AKS Quarterly Newsletter

"The Punchline Editorial"
June 2018

AKS Summer Camp

It is time to prepare for our annual summer camp.  For those that don't know, Summer Camp will be held on the 28th of July in Muskegon, Michigan.  Friday the 27th will be the annual black belt testing, and Saturday/Sunday will follow the regular camp schedule.  Both Friday and Saturday events will be held at the North Muskegon Elementary Gym.  A complete agenda will be published shortly.

Some Thoughts About the Practice of Self-Defense in our Style

Over the years I have witnessed many demonstrations of self-defense technique.  Usually at black belt testings.  These always lead to discussion about what works and how to demonstrate in an authentic manner.  Unfortunately, what is demonstrated is not always what works or is authentic.

Certainly most techniques taught in the AKS could work if practiced so that it becomes what we call muscle memory.  Also, if applied with the proper force and timing, you could say it was authentic.  The question is, is it useful for your actual self-defense?

First, we should redefine Self-Defense.  An action we use to keep ourselves or loved ones safe and also legally safe.  I have sometimes said when teaching self-defense that our goal is to just survive.  Well you could be in a hospital on a ventilator and that is surviving.  You could be in jail and facing criminal charges, that is also surviving.  You could be sued for liability and that is also surviving.  I think avoiding those 3 things should also be covered when discussing self-defense.  On a contrary note, you might have heard me say it is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.  This only means that if you have to use violence to solve your self-defense problem, you won't have time, or you should not be thinking about what happens to your opponent, in the heat of combat.

1. On our list is avoidance. This happens when you prepare through situational awareness. Taking care when out shopping or walking. Care when traveling. Not becoming paranoid but just being aware of the people places and things that are around you. A little like defensive driving. The best kind of self-defense is preventing situations. Never having to use your technique.

2. Remember that a self-defense altercation is not some kind of sporting match.  This applies to all martial arts.  You are not trying to show how good you are at the art you study.  As mentioned earlier, you are not just trying to survive.  You want to extricate yourself from the situation as soon as possible.  I recently watched a video on YouTube, were a special forces expert demonstrated what to do against a knife if unarmed.  It showed the attacker step in with a knife, then it showed the defender turn and run away as fast as he could.  He was surprisingly fast.  While it seemed somewhat comedic, the truth of the matter was if you are unarmed against an armed assailant, then getting away from that situation is probably the best idea.  Now that is not always the viable option.  We have trained for years to disarm a person with a weapon.  What I see displayed during our testings should be reassessed.  All too often the defender is grabbing the arm holding the weapon trying to use sophisticated locks and throws.  Even using the opponent's arm as a balance bar while trying to kick to the head.  None of this looks effective.  We will cover what should be done in section 4.

3. In a self-defense situation, we can use our voice to stop a person from getting into our personal space.  I have used the term, "Using your 'BAD DOG' voice when speaking to someone approaching you.  This gives the impression that you are someone not to be messed with.  It also may alert potential help from someone that hears you.  I say use the word NO a lot and dress it up with a few vulgarities as adjectives.  Again, this must be done before the person enters your personal space.  There are many verbal defense tactics and most are designed to illuminate a threat before it becomes physical.

   Next, deny privacy.  Never go with, or get into a vehicle, with the stranger.  Some students always ask, "When do you know it's time to fight or strike?"  If the assailant is trying to get you in a private place, you must not let them.  If they try to grab or show you a weapon to scare you, this is when you lash out with any of the strikes you have learned in class that are well practiced.  Aimed at the vital areas such the eyes, ears, nose, throat, groin, knees.

4. The AKS is a blocking, striking, kicking, art.  We like to practice arm locks, chokes, take downs, and assorted other grappling techniques to round out our style.  Also, some of our practitioners are police officers who must operate under the confines of the law.  Most of us are regular civilians.  We are not required to capture our assailants.  Sure, if we happen to incapacitate a person who attacked us, we cannot, under the law, inflict punishment for their crime.  Our legal duty is to report the crime and possibly seek medical help for the person incapacitated.  The most important part is that we escape without being harmed and leaving ourselves open to liability under the law.

