AKS Quarterly Newsletter
December 2024
The Master's Edge
9th Dan
AKS Chief Instructor
Another AKS year has passed 2024
Every year at this time, I look back at the past and also forward to our future. The AKS is a martial arts organization made up of mostly amateur martial artist who do something else to make a living and practice karate for the fun of the art. In my lifetime there were moments when I practiced most every day, depending on my goals, especially when involved in tournament competition. Unfortunately, due to age, that has not been a concern for the past 20 years. I mostly practice to keep up my health, along with trying to learn new techniques to help my duty as an AKS instructor. In recent years just the practice of forms and many various self-defense drills have kept me interested.
As the chief Instructor of our style, I constantly worry about our style. Since Mr. Lieb's passing, the style has hung together with the leadership of Mr. Sullenger and myself, as well as Mr. Thomas and our executive board; Mr. Gore, Mr. Folsom, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Eckhart, Mrs. Roy, and Ms. Reinecke. Along with all the other black belt members and their students. The AKS has a good training program starting with our hand book, and we have serious students that study with other stylist and constantly bring new information back for us to use; keeping things interesting. What we don't have is a plan for selling the benefits of our style to other martial artists. The way Mr. Lieb first started the AKS, was through traveling to many tournaments on the national level getting involved with the promoters and competitors. They saw the value in what he was doing and that drew many to be interested in the AKS.
So with the clubs we have in Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, I propose that each area promote their clubs by putting together a competition/demonstration team that competes in local tournaments along with providing demonstrations at civic events such as parades and social gatherings. Whatever works for you. Many of us old timers remember the days when that was common to promote our classes. The unfortunate part is many of us are too old to perform. That being said, we aren't too old to train our young students. This should fire up the enthusiasm among our students to be on the team. It might even be an additional away to attract more students to your club. During the summer camp, we talked about the benefit of using social media for club promotion. At this point I still believe that this is a usable source to promote us, but mostly in our respective areas. So each specific club should generate videos to promote their clubs. If an area puts together a team, then videos should be made to promote them.
I will be interested in hearing suggestions about this plan, and look forward to discussing it with the Executive Committee. Don't forget our next summer camp will be held on July 25th and 26th 2025. The location is TBA.
And finally, I wish all the AKS members and their families, "Happy Holidays!"
Sincerely,
Fred Reinecke, 9th Dan
AKS Chief Instructor
231-777-1996
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Far Karate Facebook Page
You may also check our AKS Facebook Page for information.
The DoJo
"Coming Up Short"
E. Jude Gore
Gichin Funakoshi once said it takes a lifetime to learn karate. As I continue on my path of learning, I have decided I might need 5 lifetimes. I have been told on more than one occasion, and by more than one Sensei, that I am "shorting my punches." In my mind I responded with, "No I'm not, I'm squaring up." After considering their advice, I decided maybe my cup was a little too full and needed emptying. A very good friend once told me the best way of checking your form and techniques is to videotape yourself. So out came the camera and off to the garage I went. To my surprise, I found my techniques were stiff, mechanical, lacking power, and ... "short." I endeavored to change, but I then found myself leaning forward sometimes and reaching (see Figure 1).
This too resulted in a correction from my instructors and peers. They observed that my posture was poor, my techniques lacked power, and that I was "off balance." It took an article I read by heavy weight champion Joe Lewis to open my eyes. The article was about why so many fighters lack power due to their shoulders and hips stopping short of completing their technique. A little light in my head came on. I know this to be true because I was asked by my wife why there was light coming out of my ears. It all started to make sense. From that point, I started to observe how the best martial artists handled this. What I observed was proper hip and shoulder rotation, extension of techniques, follow-through, and action/reaction.
When you first started your karate training, how many times did you get pulled off balance by your instructor when you performed a front thrust punch? My number would be close to the National deficit. I have corrected my students many times for this same error. The normal correction would be to have the student square up their stance. The student then begins to stop his or her punch (or any technique), motion, and hip rotation short. In Figure 2 example to the left, I stopped my punch short with my shoulders and hips squared to the front. This also can result in the front leg becoming too straight as it is in the same example. You can compare this to hitting a baseball. When a batter bunts, his motion stops short of a full swing. He cannot hit a home run with this shortened swing. When his intention is to hit a home run, he swings through with power. His hips, shoulders and body flow with his swing. Each of these techniques has a legitimate purpose and appropriate use; there is a time for both shortened and complete follow through. When you throw a jab, even though you want your technique to be effective, it's not the same as a solid front thrust punch. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to get hip motion if the shoulders and hips stop exactly at square (hips and shoulders straight forward). So what is the answer? Rotate and extend.
