Christian Karate Associations

Christian karate schools can affiliate themselves with several Christian martial arts associations. Some of these associations provide a center for a school to network with other, like-minded karate organizations. Some associations actively promote the ethos of Jesus Christ in countries such as Japan and China through the support, teachings and donations of their members. Each association aims to teach karate skills to children and adults through the development of Christian character skills in place of the traditional karate Eastern philosophies.

  1. World Christian Karate Association

    • The World Christian Karate Association (CKA) teaches Shotokan karate. The CKA is a member of the U.S.A. National Karate-do Federation, which governs Olympic-style karate in the United States. The CKA offers programs for adult and junior learners, as well as a weapons program and team programs. The programs aim to build Christian character as well as teaching Shotokan skills. CKA membership provides access to online training videos, tips and interaction with other members.

    Karate for Christ International

    • Karate for Christ International is an umbrella organization that national and international Christian karate schools can join. The association has a nationwide (and international) list of members who teach karate using Christian principles. The aim of the organization is to promote Christian teachings and outreach in Asia through donations and support from their member schools.

    Christian Karate Association of Dothan

    • Based in Dothan, Alabama, the Christian Karate Association of Dothan teaches adults and children of 5 years and older karate skills and Christian character. The styles of karate taught are Karate-do self-defense and Okinawan Kobudo.

    American Christian Karate Association

    • The American Christian Karate Association (ACKA) was formed in 1993. The association is based in Yucaipa, California, and is a partnership between the First Baptist Church and Yucaipa Christian Church. ACKA teaches Kyokushin karate and Nishi Kaze Seido karate. The karate is taught using a Christian philosophy instead of an Oriental philosophy, and the aim of the association is for students to learn self-defense while also learning about Jesus Christ.

    Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Renmei Balliet International Karate

    • The Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Renmei Balliet International Karate group is run by Dr. Kenneth Balliet, an evangelist missionary who teaches karate as a way of communicating Christian values. The school teaches adult, children's and weapons classes in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

    Gospel Martial Arts Union

    • The Gospel Martial Arts Union (GMAU) is an organization providing belt ranking and instructor certification to Christian martial arts schools. The GMAU also provides workshops, seminars and operational standards for member schools. Membership of the GMAU entitles schools to discounts on GMAU events, access to a network of karate schools with a similar Christian ethos and free GMAU information downloads.