   Now getting back to how we train.  So we are well trained in how to block, strike using hands, elbows, knees and kicks.  These are our primary defensive and offensive weapons.  In a self-defense situation, once we start to use these weapons, we should stay away from any grabbing or grappling because that ties us in place - not knowing whether an assailant has help from other assailants.  Also, when a person grabs you, he leaves himself open to any kind of strike we wish to deliver.  We must overwhelm the assailant with blows to the vital areas and move away from him/her as soon as possible.  I like to say 'we bravely run away.'  If caught while running away, you repeat the strikes and kicks until you're able to break away again.  I know that this sounds simplistic.  Remember what you are trained to do.  Whether you have been training for a year or 20 years, your punching, kicking ability is what you have built into your muscle memory, and it will be the most useful to you.  Now because of the popularity of MMA, I have to say this.  Stay off the ground.  For reasons expressed earlier, if taken to the ground, you limit your mobility and become an easy target.  When in the service, one of the sayings about combat is that once shots are fired all the plans go out the window.  The same can be said about self-defense.  That's why training hard and keeping your defensive tactics simple is the best course.

5. Lastly, we should talk a little about aftermath.  Like I said, if we escape and possibly hurt the assailant during the process, we should immediately call the police to report the attack.  If your attacker wakes up in the hospital, or reports to whomever is providing medical care, that his injuries are from an unprovoked attack, you could be held responsible.  We want to avoid that if at all possible.  By giving details of the attack to the police as soon as possible, your assailant should be charged with an assault crime.  By calling for medical help for your assailant, you are also relieving yourself from other liability.

Now that I have produced this simple self-defense document, we can discuss possibly adding or subtracting content.  Knowing that there are many variables, I believe that keeping your personal self-defense plan as simple as possible is the best overall course.  I look forward to discussing these ideas at upcoming seminars.

Sincerely

Frederic A. Reinecke 9th Degree
Chief Instructor AKS

The Rewards of Special Needs Students

by E. Jude Gore 7th Dan

In a perfect world, every student in your karate class would be a star athlete, flexible as a ballerina, sharp as a tack, have reflexes like a cat, the memory of an elephant, with an eagerness to learn and undeterred determination. Just like I was when I started training ... okay, that is a "really bad" example?? Back to reality. That is not the way God made us. We all have strengths and weaknesses; otherwise, life would be pretty boring if we were all the same. An instructor must be careful not to predetermine or assume how a student will do by the abilities they possess or lack.

Much of my teaching methods and philosophies come from teaching band and orchestra for thirty years. My goal for the first couple of years of teaching was to produce a band second to none. It was difficult and stressful, not only for me, but for my students. Not until I was enlightened by my former teacher and friend, Phil Rossano, did I understand what teaching was all about, and how to go about it. First, I had to understand that students are all different. They all learn and progress in different ways and at different rates. He relayed to me a story of a young clarinet player that did not go to his school, but asked to take private lessons. The student was not very good and couldn't play in time if his life depended on it. Each week he would show up for his lesson, but never made any progress. After a year, he told the boy's mother that he was a nice boy, but she was wasting her money. The mother said that she knew that he wasn't very good, but he really enjoyed the lessons and would he please keep giving them even though he may never get any better. Phil agreed.

Another year went by and still no progress, but he showed up each week on time and did his best. The following year to Phil's surprise, or dismay, guess who transferred into his school as a freshman and joined band? Yep! Phil had a large band and the boy sat last chair in his clarinet section. All the while, he kept coming weekly for his clarinet lesson. Over the next year, Phil noticed that he was gradually getting a little better and actually moved up several seats in his band. By his sophomore year, he moved up to the upper half of the section. Then came his junior year, and the boy asked if he could tryout for the All State Band. Each year the best students from the state audition to make this band. Only the best of the best make it. Phil informed him that he would help him prepare, but not to be disappointed if he did not make it. Many fine players tryout and don't make this band. When the results came back, Phil was surprised to see the boy missed making the band by only one place. I am sure you can figure what happened the boy's senior year. He became first chair in his high school band and also was awarded first chair in the All State Band. Not only did he make first chair in the All State Band, but was one of only a few to be selected to play a solo in the Honors Recital at the State Music Educators' Convention.

