AKS Quarterly Newsletter
June 2023
The Master's Edge
9th Dan
AKS Chief Instructor
June, 2023
Rand (Skip) Palmer 6th Dan AKS, and the Chief Instructor of the West Toledo YMCA Karate & Self-Defense Program Toledo OH, has officially retired from running the Toledo AKS branch. Mr. Andrew Eckhart 5th Dan, will now be in charge of the club.
Skip has been with the AKS since September of 1978. He received his first Dan rank in 1985 under Dr. Guessler Normand who was the Chief Instructor of the Toledo Club at the time. Skip took over that position in 2000 upon Dr. Normand's retirement and has been running the club ever since.
On May 28th, the Toledo Club held a surprise retirement party for him. I, along with my wife Anne, daughter Kristyn, and Murray Sherman from the AKS Headquarters Club, went to Toledo to present Mr. Palmer with the Earnest H. Lieb Award for his service to the AKS.
We want to thank Skip for his many years of dedication to the AKS, and we wish him well in retirement years. Congratulations and best wishes to you!
Fred Reinecke
AKS Chief Instructor
231-777-1996
Farphotofred.myportfolio.com
frederic-reinecke.pixels.com
Far Karate Facebook Page
You may also check our AKS Facebook Page for information.
The DoJo
8th Dan AKS
Schoolyard Bully Gets an AKS Lesson
Dave Thomas
Our youngest son is Andrew. He has blond hair and blue eyes. He is small for his 8 years, often mistaken for 6 years old or younger. He is quiet and kind, he has a gentle heart that is devoted to his Mom.
Andrew was one of our first students when we opened the American Karate Club at Cassell Training Center. He recently earned his 6th grade green belt. He loves martial arts and gives 100% in every class. Last year he attended the AKS Summer Camp, his favorite part was sparring. He 'sparred' a yellow belt that towered over him as well as the ever formidable Sensei David Hayes.
About a week ago, Andrew came home from school sullen and withdrawn. When asked what was wrong, we got the patented response, "Nothing." Finally, with some one-on-one time with Mom, he told her that he was being bullyed at school. A much bigger third grader would come up behind him and choke him or grab him in a bear hug. It always seemed to be when the playground militia wasn't looking.
"You need to work with Andrew. He's getting picked on at recess," were my instructions.
Consider it done.
I talked to Andrew and explained that Mom had told me what was happening at school. He explained how the novice thug would grab him or choke him. Andrew was afraid that if he did anything to defend himself he would get in trouble with the principal. Our school system adopted a policy that no matter the circumstances, if there is an altercation both students are suspended. Andrew is a good student and an avid rule follower; he didn't want administrative attention.
I told him, "no problem." I said I would show him some techniques to discourage the bully and not get him suspended. We worked on several options in class that night. I told him, if the wannabe punk grabs him in a bear hug; just drop his hand down and pinch him on the inner thigh. Done correctly, it can be very painful.
"If he yells, you can always claim it was a bee sting."
Armed with some self defense options and parental encouragement, he felt like he could discourage future harassment. Andrew smiled, "Thanks, Dad."
I didn't hear anything for several days, but his mood had improved. Finally, I couldn't wait any longer. "Andrew, how's school?'
"Fine"
"Is that kid still picking on you?"
He grinned and shook his head, "He grabbed me a couple days ago. I did what you taught me. I think he started crying. He hasn't come near me since." His big smile told me that he had taught the cretin to keep his distance from him. Game. Set. Match.
As parents, as much as we would like to, we can't always be there to protect our children. As martial arts instructors, we can give them the knowledge and the skills to protect themselves.
Dave Thomas
8th Dan
A Little Wisdom
Mr. Lieb Meets Mr. Lee
by Dave Thomas
In the early days of martial arts in America, the number of practioners was small, but close knit. Many had trained during their military service in Korea, Japan or Okinawa. They brought their skills home and began teaching locally and began to build a strong following.
During the 1960's, Mr. Lieb competed around the country; from Madison Square Graden in New York to Long Beach California. In his travels, he met and became friends with many of the American pioneers like Ed Parker, Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, Tadashi Yamashita, Ken Knutson and even the legendary Bruce Lee.
One night after class, Mr. Lieb told me about the first time he met Bruce Lee. Mr. Lieb had just won the national lightweight championship at Madison Square Garden in a tournament promoted by Mr. S. Henry Cho. After the tournament there was a party at Mr. Cho's penthouse for the some of the competitors and special guests. Bruce Lee was there, as he had put on a demonstration of skill at the tournament. He was also there to promote his new TV series as Kato in the Green Hornet.
Mr. Cho introduced Bruce to Mr. Lieb. Mr. Lieb said, "I've seen your TV show. Who does your stunts?"
