"
First Place through Third Place will receive a beautiful Trophy for each event.
Certified Check or Money Orders only please
Payable to: All-American Christian Martial Arts inc.
Deadline for pre-registration is May 26 2006
Sorry No Refunds and No Personal Checks
Date _______________, Amount Paid _____________ School Name____________________________
Name _________________________________________Rank (color)__________ Style______________
Age________ Date of Birth______________ Address_________________________________________
E-Mail________________________________State________________________ Zip________________
Home Phone (_______)_____________________ Work (_______)______________________________
Divisions Entering (Please Check)
Kata ___________ Sparring ____________ Weapons ____________ Grappling ____________
Adult and Minor Athletic Waiver Release of Liability
In consideration of being allowed participation in any way in the 2006 Smoky Mtn. Christian Martial Arts Classic, and related event and activities, the undersigned:
Agrees that prior to participating, the participant and/or Parent/Guardian (if under 18), will inspect the facilities and equipment to be used, and if the participant and/or Parent/Guardian believes anything is unsafe, they will immediately advise the supervisor or other tournament officials, of each condition (s) and refuse to participate.
Acknowledge and fully understands that each participant will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, and social economic losses which might result not only from their action, inaction or negligence but the actions, inaction,s or negligence of others, the rules of play, or the condition of the premises or of any equipment used. Further, the participant and/or Parent/Guardian assume all the forgoing risk and accept personal responsibility for the damages following such injury, permanent disability or death. I do release and hold harmless All-American Christian Martial Arts Inc. (any of its members), and the Pigeon Forge High School, from any injuries, including permanent disability and death, and social economic losses as a result of participation.
All entries are final; I fully understand that any medical treatment given will be on a first aid treatment type only. I consent that any pictures furnished by me or any pitchers taken of me in connection with said tournament could be used in print or video for future use, without any compensation given or expected by the competitor. I agree to abide by the rules, and competitor and/or parent/guardian will react and act respectfully towards other competitors, referees and tournament organizers. If not, the director or authorized agent reserves the right to refuse entry or continued participation to any person schools team or club.
The Undersigned has read the above waiver and release, fully understands all and signs voluntarily.
_______________________________________ ______________________________________ _______________
Signature of Contestant (If under 18, Parent or Guardian) Date

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.

(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists, their families and ministries.)

Please send your news, pictures and information to Mark McGee for the next newsletter!

We have several items to announce. Shinsei Hapkido has aquired the site www.hapkidokorea.org We have done so for several reasons. This heralds a new time for us as we establish our Eastern Hemisphere Headquarters in Seoul Korea. We have now gone around the world. We are returning Hapkido back whence it came with a difference. Now, the credo is Christ first. From our school in South Korea, we will reach into all the far East, where the name of Christ cannot be named. The site www.hapkidokorea.org was held by the Korea Hapkido Federation as one of 2 main sites. They vacated this site and I was able to bid onit and get it. The traffic will bring Shinsei more visitors. With those visits are likely to come plaudits and also dissapproval from some of the more judgemental Hapkidoists. At this point we are so well established that the more talk the better for us. All publicity is good if you can prove yourself as Shinsei has. I congratulate all Shinsei students and teachers for a job well done. If it weren't for all of you, our art could never have grown and prospered as it has. You can be very proud to be a part of the begining and growth of an art that has reached around the globe in a single generation. My thanks goes out to all. You have blessed me in ways you will never know. Joseph Lumpkin

Dear Friends,

By this letter let me thank you for your continuous prayer support for our family and the ministry we are doing in the Gospel. Now, with my wife Nastica, we are on our way back from USA, Sacramento where during the last 2 week, together with our teachers Mia and Costel Oglice, we were teaching the session on Counseling for the 60 students of Russian Precept Ministries Institute of this city. All of them were so diligent in their studies and by every day they understood more and more the importance of teaching the Word of God in churches, families, schools, camps, etc. After the fist week, we made a conference for the Russian churches of Sacramento where we presented the International Inductive Study Bible in Russian to the participants. After the conference almost each of them decided to have one having a big desire to commit themselves to study deep the Scriptures. In the last day of the session, we had a meeting with all the students where discussed and planned the ministry plans of each students and encouraged them in their vision. The students who are still in the high school decided to use lunch breaks and teach to their school mates the course: "The truth about sex" and this way to share the Gospel and to stop the immorality there. We all know that this will be not easy, but with our God everything is possible and he is the one who open doors of opportunities to preach the Gospel and He keeps this doors open. The other students decided to teach the same course in churches, home Bible study groups, camps, Sunday school classes, etc. The students told us that were very much encouraged by the testimonies about the students of the other of those 53 Precept Ministries Institutes of Eurasia.

We are glad now for the wonderful Christmas time we have with our children and with all our church, using this great opportunity to spread the Gospel.

From 2 to 11 of January we are planning to teach a session for the leaders of Precept Ministries of Moldova in Calarasi locality and at this session to study the Word of God, evaluate the ministry God helped us to accomplish this year and to plan the ministry for the next year. Please, pray for this session and that it will possible for each leader to come and attend it.

Thank you for your continuous prayer support. For this reason I created a mailing list. Let me invite you to join this list by sending a message to the address v_a_filat_newsletter_english-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and as you will receive the first letter, please, reply to it and you address will be added to this list. Also, let me ask you to share this invitation with all the people who know us and pray for us and for the ministry we
are doing in the Gospel.

