AKS Quarterly Newsletter

"The Punchline Editorial"
September 2017

A New Beginning

As your new Chief Instructor, I would like to thank the membership for your support in my nomination and appointment to this position.

I would again give a profound thank you to Mike Sullenger 9th Dan, and Dave Thomas 8th Dan, for their contributions to the AKS leadership team.   Mike as Chief Instructor and Dave as Assistant Chief.  Their leadership over the past eleven years has helped keep the AKS together and continue the legacy of Mr. Lieb.  I look forward to still calling upon them for guidance in the upcoming years.

The only thing that is predictable is that things change.   My promotion is definitely a change.  As mentioned at our annual black belt meeting, how we govern the AKS is also going to change.  In our discussions we are looking at how that will happen.  Nothing official has happened yet.  We now have an advisory committee, under the direction of Mr. E. Jude Gore, that should be undertaking this discussion.  That committee, for now, consists of 5 black belts giving a good representation of the AKS clubs.  There will be more conversations about this committee and their role in the near future.

The committee consists of Jude Gore 7th Dan (Mountaineer Karate Club), John Folsom 8th Dan (Salem Karate Club), Andrew Eckhart 4th Dan (West Toledo YMCA Karate & Self-Defense Program), Debra Roy 5th Dan ( American Karate Club), and Kristyn Reinecke 3rd Dan (Muskegon Community College AKS Karate Club).  Any suggestions for this committee should be sent to any of the members, or myself to pass along.  Their contact information can be found on the "Membership" page.

Besides how we are to govern ourselves, the next major issue is how to grow our style.  Each club should be doing its best to recruit new members.  If possible, ranking black belts should be looking to open new clubs in their areas.  For my part, a new Family Karate Club is opening in the Orchard View, Muskegon, Michigan area through the Orchard View Community Education department.  This class will start on October 3rd and meet twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Along with working on my new club, as your new Chief Instructor, part of my duties will be to make an effort to visit the various AKS clubs to help with training and provide instruction.  I would like to do this in the formal settings of seminar or summer camp.  Or less formal visits to the different areas just to train during the regular class hours.  I will try and set up a schedule for this Fall (2017) and Spring of 2018.

In the future, we will be putting out more information about marketing and promoting our various clubs.  For those members (clubs) that have been successful in promoting the AKS, please share any and all information that might help us grow our clubs.

To close, I would like to point out that the American Karate System, as an organization, has been active for approximately 44 years.  I have been an active black belt for 40 of those years - through many of its ups and downs.  The good news is, we are still here, and I see many committed black belts and students promoting the AKS.  So I would like to wish us good luck and hopefully another 44 years!

To All Our AKS Members

I want to extend my thanks to those who attended summer camp this year.  I appreciated the thanks and support you showed me as I stepped into partial retirement.  It is my hope you will continue to support and assist Sensei Reinecke as he works to move the AKS forward.  He is being ably assisted by our newest 7th Dan, Sensei Jude Gore.

For those of you who made the commitment to be part of the advisory group under Sensei Gore's supervision and guidance, I encourage you to communicate regularly.  Without regular communications, suggestions and ideas for improvement or new approaches will not have a chance to take place.  In order for Mr. Reinecke to make the best decisions on behalf of the AKS, your input is crucial.

My health continues to be an issue.  A one-day out patient procedure last week turned into a week stay.  I realize the most important aspect of my life now is focusing on my health.  I've already begun working towards officially retiring from my current job in order to further lessen the stresses in my life.  This will also allow Janie and I to travel more, and get lots of rest.

I wish you all God's blessing and continued growth and success for the AKS.

Respectfully yours in Budo,

Mike Sullenger, 9th Dan
Chief Instructor - Emeritus

By Any Name

by Dave Thomas 8th Dan

When people are questioned about "who had the greatest influence on their life," among the top three responses is a person who guided and directed their growth; a teacher.  Someone who took a personal and direct interest in their students' advancement.

