John Folsom was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, where his father was a physician for many years. It was there, in April of 1967, that Mr. Folsom began to study karate with Mr. Lieb, the founder of the American Karate System.

At that time, the style was Chi-Do-Kwan, and two of Mr. Lieb's first Black Belts, Monty Bachtol and Carl Stolberg, were assistant instructors. Mr. Lieb allowed John Folsom, as a brown belt, to assist with instruction at the school, and he received his First degree Black Belt on February 8, 1971. These were very special years for Mr. Folsom with Mr. Lieb, and it was through Mr. Lieb that he had the privilege to meet and train with Mr. Yamashita.

Mr. Folsom competed in a number of tournaments in the early years, and he continues to attend many AKS seminars and clinics. He has also hosted several AKS training sessions in West Virginia. Currently, he is the AKS regional director for the State of West Virginia. He is an active member of the AKS and AKA.

When Mr. Folsom moved to Salem, West Virginia to attend Salem College, he started the Salem Karate Club; originally named the Salem College Karate Club. It is one of the two remaining AKS schools of the original thirteen. He has been the head instructor for 40+ years, and during that time he has taught hundreds of students and promoted over 37 Black Belts (and counting). Some of his students have achieved state, national, and international recognition.

In addition to the AKS rank of 8th Degree Black Belt, Mr. Folsom also has earned his 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate and 3rd Kyu Brown in Judo.  Mr. Folsom's influence in karate in Harrison County has been immense. Many of his Black Belts have opened their own schools.

Mr. Folsom joined the Salem City Police Department in June of 1976. He began as a patrolman and worked his way through the ranks to become Chief of Police from March, 1983 through August, 1989. He then became Director of Security at Salem-Teikyo University for 13 years, but returned to law enforcement in April, 2002. His current rank is Captain.

Mr. Lieb, 10th Dan and founder of the AKS, instilled a drive in Mr. Folsom that has continued since he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt. John enjoys teaching and helping students in karate. He never dreamed he would have a school that would exist for this many years. This began by accident when Mr. Floyd Goodson, who was teaching Judo at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, invited Mr. Folsom to participate and also teach karate. He still has many ties with Black Belts in Muskegon, Michigan and Texas. He looks forward to training and socializing with them at least twice a year at summer camps or seasonal seminars. Mr. Folsom lives in Salem, West Virginia with his wife, Leota, a retired middle school teacher, their three Shelties Duncan, McTavish, Riley, and their cat Jeeves.

• 1st Dan  American Karate System - February 8, 1971
• 2nd Dan  American Karate System - August 17, 1972
• 3rd Dan  American Karate System - July 12, 1974
• 4th Dan  American Karate System - December 21, 1975
• 5th Dan  American Karate System - August 5, 1980
• 6th Dan  American Karate System, Master Level - June 13, 2003
• 7th Dan  American Karate System, Master Level - July 10, 2007
• 8th Dan  American Karate System, Master Level - November 2, 2013

• 1972  AKS Instructor of the Year
• 1974  AKA #3 School in the Nation, Salem College Karate Club
• 1975  West Virginia Upward Bound Award
• 1976  Inducted into the AKA Hall of Fame
• 1977  AKA #8 School in the Nation, Salem Karate Club
• 1982-1983 Edition  Who's Who in Karate and Other Martial Arts and Black Belt Directory

• 1967-1971  West Michigan Christian High School, Muskegon MI
• 1971-1977  Salem College, BS and BA in Behavioral Science
• 197x-1977  West Virginia Vocation and Public Service Training - Law Enforcement Certification

• 1973, 1974, 1975  Dean's List Salem College, Salem, West Virginia
• 1974-1975  Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities

• April 17, 1975  National Law Enforcement Academy, Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Investigation
• 1980 Edition  Who's Who in American Law Enforcement
• March 9, 1983  Office of Governor John D. Rockefeller IV, Law Enforcement Certificate of Achievement
• March 8, 1986  Harrison County Bureau of EMS Services, Recognition and Appreciation Award for Assistance during the flood of 1985
• March 11, 1989  Harrison County Bureau of EMS Services, Captain John Smith Award for school bus Incident February 19, 1988
• April 19, 1996  Harrison County Bureau of EMS Services, Citizens Excellence Award, Volunteer Services
• March 17, 2006  Harrison County of EMS Services, Sherlock Holmes Award for 27 felony count investigation of stolen debit cards using U.S. Postal Service mail
• June 26, 2008  Office of Governor Joe Manchin III, Certificate of Recognition

John receiving his AKA Award

John performing "Flying Side Kick"

John promoting Patrick Fluharty to Shodan

John with Jude Gore, Brian Greynolds, and Sandy Gore

John and Master Marquez

John Receiving his 8th Dan Certificate
(L-R) E.Jude Gore, Fred Reinecke, John, Dave Thomas, Tom Twining