AKS Quarterly Newsletter

"The Punchline Editorial"
March 2015

I begin this quarterly editorial an a sad note.  I was recently made aware of the critical illness of one of our senior members, 6th Dan Roger Wenzel of Oklahoma City.  Roger had been suffering from Parkinson disease for a number of years.  It's only recently they discovered cancer that was already at an advanced stage.  When I received the phone call from one of our members in Oklahoma, Roger had just been placed into hospice care.  In case you are not aware of the purpose of a hospice, it's where people go to die.  The hospice personnel's job is to make the patient as comfortable as possible for the short time they have left.  Within a couple of days Sensei Wenzel passed away.  Dave Thomas has written a little more on Roger's life and accomplishments in his article below.  Our condolences to Roger's family and friends.

On a more positive note, we have our next regional training seminar in Toledo on April 18th.  I'll be flying in and am looking forward to seeing as many of you as can attend.  Also, to continue the positive, I've learned our Assistant Chief Instructor for Europe, 8th Dan Heinrich Reimer, is planning on joining us at our annual summer camp.  The executive team will be working on our training agenda at the April get-together in Toledo so we can get that agenda published on the events page of the website with all due haste.  Any ideas from the membership are always appreciated.

We are all aware the AKS is a small organization and style.  We have been since our founding in August of 1973.  We have proven ourselves worthy opponents at numerous competitions in many states for many years.   This coupled with ensuring we produce quality black belts who possess both the skills and the knowledge required have earned the AKS the respect of other styles and organizations over the years.  All of you are to be commended for your hard work and tireless efforts in this long endeavor.  I'm proud to represnt the AKS and you as your Chief Instructor.  I know in my heart Sensei Lieb was too.

Stay safe in your daily travels and activities.  If I don't see you in Toledo, I hope I'll see you in Muskegon in July.

Mike Sullenger, 9th Dan
AKS Chief Instructor

Basic Self-Defense

Three Levels of Self Defense

1. Prevention
1. Security Devices: Proper Locks – dead bolt, security chains, window bolts, 180 degree peep hole.
2. Lighting: Lights on timers, motion sensors.
3. Warning Signs: Alarm decals, beware of dog, large dog bowl.
4. Security Alarms.
5. Form good self-defense habits.
6. Lock everything: Cars, doors, windows, gym lockers.
7. Park in well-lighted areas.
8. Travel with a companion or ask security personnel to escort or at least watch out for you.
9. When you're in public, walk with confidence, pay attention to surroundings.
10. Use common sense: Don't abuse drugs or alcohol, never let any stranger in your house.
11. While walking to your car, have car keys in hand to facilitate getting into your car or use of car alarm.
12. If you carry a legal weapon for self-defense, you should have that in hand.  If this is not possible, you should have it prepared and practice drawing or taking it out at a moment's notice.


2. Psychological
   1. The myth of self-defense.  People tend to focus on the criminal element of our society and how to change them.  We need to look into ourselves and examine our fears, learn how to change and deal with them.  Try taking a self-defense class.  By changing the focus from external to internal, we take control, this gives us power.  This power allows us to survive.
   2. The fear of fighting - Getting injured.  Fear is a natural reaction to adverse situations.  Fear causes the human body to make more adrenalin.  While this can make us stronger, it also has unwanted effects.  When your body receives a large rush of adrenalin, you get tunnel vision, you also might freeze up.  By increasing your rate of breathing, you may be able to negate these effects.  Part of the reason martial artists practice defensive moves over and over is to build muscle memory so that they don't have to think - they just react.
   3. Hurting someone.  We are generally nice people.  So hurting someone does not come naturally.  We simply have to be selfish and think about our own survival.  Unlike the movies, there are no easy ways to do this.  In the course of self-defense, we cannot think or care about the attacker.  Only after you have survived should that become a concern.
   4. Pattern of assault - Target, test (intimidation), attack.
   
   
3. Physical
1. Passive resistance.  This includes looking at the perpetrator and talking, also possibly feigning illness.  In recent years, many studies have been done and passive resistance seems to be the least affective way to defend yourself.
2. Active resistance.  Raging - Force all the anger you can summon, scream and swear, threaten him/her with bodily harm.
3. Attack – Strike vital areas such as eyes, throat, groin, knees.
4. Weapons for self-defense.  Common items – car keys, combs, ink pens.  Purchased weapons – guns, knives, pepper spray, stun guns.  (Any weapon should include training with a certified instructor.)  Personal alarms including a simple whistle.

Strategies for Self-Defense.

1. Situational Awareness.
1. When parking your car, be aware of your surroundings.  Park in well-lighted areas.
2. When walking and approaching a building edge or large bush, step a little farther out giving you some room to move and avoid being surprised.
3. Walk with confidence.  Most criminals are looking for an easy mark.  Walk with your head up - looking around - letting people know that you are unafraid.


2. Claim your space.
1. Don't let people stand to close.
2. Remember the pattern of assault.  Once you have become a target, the perpetrator will test you.  This may be as simple as moving closer to you.  If you let them in your space, they may even try and hold you.
3. If a person causes you to feel uncomfortable, use your elbows and step away.  Let them know that their attention is unwanted.  Use your "bad dog" voice.  This may also draw attention to your situation.


3. Deny Privacy.
1. Remember criminals will lie to you.
2. No matter what the perpetrator says, never get in a situation where you are alone with him.
3. This is when your physical response must happen.  It should be surprising and violent.


