A Spiritual Journey
A History of Mid-California Tae Kwon Do
As Described using the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
Marian Schwartz 5^th degree-Christian Taekwondo Fellowship
Submitted June 24, 2011

Courtesy: The parents of a new taekwondo student approached instructor Dr. Dennis McCain, somewhat timidly, and asked if it was okay to talk to him, ask questions and so forth, in order to understand how their child was progressing. Slightly surprised, his answer was, "Of course! Always!" Their previous experience had been that the high ranking instructor set himself apart from others, aloof and unapproachable. An appointment had to be made through intermediaries in order to enter into his exalted presence (facetious description mine).

 The history of Mid-California Tae Kwon Do is the story of an ordinary man deeply in love with an extraordinary God, whose impression upon this author from the beginning was that it is indeed possible to live, respond and serve according to biblical principles, in spite of difficult situations. This, he will say without reservation, is because strength to do so comes from submission to God and to His Word.

 Dr. McCain came to Ducor, California in 1992 from Nashville, Tennessee. He was a new 2^nd degree Black Belt with red assistant instructor's collar, in what was then Mid-America Tae Kwon Do. Mr. Louie Aregis was his instructor, and Master Robert Hardin the director of the association. He came as the new Pastor of Ducor Baptist Church, replacing a man who had been there for 25 years.

Ducor was the post-office and fuel stop for area ranchers and farmers. People living in this very small town were mostly poor. As a way to reach out to town folks, Dr. McCain invited all to come to free taekwondo from the very outset of his ministry. Fifty-two white belts came the first day. Because of the contact they had with him, they began to understand compassion, servanthood, honor and respect for authority, and through the study of the Bible began to understand the relationship with God through Christ that is necessary for the power to live this way. People began to come to church. Because of the evidence of Christ in Dr. McCain's life, and his willingness to give to them of his time and knowledge, they wanted to know more.

The established politics of Ducor Baptist Church had nothing to do with biblical principles. There was fierce opposition to this ministry, and indeed to much of Dr. McCain's efforts to shepherd the church. Insults were hurled, lies propounded, and worst of all, the proclamation that "THOSE are not the kind of people we want in this church" were met by Dr. McCain humbly, but from a position of strength, kindness from a bulwark of steadfastness in what he understood to be God's purpose, and a dignity which contrasted greatly to those opposing him.

Philippians 2:3 tells us Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Ephesians 5:20-21, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

A demonstration of courtesy to those displaying discourtesy is found in Colossians 3:12, Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another... 

Some of us for the first time saw undeniable evidence of the reality of Christ in a man's life, and wanted to know more of God through this man, and incidentally, whatever else he had to teach. The most visible of these disciplines was taekwondo.

Integrity: One youngster who had begun taekwondo with his pals at Ducor Baptist Church was Andy Schwartz, 10 years old. His personality was such that when he was three, upon seeing the uniformed musicians in nice straight rows marching together in the parade, he declared his desire to be a "marching boy". For this, the youngest of four brothers growing up on a farm, life was rough-and-tumble, and afforded no great opportunity for strict detail.

 Andy took to taekwondo as he did to the Marines, nine years later. Dr. McCain's requirement of straight rows and military demeanor inspired that part of Andy's disposition. The work ethic caused him to respond with more than he heretofore knew he could. The precise nature of the mechanics of the taekwondo movements encouraged the youngster to excel.

He, and others, were also impressed by Dr. McCain's adherence to the integrity of the foundational elements of the development of power, accuracy and form, and by his recognition and honor of the authority structure of the system from which he was learning his art.

The desire of a few dedicated students to continue learning taekwondo from him, though he was no longer at Ducor Baptist Church, began to give the group an identity. It was summer, and class was held in the back yard of Dennis Jenkins' house. Andy and his pals were the young ones; Dennis Jenkins, David Hann and Joe Ortiz were the adults. Soon a location was secured at the Porterville Community Center, and regular classes, specific to rank, began.

 As a new 2^nd degree, Dr. McCain was aware of his limited knowledge. His own instructors were across the country in Tennessee. Martial arts instructors of higher rank in the Tulare County area practiced their art from a different philosophy and perception of mechanics. It is to the credit of both Dr. McCain in California and Master Robert Hardin and Mr. Louie Aregis in Tennessee that effort was made to maintain communication between the fledgling school, and those who had the answers to technical and protocol problems.

