The Christian Black Belt Association was founded in 1970 by Soke Clement G. Riedner. It was the first branch of the organization to be developed. In 2002 the CBBAM---Christian Black Belt Association Ministries was created as the overall canopy for all the Kan/Organizational activities. It was Soke's intention that he would use his experience in the martial arts as a means to reach others for Christ. Beyond this he envisioned the CBBA to be a service organization to other Christian Martial Artist's. Other Christian martial arts groups had been in existence prior to the CBBA  none of them had taken the role of serving the martial arts community the way the CBBA has.  As the association has grown it has had to wear many different hats and continues to change as more needs and opportunities arise. Yet through all the changes the basic concepts of service and ministry have remained. In order to understand what is meant by a Christian association we must first agree on a definition of what is Christian. According to the CBBA Statement of Faith we believe that in order to be a Christian one must: a) Admit their sin and acknowledge the need for salvation b) Accept Christ as the slain and resurrected Son of God and the only means of the Holy Spirit c) Experience change brought about by that salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit It is with this understanding that the CBBA seeks to win people to Christ and minister to those Christians in the Martial Arts. Some of the methods used in such outreach are demonstrations, education and supporting Missions. We serve our members through education promotions and providing fellowship and training opportunities. As education plays a primary role in our ministry we have many sources available to our membership. Pamphlets, manuals and newsletters are published regularity. Clinics and conferences provide a chance for personal instruction. Our College and Chaplains association allow for more in depth training. It is an underlying principle of the CBBA that it is the duty of Christian leadership to train the body to do the work of the ministry. This is why we place such strong emphasis on education, above all we believe that it is our duty to help our instructors grow.