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 started his training with Mr. Lieb in September of that same year.   Though he was only able to attend the classes for three months, he was hooked.   The experiences and knowledge he gained in those three months made an impression that has lasted to this day.   In April of 1971 Dave saw Mr. Lieb at a boat show.   Mr. Lieb told him he was starting a new class at Muskegon Community College.   The next month Dave began karate classes anew.

Dave with Steve Thurkettle of Oklahoma

1972

Circa 1976

Dave's second start at training with Mr. Lieb has resulted in a life long commitment to the arts and the AKS. He never considered himself to be athletically inclined, though a look at his accomplishments in tournaments around the Midwest would indicate differently. Dave is fond of telling his students he had to train twice as hard as his peers to be half as good. What he learned in Mr. Lieb's classes was not only how to kick, punch and defend himself, but also how to persevere regardless of the circumstances. This tenet became an important staple of Dave's life. This perseverance saw him win during one competition with a dislocated shoulder.

Dave earned his 1st degree black belt in August 1974. This was a big accomplishment for him at that point in his life. It gave him the confidence to return to college where he completed his associate's degree. He became a project engineer and has succeeded in areas where others had failed. Over the years, Dave started and managed several prosperous manufacturing companies. With all Dave's successes, he still considers earning his 1st Dan as his biggest accomplishment. This is because he thought he would never be able to accomplish it.

Dave has been an instructor since 1984. He strives to share with his students the benefits and personal growth he experienced as a result of his training. He has trained and promoted more than thirty black belts, and was responsible for the only martial arts series to air on local television. 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 2017, Dave was presented the Ernest H. Lieb award upon semi-retiring from advisory duties within the AKS. He continues as Chief Instructor of American Karate Clubs at Ross Park in Muskegon, MI, the Tri-Cities Family YMCA AKS Karate Club in Grand Haven, MI, and the Oklahoma Karate Club in Mustang, Oklahoma. Dave will also be in charge of financial matters within the AKS organization.

Sensei Thomas' personal and professional commitment today is to the AKS and his students. In the years before Mr. Lieb's untimely death, Dave was a regular visitor and confidant of our founder. He has been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of the Chief Instructor, along with his counterparts, in maintaining the integrity and growth of the AKS through his instructional endeavors and his leadership to the organization. Dave feels it is imperative that not only his students, but also all who become students and members of the AKS have the same opportunities to grow and learn he has had. He knows their lives will be forever changed as his was.

• 1st Dan  American Karate System - August 16, 1974
• 2nd Dan  American Karate System - March 20, 1976
• 3rd Dan  American Karate System - January 3, 1987
• 4th Dan  American Karate System - May 18, 1991
• 5th Dan  American Karate System - June 26, 1999
• 6th Dan  American Karate System - Master Level, June 22, 2002
• 7th Dan  American Karate System - Assistant Chief Instructor, June 11, 2005
• 8th Dan  American Karate System - Assistant Chief Instructor, July 20, 2007
• 8th Dan  American Karate System - Chief Instructor American Karate Club, 2017

• 2017  Erniest H. Lieb Award
• AKS Instructor of the Year
• AKS Black Belt of the Year (3 times)
• Sole recipient of the Herbert Klien Sportsman's Award