4. When to respond and how much force.
1. Use fear as your guide.
2. Make your move within 3 to 5 seconds.
3. If in public, a loud scream or outburst may be sufficient.  Again "bad dog" voice.
4. If isolated, your response should be surprising and violent.  The eyes and knees are two good target areas.  You will continue to attack until your attacker runs away or you can get free enough to run away.  Remember survival is your goal.
5. People who study the martial arts have found that fear and adrenalin can adversely effect response time.  Keeping it simple, along with a lot of training helps to overcome these effects.

Acquaintance Rape.

1. When going on a first date, provide your own transportation.  If he drives, have enough cash for cab fare home.
2. Meet at public places such as restaurants, theaters, malls.
3. Avoid isolation until you develop trust.
4. Watch your alcohol consumption.  If at large parties, watch and control your drink.  (Date rape drugs)
5. Some male attitudes are primeval.  f you are alone with a man and he becomes aggressive, you must take charge and say no firmly, with your eyes, voice and body language.  Reclaim your space, this includes leaving.
6. If that doesn't work, you may have to resort to #4 in the Strategies for Self-Defense section.

A Tribute to Roger Wenzel

Roger Wenzel, AKS 6th Dan, passed away March 9, 2015 in Oklahoma City.  Besides his AKS Rank, he held a 6th Dan in Aikido and a Black Belt in Judo.  He was a fencer, and he was a gold medalist in the hammer throw in the Senior Olympics.

I first met Roger in the early 1990's.  He was training with Steve Thurkettle at their karate school in Mustang, Oklahoma.  Together he and Steve built a solid martial arts school that was known for the talent and ability of it's instructors and students.

At our very first meeting, I was impressed with Roger's knowledge, skill and athletic ability.  In Steve's company Roger was quiet, reserved and dignified.  I figured he was the prefect counterbalance to my long-time friend.  Roger was the Yin to Steve's Yang.

Roger was a very accomplished martial artist; he was a perfectionist.  If you showed him a form, he had it down the first time.  And if you did it again and made a minor change, he would tell you, “Last time you did it this way, but now you are doing this.”  He kept us all on our toes.

Roger also had a passion for teaching and sharing with his students what he had learned.  During one of our private conversations, he said he would ask himself at the end of class if had he taught his students to the best of his ability?  He knew all too well that only his best efforts would help keep those students safe on the streets.

Probably his biggest challenge was keeping his friend and fellow instructor in line.  In June 2002, Roger intervened in what could have become an international incident.  He and Steve were at the annual AKS Summer camp in Muskegon, Michigan.  All was going well until Steve decide to show our German constituents what a Bud Light Float was.  Steve combined vanilla ice cream with America's finest brew (according to Steve).  I thought at the time the Germans were going to riot.  You don't contaminate perfectly good beer with dairy products!   Roger intervened and explained that Steve was overly tired and probably had had too much party fun that night.  Roger took Steve's car keys and took Steve back to the hotel.  Fortunately, his quick thinking averted a US/German meltdown.

In 2004, Mr. Lieb asked me to come to Oklahoma and present Roger his 6th Dan; a Karate Master's rank.  I felt it was an honor and a privilege to present Roger his Master's rank.  I also didn't know anyone that I felt was more deserving.

Roger Wenzel brought class and dignity to the American Karate System; along with knowledge and skill.  He leaves behind a legacy of honor and commitment to being the very best you can be.  He will always be admired and greatly missed by all those he touched.

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!

We look forward to hearing from you !

PROMOTIONS!!

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!

The Archives

Mark Derby is a student of Mr. Dave Thomas and has been doing a lot of AKS research for the Archives page on our website.   Mark writes in an email, "I received my copy of Black Belt magazine's 1973 Yearbook that has an article and a great picture of Mr. Lieb in it."

Mark has been busy gathering historical information on Mr. Lieb and the early beginnings of the A.K.S.  Here is the article and picture he recently submitted.

Mark's source also found other related articles.  He said he may have copies of them and to get back with him for availability.

• July 1972 Black Belt Magazine - Ernest Lieb
• 1973 Black Belt Yearbook Magazine Judo Karate Weapons - Ernest Lieb - Man of the Year
• September 1988 Black Belt Magazine Chuck Norris Cover - Whatever happened to ...? A black belt hall of fame update.  Black belt caught up with nine members of its hall of fame recently to see what they were up to.  Article and photos of the following: Roy Kurban, Willy Cahill, Cynthia Rothrock, Hidy Ochiai, Al Dacascos, Koichi Tohei, Kenneth Funakoshi, Richard Chun, and Ernest Lieb.
• June 1971 United States Karate Dojo News Today Newspaper Magazine - Frank Cerio & Bill Gregory & Ernest Lieb
• January 1980 Karate Illustrated Magazine - Ernie Lieb
• May 1973 Official Karate Magazine George Dillman, Muhammad Ali and Eugene Perceval on Cover - Favorite fighting techniques: Byong Yu, Ernie Lieb, Ken Knudson.
• Summer 1975 Official Karate Special Fighting Champions Magazine - Ernie Lieb

Mark also states that Tadashi Yamashita is going to be at Pro Karate in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 8th.  Mark called Brian Lentz and talked to him and he said that all he knew so far was the date and the fees.  The fees are $85 per person for members, add $15 for non-members.  Mark says, "He asked who I was with, and I told him Mr. Thomas with AKS.  Brian said he would waive the extra $15 dollars for us [AKS].  Today when I got the magazine, I opened it and the first page that opened had an article about Tadashi Yamashita with some pictures.  Nicole and I are planning to go on the 8th.  It would be a great honor to meet Sensei Yamashita."