Local Studio Integrates Christian Faith with Karate

AFR Has Been Instructing Students In Clay County For Over Two Decades

AFR Christian Karate Shihans Cris and LeAnne instruct students on proper form.

For over two decades, Clay County and the surrounding area has been served by a unique business—AFR Christian Karate Studio. Founded by Shihans (Masters) Cris and LeAnne Kolb, they teach a traditional Japanese style, called Fushin Ryu.

Both Shihans trained directly under Saiko Shihan (Grand Master) Yoshio Sugihara. Currently located at 195 Blanding Boulevard (across from VyStar), they don't simply teach karate, they develop Christian martial artists who are mentally, physically and spiritually prepared.

When asked about the inspiration behind combining karate training with Christian principles, Cris Kolb reflects on a divine calling. "God spoke to me and said He wanted me to use it as a ministry," he said.

Despite initial surprise, Cris embraced this calling wholeheartedly, witnessing doors miraculously opening in affirmation of God's plan. One might question the compatibility of Eastern martial arts with Christian beliefs, but Cris dismisses any notion of conflict. "While character development has become a core principle of Karate training, Japanese Karate itself has no inherent religious roots," he said.

The word karate is two words: kara meaning "empty" and teh meaning "hand." Karate was developed in Okinawa about 800 years ago when mainland Japan annexed the islands and disarmed the native population. They were defenseless against their oppressors, so they developed a method of turning their “empty hands'' into weapons.

Karate was a response to political oppression, not a spiritual activity. As karate grew in popularity, instructors felt it important to develop good moral character in their students so the art would not be used for evil purposes. The original instructors taught morality based on their own spiritual beliefs, and Cris and LeAnne do the same today.

At AFR Christian Karate, the integration of Christian values permeates every aspect of training. Shihan Cris underscores the importance of character development, using the Bible as a guide to instill virtues like responsibility and faith in students.

The studio's approach to adapting traditional karate practices reflects its Christian ethos. Cris emphasizes the importance of treating one's body as a temple and promoting lifelong health and discipline through karate practice:

Karate, like no other activity, fine tunes the body for life-long health while discouraging unhealthy habits. One of Grand Master Sugihara’s favorite sayings was, “Karate is for life!” As is typical for a dedicated life-long Karate practitioner, he lived into his late 90’s and was physically active and mentally sharp until the end.

In teaching, Cris and LeAnne focus on unity rather than theological differences. They emphasize salvation through grace, fostering a supportive environment where students of various denominations come together to grow spiritually and physically. Cris said:

We have Baptist, Methodists, Pentecostals, Catholics, Presbyterians, etc. In all the years we have been doing this we have not had conflicts because we stick to what we agree on. We have eight scriptures we recite every class that outline the doctrine of salvation and equip students to share their faith.

Reflecting on the impact of Christian integration, Cris shares countless anecdotes of transformed lives. From former students expressing gratitude for positive influences to troubled youths finding direction through karate, the studio's mission of holistic development rings true. "As an instructor there is nothing more fulfilling than to see a young person, at a crossroad in life, start to make good decisions because God has used me to reach them," he said.

Ultimately, the Kolb's vision extends beyond black belts and trophies. They aim to develop spiritually grounded individuals who positively impact their communities, embodying Christian values in their everyday lives. As students progress through AFR Christian Karate, they carry with them not only martial arts skills, but a deeper understanding of faith and discipline.

With self-confidence and a commitment to excellence instilled within them, these Christian martial artists become agents of positive change in a world hungry for integrity and virtue.

"We put Christ in our name. We strive to be worthy of that: character development from the Bible in a world class karate dojo. Our motto is 'The Finest Martial Arts Training in Northeast Florida,' and we mean it," Cris said.

If you would like to learn more, or experience a free private lesson, call 904-298-1745. You can also find more information at https://www.christian-karate.com/