He said Bruce was very polite and said, "I do my own, Mr. Lieb. I practice Jeet Kune Do."
Mr. Lieb said he was probably a little more arrogant than was polite, but he had just won National Lightweight Championship in a very tough competition. "Oh, okay. That's nice," he replied.
Bruce asked him, "Mr. Lieb, what's your best technique?"
"Side jump kick," he replied.
With that Bruce put a couch pillow on his bicep and lowered his stance. He patted the pillow, "Please, right here."
Mr. Lieb said, "I jumped up and nailed the pillow pretty hard. Bruce took a couple steps back."
Bruce smiled and said, "That was a very strong kick. Would you be so kind and hold the pillow for me?"
Mr. Lieb said he took the pillow and took a strong side stance. He said when Bruce kicked the pillow, I flew over the couch, and was rolling toward the glass sliding door when two people grabbed me. I got up off the floor and said, "How did you do that?"
Mr. Lieb told me that was one of the hardest kicks he ever took.
They met again at Jhoon Rhee's tournament in Washington DC. Bruce asked Mr. Lieb to be his uki for his demonstration.
Mr. Lieb said, "Sure, I'll do it, but don't hurt me Bruce, I'm fighting in the finals."
Mr. Lieb had the greatest respect for his friend, Bruce Lee. He spoke of him with reverance and respect. He took it very hard when Bruce passed away in 1973. In their own way, they both were pioneers for martial arts in America.
Black Belt Promotions
Fred Reinecke
9th Dan
Chief Instructor
John Folsom
8th Dan
Chief Instructor
Dave Thomas
8th Dan
Chief Instructor
E. Jude Gore
7th Dan
Chief Instructor
Rand (Skip) Palmer
6th 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.
Website Updates
So far so good. Lots of work but our webpages are rendering very nicely on smaller screens. Still much to do, but will eventually cover all pages.
As always, if you have problems with the new design, or have requests or comments, please don't hesitate to email me at AKS Webmaster
Let's keep the recovery going by adhering to our (un)social-distancing practices. Be diligent in keeping our 6 foot perimeters, washing hands, covering a cough or sneeze, washing hands, staying positive, washing hands, catching up on reading, movies and board games with "also bored" family members, washing hands, wear your masks to the grocery store - and IN the grocery store, washing hands, DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE - or anyone else's! Oh! and WASH YOUR HANDS!! If we are vigilent, we CAN prevent a re-lapse. Let's work together (from 6 feet). We CAN do this!
Laura Werner
AKS Webmaster
✨2023 AKS Summer Camp 50th Anniversary
Summer Camp dates are Friday, July 21st and Saturday, July 22nd. AKS members past and present, open to ALL other styles. See schedule below. The AKS 50th year reunion will be held at the VFW POST 7729, located at 6285 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon MI 49442. This year we have a special guest instructor, Grand Master Mr. Richard Plowden from Detroit is a world sport karate champion.
Let's make this a very special event. All past AKS members - please let us know if you would be interested in attending this event. We promise not to disappoint! You may contact any of our board advisors, instructors, or the AKS Webmaster.
Tournament News
AKS Headquarters Club Muskegon, MI
February 15th, 2023 Meijer Winter State Games
- Women's Kata Black Belt
- Gold - Sheryl Weihl
- Silver - Kristyn Reinecke
- Women's Sparring Black Belt
- Gold - Kristyn Reinecke
- Women's Sparring Adult
- Silver - Laura Rohr
- Kata Weapons Black Belt
- Gold - Kristyn Reinecke
- Bronze - Sheryl Weihl
- Men's Adult Sparring Novice
- Silver - John Villerot IV
- Kata Adult Novice
- Gold - Murray Sherman
- Bronze - John Villerot IV
- Kata Weapons Adult Novice
- Gold - Murray Sherman
- Silver - John Villerot IV
- Kata Adult Senior
- Silver - Laura Rohr
- Sparring Kids 12-14
- Bronze - John Villerot IV
March, 2023 Jujitsu Tournament Grand Rapids
- Silver - Kristyn Reinecke
April 30, 2023 Rylee's Rumble Karate Tournament Grand Rapids
- Black Belt Weapons Kata
- Bronze - Kristyn Reinecke
June 24, 2023 Meijer Summer State Games
- Black Belt Kata
- Gold - Kristyn Reinecke
- Black Belt Weapons Kata
- Gold - Kristyn Reinecke
- Black Belt Women's Sparring
- Silver - Kristyn Reinecke
- Grand Champion Kata
- - Kristyn Reinecke
- Black Belt Women's Sparring
- Silver - Kristyn Reinecke
- Adult Kata Novice
- Gold - Murray Sherman
Congratulations to all tournament competitors! Well done!
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:
Tom Twining 8th Dan
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.
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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