I mentioned before that I first tried to correct the problem by reaching, leaning, and over extending. The answer was to "extend" my technique while keeping good form and posture while not leaning, but also allowing my hips and shoulders to rotate through the completion of the technique (see Figure 3 to the right). With proper hip motion and rotation the force of my punch is more in line with the rear extended leg. This is our anchor to the ground. In AKS Tiger One, you kick, step forward and extend your punch, rotating into an American fighting stance (a horse stance at a 45° angle from front) as you advance down the middle of the H. From this stance, shift 60% of your weight on your front leg, straighten but don't lock your rear leg and rotate your hips and shoulders just slightly but not to square. Keep your torso vertical and check your form. This should be the ending position of the front thrust punch. The rear hand and hip are now in position to put power into the next technique, much like an archer with his bow pulled back ready to release his arrow.
I understand that there are some very fine instructors that don't want you to end in this position, but more centered and squared up. An easy solution is to execute your technique with good rotation and form, then immediately ease back to a more squared or centered stance. It's important to always be aware of your posture and balance. Keep your torso vertical. Too much of a good thing is usually bad, so don't "over" rotate or extend. Our Chief Instructor Emeritus, Mike Sullenger, has always instructed us to strive for a balance between over extension and shortening our technique, all the while maintaining good posture and balance. Concentrate on action and reaction while executing your techniques. Relax and let your body move to produce both power and speed, and remember to think "extend and rotate," not "lean and reach."
(The views of the author are his own and don't necessarily mean anything to anyone. 😊)
E. Jude Gore7th Dan AKS
Karate and Christianity
Father James Wyse
4th Dan AKS
This article was written some time ago; currently re-submitted by E. Jude Gore.
4th Dan AKS
Sometimes there is concern about what it means for a Christian to study karate. How can the study of a fighting art fit with Jesus' injunction to turn the other cheek? There are various schools of thought on Christianity and self defense, and I shall try to explain a position that I think makes the most sense and fits into most historical Christian thought.
It says in Matthew 5:38-42: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."
That is potent stuff. The big questions are does Jesus' teaching forbid self-defense? And, if not, what sort of demands do they make on us? No Christian can say that Jesus' words make no demands on us, and to spin them until they are comfortable takes all the power out of our Christianity. Given our ability to deceive ourselves, we should approach the question carefully.
The Sermon on the Mount is about setting up a new vision of how to live rather than detailed set of do's and don'ts. At the time there was a deep sense of the importance, indeed the necessity of revenge, and it would often lead to a cycle, escalating with each turn. If someone did you wrong, you had no choice; you had to strike back. Jesus frees us to new possibilities and a higher purpose.
Jesus is calling us to seek the good of all people, even if they don't deserve it. We look at Matthew 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. If you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same&363; So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
There is a command to an unconditional intent to do good to all. Treat people not merely according to what they deserve, but according to the greatest good. This leads to the question of what happens when there is a conflict of goods? From the time of Augustine, most Christians have recognized that there are times when defending against an unjust aggressor takes precedence over our duty to be kind to an unjust aggressor. Besides, we know that letting people get away with crimes is not necessarily good for them. Every parent knows (or learns the hard way) that letting their kids get away with everything is not going to help them in the long run.
If we take these words of Jesus as literal commands, they would not just forbid the use of physical force, but any resistance. Locking doors, using passwords or virus protection are methods of resistance to evil. Oh, and forget about calling the police. One would not even have to steal from us, merely ask. There can be witness value in refusing to fight, showing unconditional love, but I would suggest that it does not always serve Christian witness. Remember the movie "Witness" with Harrison Ford? Our hero was living for a while with an Amish community, which did not believe in self defense. Every time they went into town, local bullies would harass them, knowing there would be no resistance. Thinking that Harrison Ford was Amish, they began to harass him too. He was not passive, and somebody got a bloody nose. This gave the audience the great satisfaction of seeing bullies get their comeuppance, but I think there is a more serious point: while I have great respect for the Amish and their willingness to suffer harm rather than cause it, in cases such as this, their passivity encourages evil rather than quells it. Does anyone care to guess if the incident caused the bullies to rethink their behavior?
