History of the style

Jehovah Way Defense  was formed to keep peace and only fight if the other refuses to be at peace with us. Then we believe that, "a strong man armed keepeth his palace in peace." (Luke 11:2) Our best defense is a well prepared offense. This saying was heard and practiced by our Founder Dr. Tottingham as a US Marine, especially while serving in South Vietnam through 1965. If people are trained thoroughly, then taught ethical values from a Biblical position, they will not become aggressive. Rather, they will be better citizens. A Bibliocentric life protection system is not for starting conflicts, but when another aggressively abuses or molests, demonstrating an evil intent, being prepared and protecting one self is the correct action.

Jehovah Way Defense is not a new self defense art! It is merely a newly structured life protective system based upon ancient Biblical principles. JWD is our Founder's interpretation and application from a long study of the Scriptures, and a selected body of martial arts techniques from several styles combined to make this life-protection system. That is what distinguishes it from the traditional existing styles. Jehovah Way Defense is a “defense designed by God”.

Concerning the differences between Jehovah Way Defense and traditional martial arts, the most significant is the alteration of "classical" asian philosophical concepts and the deletion of traditional oriental spiritual objectives. Jehovah Way Defense also draws on an American military command style and weaponless military combat life-protecting techniques.