On the evening of August 8, 2009 in Long Beach, California, our A.K.S. Founder and First Chief Instructor, Mr. Ernest H. Lieb, was awarded the Platinum Life Achievement award and was inducted into the Academy of Masters, Masters Hall of Fame.

Mr. Lieb's award was the last one of the evening.  Upon the announcement, the master of ceremonies said, "This one is long overdue."   Mr. Lieb is the first person to be inducted posthumously.

Mr. Mike Sullenger, along with our two Assistant Chief Instructors, Fred Reinecke and Dave Thomas, and Mr. Steve Thurkettle AKS 6th Dan, accepted the certificate and an engraved glass globe in a crystal hand on behalf of the A.K.S. members.

A.K.S. Chief Instructor, Michael A. Sullenger, was inducted into the Academy of Masters, Masters Hall of Fame on August 16, 2008 at the Anaheim Hilton in Riverside, California.   Mr. Sullenger was also presented with a Golden Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition, he was named a Founding Member of the Academy of Masters and Masters Hall of Fame. Not only that, the AKS is now a member as well.