Besides the traditional classroom educators, many other people are "teachers" as well. Parents, friends, co-workers; just about anyone we come in contact with has the ability to enlighten and educate us.  Throughout history, being a teacher, one who enlightens and expands the boundaries of our knowledge, has been a respected position.

In martial arts, we have a very special opportunity to not only share with our students' physical skills and specific attitudes, we also teach respect, humility, philosophy, history, honor, geography and the capacity for generous charity.  AKS Instructors are enthusiastic about sharing what they have learned.  Often times they want to continue the lesson when the student is ready to be done.

I have learned that what we do as instructors lives long past the time a student spends on the floor.  Lessons we teach last for years after the class time.  I tell my Black Belts, "You may never know how important what you demonstrate in class can be to those we teach.  But what we do here is very important.  Always give your best."

Recently while out shopping, I met a former student.  We got caught up on family and friends.  As always, the question comes up, "How's class going?"   This lady had been a student 12 or more years ago.  I told her that class was great and still fun every night.

Then she said, "You know, even though it's been years since I was in class, some of the lessons hang on.  We have a neighbor that is miserable and grouchy and usually looking to start an argument.  One day, I saw him yelling at my husband, so I walked out in the yard to see what was up.  As he was ranting, he threw a cigarette butt on the ground.  I looked at him and said, 'Pick that up.'   He looked at me kind of funny, picked it up and left.  I know I don't remember much of the self-defense, but I still have the attitude."

These encounters always re-affirm that what we do is important.  And when I hear someone share how karate helped them, I always ask myself the same question, "Am I doing my best for the student?   Am I teaching to the best of my ability?"

It can be a sobering question, especially when a student has an altercation with multiple assailants or an armed opponent.   Their life may well depend on how well we as Instructors trained them.  It is not a responsibility to be taken lightly.

In my 46 years of being with the AKS, I know that we have some of the best and most knowledgeable Black Belts in martial arts.  Self-defense skills and attitude are a cornerstone of our style.  When our students encounter a contentious situation, they have the intellect and skill to manage the confrontation.  We have a long and sterling track record of besting the bad guys.

So as we continue to do what we do best, always give your students your best efforts.  You may not get a second chance.

A special "CONGRATS" to our newest black belts! And congratulations to all students who have been promoted this past quarter, and to those we've missed in prior newsletters.  Also, congratulations to our friends/fellow karateka from Tasai Dojo in Weyhe, Germany

Best wishes in your continued training!

Attention Instructors, if you have students who have been promoted, please send this information so that we may acknowledge their accomplishments.

Why do I want to be an AKS Black belt?

by John Talbot 1st Dan

I am not sure who stands before you today.  A descendant of people that floated down the Ohio River on flatboats and settled in the "wilderness" of the Ohio territory.  A man with a long lineage of farmers, coal miners, steelworkers and truck drivers.  Tough people that respect hard work, and someone who stands up for what is right.  They had no use for laziness and liars.  The toughest of the bunch was my mother.  She was the oldest daughter of Scrit Persinger, and no son of hers would be a pansy.

I am not sure who I am; where do they stop and I begin.  But I do know what I am.  I am an AKS Black belt.  Not because of anything special that I did, but because of the people that came before me.  Mr. Lieb had an idea that he made into a plan, took action and developed a karate system that would transform people into black belts.

I cannot even take credit for finding and joining the AKS.  Natedog Near, a 10 year old acquaintance of mine was like a steady beat of a drum, "Mr. Talbot you should come to karate, Mr. Talbot you have to come to karate."  Nate did not sell me, but when my grandsons wanted to try martial arts, it seemed the thing to do was to join Nate's club.

From the first night at Ross Park Karate Club, it was easy to see that Mr. Thomas was in charge and that he knew what he was doing.  All of his black belts demonstrated a level of confidence that made it easy to trust them and follow their lead.  Here was a place I did not have to make decisions or question authority, I could just shut my mouth, do what I was told and work hard.  My grandson, Sean, dropped out before getting his yellow belt.  My grandson, Tyler, was ready to test for green when he stopped coming.  But by that time I was hooked, I just did not feel like me if I did not get my AKS fix for the week.

