Online Edition: 003

MARCH, 2004

This quarter, while our Chief Instructor is dealing with back injury issues, I am taking the liberty to insert a piece here that will document Mr. Lieb's beginnings in the A.K.S. I received this in an email, but I'm not sure from whom. Enjoy!!
Submitted by: Laura J. Werner

A Lifetime of Adventure

Ernest Lieb was born in Berlin,Germany during the 2nd World War.   In 1947 his father was abducted by the Russians and sent to Siberia; but along with seven other slave laborers he miraculously escaped.

Two years after his escape from Russia, Ernest's Father finally was reunited with his family.  The family immediately decided to attempt the long trip from East Berlin to West Germany.  Traveling only by night, they covered the distance in three and a half days.  In the early morning of the fourth day, they waded across their last Barrier, a river, into West Germany and freedom.

Ernest and his family remained in Northeim, Hanover until 1952 when they emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago, Illinois.   Less than one year passed before young Ernest Lieb became involved in an incident that clearly and frighteningly showed him he needed to learn some form of self-defense.

There was, at this time, still resentment in the United States against persons of German origin.  Thirteen year old Ernest Lieb knew nothing of this; nor did he realize that certain neighborhoods in Chicago should not be frequented.  Ernest was going to a movie and had to pass through what, to him, appeared only to be a shabby section of town.  He was stopped by another youth, words were exchanged, a knife pulled by the youth, and soon Ernest Lieb was in emergency surgery.  It took doctors 6 1/2 hours to save for Ernest the use of his left arm.

When he recovered, Ernest decided to learn some method of self-defense.  His parents insisted on a complete physical for Ernest before they would allow him to participate in one of the martial arts.  It was a fortunate demand.  The physical revealed that Ernest had a weak heart.  The hard years in Europe when he lacked nutrition had taken effect.  Ernest was not to engage in any strenuous exercise, especially not in one of the martial arts.

The Lieb family moved to Muskegon, Michigan during the latter part of 1954.  In 1956, the doctors told Ernest that his heart condition has been corrected.  Finally, he was to be allowed to engage in any sport or martial art that he desired.  But when Ernest went to the one Karate school in Muskegon, he discovered they would not admit anyone under the age of eighteen.  So Ernest turned to the sports offered by the schools and also joined a judo class at the Y.M.C.A.

Ernest graduated from high school in 1959 and, shortly thereafter, enlisted in the Air Force.

While in training at Lackland Air Force Base, he contacted one of the drill instructors who was proficient in karate and known to be willing to help others interested in karate.  Until Ernest left Lackland for Otis A.F.B., Mass., he worked out consistently with the friendly drill sergeant.

After a short stay at Otis A.F.B., Ernest learned that he was to be stationed in Korea.  Finally, his dream to learn karate close to its source was becoming a reality.

It took Ernest just one week after his arrival in Korea to locate Mr. Kim Hyuk Rae, Chief Instructor of the Kunsan Karate Team and holder of a sixth degree Black Belt.  Ernest Lieb was accepted by Mr. Kim as a student and for the first time Ernest learned what it was like to put karate first in your life.  Working our 3 hours a day, seven days a week, Ernest's weight dropped within two months from 162 pounds to 138 pounds.  Says Ernest of this period, "I'm glad I was there alone.  I never could have lasted all those strenuous hours of kata forms, sparring, and exercises had my family been there."

When Mr. Kim thought Ernest was ready, he was taken around Korea with other students to spar and practice with members of various schools.

Finally, Mr. Kim though they were ready.  Four of the 25 man Kunsan Karate Team were chosen to represent the Air Force in karate competition all over Korea.  In the competitions, Ernest won two plaques and two trophies and was runner-up in the elimination championship karate tournament at Nam Wan.   The second of his trophies he won after being promoted to Black Belt.

Ernest Lieb returned to the U.S. in 1964, and upon his discharge from the Air Force opened his own dojo in Muskegon, Michigan.