The second thing Phil taught me was that the students weren't there for me, but I was there for the students. He told me to take some note cards and put each student's name on one and stick them in my shirt pocket. Every time I talked to a student about anything but band, I was to put a check mark on their card. He told me that, if a student was thinking about dropping out, I would find that their card had no or very few check marks. He was right. My focus changed to the welfare of each student instead of a superior performing group. To my surprise, band became more fun for me as well as for the students, and our ratings and number went up and not down. It is the same way with teaching karate. Students don't have to come to you for karate, they choose to.

Now let's consider the "Special Needs" students in our karate classes. Special Needs is defined as "the educational requirements of pupils or students suffering from any of a wide range of physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual difficulties, or emotional problems, including deafness, blindness, dyslexia, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems." Is karate for them? Absolutely! In fact, it may be more important for them than the "star athlete" we all think we want our classes filled with. Remember, they have selected us as a teacher. It is now our responsibility to find a way to help those students become the best version of themselves. It may take them more time. We may have to do extra research and try to find different ways of teaching for them. We may have to adapt new techniques. We may get very frustrated and discouraged, but if they are willing to keep showing up and trying, then we must be just as willing, along with being patient and encouraging. We cannot preconceive what these students can accomplish. Remember the clarinet player.

Once we have opened our minds to receiving these students, we need to also realize that this type of activity can be very beneficial to them as well as to everyone else. Aside from the physicality of karate; such as being active, improving coordination, good posture, and reaction skills, they also learn how to listen and focus while following instructions, improving confidence and social interaction by learning to work well with others, self-control and good decision making. By learning self-discipline and social awareness, they learn how to be responsible and respectful. All of this works toward a self-awareness and self-confidence that some people have trouble achieving. Of course, there are so many things we learn in karate class that are not mentioned here, but it is easy to forget that besides just teaching techniques, self-defense, and kata, we are helping them learn how to be the best person they can be.

I would be negligent not to mention the question of rank for some of these students. I know many of you are thinking, "But some of them just will never to able to make Black Belt." Maybe or maybe not. Here is where I may step on some toes (that would be a stomp kick, right?). I will apologize in advance. The older I get, the less I value rank. I see so many black belts and some brown belts (and a couple of other colors too) that are so far superior to me with what they have accomplished. On the other hand, there are many high-ranking black belts that I have very little respect for due to their attitudes of superiority and lack of humility. Remember what Tadashi Yamashita would say at black belt shows . . . "You're a good student."

I have found that there is a great joy in seeing these students progress. Yes, they may not be able to perform as well as others in the same rank. But in my eyes, they have persevered and are winners. There is nothing better than seeing the look of accomplishment and happiness in their eyes when they receive their new belt. It shows them that, despite their difficulties, with hard work and determination they can accomplish the goals they once thought beyond their reach. You may come to find that you needed them as much as they needed you.

"The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants." - Gichin Funakoshi

Karate Terms

by Dave Thomas 8th Dan

We frequently use a number of terms as we teach, but seldom define them for our newer students.  "You need to work on your focus," students are often told, but explaining what constitutes focus is passed over.  Typically, students often will not ask their instructors to clarify the terms used because they think they should already know the context we are using them in.

As we progress in rank and experience, the terms become self-evident.  For the new student, explaining these terms along with the training may be in order.  I have listed some of the most commonly used terms that we use in training and tried to offer definitions that will help the student better understand what it is we want them to accomplish.

Balance - the dictionary defines balance as an equal distribution of weight allowing one to be upright or stable, or a condition where different elements are in equal or correct proportion.  In karate, we talk about the importance of balance in regard to not over extending and putting yourself at risk of being taken advantage of.  We also strive to create balance between the use of our hands and feet as well as left and right.  There is also balance in the way we conduct our lives; equal time for work and play, exercise and rest, etc.  Proper balance is critical to the martial artist.

Power - (mass x velocity = power). When I first started taking classes, the high ranks would always tell me, "More power." At the time, I truly had no clue what they were expecting me to do. I went through the motions until Mr. Lieb explained, "Throw your punch or kick like you're driving it through a wall." OH! Now I get it. More power means execution with great force.