 In 1994 shortly before Dr. McCain moved to Truckee as a missionary church planter, Master Hardin came to test some of our black belts. I was testing at high green for blue belt, having been recruited by green belt Andy (Come on, Mom! Do taekwondo so we can spar!). Andy tested for 1D.  Dr. McCain tested for 3^rd degree black belt, as well as for his black collar. The presence of Master Hardin at an important testing affirmed the work that had been done for taekwondo, and was still yet to do.

 Psalm 41:12 But as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

 Mr. Joe Ortiz became the instructor of Mid-California TaeKwonDo in Porterville. Communication was maintained with Dr. McCain, as he maintained communication with Tennessee.

 Faith Baptist Church in Truckee grew under the excellent teaching of the Word of God. Mid-California Tae Kwon Do of Truckee grew and produced black belts. Mr. Brad Whitlow, 6^th degree, came to visit both Truckee and Porterville. Dr. McCain made occasional visits to Porterville for testing and special classes. Honor was returned on all sides.

 Before Dr. McCain left the Porterville area, Andy Schwartz believed in Christ through Dr. McCain's witness. Today Andy is committed to Christ and to raising his family according to biblical principles. His trust in God extends to the perils of the war zone and to the difficult decisions one faces daily.

 As a servant to God, to his instructors of higher rank and greater knowledge and experience, and to students hoping to learn, Dr. McCain continued in this light:

Colossians 3:23 Servants, obey in all things your masters, according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Perseverance: It seemed inevitable, that without the strength and attraction of Dr. McCain's commanding presence, good as intentions may be, interest would wane in Porterville and there would be a falling off. First Degree instructor Joe Ortiz was an excellent martial artist, a kind and patient man, but one whose natural talent made it difficult for him to teach technique to those for whom taekwondo was not so easy.

For a period of time there was no instructor who could be counted on to be there for class, as Mr. Ortiz's job had taken him out of the area. As a red belt with the only other qualification of being an adult, I assumed responsibility for the class, made my young black belt and his black belt pals behave, and began to learn the fundamentals of technique by having to teach them. There were days when class was held outside, as I did not have a key to the building.

 Mr. David Hann was recruited by Dr. McCain to instruct. He, a former football player for the LA Raiders, was a great favorite with the young boys. He also attracted adult men. By that time I was helping to teach regularly, as well as working out, and had for my following moms and their little children.

In 1997 Dr. McCain's term as church planter was fulfilled in Truckee. A permanent pastor was called, and he came to Modesto as the pastor of Northside Baptist Church.

 Taekwondo began in Dr. McCain's garage in Modesto. In June of that year, Black Belt Camp was held in Porterville with Master Hardin directing. Dr. McCain tested for 4^th degree and I for 2^nd. I opened a satellite taekwondo club at Ducor Elementary School. That same year Terrence Keller, 2^nd degree black belt in ITF patterns moved to Woodlake, began a taekwondo school associated with Mid-California Tae Kwon Do.

 Modesto taekwondo moved to the building where Northside Baptist Church met. An arrangement was made with some of the area charter schools and more students began to attend through the recommendation and sponsorship of these establishments. MCTKD's presence at the valley Home School Conventions gave us a new visibility and many contacts.

Pastor David Powell of Sunnyside Baptist Church in Fresno, a friend and colleague of Dr. McCain, asked him to come down for a taekwondo outreach for the summer. Eighty students came the first few weeks, and as in the beginning, heard the Gospel of Christ. Those who genuinely wanted to do taekwondo very quickly numbered about 30. At the end of the outreach period, these wanted to continue and paid a small fee for the privilege of having instruction once a week. Before long, Dr. McCain's many obligations made it difficult for him to continue driving down to Fresno, and so I began that weekly expedition from Porterville.

 A Fresno Home School Convention put us in contact with people from Visalia who wished for instruction in that town. I agreed to do it if they would do the legwork of finding folks interested and securing a building, preferably free. This was accomplished, in 2002 and a long and rewarding association began with some folks who deserve special note in this section of Perseverance.

As with the Fresno school and the group meeting at Northside Baptist Church, the Visalia group had as its center a fellowship in Christ. Certainly others not so inclined came and were welcome. Visalia enjoyed the same advantage other MCTKD schools did of the occasional visits from Dr. McCain for instruction and testing. His desire in teaching martial arts was to see spiritual growth through the vehicle of the taekwondo discipline. Those who recognized and valued this were the glue that held the group together.

