AKS Quarterly Newsletter

"The Punchline Editorial"
December 2016

Christmas Greetings to you one and all.  As we draw near to the close of another year, we look back on how the year went.  Each of us in our personal lives, I'm, sure have experienced our share of ups and downs.   Hopefully, we do our best to focus on the positive, as opposed to the negative.

We've come ten years now without our founder and friend Ernie Lieb.  Those of us who knew Ernie and his dream - the AKS, know what he dreamed for the organization.  He wanted us to be respected as a serious group of traditional martial artists, but with an eclectic flare.  We have had many of our black belts compete over the years and win in sparring and kata.  Other styles and organizations grew to respect that AKS patch when they faced it.

In more recent years, we've not been as involved in tournaments, but have done well in them when our members have competed.  I know Sensei Lieb smiles down on you and your successes.

As we move into a new year, we must begin to focus on where the AKS will go.  Will we continue to stay with the status quo, or start thinking outside the box"   In the past Ernie was somewhat reticent to change or move into unfamiliar territory.  The internet was one example.  He was not interested in the AKS creating and establishing a web page.  But once it was accomplished, he saw the benefits and promptly got help in purchasing a computer and learning how to use it.  Though he initially didn't see the benefits, he was open minded enough to give it a chance.  That was in keeping with his character as someone who had vision.

The AKS is the fruit of that kind of vision.  Where we take her in the future will be up to the membership, especially its senior leadership.  We will need people willing to think outside the box if our organization is going to grow and survive.  If we fail to do this, or allow those with no vision or imagination to control things, we will eventually wither and die.

It is my fervent hope and desire to see our beloved AKS grow and prosper.  I know you feel the same.  We will continue this discussion once we enter the New Year.

Please don't forget Christmas is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Please keep that spirit alive and well in your hearts and minds.  From the Sullenger household to yours, God's Blessing.

Michael A. Sullenger

Extending The Self

We teach our students, that only after they begin to master their arms and legs, they can begin weapons training.  First they must discipline their bodies before they can learn to control things not part of themselves.  The basic skills they learn become an extension of themselves when they grasp a bo or nunchakus.

What we, as teachers, typically leave unsaid is that the whole time most of the training and execution is in their mind.  The body follows what the mind tells it to do.  This usually becomes a personal revelation at about Brown Belt level.  So they progress from controlling themselves to controlling things such as the bo, nunchakus, sword, tonfa, kama, and numerous others.

The third step in the process is using the training and experience to influence the behavior of others.  Whether the person is a student, friend, employee, opponent or assailant.  We train to manage them as well, first with posture, then words and if necessary learned skills.  The third step only comes from much training and self-discipline and is probably the most difficult to master.

Mr. Lieb used to tell of some of the ploys he used when he competed.  In 1964, at the Korean National Tae Soo Do Championships, he stumbled walking up the stage for the championship match.  Seeing him falter, his opponent shook his head and grinned.  When the referee said begin, Mr. Lieb hit him in the head with a jump spinning heel kick, and then punched him to where he could not continue the match.  Mr. Lieb won.

On the way to the ring, his friend and training partner, Byoung Choi, had whispered to him to trip or stumble going to the ring.  Do something to make his opponent underestimate him.

Mr. Lieb told us, he would try to get his opponent angry in a match, 'a guy that gets mad and loses control is much easier to defeat'.  He said at a match in Bowling Green, Kentucky that he got a very pretty lady in a short skirt to sit directly behind him during the finals match.  "The guy was pretty easy to beat, because he kept watching her and not me," he laughed.

Competition is just one way we extend ourselves.  Working with our Black Belts and teaching our students is an extension of ourselves.  As we train together, we are not only touching others' lives; we are influencing and changing them forever.  And this is as it should be.  We do for others what has been done for us.

The impression we leave extends far beyond the dojo.  When we touch lives, we make a difference.  When we give of ourselves, we are making a difference.  And if we always give our best, the students will be better for it.

We are so fortunate to have kind and generous teachers in the American Karate System.  They give in silence, wanting no acknowledgement of their charity.  This tradition started with Mr. Lieb.  He gave free lessons, paid tournament entry fees, free uniforms.  He even hired students so they could earn money to get to class.  I am proud of the fact that so many of our present day instructors continue his traditions.

During this Holiday Season there is always a rush to give and help those in need.  Stories of warmth and giving abound.  I am asking that next year, 2017, the members of the American Karate System extend themselves just a bit more.  Let your generosity go beyond December and into the New Year.  The opportunities to help are numerous.

I would share with you that when you give, you get more than you offer.  Keep up the great work.

