Constitution of the Gospel Martial Arts Union

Established 1986 - Revised September, 2006

Article I - Name & National Office
Article II - Object & Purpose
Article III - Governors
Article IV - Duty of Officers
Article V - Recognition
Article VI - Official Seal
Article VII - Doctrinal Statement
Article VIII - Etiquette
Article IX - Uniforms
Article X - Identity and Powers
Article XI - Membership and Fees
Article XII - Amendments and Administrative Actions

ARTICLE I - NAME & NATIONAL OFFICE

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

ARTICLE II - OBJECT AND PURPOSE

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

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

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

The object and purpose of the GMAU is:

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

ARTICLE III - GOVERNORS

Section A - Titles of the Governor Offices: The Governors of the GMAU shall be limited to the following offices. One person may hold more than one office.
Section B - Charter Governors: Chairman & Co-Founder
Section C - Belt Ranking of the Governors: The Governors shall hold their regularly tested belt ranking with the exception of the Chairman, who shall hold no lower rank than Sixth (6th) Degree Black Belt as a positional rank, and the Executive Director, who shall hold no lower rank than Sixth (6th) Degree Black Belt. Any rank promotion through regularly tested means shall be assumed immediately. The Governors may, by a three-fourth (3/4th) majority, elect to promote any member of the Governors to a higher positional rank when and if it's deemed necessary for the good of the union.

ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section A - Description of Duties / Governors
Section B - Description of Duties / Resource Staff: They must possess the capability and willingness to serve and must be appointed by the Governors by majority agreement. They shall be Martial Artists dedicated in, and to the GMAU and the concepts thereof, and shall serve at the discretion of the Governors. They shall be qualified to initiate and implement such programs as will increase the effectiveness of the GMAU, and shall be available for advice and recommendations to the Governors. Resource Staff may be removed from this position by a majority agreement of the Governors.

ARTICLE V - RECOGNITION

The GMAU is recognized by the following organizations:

Nippon Shiho Karano Kai International (Soke Clement G. Riedner, PhD)
Christian Martial Arts Federation (Soke David Epps, DMin)
Am/Asian Ryu (Sijo Ron Shively)
Global Martial Arts Federation (Soke Chi Ping Lum)

ARTICLE VI - OFFICIAL SEAL

ARTICLE VII - DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

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

ARTICLE VIII - ETIQUETTE

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

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

Section C - General Protocol:

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

Section D - Dojo Protocol:

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

Section E : Outside Dojo Protocol:

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

IX - UNIFORMS

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

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

The following is suggested.

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

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

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

X - IDENTITY AND POWERS

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

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

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

XI - MEMBERSHIP AND FEES

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

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

XII - AMENDMENTS & ADMINSTRATIVE ACTIONS

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

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

(Est. 1986 - Offical Actions since 1986)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - EIGHT
Action One - In August of 2006 the Governors voted to remove Mr. Scott Hoffer, Pastor Mike McClure and Dr. Charles Owens from the Board of Governors for the GMAU.