Although Ernest is now an instructor himself, he remembers the admonition of his master, Mr. Kim Hyok Rae, "We are all students in life, and we learn new things throughout all the days we live.  It is important that we with wisdom learn to use our knowledge of karate."

Three Components of Self Defense Techniques By Dr. Robert Debelak 6th Dan

Given the training rigors of practicing fundamental techniques, one and three steps, kata, and sparring, self defense principles are communicated from instructor to student These basics are designed to provide the martial artist with practical and effective tools for personal protection in the event of attack (whether an attack comes during training events such as sport fighting, or on the streets in more adverse settings and circumstances). By way of survey, three primary components form the foundation of solid self-defense techniques:

1) Move the target

2) Do something about the attack

3) Counterattack

MOVE THE TARGET

Like it or not, in “self” defense, you (the self) are the object of the attack.   Irregardless of whether the attack is verbal or physical, hard or soft, with hand or foot, with or without weapon, - you are the target.  The attacker’s goal is to render you ineffective to respond.

Simple geometry reminds us that the shortest distance between two points is a line, and when two lines cross, a point of intersection is formed.  Consider the attack (a punch or kick) as one of those lines.  The point of intersection is your head, body, etc.  To render the attack less or ineffective, as much as is possible, don’t be at the intersection of the strike – MOVE!

A moving target is harder to hit than a stationary target.  You can test this principle by hanging a ball from a string in a doorway.  When motionless, it is a stationary target that is easier to hit.  Now swing the ball.  As it moves back and forth, try to punch and kick it.  The challenge of hitting the target is greatly increased when the target moves.  The same idea applies to you, the target: move!

DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE ATTACK

There are at least three things you can attempt in response to a given attack:  avoid it, parry (or redirect) it, or block (force on force) it.

First, in tandem with the above principle of moving the target, one response to an attack is to avoid it – don’t tangle up with it in any way; just avoid being hit and avoid any response involving contact.  Boxers use a similar idea when bobbing and weaving – just avoid the strikes as you posture for an effective counter attack.

Second, an attack can be intercepted and its force redirected.  This response is particularly helpful when an opponent is larger and stronger.  Regardless of the size of the challenger, re-direction slides or pushes the attack in another direction.  In some techniques of this nature, the parry can be used to redirect the incoming strike and shift the opponent’s weight, causing the challenger to move “off balance.”

Third, is the more forceful and direct response of blocking.  While designed to stop an object or projection of attack, the block is an intersection with the attack.  A “force on force” response is given – and if used, make the most of it: tactically, every block is a strike and every strike is a block.

COUNTERATTACK

It should be clear that striking any part of the body hurts; some areas just hurt more than others!  As such, counterattacks are generally rendered to one of three vertical lines of an opponent.  The first line runs directly down the middle of the body (front and back) – often referred to as the “centerline.”  You must defend your centerline while counterattacking the aggressor’s centerline.  Many of the vital organs of the body are on or closely related to this line, making counter attacks to this first area quite dangerous.

Only a few inches either to the right or left, roughly parallel with the eye, a second line moves vertically down the body to the inner leg.  Counterstrikes to this line are effective and painful.  Though these areas might seem less deadly than the centerline, caution is advised as severe damage or death is still possible.

The third line is the outer boundary of either the right or left sides of the body.  Pain may be caused, but the threat or severity of the counterattack is less than a direct blow to the centerline.

Responses to attacks can be soft, medium, or hard.  For example, applying pressure to nerves or joints will likely fall into the first two categories; depending on the level of force returned, punches and kicks fall into any of the categories.*

Once you have defended yourself, there is no need to prove how tough you are.  When you have the chance – run, and report the incident.  Sticking around might mean the tables could be turned and you end up hurt in the long run.  Rather, once you have defended yourself success-fully and have the option, move the target (you) to greater safety – put distance between you and your attacker. **

Conclusion

An effective self-defense tactic strategically integrates three key components: you move, react, and counterattack simultaneously (varied elements of timing are, of course, understood).  Practice these principles in technique drills, one and three steps, kata, and sparring.  The moment of confrontation can be further complicated by the terrain, time of day (light or night), type of clothing you wear, etc.  Generally speaking though, the principles discussed above are a starting point for reflection and practice.  Tailor the ideas to specific scenarios – plan ahead, and train them now.

