The AKKA is one of four aliances created by Sensei Richard Hamilton. His three other aliances (pics forthcoming), the American Grappling Association, the American Shootfighting Association, and the American Kobudo Association, provide him with a fresh organized approach to the Martial Arts. Sensei Hamilton currently offers a Christian Martial Arts program through North Phoenix Baptist Chruch, and an accredited minor in Martial Arts at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
My background in the Martial Arts.
Some info on Christian Martial Arts and Sensei Hamilton:
Excerpted from the NPBC Christian Martial Arts brochure
Purpose
The purpose of Christian martial arts is to develop the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of man while teaching discipline, instilling respect for authority, and developing Christian leadership skills. It also provides a means of defense against an increasingly violent society. The bible tells us that as the world moves toward the chaos of the coming tribulation, the Christian world will be thrust back into a realm that it has not known for centuries (Revelation 4:1-19:21). Realizing this, many have chosen to be prepared for persecution by learning how to defend themselves and their loved ones, rather than placing hope in avoiding it.
Instructor
Professor R.T. Hamilton, B.S., M.Ed., is an ordained minister of the gospel with over three decades of martial arts training and 358 competitive victories. After earning teaching certificates in a variety of martial arts, he developed his own three-range fighting system. Sensei Hamilton founded the Christian Martial Arts Program at North Phoenix Baptist Church and began teaching a karate and self defense program at Grand Canyon University in 1985
Today the NPBC program is one of the largest in the country with dozens of extension schools nation-wide. The country's first fully-accredited martial arts minor, which includes classes in self-defense, karate, kickboxing, grappling, shootfighting, and weapons, debuted at GCU in 1992. Between these two programs, Professor Hamilton teaches over 200 students daily at a 20,000 square foot indoor facility and a 7,500 square foot outdoor arena with 2,000 square feet of mats, 25 kicking bags, 70 feet of mirrors, two 24 foot boxing rings, and all the latest fighting equipment to produce world-class athletes.
Commonly Asked Questions
What about Eastern Mysticism and Zen?
In founding a Christian martial arts program, it was necessary to totally divorce the influences of Eastern religion. Meditation has been replaced with prayer before and after every class. Learning the sayings of Confucius and Buddha has been replaced with scripture memory as a requirement for belt promotion. While the Oriental two-class systems strives to deify martial arts instructors, we strive to instill proper discipline and respect for authority according to Biblical principals.
What about turning the other cheek?
We teach students to defend themselves, not to be bullies. Jesus set an example of meekness, humility, and personal scrifice. Throughout the abuse that preceded his crucifixion, he was long-suffering and offered no defense. Earlier when he encountered the moneychangers in the temple, however, we saw a more aggressive side of our Lord.
The contrast lies in the direction of the mockery. When Jesus was the brunt of the injustice, he put up no defense. Conversely, when it was his heavenly Father who was offended, Jesus immediately went to work to set things right. Similarly, most of us find taking personal insults unpleasant, yet tolerable. When those in our care are threatened with harm, however, we must take defensive action.
Isn't God supposed to protect us?
A number of Christians claim that with enough faith, believers can avoid trials, and that if you are close enough to the Lord, no harm will come to you. The book of Job clearly states the contrary. The Lord protects us by giving us sound minds and healthy bodies, along with the opportunity to prepare ourselves for times of trial.
