Chief Theological Advisor
9th Degree Black Belt
SOUTH DAKOTA
In 1986 Drs Tottingham and Haralson established the Gospel Martial Arts Union as a vehicle to promote self defense from a Christian perspective. It was during those years Tottingham's book "Christian Martial Arts" was published, and in 1993 he was recommended to the World Head of Family Sokeship Council for membership and was accepted.
Dr. Tottingham served with the US Marine Corps March 1963-1969 and was in Combat action in South Vietnam in 1965 as an infantry machine gunner. He began studying martial arts in 1963 as a new Marine with the Third Reconnaissance Battalion in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. His highest USMC, Republic of Vietnam and USAF Auxiliary decorations include: USMC: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy/Marine Presidential Unit Citation (Silver Star Equal), Army Presidential Unit Citation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, etc; VIETNAM: (2) Gallantry Cross Medal (personal, Bronze Star Equal), Civil Actions Unit Medal, Gallantry Cross Unit Medal with gold star, Hazardous Duty Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal; USAF Aux: (6) Exceptional Service Medal), (5) Meritorious Service Medal, (11) Commander's Commendation, the Service Medal with 20 year attachment, etc.
Dr. Tottingham entered the ministry in 1968 and has earned the ThB, MDiv & PhD degrees. He entered the Air Force Auxiliary Chaplain Service in 1983 and currently is a Lt Colonel. Dr. T is a Brigadier General with the United States Corps of Chaplains. His PhD is in counseling psychology and he has worked as an out-patient counselor for Offutt AFB Mental Hospital. When Dr. T’s combat disability began prohibiting him from rigorous training, he remained active teaching physical and spiritual philosophy, and lecturing and writing concerning the theology of self defense. He has received many awards for his contribution to the Martial Arts and is an avid disciple of self defense arts. His ministry has been diversified but his primary focus has been 33 years as pastor of Empire Baptist Temple, Sioux Falls, SD. He also established and serves as President of Great Plains Baptist Divinity School, a South Dakota State Penitentiary chaplain. He has authored 44books/booklets. He has served as a lobbyist to the SD Legislature, been governor appointed to serve on a state committee. Dr. T has appeared in two films "In Harms Way" (John Wayne) and an episode about the US Marine Corps with Robert Vaughn and Gary Lockwood. Dr T is listed in nine professional registries for Who’s Who, was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1988, given the title of Estimado Amigo in 1994 by the New Mexico Governor. To commemorate his public service, “The Rev. Dr. Ron Tottingham Day” has been officially presented by South Dakota governors on two separate occasions.
Contact Info:
Dr. Ronald L. Tottingham
412 S. Hawthorne Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone 605-339-2038 DrTot@LL.net
