Dr. Russell serves as the Executive Director at the International HQ of the Gospel Martial Arts Union. He began his martial arts training in 1974 and holds earned black belts in seven traditional martial arts styles and the rank of Renshi in Okinawan weapons. Grandmaster John Pachivas promoted Dr. Russell to 6th degree black belt in 1999 in Okinawan Shuri Ryu Karate and Pachivas Pankration. In 2023, Kyoshi Russell was presented with his 8th degree black belt by GM Robert Bowles and the International Shuri-Ryu Karate Association. He is currently a professor at Indiana University at Indianapolis.

Board Chairman Keith D. Yates started training in 1965 and became one of the youngest black belts in America earning his rank at 17 from former International Champion Allen Steen. He holds a 10th Dan in traditional Tae Kwon Do from the American Karate Black Belt Association. A noted champion in the 1960s and ‘70s, he also has earned black belts in Ju-Jitsu and Kobudo. GM Yates did his thesis at Dallas Theological Seminary on “The Demystification of Ki: The Spiritual Aspects of the Martial Arts.” He retired from DTS as Creative Director and professor of Communications. A prolific writer (16 books and hundreds of articles) he is former editor of "Official Karate" magazine and was an also a professor at Southern Methodist University.

Grandmaster Proctor was born into a military family providing him the opportunity to train in the martial arts beginning in 1962, while his family was stationed overseas. He has formally trained in fencing, Judo, Daito-Ryu Aikijujitsu, Shotokan Karate, GoKanDo Karate, American Kenpo and American Tae Kwon Do. Proctor Sensei did his undergraduate degree in psychology and history and then worked as an investigator and juvenile probation officer for Dallas County until his retirement in 1996. He is currently the martial arts “pro” at the famed Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas. A tenth-degree black belt he teaches Renbudo Karate-Do, Kobudo, and Tai Chi.

GMAU Co-Founder Emeritus and tenth-degree black belt Kent Haralson served in pastoral ministry for 39 years. After earning a M.S. in Computer and Information Science at Ohio State, he worked for IBM for 17 years. Coming to Christ at age 31, he left the corporate world for full-time ministry. While serving in West Palm Beach, Florida, he received his D.Min. from Anchor Theological Seminary. He is the author of multiple books and is Soke of Seigi Bushido Ryu. In retirement he continues to lead small groups in his local church, runs a martial arts ministry and disciples men. “Doc” and his wife Jan (married 50 years) have two adult children and eight grandchildren.

GMAU Co-Founder Emeritus Tottingham began training in 1963 as a new Marine with the Third Reconnaissance Battalion in Hawaii. He received numerous medals and commendations during Vietnam and following. He entered ministry in 1968 and the Air Force Auxiliary Chaplain Service in 1983. “Dr. T” is a retired Brigadier General with the U.S. Corps of Chaplains. His Ph.D. is in counseling psychology. He spent 33 years as pastor of Empire Baptist Temple, Sioux Falls, SD. A noted Christian author he also founded the Great Plains Baptist Divinity School. “The Rev. Dr. Ron Tottingham Day” was twice officially presented by South Dakota governors.

Kevin is a dedicated follower of Christ, loving husband & father, and the innovative founder of a technology company. He holds a 6th dan and teaches Beyond Kyokai Kempo. He’s a committed member of the Kondo Nosho Ryu and the Monkasei Kai, reflecting his dedication to diverse traditions. His studies include Shuri Te, Shuri Ryu, Gokyo, Pachivas Pankration, Tuite Ju Jutsu, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Goju, Undo Chikara, and Kobudo. Calhoun's life exemplifies the integration of faith, family, and focused discipline whether leading his company, cherishing his family, deepening his faith, or pursuing martial arts. His journey, marked by spiritual conviction and martial prowess, shows a commitment to excellence and continuous growth.