Focus - One of the most used terms in karate training. We use it, you hear it in movies, in training books and films; martial artists have to learn to focus to be successful. The best definition I have learned is, "A time of absolute clarity, total concentration." No distractions, no interruptions. I think kata training is the best method for developing focus; to stay on task in performance of a form is the best training.

Control - Physical control is delivering a technique with enough speed and power to cause injury to an opponent, and then intentionally stopping short or limiting the amount of contact. Control is critical in teaching martial arts. Without control, we would have training injuries to the point we would have no students. Control also means emotional control. Mr. Lieb demanded that, when we would compete, we be good sportsman; win or lose. I have seen him "counsel" students who let their behavior get out of control.  He said, "You must keep your emotions in check and use that energy in your techniques to beat your opponent."

Confidence - We tell our students that as they train they will gain confidence. As instructors, we see the growth and maturity in every student that stays with us. In the beginning, they may not comprehend that in the process of training they will build a base of skills that allows them to understand they have the ability use the skills they have been taught. Physical skills transcend into intellectual discipline. One day during lunch, Mr. Lieb told me how impressed he was that I had built a business from a cold start-up to a successful industrial company. I told him that, honestly, that was easy. The hardest thing I had ever done was earn my Black Belt. Once I did that, I knew I could accomplish anything I worked hard at. Karate gave me that confidence.

Respect - Here is term we throw around a lot. Unfortunately, it is harder to live up to than talk about. We demand respect on the floor in order to teach techniques that could cause serious injury. American Karate has always required that respect be reciprocated. I call six year olds, Mister or Miss. Where the respect sometimes falls short is when our rank or authority are challenged. I remember a visitor coming to my class and telling the parents of my students all the things he thought I was doing wrong. I didn't know the young man, nor had he bothered to introduce himself. But several weeks later we fought at a tournament. His lack of courtesy and respect was incentive enough for me to leave with first place. I think respect requires constant maintenance.

Humility - A quality on how we are to conduct ourselves, "Be humble, and let your skills speak for you." When someone challenges you to fight, it is difficult to smile and walk away. But this is what we tell our students every time we practice self-defense, "Fight when you have no other option." This is when confidence and emotional control step forward, "You don't have to prove anything." As you get older, it gets easier to avoid a physical altercation; too much to lose.

Honor - This is another term that is frequently used in our training. Honor is a code of conduct that encompasses integrity, discipline and humility. To the ancient samurai, honor was more important than life itself. As modern day martial artists, we maintain with reverence many of the traditions from the ancient warriors. Today we demonstrate honor by conducting ourselves with quiet dignity.

Following are the current quarterly promotions for each club.

A SPECIAL "Congrats" to our newest black belts and our promoted black belts! Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

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!

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

West Virginia AKS Black Belt Testing 2018

By Sandra Gore 3rd Dan AKS

On May 24, 2018, 7 AKS members tested for their next rank. The testing was held at the Mountaineer Karate Club location at Jewel City Church, Meadowbrook, West Virginia. AKS Chief Instructor, Fred Reinecke 9th Dan, traveled to West Virginia to chair the testing board who consisted of John Folsom 8th Dan, Head Instructor at Salem Karate Club, Jude Gore 7th Dan, Head Instructor at Mountaineer Karate Club, Brian Greynolds 5th Dan, Mountaineer Karate Club, and Sandy Gore 3rd Dan, Asst. Instructor Mountaineer Karate Club.

All candidates successfully demonstrated appropriate techniques and knowledge necessary for promotion over a 3-1/2 hour period. Candidates were from three West Virginia AKS schools, Mountaineer Karate Club, Meadowbrook, WV, Old Town Karate Club, Monongah, WV, and Salem Karate Club, Salem WV.

Mountaineer Karate Club

William Way, Assistant Instructor at Mountaineer Karate Club, received his 2nd Degree Black Belt. Bill was also the recipient of the West Virginia Student-of-the-Year Award in 2012. In addition to AKS basic requirements, Bill performed Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Nijushiho, Sochin, Bo Form 1, Nunchuck Form 1 and 2, and Sai Form 1.

