bethesda karate

Bethesda Karate is a ministry of Bethesda Baptist Church in Clayton, NC. Our instructor, Jerome Krejcha, will be teaching practical self-defense, physical fitness, and character development through the light of Christian mentorship. We all have perceptions about what mental and physical strength looks like, but true strength starts with developing a relationship with Jesus Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. Bethesda Karate seeks to strengthen the body through physical fitness while teaching self-defense skills and developing character through discipleship and the Word of God.


Tuesdays, 6pm

Bethesda Baptist Church Fellowship Hall


We are currently registering new students again! 


Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. -Psalm 144:1


Register here!

  • About the instructor

    Jerome Krejcha is a 6th degree black belt in Seidokan Karate and a licensed instructor. He has been practicing and studying martial arts for 35 years. In the United States Marine Corps, he was a hand to hand combat instructor for 16 years. He has a passion for teaching martial arts through Christian mentorship. He is a high school rhetoric teacher with LifeSpring Academy.

  • skills & styles

    It is a system of civil self-defense delivered through the vehicle of Christian mentoring and will consist of Kihon (basic skills and drills), Kata (functional patterns of civil self-defense), Kobudo (weapon skills and drills), and Kumite (two-person conflict resolution drills). Mr. Krejcha will be teaching Okinawan karate including Shorin Ryu, Goju Ryu, and Motobu-Ryu Udunti (toide). He will also be safely teaching weapons skills which will consist of staff, tonfa, sai, kama, stick, and knife. 

  • safety

    Any physical activity or exercise has some inherent risk of injury or stress to the body. We will follow safety protocols, including the following:

    • Encouragement to train within limits
    • Utilization of pads and appropriate safety gear
    • Starting slow, increasing speed with proficiency
    • Vigilant monitoring of all training by the instructor
    Parents are always welcome and highly encouraged to stay and watch, and especially to train with your children! Parents of children 5th grade and under are required to remain on campus. 

  • tuition

    ALL tuition fees will be donated to Bethesda Baptist Church. 

    • $20 per person or $40 per family per month (for other donation amounts, please contact the instructor)
    • Other fees may arise for t-shirts and the eventual black belt certificate
    • All testing certificates from white belt to brown belt are included in tuition

Upcoming Events

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frequently asked questions

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  • Christ and the Christian faith will be communicated via Biblical ethics and Scriptural teachings as we journey through character and emotional development and the responsible use of force.

  • Yes! Students with special needs are indeed welcome in our class! We do ask that parental or family assistance be provided to aide us during instruction time. Bethesda Baptist Church will also be launching Bethesda All For One Special Needs Ministry in September 2021 for any additional support for your family and during worship services!

  • Please wear comfortable clothing, just like working out at a gym. No uniform or gi is required, but is optional. Safety equipment such as a mouth guard or groin protector are the responsibility of students. 

  • Yes! We encourage all ages to train within their own personal limits. Families are highly encouraged to train together! It is a great opportunity to spend time together, growing in your faith while exercising and learning practical self-defense skills. You can continue your workouts during the week at home together!

  • Testing will be conducted quarterly. There are no extra fees for the certificate for the colored belts. Actual belt purchase is the responsibility of the students and is optional.

  • Bethesda Karate will be meeting on Tuesdays from 6pm-8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall at Bethesda Baptist Church. It is the brick building immediately to the left of the Worship Center. Students aged 5 to 8 will be finished at 6:30pm. Students aged 9-15 will be finished at 7pm. Ages 16 through adults will finish between ages 8:00pm-8:30pm.