[Webmaster: Most Christian martial art clubs still teach traditions forms which can easily be shown to integrate eastern spiritualism and philosophy. These forms must be taught as they are part of the standard grading syllabus. This grading syllabus is set by non-Christian, traditional Martial Art organisations who fully support the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art. Cause for a little concern at least.]
CrossForce - Chistian Karate Club
CrossForce is a Christian Karate Ministry. We teach sound "sport" karate, which means that we do not believe in or teach any other "philosophy" with our Martial Arts. We promote good sportsmanship and the golden rule of treating others in a kind and respectful way. While Karate is obviously a very important part of our ministry, the most important part is our class Bible study and in-reach to our students and their families.
CrossForce welcomes both beginners and students who have ranked in martial arts before. CrossForce offers ranking in Shin Nagare, a Japanese style, and Tae Kwon Do, which is a Korean style of martial arts.
We offer two classes; CrossForce for ages 12 and up and CrossForce Kids for ages 5-11. The adult class consists of stretching, exercising, kicking, punching, forms of "kata" (a prearranged set of blocks and kicks), sparring, self defense, and Bible study. CrossForce Kids is basically the same Karate as in the adult classes, except that we do not teach self defense techniques to the younger children. (Sparring in both classes is at the instructor's discretion.)
About the Instructors
Jim and Kathy Anderson are the directors of First Baptist CrossForce Ministry. Sensei Anderson is a Forth degree Black Belt (Yodan) in Shin Nagare and Tae Kwon Do. He holds a Second Degree (Nidan) in Hapkido. He has been a Black Belt since 1979 and has been an instructor since 1981. He was the instructor for Auburn University for three years and had his own martial arts studio in Auburn, AL. Mr. Anderson has been the instructor of a Christian Karate Ministry since 1992 and began CrossForce Ministry at First Baptist in 1995. He has coached five karate demo teams. Currently he is coaching the Sons of Thunder karate evangelism team.
Kathy Anderson holds Second Degree Black Belts (Nidan) in Shin Nagare and Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do, a First Degree (Shodan) in Hapkido, and also ranked in Joe Corley's American Karate. She had been in karate since 1983. Both Jim and Kathy have competed in local and national karate tournaments.
Jim and Kathy lead the interactive Bible study. The Bible studies are in-depth studies of different books or topics of the Bible. Kathy also teaches Bible study in the children's class.
The Andersons have been members of First Baptist since 1987. Jim gave his live to Jesus Christ in 1981 and Kathy was saved in 1986. They have three children - Heather, Zachary, and Craig.