Additionally, you can potentially find yourself in different situations at any given time.  Take, for example, the number of different sparring partners you work out with.  In any given confrontation, you could potentially be a defender configured as: taller or shorter than your opponent, stronger or weaker than your opponent, and/or faster or slower than your opponent.  Depending on the battle configuration, there are some general ideas related to defense effectiveness for each of the configurations.  This element of the discussion will be a future newsletter topic.

This grid of three objectives (move the target, do something about the attack, counter-attack) is not comprehensive – but it should get you thinking!  The greatest tool you have available in an altercation is your brain - Use it!   Think!   Begin now by analyzing your self-defense training and ask: what am I doing, and why am I doing this?  Does it work or does it just look pretty?  Is it a sound technique or does it just burn calories?

__________________________ * ___________________________

*(Disclaimer: this discussion is purely for thoughtful exchange among members of the AKS for training purposes and does not in any way attempt to define or explain legalities germane to each sovereign state or country.  A general rule of thumb offered over the years is that the self defense tactics should only employ adequate enough force so as to render an attack useless.  To respond beyond that may mean you have become the attacker.  Consult your local law officials for details)

** By flight (run): get in your car and lock it; run to a well-lit and highly populated area like a store, etc.  [Children especially should understand in their training the need to inform parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, etc. of encounters with aggressors.  Proper authorities can take the appropriate legal action, as needed.  This may be a step forward for all of us to help partner together in the effort to keep our neighborhoods safe.]

Meet Our Members

This month we feature the Mustang, Oklahoma Karate Club with a little historical review.

Indian Territory Outpost – Mustang Oklahoma AKS
By Roger Wenzel 5th Dan

The AKS was introduced to Oklahoma in 1983 when Mr. Steve Thurkettle (backrow - center/right) moved to the Oklahoma City area from his native Michigan.  Steve began his Karate training, briefly, in Muskegon with Mr. Lieb in 1967.  He then joined the Navy where he trained as a boxer.  After serving in Vietnam, Steve returned to Muskegon and began his Karate training in earnest.  He received his black belt in 1976.

In his first years in Oklahoma, Steve made a name for himself and the AKS by competing in, and winning, many local tournaments.  In 1988, Steve was ranked #3 in the state in free sparring.  One of Steve’s particular areas of interest and expertise is in self-defense.  He insists that his students acquire proficiency in grappling and control techniques in addition to the usual striking techniques before being tested for brown belt rank.  Mr. Thurkettle was promoted to the rank of 6th Dan at the 2003 AKS Summer Camp.

The AKS Mustang Dojo has been at it present location on Trade Center Terrace in Mustang since September 1993.

Mr. Thurkettle’s first new student on that September night was an out of shape 2nd Dan in Taekwon Do named Roger Wenzel (backrow center/left).  Roger quickly became a convert to the AKS and has assisted Steve in running the club ever since.  Mr. Wenzel was promoted to 5th Dan at Summer Camp in 2002.  Roger also studies the Kihara system of Aikido.  He was promoted to 4th Dan in Aikido in January 2004.

Another former Taekwon Do student, Mr. Jeff Johnson, also started training at the new Dojo.  Mr. Johnson had been a purple belt in Taekwon Do.  Unlike many students, Jeff was in no great hurry to attain rank.  He just wanted to be a black belt “someday”.  With a little pushing from Messrs. Thurkettle and Wenzel, Jeff reached that goal at a large out-of-doors testing at Summer Camp in 1998.

