The goal was . . . to show that what most people see as a violent activity . . . can play a redemptive role, especially the physical/mental conditioning and self-defense aspects of it . . . I try to teach my students that doing karate is really about humility and discipline rather than power and pride.
As for his plans after seminary, Ryan says, “I would like to be a lead pastor some day, but I also enjoy the training and equipping aspect of small groups. At CO I was part of a team that developed a four-year curriculum for small group leaders and would love the opportunity to work on something like that at a church while gaining experience and learning from the senior pastor.” For now, though, he seeks the Lord’s leading and continues to pursue karate and evangelistic opportunities with people he knows through his martial arts work. “I have common ground with some of them because they’re in college. They know I’m in seminary, so we talk about school and what we’re learning. It’s taken awhile to build a trust level in some cases, but we’re getting there. I pray the Lord will use my limited time with them for good.”
Rick Matt (MATS ’05) is senior writer and editor for Covenant Seminary and a ruling elder in the PCA. When not hearing and telling the stories of how God is working through those connected with Covenant, he also enjoys reading (real books); watching movies; discussing theology, the arts, and cultural issues with friends; and spending time with his wife, Rebekah, and their four children.
Ministry and martial arts may seem like strange bedfellows, but seminary student and karate black belt Ryan Brown sees a redemptive connection between them.
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