AKS Quarterly Newsletter

"The Punchline Editorial"

December 2013

As I begin the last editorial for this year, I'm reminded of the significance of the date - the 7th.  On this date 72 years ago Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.  Many Americans were dead set against their country becoming involved in the war that raged in Europe.  Yet, like all realities, one cannot hide from the bad guys forever.  Today the same realities exist as they did all those years ago.  Only today the enemy can be found in the form of terrorism, or the dangerous nature of the streets and communities in which we live and travel.

In the past, I've written about the need and importance of all of us to be prepared.  The amount of that preparedness is clearly the choice each of us must decide on.  Those of us in the AKS prepare to defend ourselves and loved ones should such need arise.  We prepare in the hope of never having to resort to using the deadly skills we train on.  Sadly, many in our society are not as pragmatic as we in the AKS family are.  They go about their daily lives under the assumption someone else will protect and defend them.  With more than four decades as a cop, I can tell you without equivocation that by the time the police arrive, whatever is taking place will have ended.  If you haven't dealt with the problem yourself, well who knows whether you'll be around to tell the officers responding what happened.

I know that's a sobering thought.  It is one we should all be aware of.  Many of you practice your skills at your respective schools and clubs, as well as attending one of the seminars the AKS holds three times a year.  It's during those seminars, we have the opportunity to train with other members of our organization who travel to the seminars from their respective homes to renew friendships, make new ones, and learn new skills.  I know from the comments I receive this means a lot to many of you, both here in the USA as well as in Germany.  As your chief instructor this gladdens my heart and reaffirms the special nature of the AKS and its members.

As we near Christmas Day, please keep in mind first and foremost that Jesus is the reason for the season.  Christmas is not about the buying and giving of gifts, but the celebration of his birth for our redemption.  Add to this a time when families come together in love and fellowship with each other and you have a truly magical time of year.  I look forward to, once again, seeing many of you next year at one of the seminars or the annual summer camp in Muskegon.  Janie and I want to wish you, one and all, a blessed and merry Christmas.

Weapons
Necessity or Obsession?

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 five-plus decades of training in the martial arts, and in teaching civilian and police personnel for more than 46 years, one thing is clear; the competency of those who train in both 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 all states in America today; though 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 by 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'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 chose to carry a weapon don't forget it.  If for some reason you leave the weapon at home, you'll always have the natural ones with you, if you've trained with them.

Mike Sullenger, Major USAF Retired
9th Dan, AKS Chief Instructor, www.aks-usa.com
Adjunct Professor, BSCJ/MSIR, TSTC Harlingen, Texas
Valley International Airport Chief of Police

Beyond The Strike . . . by Rand Palmer, 6th Dan AKS
Chief Instructor West Toledo YMCA Karate & Self-Defense Program.

All of us at this stage of our karate training have worked very hard and diligently to perfect our techniques - punching, kicking, striking and blocking.  Countless hours and gallons of sweat have gone into the repeating and refining of katas, one-steps, sparring and self-defense.  All of this to achieve the self-fulfilling satisfaction that we have executed a particular technique or group of techniques to the best of our ability and deterred or defeated our opponent - whether imaginary or real.

Now, assuming that our technique has landed precisely where intended, are we all familiar with the nature of the physical damage imparted on our opponent?  Is that person likely to get up from our strike?  Could bleeding (internal or external) be expected from the strike?  Could internal damage be done to organs or nerves?  Could death or paralysis result from the strike?  To summarize these questions and more, what actually happens BEYOND THE STRIKE?

In this article Brian C. Adams from the book, "The Medical Implications of Karate Blows," explains what actually happens to particular parts of the body when a severe blow is struck.  Understanding the power we possess, and the resulting damage that can be inflicted, may not only save our wallets or our hides in court, but possibly our lives as well.  An additional benefit is that we get to brush up on our anatomy!

BEYOND THE STRIKE . . . Striking the Jaw

With a hand, knee, foot or elbow strike to the jaw, a resulting fracture may occur if there were two simultaneous strikes (i.e. palm heel and elbow strike).  But, if one weapon were to arrive before the other, thus pushing the jaw into the path of the other weapon, then only a fracture on one side would be applicable.  In order to prevent a future deformity of the jaw line, the teeth and fragments must be temporarily wired together.  Of course there will be great difficulty eating and speaking until complete healing has taken place.  Dislocation of the jaw hinge would easily occur if the blow were near the upper portion of the jaw and were a glancing type blow.  The wider the opening of the mouth at the moment of impact, the easier it would be for the dislocation to occur.

