The Christian Karate Association (CKA) was birthed from the humble passion of Shihan Wilson, a man who found joy in the practice of Karate and harbored a deep desire to share this joy through teaching. His early teaching experiences sowed the seed for a unique concept: the blending of Christianity and Karate. In the beginning, his teaching studio was as simple as it could get - his own backyard. Yet, it was from this humble stage that he discovered a profound truth: "if you teach it, they will come." This realization set Shihan Wilson on a defining journey, one that would result in the creation of a martial arts program that seamlessly incorporated Christian character qualities and disciplines.

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With the unwavering backing of his family and a group of supportive pastors, Shihan Wilson was able to create a program that was revolutionary in its design. It was a martial arts curriculum that stayed true to the core teachings of the Shotokan style of Karate, while simultaneously instilling Christian disciplines. Importantly, it also fostered a welcoming community, uniting friends, families, and even non-believers in a shared space of training, fellowship, and Bible memorization.

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From a young age, Shihan Wilson felt a divine call towards ministry. To prepare himself for this spiritual calling, he underwent theological studies and attended seminary. His mission is best encapsulated by Ephesians 4:11-12: "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church; the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ."

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This mission of equipping God's people and fortifying the church are the cornerstones of the CKA program. Indeed, the emphasis on ministry becomes apparent as individuals join CKA to learn Karate, providing the leaders with opportunities to evangelize, disciple, and strengthen the Church.

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Over its history, CKA has tested numerous methodologies in delivering its unique ministry program. Through a series of trials and lessons learned, CKA discovered the influential power of “letting our light shine.” As it turns out, students were most receptive to the gospel when it was demonstrated through the actions, attitudes, and examples in the lives of their instructors, rather than through a direct preaching approach.

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A pivotal aspect of the success of this ministry was Shihan Wilson's unwavering commitment to his Karate training. His goal was always to learn as much as he could and to be the best he could be, not for worldly pride, but for the Glory of God.

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Students come to CKA with the desire to learn Karate, and when they are met with exemplary Karate instruction, they are more likely to stay. This commitment to excellence sends a powerful message: Excellence in Karate. Excellence in Ministry. Excellence in Equipping. Excellence in the Christian walk.

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The program that has evolved under Shihan Wilson's guidance is not simply theoretical. It is a living, thriving ministry that is actively making a difference in the Kingdom of God each day. It serves as a testament to the power of faith, discipline, and community in transforming lives through the art and discipline of Karate.

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Shihan Wilson's journey in creating the Christian Karate Association was not a solo mission but a collaborative endeavor involving key stakeholders from different backgrounds. His vision of a Christian-based Karate program was not something he could bring to life on his own. It required the collective effort, expertise, and support of other martial artists and pastors.

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Shihan Wilson sought out the wisdom and experience of fellow martial artists to ensure the program was rooted in the authentic practices of Shotokan Karate. He collaborated with these experts, integrating their insights on effective training techniques, discipline, and the philosophies of martial arts. Their collective expertise helped shape the CKA program, making it a pathway to not just physical prowess, but also mental and spiritual growth.

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But the Karate aspect was just one part of the equation. To truly create a program that embodied Christian values and disciplines, Shihan Wilson worked closely with pastors. These religious leaders brought to the table a deep understanding of Christian teachings, principles, and practices. They helped infuse the program with a spiritual depth, ensuring that each training session also created opportunities for Christian fellowship, Bible memorization, and the cultivation of Christian character qualities.

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The pastors also played a critical role in shaping the ministry aspect of the program. They guided Shihan Wilson and the other leaders of CKA on how to effectively evangelize and disciple within the context of a Karate class. Their input was invaluable in helping the program strike a balance between being a space for learning Karate and a platform for spiritual growth and community building.

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This synergistic collaboration between Shihan Wilson, martial artists, and pastors has led to the creation of a unique and impactful program. CKA is not just about learning Karate; it's about personal development, spiritual growth, and community. It's about striving for excellence in all things - in martial arts, in ministry, in equipping others, and in the Christian walk. The result is a vibrant, active ministry that is seeing daily victories for the Kingdom of God. It's a testament to Shihan Wilson's vision and the power of collaboration in bringing that vision to life.