I never had a conscious thought that I wanted to be a black belt.  I never set a goal of becoming a black belt.  I just came to class and watched the people that were better than me.  Black belts sparred aggressively, so I became aggressive.  Black belts start training as soon as they get to the gym, so I started training early.  Black belts do not perform a technique and then stop, they do it until it is perfected.  I just did what the people in the front of the class did until one day Mr. Thomas said, "John, you will be testing for black belt at summer camp."

I had the opportunity to meet the real life "Rudy" from the movie, "Rudy."  He said, "John, the key to becoming successful is to surround yourself with people who want you to be successful, and they will help you."  The AKS does a fabulous job of this.  In the last year, not a class went by that someone would not take me aside and help me become better.  Mark Soderstrom made it his mission to make sure I was ready to test.  Nights when he was so tired he struggled to make it to class, he would do Cat Form 1 with me over and over and over.  I did not realize it at the time, but Mr. Thomas and Mr. Reinecke were watching carefully and orchestrating the whole thing.  When the time was right, Mr. Reinecke invited me to come work out with him.  His group set their training aside and spent hour after hour helping hone my skills.  The people who sacrificed for me should wear my belt.

My mother told me that if I wanted to be successful I should surround myself with smart women.  The AKS is rich beyond measure in this area.  I am sure that someday someone will ask me who is the greater instructor, Mr. Thomas or Mr. Reinecke.  My answer will be that they do not hold a candle to Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Roy and Miss Reinecke.  These women have insights as to why I make the mistakes that I make.  They helped me identify and eliminate the demons within me that kept me from growing.  I am an AKS Black belt, and it is because of them.

I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Lieb.  I wonder if he was smart enough to build all of this into his karate system, or was there divine inspiration.  I think, probably, it is the collective energy of an unusually talented group of people with a single mindedness that transforms lives.

Why do I want to be an AKS Black belt?   I think the better question is, "Why doesn't everyone?"

A.K.S. News

AKS Summer Camp 2017

Summer Camp this year was held on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of July in Muskegon, Michigan.  This year's attendance was a little smaller than usual, but we still had great enthusiasm.   AKS members came from as far away as Germany, Texas, West Virginia, and Ohio along with our local West Michigan members.  We also drew in some other style members for the Saturday afternoon training session.

The weekend started off with Black Belt testing and demonstrations on Friday afternoon at the FAR Karate Dojo.

John Talbot 1st Grade Brown tested and passed his 1st Degree Black Belt test.

Jude Gore presented a demonstration of Iaido (Sword Art) for his promotion to 7th Dan.

Jude will also head-up the newly formed AKS Advisory Group.

Fred Reinecke 8th Dan demonstrated a selection of Forms and Weapons Forms for his promotion to 9th Degree and Chief Instructor of the AKS.

Fred's promotion was the result of the retirement of Chief Instructor, Michael A. Sullenger 9th Degree who retains the title Chief Instructor - Emeritus.

On Friday evening we held our annual Black Belt meeting, it was a good round of discussion.  A copy of the minutes will be email out soon.

Saturday morning began with the new rank presentations.

In addition, a special presentation was made to Mike Sullenger 9th Degree.  The first "Earnest H. Lieb Award" was presented to Mike for his service to the AKS.

It reads:

Dave Thomas 8th Degree has also retired from administrative duties for the AKS.  His new focus will be the Chief Instructor for/and overseeing the karate clubs in Muskegon and Grand Haven, Michigan, and Mustang, Oklahoma.

Dave was presented the Ernest H. Lieb Award for his life-time service and contributions to the AKS.
It reads:

Additionally, I would like to thank Dave for all the behind the scenes work he did to make this summer camp a success.

Morning sessions began at 10:30.  We broke into several groups; working on forms and self-defense.  At noon we took a break for lunch.

Saturday afternoon sessions started at 1:00 pm with a group photo (see photo below).  We then proceeded right into our training.