A fracture dislocation of the ZYGOMA (cheekbone) would result if the elbow struck a short distance above the jaw.  A bursting fracture in the bone surrounding the cheekbone may result from the crushing pressure of the elbow.  The maxillary sinus lies under the cheekbone and would undoubtedly be lacerated by bone fragments from the fracture.  Blood would fill the sinus and flow into the throat or out of the nose.  The possibilities of unconsciousness and concussion range very high.

The facial nerve may be pinched or abraded against the edge of the mandible and may leave part or all of one side of the face in paralysis.

Control of the tongue would be lost because of the mandible fracture.  Torn muscles on the bottom of the mouth that adhere the tongue would go into spasm, and if unconsciousness ensued, the tongue, along with the broken and dislocated teeth, would be swallowed and death by choking would follow.

Do You Have a Question?

We invite you to send in your questions regarding karate and the A.K.S. so that we may respond here in our newsletter. If you have a concern, question or suggestion, please let us know and we will address it here in the Punchline.

If you don't want your name published, please let us know and we will be happy to withhold that information from print. However, please be respectful when submitting your queries or suggestions to us by including your name so that we may understand your questions and/or circumstances.

Please send your questions to Laura Werner, and I will forward them to the person who can provide the appropriate response.

We look forward to hearing from you!

PROMOTIONS!!

This is the 11th and final presentation in a series of articles by Sensei George Kirby. Sensei Kirby is a 10th Dan in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai and has become friends with Sensei Mike Sullenger. Mr. Sullenger has had an article that he wrote published on the Budoshin website. Feel free to browse  this site  to become more familiar with who George Kirby is and his style.

We hope you have enjoyed this bit of wisdom and have been able to apply some of the techniques and philosophies to help with your approach to instructing your students in the arts of Karate, and sometimes life.

BEING HONEST - AND POSITIVE WITH STUDENTS | [BJJY KOKORO 12/10]

Note: A couple of sensei have asked me to start a series on how to improve teaching skills and student learning—as it applies to the dojo. So I’ve decided to launch this idea, with the hope of seeing it become a regular item in future issues of Kokoro.

Although I have many positive memories of Sensei Seki,there is one negative memory that does not sit well with me.  I tell it here only because I feel it is appropriate.  There was a middle-aged lady who joined Seki's jujitsu class at Valley College.  The longer she was in class the worse she got.  Seki tried talking with her about doing something else [other than learning jujitsu].  He even had his "women's" instructor [a female black belt] talk to her about leaving the class.  However, she was persistent in coming to class every week.  Finally, when promotions came around, as they did every month or so, Seki awarded her a pink belt.  Ittook 2-3 weeks for everyone to discover that he had given her a belt for getting worse.  It was lower than a white belt.  The humiliation got her to withdraw from the class.  That was in the 60's.  If any sensei did that today he would have a lawsuit on his hands.

Humiliating a student [or any person], especially in front of their peers,is one of the worst things you can do, not only to the student, but ultimately to all of your students' perception of you.  And it will also probably cause you to lose a lot more students beyond the one you tried to get rid of, especially if parents are watching when you pull this stunt.

I will be the first to admit that, as a classroom teacher, I had fun with my kids.  If they gave me a really woefully wrong answer, I would feign a heart-attack and slowly drop to the floor, or get the rubber chicken out of my desk and out it on the kid's desk who'd promptly [usually] throw it back at me.   Joking with students if they foul up IS a two-way street.  The trick is not to humiliate them in the process.  Humiliation is the antithesis of being honest with students.  Students can handle honesty if you treat them with respect at the same time.  Honesty can be painful, but it doesn't have to be humiliating.