I heard the story of a theology professor who said that he would not use violence even if his sister were getting raped. Several of the women in the class responded, "I'm glad I'm not your sister." There was a Dilbert comic strip in which Dogbert said he wanted everyone to renounce fighting. Dilbert thought that was a beautiful sentiment. Dogbert walked away saying, "Then I could conquer the planet with a butter knife." If we chose a pacifist response to villains, some might hope that eventually the demonstrating of our love would overcome them. I would suggest that most of our experience with people who are unimpressed by such things points to pacifism leading to a world ruled by predators.
Some people would fight expecting you to fight back. To refuse would end the game. They think that everyone is like them, and to react as they do not expect might give them pause. Some attack because they want a passive victim. They look upon others as game animals. To give in is to reinforce the pathology. The question becomes what will be most likely to lead to peace? That is going to be a judgment call, and not always clear. We are called to give the benefit of the doubt to avoiding harm, but there will be times when that doubt is overcome. The greater victory would be to overcome evil with kindness, but we have to decide if that is a reasonable hope. We have a choice, and we are responsible for that choice. We are not merely pawns of the situation, but free to decide what is the greatest good.
Karate is a way of peace. If you read the autobiography of Gichin Funakoshi (and if you haven't, do not delay), he tells the story of a time he was on his way to class and three thugs started pushing him around. He protested that he was so small it would be no challenge to beat up on him. They demanded money, and he offered them the food he was bringing for the shrine. They took it and went off, never knowing how lucky they were. His teacher praised him more for that than for all his excellent technique. I think Jesus would have approved too.
Karate training helps us be calm and confident in a fight. This would help us keep our anger and fear overcoming our better judgment, and be better able to choose a peaceful alternative. Being calm and confident may also help deter a bully who might sense that fighting us will not be as much fun as he hoped. Karate students also have experience taking their lumps, so they could keep control even if things started to get physical but not past the point of no return.
Having skill in the martial arts makes the choice not to fight a much greater gift. It is one thing to decide not to fight back if we couldn't expect to accomplish anything anyway. It's another to have a good chance to clobber someone, but choose not to for higher reasons. We read in the story of Jesus' arrest in Matthew 26:51-53: "And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, 'Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels?' " Jesus emphasized he was not giving in to the inevitable. He was choosing his path, and even in the garden was not a helpless victim. He gave himself as a gift.
The martial arts, properly practiced, leads to greater personal maturity, and that helps us see the greater goods and the bigger picture. We know that our highest victories on not physical, but in hearts and minds and lives. We know that the goals we seek are greater than a given moment of anger. Using force to stop an aggressor will not win the battle over evil, but protect the arena in which we can do good to people. It is by doing good to people that we point them to the Greatest Good.
Father James Wyse
4th Dan AKS
Chief Instructor Emeritus
Weapons
Necessity or Obsession?
Michael A. Sullenger
Chief Instructor - Emeritus
This article that was previously published in the December, 2010 Punchline. While it will be familiar to some, it will be new to others.
Many of us train with weapons. Some of us with firearms, others with a variety of edged and/or impact ones. The goal with guns is to develop the ability to shoot quickly and accurately at the drop of a hat. Those who develop and maintain this skill will likely survive an attack on the street.
Others train with knives and/or different types of impact weapons. Collapsible batons like the ASP (an impact weapon carried by police and security personnel) are easily carried and very affective. Knives are more intimidating and equally as deadly. Both require continuous training in order to develop the conditioned reflexes necessary for us to be competent in a street survival situation.
You may be wondering why I'm stating the obvious. It's in order to set the stage for a hypothesis some will take exception too. Over my six plus decades of training in the martial arts, and in teaching civilian and police personnel for more than 57 years, one thing is clear; the competency of those who train in both weapons and the martial arts versus just with a weapon is greater.
So what exactly do I mean with that statement. It's simple. A person who develops the ability to use the weapons God gave him (his feet, hands, and wit), has a better ability to survive than those who don't. Over time their self-confidence grows. With the training and self-confidence also comes competence in and with their skill sets.
Still shaking your head? Still wondering why I would make such an assertion? Maybe this statement will help to clarify things. With the exception of firearms, a weapon is merely an extension of one's arm. If a person develops the skills to use his hands and feet effectively against attackers, adding a weapon allows the practitioner to extend their reach and the affect of their defensive and offensive movements. Guns don't have the necessity of close proximity as they are very capable of reaching out at greater distances to touch their intended target.
