Purpose and Direction
“To provide the local community with Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do training in an atmosphere which will enhance their physical, mental and spiritual well being.”
We are not in business to make money, but to invest our lives in the future of our community’s children and families. Therefore, our classes are free of all month to month charges. We are a not for profit organization which exists on prayer, community support, grants, and donations.
History
Yesha Ministries began as a single Tae Kwon Do class at Neptune Baptist Church, Neptune Beach, Florida on June 13, 1983. Classes began with 5 to 7 students and continued to grow rapidly. Within a few years, the classes enlarged to forty. Soon branches in other churches and/or community centers were established.
General Information
Yesha Ministries is Florida First Coast’s only AAU and USAT sanctioned trainer in the Olympic Sport of Tae Kwon Do. We have trained over 200 Kukkiwon (World Tae Kwon Do) Black Belts during our 24 year history of excellence. We have produced local, state, regional and national champions in sanctioned AAU, Olympic, Jr. Olympic, and United States National competitions. Most of our training centers are located in churches or Christian schools. We believe our training and experience is a gift from God and we should pass it on freely to those who have a heart to learn.
- The non-profit was founded by Charles W. Coker. He is the father of 9 children and a graduate of Luther Rice. He is a 6th Degree Black Belt and two time USA silver medalist.
- 14 different locations and one college have been home to our schools.
- Over 2,500 students have been taught during the 24 years.
- Over 200 Black Belts certified.
- One Olympic and 7 Junior Olympic qualifiers, plus 24 US National Medalists trained.
Structure
Charles W. Coker, 6th Dan Black Belt, is President and Founder. Each individual location functions under the direction of a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree Black Belt. That Black Belt is familiar with the style, forms, techniques, and other aspects of Olympic Tae Kwon Do.
It is his/her responsibility to be the leader of the class as well as set the example for those people he/she is training. Black belt instruction will be given by Mr. Coker at specifically assigned times and locations. It is his job to assist the leaders in each location to perform their function in a satisfactory manner.
Status
We are incorporated according to the Laws and Statutes of the State of Florida. We are a non-profit ministry supported by tax deductible contributions and prayer. Working with churches and other non-profit organizations, we provide certification, administrative packages, support materials and instruction necessary for those interested in the Olympic martial art/sport of Tae Kwon Do.
Focus
It is our desire to make the training completely balanced. Many times we find in martial arts schools physical and mental training but rarely is spiritual training available. This leads to an imbalanced individual. An individual cannot perform at their peak efficiency if they do not have balance and the peace of God in their life.
- Physical Training - for the healthy conditioning of our bodies as the very best temple for the Holy Spirit.
- Mental Training - for the discipline of our minds and lifestyles to better serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
- Spiritual Training - for the strengthening and enlightenment of the individual to better enable him/her to achieve completeness in the Kingdom of God. (Hebrews 12:13).
- I Corinthians 9:24-27, illustrates that we should maintain balance in training the whole individual.
