Probably one of the hardest things to learn as a
martial artist is to evaluate a stranger on the fly. In
this way, we must be able to decide whether "psyching
him out" will work, or whether the only thing that
will stop him is some kind of damage to his body. I
personally feel inadequate to make that judgment in all
situations. If I believe there is a possibility that I must
go for the jugular, that will be my first move.
Anything less than that could be potentially fatal.<br>I
will approach the situation differently depending on
whether I am the person being attacked, or the victim is
someone who is vulnerable and unable to defend
herself.<br>Pat

I personally think there are times when living
peaceably with all men IS impossible. This is especially
true if a small vulnerable person is being attacked,
and you are in a position to defend him or her. I
agree with you. I think God gives us the ability and
the opportunity to learn martial arts so that we can
use them against aggressors.<br>You might encourage
your wife to learn a martial art, also. There will be
times when she will be with the children and you are
not. When you do have children, you might consider
having them train as well. It is wonderful discipline.
Five of my seven children have studied martial arts
and reached at least recommended black belt level.
The other two weren't interested. I especially see
the benefit of learning discipline. One of my sons
now has his third degree and is a certified
instructor. I was really proud of him when I first watched
him teach. Another has a second degree black belt. I
don't remember if I told this story here or not. This
son was once confronted by a boy who had gotten in
trouble with the law, and had been taken in by his aunt
and uncle rather than be sent to juvenile hall. He
was attending the church youth group. This boy
volunteered to beat up my son, so he said, go ahead. The boy
attacked, and my son laid him out neat on the ground. The
boy attacked again. Again, my son laid him out neat
on the ground. After about four or five attempts the
boy gave up. Not long after that, he dedicated his
life to Christ. His aunt expressed her personal
gratitude for my two sons, because they had always treated
the boy with much respect, and she feels they made a
major contribution to the boy's changed life.<br>This
son has been called by God to become a pastor. I
pointed out that his martial arts skills will always help
him gain the respect of the teenage boys in his
congregation, which can be a very good thing.<br>Pat

Of course. You must do what is NECESSARY. If it
is necessary to break a knee, you do so. If you can
(by opportunity or capability) simply sweep the knee
and still guarentee the safety of yourself and your
family than you are obligated to do that instead. The
key is to know your limits and not to play games
being "cute" when risking the safety of yourself and
those whome are looking to you for
protection.<br>riversidema

I certainly agree with riverside and seigi that
more advanced studiers of the art need to be held to a
higher standard than their beginner counterparts. A
black belt should know and have greater control of
his/her technique, and should also be humble (unlike the
arrogance and insecurity of most brown belts - I think you
know what I'm talking about!).<br><br>However, that
brings up a question that I've been wanting to ask a
group of peers such as yourselves. If I have a
one-on-one confrontation, the above holds true, no doubt.
However, what if it is a three-on-one situation, and you
are also defending your wife and kids against the
three asailants. I feel that I would be justified to
"do what it takes" to get the odds back down to a
one-on-one situation, at which point the above would hold
true again. And this would be regardless of what the
law states, because we're talking about giving of my
life for my wife and children. With a three-on-one, I
believe it would only be safe for my family to do my best
to incapacitate (not necessarily kill, although it
might happen more readily in this situation) two of the
attackers, and hope the third one gets some
doubt.<br><br>What do you think?

This is very true! I teach my student a list of
twelve priciples that a Christian Martial Artist must
understand, number 10 is, "Never forget that your opponant is
made in the image of God!" I will post a these
priciples and there scripture referances later this week
some time.<br><br>Peace, ImpactTKD &lt;&gt;&lt;

It is my belief that as Christians, we are
obligated to help others in any time of need. This means
that if we need to use the gifts (martial arts) that
God has given us to do this than so be-it. However, I
also feel that in every situation there is a way to
stop the threat without killing anyone. We must
remember that we have been given a gift that if used
without a moral and ethical base would be against God’s
will. Everyone and everything id God’s creation, and He
loves them (our opponents) just as much as He does us.
So as Christians, we should love them just as much.
We have all learned techniques that can be used for
submissions, as well as ways to “psych-out” our opponent.
These are the types of techniques that we should be
using. As for the abortion issue, I am firmly against
abortion, but killing those who perform the abortions is
also a sin. We could help by ministering to those
women before they get to the clinic. Because without
any patients, the clinics can not stay open.