If I have a student who is having problems, I will usually pull them aside [usually before class, during a break, or after class] and talk with them in a quiet manner.  Usually I'll try to bring up some positive points about them before I get to the specific concern at hand.  If I can, I then ask them to repeat the concern back to me or tell me what they think it means.  Usually they hit the problem right on the nail.  The next step is harder and, I will be the first to admit that I don't always have the time to do it; although, it's the best way to go, is to ask them how they would solve the problem.  Usually, if they're sincere, they will come up with a workable solution.  If they can't or don't, then you have to come up with a solution for them.

The next step is to get the student to agree with the solution.  The student has to understand and accept that if they want to stay in my class [school classroom or jujitsu program] that they have to do this.  However, I also have to tell them that I believe they can resolve the problem if [the big if] they really want to, and that I will help them get there as best I can.

There is also the reality check time when you have to bluntly tell a student that it's -shape up or ship out- time.  In my jujitsu class this is also seen as a safety issue.  I cannot have students in my class who become safety hazards to themselves or others - and that's what a continuously recalcitrant student becomes.

If you're dealing with a child, it's important to work with the child yourself, as it helps them develop their sense of integrity.  However, it is also absolutely essential to keep parents involved so that you can actively involve them if and when it become necessary.  Parents do NOT like surprises.  They also appreciate a teacher who is concerned about their child, but also believes that the child can succeed.  The really hard part comes if/when you have to tell a parent that your class probably isn't appropriate for their child.  Be sure to stress the safety aspect, because that's probably the only valid argument the parents will really accept.  Above all, be fair, sympathetic, and honest with all parties involved.  If everyone can maintain their self-respect, then an amenable solution will be easier to achieve - even if it means the student can't continue in the class.  Being honest and positive with your students takes a lot more time than being blunt or hurtful.  However, your students will respect you and support you for it.  They may not always agree with you, but they will understand your rationale.  Helping a student learn is quite different from simply presenting material to them and hoping that they learn it.  It means getting involved with your students on a one-to-one basis.  It means getting to know and work with their personalities.  It means treating them as individuals with the same integrity and respect that you would like them to treat you with.

Remember, as the teacher, you set the norm of everything that goes on in your classroom or dojo, whether it be the subject matter or how everyone interacts with each other.  You are the key.

You can be honest and frank with your students.  They expect it and actually want it.  However, they also need you to be positive and supportive of them. After all, they came to you to learn from you.  That's a big responsibility!  But you ARE the sensei.