Now I know people who swear they don't need any martial arts training. They are totally comfortable with their weapon of choice. When I hear these people take this stand, I'm reminded of the firearms enthusiast talking with the martial artist in a bar. The gun toting character extols his prowess with his weapon and tells the martial artist he wouldn't stand a chance against him. The martial artist says, "Really? Can I see your gun?" The other guy responds, "I don't have it with me. I left it in the truck." To which the martial artist says, "Gee that's too bad. How are you going to shoot me if you don't have your gun? I have my training and ability with me 24/7." Additionally, a knife or other such weapon is a single item used for offensive and defensive moves. A trained martial artist learns how to handle such attacks using his empty hands, as well as other weapons. I'm sure the point I'm making is clear by now. When you train in the martial arts, you are prepared at all times. Your weapons never leave your side. If you leave your gun in the truck, or your knife on the night stand, and you don't have even well developed basic hand-to-hand skills, you may be S.O.L.
There are a couple of other issues one must consider regarding the use of weapons. First is whether your weapon of choice is legal in your state. Secondly, is the ability to justify the weapon's use. We all have the right of self-defense. But you must be able to clearly articulate the circumstances that resulted in your use of the weapon after the fact. That justification will be examined by lawyers in more depth and over a longer period of time than you may realize. Many of us in the cop-career field refer to these nauseous in-depth analysis and examination of our statements as a proctologic exam. Once it's over there is a great sigh of relief.
Many martial arts weapons are illegal in states; from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Hand gun concealed carry licenses are available in America today; although some states make it more difficult than others to acquire them. Knives are limited to a blade length or overall length when considering the handle, and a single edge. Students are not allowed to carry any kind of weapon on school campuses. So choosing a weapon for use on the street in self-defense comes with a need for serious thought and reflection; coupled with knowing the law of your respective state. In the end, developing the ability to defend yourself with your hands and feet will enhance your ability and skills with a weapon.
Not all those who train in the arts carry weapons. Their confidence in the abilities they&339;ve developed gives them the comfort to know they're ready if the need arises. Many who do carry a weapon may not realize it is their confidence. Without it they feel less brave when venturing out. In the American Karate System, we begin teaching weapons after a student has reached a mid to upper level grade rank (green to brown belt levels). After that, each black belt must demonstrate his expertise with weapons every time he or she tests for the next black belt level. This process ensures our members develop well in both unarmed and armed capabilities.
For those who choose to carry a weapon, don&339;t forget it. If for some reason you leave the weapon at home, you&339;ll always have the natural ones with you, if you&339;ve trained with them.
Respectively yours in Budo,
Mike Sullenger, 9th Dan
AKS Chief Instructor Emeritus
Black Belt Promotions
Fred Reinecke
9th Dan
Chief Instructor
John Folsom
8th Dan
Chief Instructor
Dave Thomas
8th Dan
Chief Instructor
Sydney E. Brooks
2nd Dan
Chief Instructor
Andrew Eckhart
5th Dan
Chief Instructor
& Self-Defense Program
Mark Soderstrom
4th Dan
Chief Instructor
John Billie
2nd Dan
Chief Instructor
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.
In Memoriam - David Eric Thomas
On October 22, 2024, the American Karate System lost one of our sterling members. Mr. David Eric Thomas passed away from a stroke caused by an inoperable brain tumor.
David was always destined to be part of the AKS. I have been a long-time Black Belt with AKS, his mother, Shannon, was a talented brown belt, and his sister, Jennifer, worked her way up to green belt. Mr. Lieb bought David a size 000 gi when he was three months old. David started training at six years old with myself and Mr. Lieb. He took a couple year hiatus to sharpen his video game skills, but returned in earnest at age 15.
David Eric earned his Black Belt at 18. At six foot six inches tall, he was a formidable sparring opponent, but excelled at learning and teaching forms. He loved empty-hand as well as weapons forms. He soon began assisting at regional seminars in Ohio, West Virginia and Oklahoma; as well as helping teach during one of our trips to Germany.
David had his own club at the YMCA in Grand Haven, Michigan. He and Shawn Pike produced a number of training videos for AKS basics as well as grade rank and advanced forms. He wrote an AKS Instructor's Manual which is still in use today. He hosted karate demonstrations and taught free women's self-defense seminars. He was always very kinetic. He said, "Karate is something you do, not something you talk about." He was awarded the 2011 Black Belt-of-the-Year.
