New Book Release: The Dark Side of Karate

A Woman... A Movement... An Age...
 

       The Dark Side of Karate by Linda Nathan and Tonie Gatlin, recently released through http://www.1stBooks.com, takes the reader on a fast-paced tour through the meteoric heights and depths of the life of former national karate champion Tonie Harris Gatlin, looks deep into the martial arts, and examines both within the rise of the largest occult revival in history: the New Age Movement.

       The book is available now at http://www.1stBooks.com/bookview/14779 or by calling 1-888-280-7715. Paperback: $10.25. E-book: $3.95. Retail outlets: $11.45.

       Read Chapter 1 and the Table of Contents at www.darksideofkarate.com.

       "The martial arts are a multi-billion dollar industry today, and approximately 20% of instructors and 50% to 70% of practitioners claim to be Christians,” Linda Nathan said. “So I searched the Internet for anything that might examine the topic from a Biblical point of view. Out of the 245 books on karate and the martial arts I found – many aimed at children – I found only one that claimed to critique them Biblically – and that book was out of print! Obviously, there is a huge need for such a book. Between Tonie’s expertise and inside knowledge of the scene, and my own writing ministry, Biblical training, and past years in the New Age Movement, I felt equipped to write The Dark Side of Karate.”

       The life of Tonie Harris Gatlin weaves like a thread through The Dark Side of Karate, as the book explores the martial arts from a Biblical point of view and places them within the broader context of the transformation of American society that began in earnest in the turbulent Sixties. For both Tonie and the martial arts rode in on the wave of moral, social, and cultural breakdown in Western culture that launched the New Age Movement.
 

       One book heralded Tonie as one of the eight top female martial artists in the nation. In nationwide tournaments, she earned 58 trophies in six years, and in 1979 she was rated by Karate Illustrated as the Top Female Karateka in the Pacific Northwest, a position she retained for seven years. After becoming a Christian, she taught karate both to children and adults until the Lord impressed her with its occultism and destructiveness and led her to begin this book. Today Tonie is an assistant pastor and well-known Bible teacher.

* Learn about Tonie’s meteoric rise to national fame, her disastrous breakdown, and her dynamic transformation in Jesus Christ.

* Learn why Tonie won't teach karate today and wants to warn others about it.

* Learn how many occult/New Age ideas and techniques popular today entered the United States through the martial arts and how to identify them.

* See the worldwide history of occult influences in the martial arts in a comprehensive timeline.

* See at a glance the differences between the Eastern religious and Biblical worldviews in a detailed worldview comparison chart.

* Learn about the powerful influences of feminism and lesbianism, the dangers of some Eastern religious techniques, and the real meaning of the popular dragon symbol in the martial arts.

* Learn how to strip off the armor of darkness and put on the armor of God.

* Decide for yourself whether Christians can enter the martial arts without compromising their walk with Christ.

* Hear Biblical answers to “hard” questions, such as the use of martial arts techniques for police, the military, women, and children.

* A special appendix shows how to:
   (a)  Know Jesus Christ;
   (b)  Recognize and be freed from bondages received through the martial arts; and

   (c)  Put on the real armor of God.

       This book doesn’t just say what’s wrong with the martial arts; it clearly points to Christ’s victory on the cross, God’s armor, and the right way to battle.

       Through Linda's interviews and research, and Tonie’s materials, Linda Nathan wrote The Dark Side of Karate. Since 1992, Linda has been the president and senior editor of Logos Word Designs, Inc., a Christian writing, editing, and desktop publishing service that focuses on the area of Christian apologetics. Linda and her husband Richard spent 14 years in New Age occultism before becoming Christians in 1976. Since 1980, they have had a Christian speaking and teaching ministry. For more information and details about Linda's other publications, see www.logosword.com.

ISBN No. 1-4107-1766-6 (Paperback)
ISBN No. 1-4107-1767-4 (e-book - $3.95)
 

Readers Are Saying:

“As the martial arts movement spreads its powerful tentacles into churches, schools, and homes around the world, this timely book is an invaluable tool for concerned Christians. I thank God for providing a clear and practical expose of this popular phenomenon rooted in the occult. All Christians need to understand the nature of the mystical forces that are captivating people, distorting truth, and blinding them to the true nature of God.”

       —Berit Kjos, Speaker and Author, A Twist of Faith, Brave New Schools, Under the Spell of  

           Mother Earth, and other contemporary works of apologetics. (http://www.crossroad.to/)

“Few Christians are aware of the religious underpinnings of the martial arts. This book will alert the reader to the hidden dangers of participating in activities that involve more than just sport—that in reality incorporate Eastern philosophical principles... Don’t miss the opportunity to read The Dark Side of Karate.
     --Rev. Douglas Iben, Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellingham, WA

“The Dark Side of Karate is more than a compelling testimony... It assists the reader in understanding the complex issues regarding spiritual invasion in the lives of sincere and confused believers.”
     --Pastor David Crook, Fountain Community Church, Bellingham, WA

“. . . a riveting testimony of Tonie’s journey from rejection, inner conflict, and deception to a life of love, acceptance and truth. Her insight into the occult nature of the martial arts is well researched and rooted in her personal experience . . . must read.”
     --Pastor Kelly Cohoe, Grace Christian Fellowship, Portland, OR

”. . . fast-paced . . . rich resources. A comprehensive chart details the worldwide history of occult influences in the martial arts, and a comparison chart shows the differences between Eastern religious thought, upon which many martial arts are based, and Biblical concepts. Readers will be challenged to examine their relationship with the Lord and contemporary culture at a time when demonic influences, deception, and immorality are attempting to penetrate the church . . . an excellent resource for parents,
educators, and pastors.”
     --Diane Wood, Assistant Professor, George Fox University, Newberg, OR

“Every pastor needs it in his reference library! In fact, as our churches are flooded with seeking souls, we all need this book. “
     --Flo Lykins, Missionary, Youth with a Mission

“This gripping and powerful story testifies how one woman who was enmeshed in the martial arts was rescued from darkness, despair, and bondage and brought to light, hope, and freedom in Jesus Christ. The book also offers many useful resources, including a special appendix that addresses ‘hard’ questions, such as the use of martial arts’ techniques for police, the military, women, and children.”
     --Annetta Small, Pastor’s Wife

"Any Christian truly seeking to understand more about the Martial Arts and its philosophies will have no doubt about the origin of this ancient practice after reading The Dark Side of Karate. Be encouraged as this young woman’s struggle to achieve victory over the dark side of life's challenges leads her to the ‘Supreme Victor.’ This informative book is a must read for anyone involved in the Martial Arts or considering involvement."
     --Miki Vogt, One Accord Ministries

Read Chapter 1 and the table of contents at www.logosword.com/karate.htm

To order, call 1-888-280-7715
Or order online at: http://www.1stBooks.com/bookview/14779

ISBN No. 1-4107-1766-6 (Paperback, $10.25 through www.1stBooks.com)
ISBN No. 1-4107-1767-4 (e-book - $3.95)