Well put (as usual) pk, might I add something
else? If a mugger attacks a yellow belt, and another
attacks a black belt, and both defend themselves with
success, than the odds are that the mugger against the
yellow belt is the one in more danger. <br>Think about
it. As you gain skill and ability, your
responsibility (morally and legally) are holding you more
accountable. The "beginner" cannot afford to try the advanced
techniques, they must do what they know well, and do it
efficiently and quickly for once they have tried anything,
their attacker now knows that they are dealing with a
(martial artist). They must make sure what they do is
successful. The BB has more training, more techniques in
his/her arsenal, and hopefully the composure to utilize
them. Because of their advanced skill they should have
more confidence to show compassion to their attacker.
An arm bar, instead of a break. Knock the wind out,
instead of some teeth.<br>I realize that there might be
times when the situation dictates full force and ask
for forgiveness later, but as skill increases so does
awareness (of self and of others). <br>1 Peter 3:15 (I know
I use this out of context, in an area it probably
was not meant for, and am paraphrasing) Be ready to
give an answer, with gentleness and respect. BE READY
TO GIVE AN ANSWER, but if possible, use the least
amount of force so that your actions may be a statement
to all you are involved, or see or hear of the
encounter. Not just to retain respect for your art, but for
the Head Artist as well.<br><br>riversidema

Romans 12:18 provides a good context for this
one: "If it be possible,... live peaceably with all
men." (KJV)<br><br>The "if" notes that there will be
instances where peace will not be an option, where a
physical confrontation will be imminent. My feeling is
that if we abide in the Fruits of the Spirit, and
we're able to utilize our martial arts skills without
disrupting those fruits, then it would probably be
justified.<br><br>I have no doubt that my martial arts skills are God
given for me to be able to defend my wife, and
(someday) my children. Taking a passive stance in this
instance would violate every tenent of my responsbilities
as a husband and (someday) father as given
throughout the New Testament.

I have a question for all of you.<br>Before I ask
it, let me put it in context.<br>Recently, I have
been having a discussion with some people who are
against abortion and believe we should kill abortionists
and bomb clinics to protect unborn babies.<br>The
question is this:<br>Under what circumstances do you
believe we should use our martial arts skills to defend
ourselves and others?<br>Pat

Hey PK, we must stop meeting like this.....<br>I
am MooDukKwan TaeKwonDo for about 15 years now. Yang
style TaiChi for about 5. Kajekenbo for the last 3. The
changes in styles were encouraged by my instructor and
moves. I teach through a Community Education program
locally. I have two kids and a wife who have taught me
more about being a Christian than going to anything
else. I find it a challenge to teach correct morals
(Biblical) in a public school system without letting people
know exactly what I am doing (unless directly
asked).<br><br>riversidema

Hi everybody! I "know" some of you through some
of the other clubs, but I'm glad to have arrived
here, where there seems to be ample action going
on...<br><br>About myself: I've been studying American Kenpo since
the age of 10 (I'm currently 27), and just recently
received my 3rd degree black belt. I just started teaching
a beginner's class here at my office, and have
learned a tremendous amount through teaching the basics
and reading through God's Word for good verses to
encourage my students. I don't have a Christian karate club
per se, but I do make it known that I am a man under
God's authority, and as their instructor, I am
responsible to provide a moral and ethical standard with
which to hold the martial knowledge I am imparting with
them.<br><br>Although I see my karate class as a main source of
ministry and outreach, I also serve as a worship team
leader and a member of the worship committee at my
church. I've been fortunate to have been a part of a
church that has a dynamic faith and has a true presence
of the Holy Spirit, and the growth in numbers and
maturity amongst the congregation is just an obedient
response to the Lord's presense.