When he was in college, he signed up for the Tae Kwon Do class. He asked me if he should inform the instructor that he already held a Black Belt?
"What rank do you hold in Tae Kwon Do?" he was asked by the instructor.
"None" he answered.
"Then I wouldn't say anything, I replied. Go and train quietly, see what they have to offer."
It was a good plan. He was even complimented as a beginner on how quickly he learned techniques and forms. But his cover was blown the night Master Monte Begthol, the chief instructor for West Michigan TKD, came to class and walked up to David and gave him a big hug, and said how pleased he was to see him in class. The class instructors were shocked that their instructor would even know a beginner. Master Begthol had known David since birth and previously had him as a student in the college billiards class he taught for three semesters.
The friends that David made in class grew to include outside activities as well. There was a group of Black Belts that would meet weekly in Ed Baessler's basement for weight lifting and conditioning. He also encouraged several other Black Belts to come work with him as security staff (more commonly termed 'bouncers') at Kirby Grill in Grand Haven. David's best friends were all from the relationships he had made in karate.
Condolences have poured in from those he met around the country, as well as from our brothers in Germany. The members of the American Karate System have stepped up to support and assist our family during this time of loss.
David trained with dignity and decorum. He had a passion for karate and the people in it. He will be missed.
David Thomas, 8th Dan
It's Christmas Time, Again
Once again we come to another year-end. We had 366 days this year to figure out our personal "Christmas" spirit. The season seems hectic and rushed for some, lonely for others, and sad for yet a few. Our AKS family lost another family member when David Eric Thomas 4th Dan, passed away October 22nd. Let us be always mindful to say, "I'm sorry, I love you, or just give a hug." Today may be all we have.
Here are some inspirational Christmas quotes:
- Christmas is the day that holds all time together. — Alexander Smith
- Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.
- Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart
- Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone
- Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts
- Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting
- Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away — Norman Wesley Brooks
- Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree — Charlotte Carpenter
- Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand
- Love the giver more than the gift
- It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air
For 2025, we wish you Peace in Your Heart, Comfort in your sorrows, and Joy to All.
Laura Werner
AKS Webmaster
✨2024 AKS Summer Camp 50th Anniversary
Summer Camp dates are TBD
Tournament News
No tournaments news reported this quarter.
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!
If you have a concern, question or suggestion, please let us know and we will address it here in the Punchline.
Please send your information to the AKS Webmaster. We look forward to hearing from you!
Available Clubs and Schedules:
231-736-3205
Schedule a phone call and I'll get in touch
AKS Karate Muskegon
Cassel Training Center
AKS is conducting classes for AGES 8 + up at Cassell Training Center, 710 Alberta Street, Muskegon, MI.
Classes are Tuesdays & Fridays from 6:30p - 8:00p
Cost for individuals - $50.00 a month
Cost for family (immediate) - $75.00 a month
Chief Instructor - Dave Thomas, 8th Dan Black Belt AKS
Guest Instructor - Robert Essenberg, 3rd Dan AKS who was awarded 2009 Instructor of the Year by the Black Belt Hall of Fame
Assistant Instructors: Jim Roy 6th Dan AKS, Debra Roy 6th Dan AKS, Robert Roy 1st Dan AKS.
Call Dave for more information: 231-206-3279
Attention Club Instructors. Please send your club/class schedule to me so that I can include your class schedules here.
hello
Contact Info
Fred Reinecke
far.photo.fred@gmail.com
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John Folsom (304) 782-3756
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Jude Gore / Chairperson
jgore@citynet.net
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Debra Roy
mr.mrsblackbelt@netzero.net
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Andrew Eckhart
aeckhart77@gmail.com
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Kristyn Reinecke
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Mike Sullenger
kick2aks@yahoo.com
The AKS Executive Board is currently working on updating the AKS Student Handbook and The AKS Rules and Regulations. This also includes techniques and requirements. If you find errors in the handbook, please let us know. We would love to hear your ideas and suggestions to grow and improve the AKS.
A.K.S. FACEBOOK PAGES AT
AKS Facebook Fan Page
AKS Karate Headquarters FB
West Virginia AKS FB
AKS Facebook Group
You will need to have a FaceBook Login for the 'Group' link.Our Official Web Address:
www.aks-usa.comIn 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!!
For Questions or CommentsMike Sullenger - Chief Instructor Emeritus
Se habla Español
AKS Webmaster