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Dave Thomas

Embracing My Brown Belt and Beyond

I can vividly remember.  An eighteen year old, finishing high school, ready to graduate, excited about the real world, and thinking I was finished with all the hard work.  Adult life was going to be so easy, nothing left to learn.  Flash forward to age 43, married with a full time job, a home, and 3 young kids.  Thinking back, I had no idea how much more there was to learn and how much hard work lay in front of me, not behind.

As a karate student entering the rank of first brown, I caution myself from revisiting that attitude of the 18 year old.  Yes, I have accomplished great skills and should be proud of that.  But I must keep in mind that there is much to learn once the black belt is earned.  The work becomes increasingly more meaningful with each rank and the expectations become greater.  I have decided to take the time to enjoy my days as first brown, and get as many basics secured before the greater challenges pile on.  I view the black belt as not a means to an end, but rather a doorway to a new beginning.

This summer, I plan to show my skills as I test for my next rank of black belt.  While it's natural to be nervous whenever being reviewed or evaluated, I know that I will come prepared.  As one leaves school and enters adulthood, success is measured by their ability to earn a living and contribute in some way to society.  So how then will I measure success as a black belt?  I think that the willingness to continue training and learning more skills after the black belt shows great success.  The ability to remain humble and continue to grow and acquire new skills is what makes a good student become great.  The willingness to teach and help others learn is another measure of success.  Sharing knowledge helps the new learner as well as the teacher.

I hope that once I do achieve my black belt, that I will demonstrate those qualities of continuing to learn and helping others in their journeys as well.  Just as I look back on my adulthood and consider myself to have been successful (so far), I hope that one day I can look back on my karate, regardless of belt color or rank, and see that I was successful there as well.

Helping The Team

One of our local school teachers is also the varsity basketball coach for a high school in another district.  He is a great guy and has had five of my kids as students, so he knows our family well, including that I have Black Belt in karate.

Over the years, he and I have had numerous discussions about how to motivate students to achieve their best.  Several weeks ago, he asked if I would speak to his basketball team about taking personal responsibility and achieving maximum performance from a martial arts perspective.

I was honored to be asked, but also apprehensive; what would a 60 something karate guy have to say to a group of high school kids trying to build a winning basketball season?  Last year they had 3 wins and 18 losses.

I had been given an opportunity to maybe make a difference, but I knew I would have to speak from more than just my experience.  I had to call on my first string references; Bruce Lee, Ed Parker, Chuck Norris and Ernie Lieb.  I knew that quoting Chuck Norris would get their attention.  Sharing some of the teachable moments from these other famous men would drive the points home.

I explained to them that I wasn't there to teach them karate, but share with them that the things that make someone good in karate are the same things that make good basketball players.  Attitude and hard work.  Most of what I told them I have written in previous editions of the Punchline.

I had planned on about a 10-minute session, but it turned out to be more like 25 minutes.  The point I kept emphasizing was that there is no substitute for training.  They have to take ownership for the quality of their performance and ultimately winning and losing.  A positive winning attitude is the most important factor in building a successful team.

When I was done, I shook hands with each team member and told them, "You win 10 games, and I will bring my Black Belts and teach a self-defense seminar."  They seemed receptive to my lecture and offer; after all, they are high school juniors and seniors and not given to embracing the lecture of some unknown karate guy.  They were not jumping up doing high fives, they had to keep their 'cool' game face on.

I talked with several of the coaches as the team went back to practice.  One was very enthusiastic. He said, "That's the best motivational sports speech I've ever heard.  I could tell they were listening to you.  Now we have to put your words into our game."

I spoke with another coach and we talked at length about getting the guys to play as a team instead of five individuals.  Then he said, "You know I used to box.  When you walked in I thought to myself, 'Yeah I could take him.'  But you started talking about karate and what you've done and the people you trained with and I changed my mind.   Man, you're the real deal."

His compliment made my day.

I am following their progress.  So far they have one win and one loss.  They still have 19 games to play, I really think they can win at least 10.  If they look carefully, that old karate guy will be sitting in the bleachers cheering them on.   Wish us luck.

Do You Have Member News ?

Please send news (weddings, births, graduations, etc.) so that we may share with our members and friends.  Accompanying pictures are most welcome!

We look forward to hearing from you !

PROMOTIONS!!

Congratulations to all students who have been promoted this past quarter, and to those we've missed in prior newsletters.

Best wishes in your continued training!

Salem Karate Club Celebrates 45 Years

John Folsom, 8th Dan AKS, AKA, moved from Muskegon, MI to West Virginia to attend Salem College in the Fall of 1971; majoring in Behavioral Science.  Mr. Folsom had just received his Shodan from Ernie Lieb in February.  Upon learning of John's arrival and his qualifications, Mr. Floyd Goodson, who ran a Judo club in the area, invited Mr. Folsom to teach karate for half of the class.  The class met at the Seventh Day Baptist Church on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  Judo was taught the first hour by Mr. Goodson and later was assisted by Dr. Yasanori (Jake) Miyamatsu, a visiting Black Belt Judoka from Japan.  Karate was taught the second half of the class by Mr. Folsom.  And so, the Salem Karate Club under the direction of John Folsom began.

