Kicking it for Christ

With a focus on using karate as a means to discipline their bodies as tools of godliness, Karate for Christ strives to develop a Christ-like character and discipline in their students. 

Karate for Christ was founded in 2003 by Micah Wood, the summer after he and his wife, Megan, were married. It was originally hosted by Rehoboth Baptist Church in Tucker, Georgia. 

Wood was working as ministry assistant to the executive pastor at Rehoboth when a group of home-school students approached the church about lessons. They had a teacher they were interested in, but he combined his Christian faith with Eastern philosophies and beliefs. 

The pastor, knowing Wood’s strong traditional Christian beliefs and recently acquired black belt in karate, asked if he would be interested in teaching the class. He agreed, and the classes expanded from there.  

When the Wood family moved to Snellville, they began attending Annistown Baptist Church. Former pastor Sam Gamble visited them, and was immediately struck by the value of their work. He invited them to hold classes in the gym of the youth building, and the school became active there in January of 2008.  

They also teach through the Lilburn Homeschool Alliance.This fall will mark their third year of teaching at the Alliance. 

“There are a lot of people who start karate,” Wood said. “Everyone you talk to has taken karate at some point, but to teach long enough and see someone who makes it through black belt is rewarding.” 

One student who began lessons at Karate for Christ was not very good at sports. 

“He would get frustrated when he couldn’t accomplish something,” Wood recalled, “but is now a junior black belt and is more confident and coordinated.” 

Wood began lessons at the age of 13, at the request of his mother.  

“I had a bad temper,” Wood explained.  “It was one of those things where my mom hoped that it would either wear me out or give me a constructive way to work it out.”  

Andrew Castongia, an assistant instructor at the academy, has worked with Wood since their days at Rehoboth. He is a black belt in karate and a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Castongia, a former cage fighter, was 22 when he began his journey into martial arts. 

“[Karate for Christ] benefits not just your body, but your soul,” Castongia said. 

At each belt level, the students memorize Bible verses and how they apply to their lives, like John 3:16, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.  One verse in particular led Castongia to read the entire book of Romans.  

“It gets your soul in shape,” Castongia joked. 

Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays, with different age-appropriate levels. The "L’il Kickers," ages 3-6, meet at 5:15, and the teen and adult classes meet later on in the evening. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, led by Castongia, meets at 8 p.m.  

“Jiu-Jitsu is more technical and submission oriented,” Castongia said.  “It’s a way for the little guy to use leverage and the bigger body against [your opponent].”  

There are many benefits to karate, including learning to use both sides of your brain. 

“It makes you a more well-rounded person,” Wood said.  

Visit Karate for Christ’s website for more information.  The first week of classes is absolutely free and offered as a trial period.  Classes range between $55-65 a month, and discounts are available for multiple family members.