Mr. Wenzel’s youngest son, Keith, was tested and promoted to 1st Dan in September 2001.  He was the first Oklahoma student to start with the AKS as a white belt and reach black belt status.  Keith is a strong athletic free fighter.

In October 2002, Mrs. Judy Yates became the second person (and the first woman) to go from white belt to black belt at the Mustang Dojo.  Mrs. Yates is becoming an excellent instructor.

In Oklahoma many things revolve around the family.  Karate is no different.  At our Dojo, we have 2 sets of brothers, a husband and wife, a father and daughter, a father and 2 sons and a grandmother and granddaughter training.

Mustang is a suburb on the west side of Oklahoma City.  Any AKS member traveling through Mustang is welcome to come by and train.  Contact any of the black belts listed above for directions and class times.  Phone numbers and E-mail addresses are on the 'Membership' page on the AKS website.

Attention All Clubs: Please forward pictures of your class with a little history. We are looking forward to meeting EVERYONE!

If you would like to let us know what your school has been doing, or if you want to feature a student or instructor in the Punchline, please send an email to one of the following:
Ernie Lieb, Mike Sullenger, or Laura Werner.

Does Learning Ever End?
By Rob Essenberg 2nd Dan Mona Shores Karate Club - Muskegon Michigan

They say when you have achieved your Black Belt that you have been a good student.  Does this mean this is the end of your learning?  No, this is just the start of a process that will never end.  Our willingness to learn and always be a good student is what makes a good teacher.

For the past two years, our club has been invited to teach a one day self defense class at a local camp.  We have taught students ranging in age from six to eighteen.  This may not seem like anything special, there are hundreds of instructors that do this every year.  You may also ask the question, what does this have to do with always being a student.

The students that we have been teaching are totally blind or legally blind.  Their parents ask us to teach this class to their children because of problems their children were having in school with bullies and insensitive peers.  These children also have a self esteem problem and a fear of being assaulted if they are alone in public.

Dave Thomas, Ed Baessler, Dave Thomas Jr., and myself, Robert Essenberg, represented the contingent that attended the camp this year.  We worked with the students on techniques that utilized their canes and objects they would usually carry.  We also worked on empty hand techniques that would especially be useful against pesky siblings.

The students were concerned about getting away from someone who might have a hold of them.  So we covered a number of different release techniques and some pressure points.  We had to work hand over hand with the students since they could not see anything we would visually show them.  They would have to physically feel the movement in order to recreate it.  To understand how difficult this is, try teaching a new Kata to your students, but first, blind fold them.

Working with these students and seeing the effort that they put forth given their limitations is a humbling experience.  I think we, as instructors, learned as much from these students as they did from us.  I believe you never stop learning and there is always something we can learn from others; no matter who it is.

I would encourage all of our AKS black belts and students to provide some community service outside your club, and learn from those less fortunate and become better instructors in the process.

Always keep learning,
Rob Essenberg

Editor's note:   Rob is legally blind.

Visitor from Germany
by Ray Sinclair 2nd Dan Mona Shores Karate Club - Muskegon, Michigan

On Wednesday, February 4th, 2004 the Mona Shore Karate club had the honor of welcoming a visitor from Germany to the class.  The gentleman's name is Jens Wendtland and he holds a 2nd Dan in Judo.

He was in this country on business, setting up a new machine for a local company and sought out a place where he could work out.   He was able to attend our class that evening and though our class has no mats for the practice of Judo, was able to work out with us, participating in some of our class drills for the first part of class.

During the last half of the class, Mr. Wendtland taught the Black Belts that were in attendance some Judo techniques, consisting of several chokes and joint locks/arm bars.  I found his instruction very informative and helpful.

Mr. Wendtland's club has a web page, though it is in German.  There are a couple of places on the net where pages can be translated.  Google and Alta Vista being two that I know of.    The address of Mr. Wendtland's club is:  www.phoenixsoltau.de   Also, there are pictures of Mr. Wendtland with the club posted at the AKS message board site.

