Joseph Mollenkopf has been selected as Toledo’s STUDENT OF THE YEAR for 2010. Joe was the perfect choice to be Toledo's first recipient of this award as he exemplifies the definition of the award.

Joe has been with the AKS since the late seventies and as a current 2nd BROWN BELT he has traveled a road not many others could endure. From a teenager who struggled with the requirements to advance, he has overcome many obstacles to achieve his current rank. He has been burdened with physical limitations that sap his muscle and cardio endurance (on occasion life threatening), but he has learned to adapt and pace himself to where he knows what he can and can't do. Those of us who have known Joe for many years are amazed at the level of skill and physical conditioning he has achieved in spite of his setbacks.

But Joe hasn't been satisfied with just HIS accomplishments, he has grown to be an individual who we all can count on to teach others and share that which he has learned. His character and work ethic put him at the top of the list in class attendance and he always seems to be more interested in helping others rather that tend to his own goals and needs.

Joe Mollenkopf is as much a part of Toledo AKS as anyone who has ever passed through the ranks . . . probably more so. There will be future Students of the Year, but Joe has set the bar high and could easily fill that roll every year.

Please join me in congratulating Joe on his award and achievements . . . well deserved!

Rand Palmer 5th Dan / American Karate System

Rhonda Bailey, Muskegon Karate Club, first came to our class when she enrolled her son, Mitch. He had earned his green belt in another program, but she was not happy with the direction and curriculum of the class. It was a departure from his previous style, but Mitch adapted quickly to the AKS format. I asked Rhonda later why she changed programs? She said, "I wanted my son to learn real karate."

After several weeks of watching our class, one night she came up and asked me to order her a uniform, she was going to join as well. She is a dedicated student who never misses a class and gives 100% every time. As she has gained in rank she is always willing to work with the newer students in learning their techniques. Her attitude and work ethic are outstanding.

What separates Rhonda from our other students is what she goes through just to attend class. She played indoor volleyball for 15 years, which took a toll on her knees. ;She has ligament and cartilage damage to both knees. She has come to class at night after having injections that go all the way to the bone in both knees. There have been nights where her knee has slipped out of joint, but she will not yield to the pain and discomfort.

Rhonda and I have an ongoing campaign to have her work within the limitations her knees require. I tell her to take it easier; she doesn't have to do every kick or spin move.

Her answer is, "I have to try. I love it too much not to."

She works hard to be an excellent karate student, in technique and attitude. She also puts herself at risk every time she steps on the floor. That is why I am so proud that Ms. Rhonda Bailey was honored at our Summer Camp as the 2010 AKS Student of the Year.

Congratulations Rhonda!

DaveThomas 8th Dan / American Karate System

Caleb Connolly, from the Mountaineer Karate Club, was selected as West Virginia's Student of the Year for 2010. Caleb began his Martial Arts training at the age of nine, studying under Sensei Robert Leonard. When he was twelve, he joined our club when it was the St. James Karate Club and became a member of the AKS. He has followed us through location changes and names changes as we became Mountaineer Karate Club, in Lumberport, West Virginia.

Caleb will be a senior at Liberty High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia in the coming year. He is undecided as to what career path he will take, but is interested in a field which will allow him to work with other people. He enjoys music, reading, and riding the motorcycle with his dad.

Caleb has grown and matured from thinking of what he can learn for himself, to taking pride in what he can offer by working with and teaching other students. He is dedicated, strives to do always do what is asked of him, and is respectful at all times. Over the years, Caleb has worked hard and has improved his technique and control, has attended the Toledo Seminar, our Fall Seminars, and Summer Camp in Muskegon, and has earned his 1st Grade Brown in November, 2010.

Caleb has become a valued member of our school, and we are proud of him for his achievement in receiving this award.

Congratulations Caleb!

E. Jude Gore / American Karate System

This year we instituted a "Student of the Year" award. This year's recipient is Ron Kolbe (3rd Kyu AKS), a student at Muskegon Karate Club. Ron Kolbe has been training with us for about 2 ½ years. So far, he has earned his 3rd Grade Brown Belt. He is one of the first people on the floor and the last to leave. He trains hard in all aspects of American Karate. As he has gained rank, he is always helping newer students with forms, basics, and self-defense, anything they need. During the summer when we train outside, he made arrangements for our class to use his church's gym on nights with inclement weather. From the time he started training, he has been an asset to our class in many capacities.

Over the last several years, I have gotten to know Ron on a personal level. I have learned that he was injured at work and will never be able to work again. This realization caused depression and turmoil in his life. He has told me, that after beginning American Karate, he feels much more in control of himself and much happier. Karate literally changed his life from what it had been. And now because he has gained so much through the training and the new friends he has made, he feels that he has to repay the debt by assisting the Black Belts with the newer students.

It is debt we all embrace in the American Karate System.

I am very proud that Ron Kolbe received the 2009 AKS Student of the Year award for our school.  He is my student, he is my friend, and he is a credit to our organization. Congratulations Ron!

Dave Thomas / American Karate System

Don Riffle was selected as West Virginia's Student of the Year for 2009. Don and his son, Isaac, joined the Salem Karate Club in January 2007; with his daughter Mary Kate soon to follow. Although his son and daughter are on hiatus for the time being, pursuing other interests, Don has continued to attend karate class faithfully. He loves learning karate and the sense of belonging and camaraderie that comes with being a part of the AKS.

Don Riffle was born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He spent about 10 years away in Arkansas, Tennessee, Charleston, West Virginia, and Wetzel County West Virginia. Don is a software engineer, and has spent 11 years of his life continuing his education, both full time and part time, attending Ohio Valley College, Harding University, West Virginia Northern Community College, Fairmont State University and West Virginia University.

Along with his love of karate, Don enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking, and playing old time fiddle music with his kids. He and his family are active with the Bridgeport Church of Christ, where he and his wife teach Sunday School.

Don Riffle is a valued member of Salem Karate Club. He is extremely dependable with his attendance and always being available to assist Sensei Folsom whenever it is asked of him. He loves to learn and has attended several Fall Seminars. We are proud of him for his achievement in receiving this award.

Congratulations Don!

E. Jude Gore / American Karate System