Welcome.<br>Having had to change schools twice, I
can appreciate what you are going through.<br>I
suspect the hardest thing a person can do is change
styles such that s/he has to learn new kata. This can
hold one back in rank for awhile. Especially when you
are younger and male, that can be a real trial.<br>Do
you live in a city large enough that you might
possibly find a school that practices the same style?<br>I
have talked to some people who are unwilling to drive
a great distance to study under someone. By "great
distance" I mean fifteen minutes further from home after
work.<br>I have to drive 45 minutes from home to reach my
school. It has always been that way. I combine the trip
with other errands. That way, it takes less
time.<br>How is your belt ranking system? What rank is purple
belt?<br>Pat

Hi, i just joined the club today. I am a 28 year
old male who is currently studying Kenpo Karate. I
hold the rank of purple belt. I am very excited
because God has given me the oppurtunity to move out of
my cumfor zone and surch for a new school. My
previous school asked me to leave because our views were
not the same. I would like to stay in the same style,
but I will trust in the Lord and go where he tells me
to. I look forward to chating with you all in the
future. No matter what happens remember "If God be for
us, who can be against us"

Hi, ImpactTKD. I was reading your description of
the technique adapted for taekwondo, and you use some
slightly different terminology from what I am used to, so
your description is still a little puzzling to me.
What is an open stance? What is a low TKD front
stance, and why does it result in an outward
sweep?<br><br>I have a couple of combinations I like to use. One
starts with three punches to the solar plexus followed
by an inside crescent to the head. Since I have
faked my opponent into protecting his solar plexus, he
is usually not expecting the strike to the head.
Another combination I like to use starts from a back
stance, and using the back leg, I do an inside crescent
to the upper body (either to strike or to remove a
block), followed by a reverse spin side kick to the solar
plexus with the other foot. I am also very fond of
spinning back fists to the temple, or jumping reverse back
fists.<br>Do you teach your students how to break a board with
an inside crescent? It is my favorite kick, but I
have found that when I go to a seminar or something, I
always have to teach them how to hold the boards so that
I can do it. I don't believe anyone else in our
school does this kick, except probably the instructor.

Hi. I just joined the club. I hold a first degree
black belt in taekwondo, the rank of gokyu in judo, and
a purple belt in KemScrimaDoh. I am 55.<br>I have
been a Christian for many, many years. I feel God's
guidance in my life for all of those years. As we get to
know each other, I may let a little of my story leak
out. My life has been such a trip that I don't talk
about it all that readily!<br>Currently, I am doing a
videography assignment for my church. The church is building
a new day care center, and Laborers for Christ is
involved. They are a group of people who go about building
churches as a ministry. They receive minimum wage. The
workers have motor homes and live on the building site.
The pastor asked me to produce a 15 minute
documentary. I am also taking still photographs. Some of my
photographs have been posted in the Luther on Line Yahoo
club.<br>Needless to say, I am a Lutheran.<br>I teach occasionally,
but I have had the privilege of working under a woman
who holds a fifth degree black belt in taekwondo. I
love her dearly, and she teaches most of the classes
herself. I joined her school with a recommended black
belt, knowing only one set of forms. She teaches three
sets, and I am required to know two of them in order to
be eligible to be an assistant instructor. Sometimes
she asks me to do a little impromptu teaching if I am
early to class.<br>In my last dojang, for awhile I
assistant-taught as a red belt. The dojang closed shortly after I
felt I needed to stop teaching. It was run by a
Christian pastor. I may tell you more about that school
sometime.<br>Pat