The first session was lead by Deb and Jim Roy, 5th Dans.  They worked everyone on focus-pad training.   This approach was different from our past camp training; although, every one participating worked very hard and enjoyed the session.

The second session was lead by Jude Gore, 7th Dan.  It was a review of Iaido (sword) technique that he has taught in the past; along with some new sets.

The 3rd session was lead by Heinrich Reimer 8th Degree from Germany.   He focused on improving our sparring technique.  Heir Reimer was at one time a member of the German National Karate team.   His knowledge of traditional sport Kumite (sparring) is extensive.

The fourth session was taught by Fred Reinecke 9th Degree.  His focus was on teaching self-defense.  We worked on some drills along with presenting ideas on how to implement self-defense training.  All things considered, the afternoon went very well and everyone left tired and yet energized with information to take back to their clubs.

The evening dinner/pizza party was held at the Northside Pub in North Muskegon.  The food was good and there was a lot of camaraderie among all that came.

The Sunday morning training session at Pere Marquette park was wonderful.  The weather was perfect for training outside, and all who attended had a chance to review the information that was presented on Saturday.  Every year we attempt an insightful and fresh AKS Summer Camp.  Again this year I would say that it was a success.

We, who plan and host summer camp, look forward to seeing you next year.

by Laura J. Werner 2nd Dan
AKS Webmaster

At this year's summer camp, many changes took place.  Besides the normal training/instructional schedule, the AKS underwent a structural change.

Mr. Michael A. Sullenger stepped down as AKS Chief Instructor due to health concerns.  He retains the title AKS Chief Instructor-Emeritus.  Mike was appointed Chief Instructor of the American Karate System after the tragic and untimely death of its founder, Mr. Ernest H. Lieb in September of 2006.

Mike started his martial arts training at the age of twelve in 1960.  Over the years, Mike has studied Judo, Jujitsu, Hapkido, Shotokan, Isshin-Ryu, Chung Do Kwan Tae Soo Do, and Tang Soo Do Mu Da Kwan.   He joined Mr. Lieb's organization in 1972 and was one of the 13 original schools/instructors who assisted in founding the AKS.  Mike continues to be a steadfast supporter of the AKS and its goals to this day.

During his military years, his first assignment to Germany in 1979 sewed the seeds that resulted in today's AKS presence and recognition by the German Karate Union of the only non-oriental karate system, the AKS.  Mike was teaching one of the many classes that took place in Rohden and Hessisch-Oldendorf, Germany during his first assignment there.  It was these first classes that set the stage for the eventual establishment and recognition of the AKS by the German Karate Union (known as the DKV).  His military history spanned 27 years (1966-1993).  He continued his involvement in law-enforcement from 1993 until retiring just recently.  He also held various teaching positions at south Texas colleges to keep himself busy.  All the while being 100% involved with the American Karate System.

In 2008, Mike was inducted into the Academy of Masters, Masters Hall of Fame, he was a Golden Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, and awarded the Founding Member of the Academy of Masters and Masters Hall of Fame Certificate.  In 2010, he received a Special Recognition Award from the AKS for his many years of service and leadership.

This year at Summer Camp, Sensei Sullenger was presented the first Ernest H. Lieb Award.  As Chief Instructor, he brought the AKS to the forefront of the martial arts world with awards and recognition as a founding member under the rules of the Academy of Masters Martial Arts for "Promoting the true meaning of the warrior spirit."

In thanks for all the years of dedicated service to the AKS family, we send all good thoughts and prayers to Mr. Sullenger for his recovery, and for all his future endeavors and continued involvement with the AKS.

Mr. Frederic A. Reinecke was unanimously nominated and selected as the new AKS Chief Instructor.  At summer camp, he performed a demonstration of skill and was approved and promoted to 9th Dan as is required to become AKS Chief Instructor.

Sensei Reinecke has been associated with the AKS since 1975.  In 1973, while still employed by Uncle Sam, he was sent to an assignment in the Republic of South Korea.  It was during this tour of duty that Fred really got involved in the martial arts.  Upon completion of his time in Korea, Fred returned the U.S. as a newly certified Black Belt in Jin Moo Kwan - Tae Kwon Do.

