I've used the martial arts for evangelism ever since my college days, when in 1972 I first participated in a judo demonstration by the "Judo Gentlemen" of Bob Jones U., a martial arts evangelistic team. Then at Tennessee Temple College, I was part of an evangelistic team called "Kung Fu for Christ" (1975-1976). We saw 56 professions of faith in Christ one year.
I'm glad to call Evangelist Mike Crain my martial arts teacher and friend. Mike was probably the first to ever use the martial arts for Christ in 1966, I believe it was, when he founded "Judo and Karate for Christ." Unfortunately, Mike had a stroke last year and is not able to do evangelism right now.
As a board member and international rep of the Gospel Martial Arts Union (
www.gmau.org), I help promote using the martial arts as a tool and means for evangelism. GMAU black belts often do evangelistic martial arts demonstrations, but perhaps our main emphasis is regular classes in churches for evangelism and Christian growth. GMAU schools require the students to memorize Bible verses and learn how to serve God in order to advance in rank, besides just techniques, forms and sparring. GMAU teachers can tell many stories of souls saved and Christians witnessing and growing.
From the start of my martial arts career I have had 1 Cor. 10:31 as my motto: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." So since I love the martial arts, I try to use them to glorify God.