PROMOTIONS!!

The following people have recently been promoted at the Mona Shores Karate Club - Muskegon, Michigan

Mr. John Griffin to 6th Grade Green Belt on 2-9-04

Ms. Jeanie Waite to 6th Grade Green Belt on 2-18-04

Ms. Sherry Freeze to 7th Grade Yellow Belt on 2-25-04

Ms. Tracy Freeze to 7th Grade Yellow Belt on 2-25-04

Mr. David Vela to 8th Grade Yellow Belt on 3-1-04

Mr. Brian Mckeown to 8th Grade Yellow Belt on 3-1-04

Mr. Shawn Pike to 8th Grade Yellow Belt on 3-1-04

Mr. Dave Vela to 8th Grade Yellow Belt on 3-1-04 (the son of Mr. David Vela)

Ms. Samantha Pike to 8th Grade Yellow Belt on 3-1-04

Ms. Bridgette McKeown to 8th Grade Yellow Belt on 3-1-04

Congratulations to all the above and best wishes in their continued training.

If you have students who have been promoted, please send this information so that we may acknowledge their accomplishments.

AKS Message Board is Up and Running!
David Thomas 2ND Dan.

A few months ago some of the black belts began talking about a way for all members of the AKS to be able to keep in touch with each other.  After some searching, an idea was proposed to register a message board in the name of the American Karate System.  This would allow any person, regardless of rank, to be able to let us know of what was happening in their clubs.

The AKS message board has been up since Sept. 12, 2003 and is available at

http://americankarate.proboards12.com

. . . . there is a link to this page on the A.K.S. 'Home' page.   This message board is open to all AKS members, and is free to register.  We also invite those interested in the martial arts to participate.

Through the use of this forum, members can post news about themselves,their clubs, and local tournaments.  Members can also post photos of themselves, class pictures, tournament competitors, or anything else they care to share with the rest of the AKS members.

Registration is free to sign up but may take a while to validate e-mail addresses.

We currently have 16 AKS members from different areas of the U.S. and of different ranks.  With your help, this forum can be a great tool in making the American Karate System more accessible to anyone, regardless of rank.

We are also in need of Moderators for this forum.  If you are interested, please contact me at

David Thomas

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IMPORTANT NOTICE
A.K.S. NORMAL REGISTRATION for 2004 IS NOW CLOSED - LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH MARCH 31st ONLY.  PLEASE INCLUDE A $10 LATE FEE.

BLACK BELT FEE . . . $50

STUDENTS . . . . . . $10

Also, Grade Certificates should be ordered in quantities of 10 at a time, if at all possible.  There will be a $5 handling and shipping fee.

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Summer Camp - 2004

This year's summer camp is scheduled for the weekend of July 23^rd through the 25^th.  Black belt testing will be conducted on Friday afternoon, July 23^rd.

As in past years, we expect to have out-of-town A.K.S. members in attendance.  In order to cut down on their travel expenses, we are looking for local A.K.S. members / friends who would be willing to "house" our guests for a few days.  If you are able to do this, please contact Mr. Lieb as soon as possible.

Did You Know ? . . .

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Definition. . . " Chi and Ki " ... as defined in Black Belt Magazine Dictionary http://www.blackbeltmag.com/dictionary

Chi: "Spirit," "air," "breath," or "spirit energy." A biophysical energy generated through breathing techniques studied in kung fu. Ideally, chi can infuse a person with tremendous vitality and make him or her extremely powerful in action, much moreso than power developed through the muscular system alone.

Ki: "Spirit." Ideally, the mental and spiritual power summoned through concentration and breathing that can be applied to accomplish physical feats. This centralized energy, possessed by every person, can be manifested through the practice of just about any martial discipline.

Quote for March, 2004

It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.

The Philosopher Confucius. 551-479 BC - many attributed and translated sayings and chinese proverbs.

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