In 2007 I was no longer able to afford the weekly drive down to Fresno and Visalia. Leonda Desatoff continued as instructor for awhile, but eventually personal issues prevented her participation. Visalia students Todd Katayama and Mike Hampton as the adults, and teenager Christofer Hampton as the high rank, continued working with the others on their own for quite a period of time before they came under the auspices of Mr. Johnny Varela of Woodlake, he having taken over from Mr. Keller in 2009.

We are admonished to "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having don all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13.

The temptation to discouragement, despair, and a feeling of desertion is common enough under even the best circumstances. When there is a long and relentless series of difficulties in an endeavor, the inclination to give up is very strong. No other taekwondo class has put up with so many inconveniences, been seemingly abandoned, and still continued to work together. They are to be honored among their peers.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1,2.

Self-Control: As human beings with the normal human foibles and failures, the directive to deal patiently and kindly with a large assortment of sometimes annoying personalities that have become part of our lives takes a great deal of concentration and self-control.

 This tenet is so very applicable to the student of martial arts who is trying to gain control of body co-ordination, of feelings of anger that may arise in sparring, and of the necessary discipline to keep working when discouragement or apathy threatens. The instructor (also a student) who reminds himself of this very basic requirement when responding to a youngster or a parent, who is exacting a toll on his good nature, will do well.

 My teacher and example in this very important discipline has been Dr. McCain, who patiently reminds me when I ought to show more patience and kindness. By observing his interaction with all who enter, very young to very old, I am given the pattern and practice.

The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. These attributes are most definitely not a natural manifestation of my temperament. Nor, I think, will Dr. McCain admit to owning such a brilliant collection of features. We have these in Christ, and are given the power to display and work in them through Christ, as we depend upon him. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

One young man, who began taekwondo with Dr. McCain as a 9-year old in 2000 has given us all lessons in self control. He himself has grown a great deal and has made great progress toward learning this important aspect of life. His diagnosed Aspberger's Syndrome exhibited itself in blurting out unflattering observations, responding inappropriately to correction, and becoming angry and retaliatory when sparring. His belt-rank progress has been very slow. His mother's support and Dr. McCain's firm boundaries along with recognition of improvement and kind encouragement have motivated him to excel in technique and power.  As a red belt young adult in college still studying taekwondo with us, he spars with control and considers others in dojang activities. His quirky personality is part of who he is. But after all, he has put up with us for all these years. He was awarded the self-control recognition at the annual awards banquet 2 years ago.

 Every one of us struggles with aspects of our character, personality, circumstances and experience that cause us to "stick our foot in our mouth" on occasion. With Paul the apostle, we might beg God to change us, but it is because of these "thorn in the flesh" that we are compelled to trust him for the power to live according to his precepts.

And (the Lord) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10                                            

 
Indomitable Spirit: Over the course of several years Dr. McCain has given his time and energy, his resources and the benefit of his great store of knowledge far and above what taekwondo fees pay for, to hundreds, yea it is getting close to thousands now, of people who have come through Mid-California Tae Kwon Do doors. This is the pattern of those who see themselves as servants, and who are given strength and personality to do so by the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

 In 2003 I was teaching a mixed portfolio of classes at Orange Belt Christian School in Strathmore, an outreach of the church I attended, and taught a group of taekwondo students at that location. I also had a taekwondo class at Ducor Elementary School, taught at the Porterville Community Center during the week, and in Visalia and Fresno on Fridays.

That year OBCS closed, my first grandson was born in Sacramento (only an hour away from Modesto! Granny is happy!), and Dr. McCain asked if I would come to Modesto to help to expand the taekwondo program there. Mrs. Jennifer Robertson consolidated the Porterville area classes to a location in her neighborhood and continued with a small number of students, until the busyness of her life with 3 teenage boys and two toddler girls compelled her to stop that activity.

Mid-California Taekwondo Modesto moved into a new building for church and taekwondo, its own space on the other side of the wall of Northside Baptist Church. As the taekwondo student body began to grow, and those comfortable with the settled environment stayed and matured as higher black belts, Dr. McCain began to sense a new direction for what was essentially an extension of his Christian ministry.

A taekwondo instructor daily honors those from whom he has learned his art, faithfully teaching mechanics and application, as far as he has understood them. Those masters are present as the teacher constantly references back in the mind to details learned, feats of agility and speed, anecdotes of personality and power. There are no words of appreciation that can express in gratitude for knowledge and the gift of time spent one has received from men such as these.

The decision to begin a new organization, apart from the Choong Sil Taekwondo Federation, was a difficult choice. After 20 years of friendship and structure through the CTF, the decision was made only after an extended period of prayer and seeking God=s will. It was not made lightly nor without consciousness of possible consequences to friendships held dear.