After his discharge from the U.S. Army, Mr. Reinecke returned to Muskegon, Michigan.  In 1975, he started taking classes at Muskegon Community College (MCC).  It was here he met Mr. Lieb who was conducting classes in the American Karate System.  Following his graduation from Central Michigan University, where Mr. Reinecke had transferred from MCC to finish his degree program, he returned to Muskegon.  He then assumed the teaching responsibilities from Mr. Lieb, and has been the American Karate Instructor for the Muskegon Community College classes since 1980.  Sensei Reinecke is currently in the process of forming a new AKS club.  The "Family Karate Club" is opening October 3rd in the Orchard View area through the Orchard View Community Education program.

Fred has been an active competitor from 1976 to the present, winning more than 100 trophies and awards.  Among these accomplishments are six Grand Championships.  During the 1996-97 time frame, Fred was rated among the top 5 black belt competitors in senior fighting and forms by the Michigan Karate Circuit.  In August of 1998, Sport Karate International Magazine rated Mr. Reinecke 3rd Internationally, 2nd in the U.S. and 1st in Michigan in Senior Black belt Men's fighting.  Fred enjoys competing even today and is a regular at many of the Michigan tournaments.  Mr. Reinecke also has the dubious distinction of being the official AKS photographer!

Sensei Reinecke continues to hone his skills and techniques by attending seminars with such noted instructors as Tadashi Yamashita, Shorin-Ryu and Weapons Master, and by training with other talented black belts like Mr. David Hayes, 6th Dan Shorin-Ryu and Mr. Tom Twining, 6th Dan Chi Do Kwan Karate Do / 7th Dan AKA.

The AKS community sends congratulations to Sensei Reinecke, and best wishes and successes as the new American Karate System's Chief Instructor!

Mr. E. Jude Gore, Chief Instructor Mountaineer Karate Club, performed a demonstration of skill and was promoted to 7th Dan.

Sensei Gore will lead the newly formed AKS Advisory Group, and will assist Sensei Reinecke in directing the AKS in a manner that is ultimately the dream of its founder, Mr. Ernest H. Lieb.

Jude, as well as being the Chief Instructor of the Mountaineer Karate Club in Lumberport, West Virginia, also assists as necessary at the Salem Karate Club in Salem, West Virginia that is directed by Chief Instructor, John Folsom 8th Dan.  Jude received his 1st Dan Black Belt in AKS in 1994 under the leadership of Sensei John Folsom.  He has remained an integral part of the formation and integrity of the AKS as we know it today.

Jude began his martial arts training in Judo at the Clarksburg, West Virginia YMCA in 1967, at the age of 13.  Later in high school, Jude studied Karate and Judo with Earl Smith, a Black Belt in Judo from Hawaii and a black belt student of Sensei John Folsom of Salem, West Virginia.  During his years in college, he studied off and on with various teachers at the school, and one summer vacation was able to study Pai Lum Kung Fu with Sifu Bill Golden.

Jude began his study with Sensei John Folsom in September of 1990; receiving his 1st degree black belt in 1994.  When time allows, Jude studies Aikido, Iaido, and Karate with Sensei Bill King of Weston, West Virginia.

In his private life, Jude was Class President of the last graduating class of Victory High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia in 1973.  In 1977, he received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia.  He attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and obtained his MA degree in Instrumental Theory and Conducting.   Throughout his years of teaching, his various musical groups have received 26 Superior Ratings and 5 Excellent Ratings.  Along with teaching music, he became a Certified Public Accountant in 1991.  Jude recently retired after 30 years of teaching Band and Orchestra in the West Virginia public school system.

E. Jude Gore continues to be an integral part of the American Karate System.  He is forward thinking and dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the AKS as was the dream of Ernest H. Lieb.  Sensei Gore was awarded the 2010 Academy of Masters - Instructor of the Year, and in 2009 the A.K.S. Black Belt of the Year Award.

