AKS Quarterly Newsletter

E. Jude Gore 8th Dan

E. Jude Gore
8th Dan AKS

Many of you may be too young to recognize this famous line from Popeye. A better title might be "I Am the Sum of Many Parts." Over the years, I've often heard people say, "Jude does things a little differently." As I've grown older, I've found myself reflecting on the many influences that shaped who I am today—or, as Popeye would say, " I Yam what I Yam."

Up until I earned my first black belt, I considered myself fairly normal — though many who know me, including my wife Sandy, might strongly disagree. After I received that belt, my instructor, John Folsom, encouraged me to go out, keep learning, and bring what I discovered back to share with the class. So I set off on an adventure. Along the way, I realized how much there was to learn and how little I truly knew. Thankfully, I met many instructors whose influence helped me grow and become a better martial artist. I'll mention a few, though I know I'll unintentionally leave some out — and, come to think of it, maybe a couple intentionally. Just kidding.

I started judo in seventh grade under Dr. Jake Miramatsu, where I quickly learned the importance of falling properly to avoid getting hurt. Later, I studied judo and karate with Earl Smith, one of John Folsom's students — and once again learned, sometimes painfully, why falling correctly matters. In college, I briefly studied Pai Lum Kung Fu under Bill Golden, but my true learning began with John Folsom. John taught me perseverance, toughness, and the will to achieve. For more than 40 years, he has had my back, and we remain good friends today. I was also influenced by many martial artists at Jerry Beasley's Karate College at Radford University; which I attended for several summers, often with my friend and influential instructor, Robert Leonard. Robert taught me never to quit and to keep going no matter how hard things became or how poorly I performed. To him, failure was not an option.

Many people have influenced my martial arts journey. Dave Hayes taught me to move more like water and less like an iceberg, so body movement and flow became an important part of my training. Mike Sullenger taught me the value of "action and reaction" — not only in body mechanics, but also in understanding how an attacker responds after a technique is applied. From Fred Reinecke I learned I was anal. (Not realizing that he meant I could be a bit too rigid and overly precise.) The first time he told me I was a bit offended. I didn't know the word and thought he was calling me a butt hole (which at times may be more accurate). After reflecting on it, I realized he was right: that mindset was holding back my learning and progress. I changed so much that I now belong to the school of "close enough." Tom Twining introduced the art of Arnis, an art that I have come to truly love. Heinrich Reimer taught me fighting strategy and how to punch with power. Frankie Carmichael showed me the beauty of the Naihanchi kata and the importance of proper timing. From Bill King, I gained a deeper appreciation for Aikido, Iaido and Jo, along with stronger karate skills. Finally, Dave Thomas taught me not only karate, but also the importance of seeing each student as an individual. Kindness, understanding, and a student's self-esteem should come before everything else. A lesson I believe we can all benefit from.

I know there are others I have forgotten and will remember later, but I believe I have mentioned most of them. I also want to recognize my students and fellow black belts. In class, I prefer to wear a plain black belt because I want everyone to understand that we are all learning together and that I often learn from them. I train with black belts and students that have become more like family. I leave class always feeling better and realizing just how fortunate I am to train with them. I feel blessed to train with my wife Sandy (4th Degree Black Belt) and my best friend Bill Way (4th Degree Black Belt). Sydney Bunch who led our class for the past two years, was just tested and was promoted to 3rd degree black belt and has just begun her schooling to become a veterinarian. She has told me that she will be training with us on her breaks. I am trying to get her to agree to a discount for AKS members when she opens her own practice. I will keep you updated on that. Another talented student that has been with us for nearly 15 years is Jasalyn Daugherty, who was also just promoted to 3rd degree black belt. Last but definitely not least is Matthew Schoonover, a talented 2nd degree black belt that not only contributes and assists with our class but also shares with me, Sandy, Bill, Sydney and Jazzy the love of our Christian faith.

So, you see, I am what I am because of all the wonderful teachers I have had and fellow martial artists that I have been blessed to train with. At times and especially now that I am getting older, and older, and older. I hope in some way I can honor them and do them justice in what and how I teach, and that they know that I am eternally grateful.

E. Jude Gore
8th Dan AKS