This Fall marked the club's 45th Anniversary.  The Salem Karate Club is the only original club remaining of the thirteen schools that formed the AKS in 1973.  After two years, John's class had expanded to the point that he moved his karate class to an activities room at Salem College.  In 1977 the class moved to the City of Salem Council Chambers which was located above the Fire Department.  In 1979 John once again moved the class to the "Barn" in Salem.  The Barn is a community build owned by the City of Salem that had a wooden second floor, allowing for more students and a better training atmosphere.  The "Barn" became home to Mr. Folsom's class until 2013.  Due to increasing maintenance problems with the heating that were beginning to occur, John decided to accept an offer from John Travis to move the class to his building, Travis Physical Therapy, which it is still operating today.

Mr. Folsom has promoted over 50 Black Belts over the past 45 years.  Many of these went on to open their own schools as well as achieving state, national, and international recognition.  In addition to his 8th Dan in the AKS, he has also earned a 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate and a 3rd Kyu in Judo.  Most of John's life has been in service to his community in one form or another.  In June 1976, Mr. Folsom joined the Salem City Police.  He worked his way up through the ranks to become Chief of Police in March 1983.  In August 1989, John left the police department to become Director of Security at Salem-Teikyo University for the next 13 years, but returned to law enforcement in April 2002.  John retired with the rank of Captain in 2012 with 35 years of service, and is a life member of the FOP.  This coming year, Mr. Folsom will be celebrating 50 years in the martial arts.

Left - John Folsom with Earl Smith (one of Mr. Folsom's early Black Belts) and Dr. Jake Miyamatsu

A.K.S. News . . .

Mark Soderstrom

I am pleased to announce that Mark Soderstrom was tested and approved for his Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) on November 16, 2016.  The Board-of-Review was made up of Fred Reinecke, Dave Thomas, Jim Roy, Debra Roy and Brent Chalko.  He did a very good demonstration of required empty forms both AKS and alternates, and showed great proficiency in his weapons forms; sword, sai, and double nunchaku.

Mark is a cornerstone of the American Karate Club at Ross Park.  He comes to class with a positive hardworking attitude.  He will work with anyone that wants to learn.  Mark handles the Ross Park web page and photographs and designs all our promotional materials.  In 2015, he was awarded AKS Black Belt of the Year.

Mark participates in area tournaments; competing in both kata and sparring.  He also is a regular competitor in area running events 5K, 10K and full marathons.  Last summer he ran a race in the morning and competed in a karate tournament in the afternoon.

I consider myself very fortunate to have Mark as one of my Black Belts.  He brings a tremendous talent and attitude to every class.  Congratulations Mark on earning your 3rd Dan.

Dave Thomas
8th Dan

Brian C. Wolffis SFR 4th Dan AKS 4th Dan AKA 702-743-4171 C 702-946-1198 F Website agent.selfdefense@gmail.com

Agent Self-Defense This is how the Title and Home Warranty Companies are promoting Agent Safety here in Las Vegas.  FYI, the WORKSHOPS are strictly AKS techniques. More later. Best Personal Regards, Brian

Tournament News

Congratulations to all who have competed this past quarter.  Keep up the great work!

Please take a moment to view our website and visit the A.K.S. Recognitions page.   We are proud of all of our A.K.S. members who have been honored and recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to the American Karate System.  It is only fitting that we honor them and thank them for their dedication and service to our organization.   Ernie would be proud!

2017 Black Belt Membership Dues

All membership dues for 2017 should be paid by February, 2017.  Please contact your instructor for the forms when you register.  Or you may fill out the appropriate forms found at the bottom of the Calendar of Events page.

If you are having a problem downloading the forms, please let me know and I will email them to you.

Request for forms:  here

Looking for that last-minute gift from our AKS apparel shop?  

We have jackets, fleece, wind breakers, vests, shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more.  There is also an embroidery service to have the AKS Logo embroidered on your item.  The perfect solution for that special 'karateka' on your Christmas list.

We would like to thank all those who have purchased AKS apparel through our on-line store.   The AKS receives a portion of the purchase price on every item sold.  Thank you for your continued support.

AKS STORE - CLICK HERE!

We are happy to announce we have upgraded the software to include FedEx online shipping rate calculation for International Sales.  This makes it possible for us to take orders and ship to International customers.

A.K.S. Web Address(es)

Our "Official" web address is:  www.aks-usa.com

We also own:   www.aks-usa.org  and  www.aks-usa.net  which will direct you to our website as well.

You can also type in    www.aks-usa.info   and you will be taken directly to our "About Us" web page.  Please check us out!!