Dan Nawrocki, Asst. Instructor Mountaineer Karate Club, received his 1st Degree AKS Black Belt. Dan joined the Mountaineer Karate Club nearly two years ago, previously earning a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Dan's additional katas included Bassai Dai, Bo Form 1, and Nunchuck Form 1.

Old Town Karate Club

John Billie, Head Instructor of Old Town Karate Club and Asst. Instructor Mountaineer Karate Club, received his 2nd Degree Black Belt. John started Old Town Karate Club in April of 2017 in Monongah, West Virginia. His additional katas included Bassai Dai, Nijushiho, Kanku Dai, Gankanku, Bo Form 1, Nunchuck Form 1 and 2, and Sai Form 1.

Kevin Bond, of Old Town Karate Club, received his 1st Degree Black Belt in the AKS. Kevin came to study with John approximately two years ago as a Brown Belt having previously studied Isshin Ryu, Jeet Kune Do and Shotokan. His additional katas included Kanku Dai, Bo Form 1, Nunchuck 1.

Salem Karate Club

James Wise, Asst. Instructor Salem Karate Club, received his 2nd Degree Black Belt. His additional katas included Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Bo Form 1, Nunchuck Form 1 and 2, and Sai Form 1.

Jeffrey Merritt, Asst. Instructor Salem Karate Club, received his 2nd Degree Black Belt. His additional katas included Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Bo Form 1, Nunchuck Form 1 and 2, and Sai Form 1.

Don Riffle, Asst. Instructor Salem Karate Club, received his 2nd Degree Black Belt. Don was awarded the West Virginia Student-of-the-Year in 2009. He also studies Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and has added several of the ground techniques he has learned to the SKC curriculum. His additional katas included Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Bo Form 1, Nunchuck Form 1, and Sai Form 1.

Congratulations to you all for the hard work and dedication you have shown to further your training!

The Candidates - left to right:
James Wise, Jeff Merritt, Don Riffle, Bill Way, Dan Nawrocki, John Billie, and Kevin Bond

The Candidates and Testing Board-left to right:
Fred Reinecke, John Folsom, James Wise, Jeff Merritt, Don Riffle, Bill Way, Dan Nawrocki, John Billie, Brian Greynolds, Kevin Bond, Sandy Gore, Jude Gore

A.K.S. News

AKS-Germany Budo Meeting
September 21-23, 2018
Braunschwig, Germany

The 2018 AKS-Germany Budo Meeting will be held on September 21-23 in Braunschweig (Brunswick in English) Germany. Fred Reinecke and Jude Gore will be attending this year and invite any members to contact them for additional information if they are interested in attending. If you are considering attending, you need to make sure your passport is current. It normally takes 4 to 6 weeks to obtain or renew a passport. There is still time to get some decent deals on flights. Fred or Jude would be glad to assist you in your travel plans but the sooner the better. It's a beautiful country, and our Germany hosts are second to none.

2018 AKS Summer Camp

AKS Summer Camp in Muskegon, Michigan will be held July 27-28, 2018 at North Muskegon Elementary School.  Details will be provided as soon as they are finalized.

Tournament News

Mr. Brenden Payton, 7th Yellow Advanced, from Old Town Karate Club, competed in March at The Battle on the Hill Karate Tournament hosted by Mushin do Karate Club. Mr. Payton placed 2nd in open hand kata and 3rd in weapons.

On 4/21/2018 two students from Old Town Karate Club competed at the Rumble on the River V Karate Tournament in Grafton, West Virginia. Mr. Brenden Payton won 1st place in Ippon Kumite, 2nd place in Open Hand Kata (Tiger 1), and 3rd place in Weapons (Bo Form 1).

Mr. Jacob Mays, 8th Yellow, made his first ever appearance in a tournament and earned a 2nd place in open hand kata (H-Form).

Congratulations to both competitors - WELL DONE !  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 Memberships should now be current. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Dave Thomas.

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 the AKS Webmaster.  We look forward to hearing from you !

A. K. S.  S U M M E R C A M P    2 0 1 8

AKS STORE - CLICK HERE!

SUMMER is HERE!   A perfect time to find that A.K.S. summer jacket or shirt to take you into summer with style.

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.

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

In addition:   www.aks-usa.org  or   www.aks-usa.net  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!!