Shield of Faith Schools
Welcome to Shield of Faith Schools page. We teach a martial art called Cha Yun-do, which was developed by Dr. Randolph Young. Cha Yun-do is a martial art based on Biblical principles where the movements work in an easy, flowing manner without rigidness or stiffness. Cha Yun-do is an ‘integrated’ system using defensive techniques followed by counterattacking techniques when necessary.
Shield of Faith Schools is part of the Christian Martial Arts Fellowship (CMAF). The Christian Martial Arts Fellowship (CMAF) has been teaching the Art of Cha Yun-do in the quad-county area of Southeast Michigan since 1989. It is a full-discipline, martial arts program.
Announcements
4/27: Test at Troy Location @ 10:30 am (arrive at 10:00 am)
Classes / Location
Training
All Shield of Faith Schools teach the art of Cha Yun-do as the primary discipline. Other martial arts may be introduced, with permission, for comparative purposes, but not taught as a standard. Further, no occult or Eastern philosophy teaching is allowed. All teaching is supported by scripture.
Students will be taught empty hand self-defense techniques and combinations to use for the defense of themselves or loved ones. Shield of Faith Schools do not enter competitions or championships, however once a student attains the rank of orange belt, they are allowed to spar with the Instructor’s permission. Sparring is a way to aid in the development of a student’s skills and putting their knowledge into practice. Students wishing to spar, should contact their instructor.
Shield of Faith – Troy
The Troy location has regular class on Thursday evenings at Faith Lutheran (37635 Dequindre Rd) from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, with a kids class and family class.
- Kids class – 5:00 pm
- Open Training – 6:00 pm
- Family class – 6:30 pm
Send us an Email for details on getting started or more information
Shield of Faith – Berkley
The Berkley location has regular training class on Saturday mornings at Berkley Community Church (2855 Wiltshire Rd) from 10:30 am to noon.
- Family class – 10:30 am
- Open Training – 11:30 am
Send us an Email for details on getting started or more information
New Students
New students can start at any time during the year. Please contact us for additional information or to schedule an introductory lesson. If you would like to come watch a training class, please let us know in advance. Please note that at least one introductory lesson is needed before training can begin.
Instructors
Questions / Articles
Does learning a martial art violate Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek?
This is a good question. We must be careful to take the entirety of Scriptures into consideration when we look at the Scriptures. In Luke, Jesus told his disciples to take a sword with them. In Romans, Paul instructs us that an appropriate use force by the government is to punish wrongdoers. So, we do recognize that studying a martial art is not for everyone, however, if you are going to study a martial art, we believe it is best to study an art that is not rooted in eastern mysticism. We also recognize that according to Romans 12, if we are truly loving others we will live at peace with others for as much as it is possible to do so. When it becomes impossible to do so, being trained in a martial art may be of benefit. We encourage you to seek God’s guidance and pray about whether it would be right for you to train, and the follow God’s direction.
[read more – article by BJ Oropeza]
Recent Articles
How Is Cha Yun-do Different from traditional martial arts?
Cha Yun-do is similar in a lot of way to traditional arts like Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Karate, etc. in that Cha Yun-do has patterns (kata/pumsae or poomse) and combinations. There are two main differences, the first is that Cha Yun-do is founded on Biblical principles grounded in the Word of God. The second is that Cha Yun-do’s combinations and patterns are the same movements and techniques used in standard sparring drills. Lastly, everything taught is for self-defense; one purpose; one direction; one system.
Can a Martial Art be Christian?
Technically, no, just like there is no such thing as Christian music, but rather musicians who are Christian and sing songs that give glory to God. In a similar manner the martial art itself cannot be declared ‘Christian’, however the principles on which it is founded can be God honoring or not. Cha Yun-do was created out of the desire to have a martial art that is devoid of the eastern mysticism and pagan influences that many martial arts have. However, the most important part is the martial artist themselves, just like the musician in the example above. The Christian martial artist is an individual who is first and foremost a child of God. Shield of Faith believes that the student’s relationship with God is extremely important, and we will make efforts to know that everyone needs a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, a Christian martial artist is an individual that is striving to seek justice and to relieve the oppressed.