I just returned from the largest GMAU Conference in our 20 year history. There were over 250 participants including over 50 black belts from all corners of our country. 20 world-class instructors presented seminars starting at 3:30pm on Friday running through 4:30pm on Saturday on topics ranging from fencing, tai chi, grappling, judo, kumite, Chi/Ki, single strike technology, kempo chi na, pressure points, sword drills, kata, unitary motion, reflexive drills, women's self-defense, aikido, and kicking. There were several advanced academic and spiritual seminars and three key note challenges. We were honored to have our co-founder, Dr. Ron Tottingham present, along with our newest member of the board of directors, Mr. Keith Yates, president of A-Ka-To. We were treated to three hours of action packed grappling and pankration full-contact tournament action on Friday night. The event was capped off with a Medieval banquet and awards ceremony in the central hall of our national honbu on Saturday night. The Lord has blessed us with a 20,000 square foot facility that is completely outfitted with the best of training facilities. Thank you Ron Tottingham and David Shipley for your spiritual challenges. Congratulations to Master Bill Church (MI) upon your advancement to 5th degree black belt and Chris Potter for being awarded the "Pachivas Patch." I want to personally thank Dr. Johnny Russell (our GMAU Executive Director) and his 30+ academy directors and team coaches for hosting this event. Everything was first-class.
– Dr. Kent Haralson
Our newest GMAU Chartered School
Karate through Christ, located in Dayton, Ohio, at South Dayton
Baptist Church. This is a brand new ministry run by Pastor Steve
Thornhill (standing on right) and Jerry Mullins (kneeling).