March of 2006 saw the beginning of the new entity. Christian Taekwondo Fellowship philosophy now clearly reflected faith in God, adherence to Bible teaching, and reliance upon the work of the Spirit in lives. Taekwondo was taught with the same integrity as always. By the bolder proclamation of faith in God through Christ we put ourselves and our program under a different kind of authority.

The immediate effect was that there was an exodus of 1^st and 2^nd degree black and red belts, who preferred to stay in a larger organization. These were all professing Christians, and their action was difficult to understand. Another reaction was that one of the charter schools which sponsored students attending our classes decreed that all reference to God must be removed from the environment. This, this of course, Dr. McCain refused to do and so we lost the students from that source. In a matter of a few days our student body and our income dropped dramatically.

With bills coming due and resources depleted, the second guessing began. Was this indeed God's plan? Did we make a mistake? It is the Lord Jehovah, Creator of heaven and earth, who engineered our salvation from the establishment of all that is, to whom we look.  Our prayer was that this new endeavor might be blessed to his glory and not our own.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and ear, and shall trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3.

Money difficulties and a diminished student body continued to be a problem. However, more than once a large amount of money came through from an unexpected source at the last minute. One occasion was that of a student wanting to pay tuition for the entire year. Other times several in a family would sign up and pay ahead.

One of the objections held by the Christians who left, was that a Christian organization would only attract Christians, and that the opportunity for witness to those who needed Christ would be limited. We know that it is God who brings to our school those who are supposed to be there. Families without Christ or without church, families of different Eastern religions, families with needs of one kind or another began to come to Mid-California Tae Kwon Do. They were told this is a Christian organization, but what we teach is taekwondo.

Because we hope to share the love of Christ with others, Dr. McCain has been available for counseling. With three other capable instructors on the floor it is an easy adjustment to make at the last minute. The opportunity to pray with someone who requests it can=t be ignored.

 One family began taekwondo with an assortment of cousins and aunts. The youngest boy was born with a massive hematoma that required constant monitoring and care and trips to San Francisco and Boston. For six years, the time it took his older brother to reach 3^rd degree black belt, we have prayed with this family for the little guy. Road blocks and red tape and general administrative sloth in the insurance departments have prevented the approval and scheduling of the one procedure that would be of help in this situation, which has become life-threatening.

 During that same time frame the Cannella family became part of Mid-California Tae Kwon Do.  Anthony Cannella had been the mayor of Ceres, California, and was recently elected to the 12^th senatorial district in the California State Legislature. Newly elected Senator Cannella was able to do what private citizens are not, and got the approval process moving. The other night at the bow-in for the advanced class, the oldest brother, now 16, addressed the class and parents, gave thanks to God and Jesus Christ, to all of us who prayed, and to Senator Cannella for helping his brother. The surgery is scheduled for next month.

God brings those who He will to our establishment. As humbly as our human egos allow, we make ourselves available to be used by Him. We see the unassailable power of God at work in lives.

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies Psalm 18:1-3  

Our greatest new association is with Master Brad Whitlow, 8^th degree black belt. He very kindly agreed to take us under his wing, test our high ranks and give us the benefit of his great energy and knowledge for camps and seminars. While we are under the authority of the will of God for Christian Taekwondo Fellowship, integrity dictated that we be accountable to someone with longevity, experience and perspective more than we possessed. Master Whitlow=s friendship is a great gift to us.

In 2009 Grandmaster Scott McNeely came to our December testing. To have him recognize our efforts was a great encouragement. In recent years, there has been a renewed fellowship of taekwondo masters. It is hoped that we may love and honor all who have been so instrumental in our growth.

Presently we seem to be in a time of plenty.  There is an excellent group of young (and older!) Black Belts who have been with us for many years and continue to train.  Our assistant instructors are men of superior character, taekwondo technique and teaching ability. The lower ranks who come regularly are excited about taekwondo and enjoy their time here.

As life cycles round to the familiar and new, we look forward to all that God has for us. Dr. McCain's devotion to making Christ known by showing God's love for all who enter uniquely separates MCTKD for special use. Learning to trust and respond properly to my instructor has been a step in learning to trust God for all things.

 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14.

 To whom God would make known what is he riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:27

 When we are saved by the blood of the cross of Christ, He dwells in us in the Person of the Holy Spirit. It is this Indomitable Spirit which empowers us, sustains us, directs us, comforts and prepares us.