While being in Sacramento, we visited the family of our brother and student Victor Khripunov whose wife Oxana passed to the Lord last summer at the age of 25. Victor and Oxana have 3 children. We went to visit them and sitting around the table, I asked Daniela, the youngest one who is 4: "What do you want to be when you will grow?". We received a deep and unusual answer. She said:" I will be with my Dad." For her it is more
important WITH WHOM she will be than what she will do. Jesus came on this earth to be with us, and to give Himself as a sacrifice to bring us in the Kingdom of Heaven and to make possible for us to be WITH OUR DAD FOREVER. We wish you a Merry Christmas and all the blessings of our God!

With love,

Vasile, Anastasia,
Tica, David and Daniel
Filat

I am pleased to announce the publication of Christian Counseling; Healing the Tribes of Man ISBN: 1933580070
320 pages

The book contains information for counseling regarding to trauma, addiction, molestation, homosexuality, adultery, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic and child abuse, worry, stress, anger, and more.

I believe it will be of benifit to anyone who is a teacher, counselor, pastor, or those having any of these issues in their own life.

Books may be ordered through Amazon.con, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, and other fine bookstores.

Joseph Lumpkin
Fifth Estate Book Publishers
www.fifth-estate.net
www.booksforsale.info

The new issue of Faith Fitness Magazine is on-line at http://www.faithandfitness.net With this issue we mark the beginning of our third year of publishing. Last year we more than doubled the number of page views and received reader responses from all over the U.S. and from such far away places as Australia, South Africa, East Africa, Columbia, Italy, England, Pakistan, Canada and more. In this issue you find articles that inspire, challenge, and strengthen you. If you are like me you get cold this time of year. So, I've included an article, KEEPING WARM WHEN IT'S COLD to fuel ideas on how you can blend faith and fitness to warm things. If you are interested in better nutrition then read HEALTHY BREAKFASTS THAT ARE FAST AND EASY. There is plenty to do in 2006 to move the faith and fitness culture forward. In CHRISTIAN PROGRAMMING OR CORPORATE EXCUSES I ask some tough questions. Take the time to read it, answer the questions and then ...do something more in your community.
Whenever you can please do tell others about the magazine. We're continually working to make it a better tool for churches, teams and other groups. So, I hope you'll take time to get some groups in your area to use it. We're also working to make some major upgrades to the on-line version of the magazine that will support greater networking, expanded content, better functionality, and more fun for you. So, get ready to enjoy Faith Fitness Magazine even more. Thank you for reading.
All the best to you as you train strong in Christ,
-Brad Bloom
Publisher
brad@faithandfitness.net
http://www.faithandfitness.net

I am looking for a Karate school in the Dallas, Plano,or Richardson areas. The only location I found that is some what close is in Denton, Tx...but it is still a long drive. I have a 12 yr. old whom I want to enroll, but I want to make sure it is a Karate for Christ based school. If you could please recommend one within these areas I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

I am a single mom of a 9 year old son who wants to take martial arts. I am also Christian and am raising my son to be as well, and am concerned with the non-Christian teaching that traditional accompanies martial arts training. Are there any Christian martial arts training resources in the Tacoma, Washington area?

I've been perusing your GMAF website, and wondered if you could recommend a Christian Martial Arts teacher for our son in the Rock Hill, SC/Charlotte, NC area. He is working on his 2nd degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do.

I am so excited about GMAF! I've been looking for a karate school for my daughters and every school I've visited I haven't had peace. I asked myself if there is Christian karate and did a search. How exciting! Please e-mail me back as to how to get them started! Miller Place is in NY. Actually, Long Island, NY.

My father and I are both 4th dans in the martial art of ju-jitsu. We are training under bushi kempo ju-jitsu. we have been training a while, my dad for about 23yrs and myself about 21yrs. We have 5 classes in Belfast in Northern Ireland. We would like to expand and also to be able to reach students for God but we don't really know what way to go about it. You have a lot of experience and we would like to draw on that if we could. I would appreciate it if you could send me any information and your dvd to help us.

Just a question. I visited your website in hopes of finding GMAF members in El Paso, Texas (where I live) so I could ask them about training in their school. The only members I could find were Larry and Cheryl Mason, who are said to live in east El Paso. But when I tried to e-mail them, my message came back undelivered. Perhaps they have a new e-mail address, or they moved away? In any event, Do you know of any other GMAF members in El Paso?

We welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.

Soke Steve Clayborn

10th Dan ... Dragon Ryu

5th Dan ... S.F.S.

4th Dan ... Bushido Bujitsu

4th Dan ... Samarai Kempo

Founder of C.A.T.S. (Counter Attack Targeting System) Assualt prevention

The Guardian Research Center

Vancouver, Washington

Lessons by refereral only

Steven Pinder

5th Dan ... Him-Ki Martial Arts

1st Dan ... Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do

Operates House of David Karate at Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, Texas as an outreach and mission

Sensei Jay Overley

Instructor Shorin Ryu Kobudo & Matayoshi Kobudo

Traditional Okinawan Karate since 1971

Founder of TCR system

IOKA affilliation

Youth & Adults

Call 785-232-0977 or email apasempai@cox.net

"We're kickin it for CHRIST"

Jeffrey D. Hill

3rd Dan ... Shotokan Karate

2nd Dan ... KoJaSho Karate, Hakko Ryu Jyu-Jitsu

37 years experience in martial arts

Teaches at Immanuel Lutheran Church/Immanuel Christian Academy in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Attends Destiny Church in Broken Arrow, OK

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.

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

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

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 .

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 reading this bi-monthly newsletter, please ask them to e-mail Mark McGee. We'll be glad to put them on our mailing list.

If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.

Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a ministry of GraceLife Ministries ©.