Congratulations, Jude and best wishes in your endeavors to help bring the AKS to where Ernie dreamed of being.

Mr. Dave Thomas, 7th Dan, has semi-retired and has limited his activities to over-seeing and Chief Instructor for clubs at Muskegon Karate Club, Tri-Cities Family YMCA AKS Karate Club, and Oklahoma Karate Club.  He also remains the AKS accountant.

In 1968 Dave's best friend, Steve Thurkettle, gave him his karate uniform.  Steve had enlisted in the Navy and was about to depart for basic.  Steve told Dave to, "Put this to good use."  Dave did just that.  He began his training in karate under Mr. Lieb in 1968.  Sensei Thomas earned his 1st degree black belt in August 1974 and became an AKS Instructor in 1984.

Sensei Thomas strives to share with his students the benefits and personal growth he experienced as a result of his training under our AKS founder.  He has trained and promoted more than thirty - plus black belts, and was responsible for the only martial arts series to air on local television in Muskegon, Michigan.  Dave was Mr. Lieb's confidant and biggest supporter.  His instructional plan was of equal measure to Mr. Lieb's vision for all his AKS students.

I, as your AKS Webmaster, can attest to Sensei Thomas' dedication to the art.  I began my martial arts journey under Mr. Lieb at Omni Fitness in Muskegon, Michigan in the late-1980's.  When Mr. Lieb moved his class to Holland, I transferred to Sensei Thomas' class at Ross Park.  The man commanded so much respect and effort that he made me believe that I could be an AKS black belt.  Yet with every visit to his class by Sensei Lieb, you knew who was in charge.  Mr. Thomas' respect for Mr. Lieb and his ideology continues to this day.  Only to the betterment of the AKS.  If it were not for Mr. Thomas' conviction that I was worthy to test for my 1st Dan rank, I would have gladly run to the nearest exit that night of testing and disappeared forever from the intimidating task before me!  My personal thanks to Sensei Thomas for his belief and support in my martial arts endeavors.

Over the years, Mr. Thomas has been voted AKS Instructor of the Year, and AKS Black Belt of the Year three times.  He is the only recipient of the Herbert Klien Sportsman's Award, named for Mr. Lieb's brother.  In the years before Mr. Lieb's untimely death, Dave was a regular visitor and confidant of our founder.

Ernie relied on those around him to help him keep his vision for what he knew would be a worthy martial art.  Ultimately, it is those very individuals we speak of today that Ernie placed his hope and faith in.

Mr. Thomas was the 2nd recipient of the Ernest H. Lieb award that was presented at this year's summer camp.  His dedication to teaching and his wealth of knowledge is a gift to treasure.  It is the inherent duty of all AKS members to further the dream.  Make it yours!

Best wishes and prayers to all who have new roles to fulfill in leading the American Karate System to even greater successes.  Congratulations to the new leaders, and all that have a hand in bringing fulfillment to the greater dreams of our founder and ultimate Chief Instructor, Mr. Ernest H. Lieb.  In the years to follow, it is the responsibility of ALL AKS members to carry on the direction and growth of the American Karate System.  Without efforts from each and everyone of you, the AKS will cease to exist.   Make.  Ernie.  Proud!   (I can still see that "G R I N")

Tournament News

No tournament news to report.  However, congratulations to all who may have competed this past quarter.  Keep up the great work!

Recognitions

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!

2018 Black Belt Membership Dues

All membership dues for 2018 are due by the end of February 2018.  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.

Click here to request Membership forms:  AKS Webmaster

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!

Please send your information to Laura Werner.  We look forward to hearing from you !

AKS STORE - CLICK HERE!

Are you thinking about Christmas gifts?  It's never to early to shop for Christmas.

We have jackets, fleece, wind breakers, vests, shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more.  There is also an embroidery service to have the AKS Logo / your name 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.  We are a non-profit organization.  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.

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

You can also use:   www.aks-usa.org  and  www.aks-usa.net  which will direct you to our website as well.

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