A.K.S. News . . . 2013 AKS Fall Seminar Brain Greynolds, 5th Dan AKS Mountaineer Karate Club This year's Fall Seminar was held on November 2, 2013 at the Gore Alternative Learning Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia.  The event kicked off at 9:00 A.M. with an award ceremony.  Mr. John Folsom received his 8th Dan. Mr. Folsom is the originator and Chief Instructor at Salem Karate Club in Salem, WV, and has been a dedicated and loyal member, student, and instructor for the past 46 years. Mr. Folsom is one of the two remaining founding members of the AKS, and the last remaining original student of Mr. Ernest Lieb. Mr. Folsom's club is one of the original 13 schools that formed the AKS in 1973 and is still in operation today. Congratulations to Mr. Folsom for receiving such a high honor and thank you for your many years of service. The Galicic family received the AKS WV students of the year award for their outstanding dedication. Ethan, Brandi, and Ethan II started with MKC a year and a half ago. Mr. Galicic started martial arts when he was around 13 years old studying Indonesian Petnjak Silat where he also studied Arnis. The Galicics are very dedicated and hard-working students who especially enjoy being able to work out as a family. Congratulations Galicic family! 10:00 A.M. Two non-AKS Kata:  Mr. Jude Gore taught a black belt level kata, Nijushiho, while Mr. Brian Greynolds taught an intermediate level Chong Shin Kwan form. 11:00 A.M. Self Defense Round Robin with the following instructors: Mr. Fred Reinecke - Developing a Strong Foundation for Self Defense Mr. Dave Thomas - Knife Self Defense Mr. Tom Twining - Self Defense Warm-ups Mr. Brian Greynolds - Tai Sabaki (body movement) Noon - break for lunch. 1:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. Instructors and clinics: Mr. Fred Reinecke - Sparring Drills & Strategies, Bo Basics Mr. Dave Thomas - Speed Drills Mr. Tom Twining - Self Defense with Simultaneous Striking, Arnis Mr. Andrew Eckhart - Ground Escape Flow Drill Mr. Jude Gore & Mr. Brian Greynolds - Basic Judo Throws and Concepts The day concluded with a very nice get-together and dinner at Mr. & Mrs. Gore's home.  Thank you, Jude and Sandy for all your hard work. Here are a few more pictures from the seminar. Tom Twining and John Folsom demonstrating self-defense warm-ups. Dave Thomas teaching self-defense against a knife. Andrew Eckhart instructing Lenin Leon "on ground" self-defense. Bill Way and Lenin Leon practicing the excape flow drill. Fred Reinecke and Don Riffle working on sparring drills. Brian Greynolds teaching kata. Brian Greynolds demonstrating Ogoshi on Jude Gore. Jude Gore demonstrating Tomoe Nage on Brian Greynolds. The 2013 West Virginia Fall Seminar Group 2014 AKS SUMMER CAMP Summer Camp 2014 is scheduled for June 20 - 22.  It would be awesome to have everyone in attendance.  Put it on your calendar and plan now! Tournaments Dave Thomas, Asst. Chief Instructor Muskegon Karate Club AKS Inter-School Tournament On December 4th, the American Karate Club at Ross Park hosted an AKS Kata Competition for Black Belts and students of that club and the AKS Club at Tri-Cities YMCA.  On December 11th, the sparring competition was hosted at the Tri-Cities YMCA in Grand Haven.  We were fortunate to have good participation from both clubs as well as a number of spectators. We wanted to have competition between our two clubs in order build a closer relationship among the Black Belts and students.  For many of the grade ranks it was their first experience at competition.  The first three places were awarded medals, and those that didn't place received a participation medal.  Mr. Tom Apostle, AKS 4th Dan, was head referee for both events. Both events were well attended and the competition was fun and spirited.  Everyone had a great time, and we hope to host another one in the late Spring and invite additional clubs.  We will advise in advance for the next one. Kata Competition Place 10 Years and Under 11 to 14 Years Adult White & Yellow Belt Adult Green Belt Adult Black Belt 1st Place William Bremer Mitch Bailey Josh German Nicole Austin Debra Roy 2nd Place Nate Near Erin Carroll Kera Schmitt Vengula Snodgrass Mark Soderstrom 3rd Place Hailey Brynes Alexis Gerstenfeld Ryan Schamper Sheri Smith Chad Smith Sparring Competition Place 10 Years and Under 11 to 14 Years Adult White & Yellow Belt Adult Green Belt Adult Black Belt 1st Place William Bremer Makayla Krisatis   Vengula Snodgrass Jim Roy 2nd Place Edward Bremer Ivan Sokolow   Chris Near Chad Smith 3rd Place Seth Hanson Alex Near     Mark Soderstrom Congratulations to everyone for making it a great event! Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. Congratulations to those who competed in tournaments this past quarter.   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! 2014 Black Belt Membership Dues It's a good time to start planning.  Please contact your instructor for the forms.  Also you may fill out the appropriate forms found at the bottom of the - Calendar of Events Page. PLEASE VISIT OUR "A.K.S. MESSAGE BOARD" at AKS Forum . . . . we would appreciate your thoughts and comments. If you are interested in becoming a "Moderator," please contact  David Eric Thomas There is still time for that last minute Christmas gift idea!!    Check out all our AKS apparel here . . . Please visit our A.K.S. Online Store We have jackets, fleece, wind breakers, vests, shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more.  There is also an embroidery service to have the AKS Logo embroiderd on your item. 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.  Thank you for your continued support. Visit HERE!

I would like to thank all of our contributors to the A.K.S. Punchline this past year.  You guys make the Punchline possible!

Blessings to all of our A.K.S. family and friends this Christmas season, and the best of wishes for a peaceful and joyful New Year.

Merry Christmas ~ ~

Laura Werner
A.K.S. Webmaster

A.K.S. Web Address(es)

Our "Official" web address is now:  www.aks-usa.com

We also own:   www.aks-usa.org  and  www.aks-usa.net  which will direct you to our website as well.

Our original:   www.americankaratesystem.org  is no longer in service.

You can also type in    www.aks-usa.info   and you will be taken directly to our "About Us" web page.   Please check us out!!