Dennis Martinez are key figures associated with United Martial Artists for Christ (UMAFC), a Christian martial arts fellowship and ministry [1, 2].
Bob Mitchell
- Founder: Bob Mitchell is the promoter and founder of United Martial Artists for Christ.
- Rank: He is a 10th Degree Black Belt and Senior Master of the Arts in Kenpo Karate.
- Ministry: He operates Bob Mitchell’s Christian Karate (B.M.C.K.) in Garden Grove, California, and is often referred to as “Pastor Sensei”.
- Philosophy: Mitchell believes that there is only “one true Master,” Jesus Christ, and uses martial arts to help children gain confidence and achieve their life goals.
Dennis Martinez
- Background: Martinez is a legendary World and U.S. Champion Skateboarder (1977 World Freestyle Champion) and a Skateboard Hall of Fame inductee.
- Testimony: After a high-profile career, his life spiraled into drug addiction and homelessness before he found redemption through faith in 1996.
- Role with UMAFC: He is featured alongside Bob Mitchell and Raul Ries in UMAFC promotional materials and events.
- Current Ministry: He is a pastor and motivational speaker who leads the Training Center in San Diego, a faith-based facility helping individuals overcome addiction and transition from prison