You must remember your past and what God has done
for you and you must understand where you are in you
walk with God in the present, in order to understand
where you are going. This is an Impact original.
<><

A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the
friends he chooses."<br>Do we get involved with our students outside
involvements as their instructors?<br><br>riversidema

kay, I had to show off my two newest Orange
Belts Erica and Kristin. They both worked very hard and
I would like to congratulate them on a wounderful
test. If you are woundering why we are not in uniforms,
E-mail me @ Impacttkd@... and I explain.
<br>Peace, Impact&lt;&gt;&lt;

f you want to Tae Kwon Do the technique
mentioned by bushidoman99, you can try it with a back-fist,
uppercut and spinning back fist combo, spinning from an
open stance to the back-side of your opponants body,
connecting to the back of the head. The technique can be
followed up by droppping into a low TKD front stance,
which exicutes a outward sweep. The opponant will most
often fall face first leaving him or her open swift
kick in the Groin or back. Just thought I would throw
my Tkd two sence in.

want to share a fun, but effective drill with
you. In Jeet Kune Do, these are called glove drills,
because you work them with gloves against the back of
opponents gloves. A focus pad will also work.<br><br>all of
these techniques start with a light backfist, reverse
punch. Get your opponent guarding his nose. make hin
think you have little power. now from the outside,
strike with an iron palm, right hook, elbow, uppercut,
etc to the temple. this should enable you to move in
with knees, takedowns, or other close in fighting
techniques. Try thes in your next training session, or class.
work several different techniques on the third punch.
let me know what u think.

ell, here are my credentials. I am a Black Belt
in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido and hold rank in Kung-fu
and Kempo. I have studied in the martial arts for a
little over 9 ˝ years and have competed and won in
Local, State and National Competitions. I am currently
an instructor in Hawthorne California teach the
inner city youth of L.A.

forgot to give you my credentials. I am a Brown
Belt 2nd stripe in Bushido Kempo, A brown Belt in
jujitsu, And a Brown Belt in Akijitsu. It is extremely
rare for a brown belt to be given a school, and I
thank God he has given me this opportunity.

want to encourage everyone to post a
description ot you. include type of martial arts, location,
and how god is working in your life. Feel free to
post praise reports, prayer requests, etc. at any
time<br>My name is Carl. I live in oklahoma. I have a small
school started in January. I teach Bushido Kempo Karate.
This style combines the best of hard okinawan karate,
akijitsu, jujitsu, jeet kune do,weapons, and submission
grappling. I have about 20 students, but I'm growing weekly,
with 2 new students added today. The lord has been
very good to me. I have recently rededicated my life
to him. I am a sunday school teacher in a small
church in oklahoma. I am praying about becoming the
youth pastor, so pray with me for god's will to be
done. TKD and I are best friends from high school, but
he's on a mission trip in California, and i want you
all to pray for him daily.<br><br>GOD IS SO
AWESOME!!! never underestimate the power we have through
him.

will be asking my students to sign on and sign up.  It will happen! I will be
posting some pic. from my class as well.  <br><br>For HIM,<br><br>Fred
&lt;&gt;&lt;

uys, we need 2 more members to appear on the most popular category, so tell your
friends to join!!!!!!

ot a REAL Jar Head anyway, but I just joined. I would like permission to post
pics from my class in the club album if I may.

ello to everyone, welcome to the club impacttkd,
glad to have you. I want to encourage otyhers to join
the club. together, we can share ideas and reach
others for christ. I believe martial arts is a gift from
God. I believe it is a talant and should not be
wasted, but be used to bring honor and glory to his name.
Without him we can do nothing. Although my school is not
a "christian" school, I have found that I can still
incorporate my beliefs into training. My students know where
I stand, and they know i love my
lord.<br><br>phillipians 4:13

ANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO REACH UP, REACH IN AND REACH OUT IN HIS NAME. 
PEACE, IMPACT<><

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