A.K.S. Direction

Dear A.K.S. Members:

I would like to share with you some of the things our style has been able to accomplish this past year.

[1]   We are now running the financial part of our style by two very competent businessmen.  They are Mr. Fred Reinecke 7th Dan, and Mr. Dave Thomas 6th Dan.   They have already done a better job this past six months than I ever did.   As I would give away the barn and the chickens.   I had the money at the time, so it did not matter.   One does not run a business in such manner, besides, I knew better.  But, when one is so emotionally tied up in a dream, one does not use common sense.  Anyway, we are doing better financially because of these two men.   I thank them and appreciate their dedication to our style.

[2]   Our 31st A.K.S. Summer camp will be held in Muskegon, Michigan on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of July, 2004.   Our first training camp was held in 1973.  So, we have in America, one of the longest running Karate training seminars ever.

As you know, we are a small but dedicated group of Martial Artists.  Many of our high ranking members have been with us for over 30+ years.   No other Karate organization in America has such a loyal following.  We are truly blessed.  If you need more information, you need only contact the assistant Chief Instructors or myself.   Remember, next month is not far away.   If you need to call me personally, use my new telephone number at [231-755-1513].

[3]   The A.K.S. is very fortunate in having Ingrid Coughlan as a member.   She will be flying from Germany to Muskegon.   Her intention is to get as much information as is possible about our style, the A.K.S. members, and about me.   She is working on an autobiography on my behalf.   She will be staying with me at my home, from July 22nd to August 20th.  So when she asks you questions about our style, please tell it like it was, and is today.  Do not "pull" any punches.

I am very grateful to her husband, Jack, for giving her the time to write this book as it shall take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish this momentous task.   This woman obviously has a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude to be willing to take on such a challenging task.   We "THANK" her for facing a difficult upcoming three years.

[4]   Our European A.K.S. Representative, Herr Andreas Modl 6th Dan, is contantly travelling all over Germany and Europe giving A.K.S. Seminars.   Since he started on this road, he has had great success.  People are very pleased by what they see.   Many are slowly realizing that this is the future for Germany; although, the Japanese styles are presently the powerhouse in Europe.   That is slowly changing as our style offers so much more knowledge in Weapons, Self Defense & basics.    Yet, we never deny our traditionalism or our beginning.

I felt that each country has the right to develop their own system.  Because our style provides the foundation that comes from the Chinese, Korean, Okinawans and the Japanese, it gives them such a strong foundation and variety of techniques, that it can be used in every country.   It allows that country to keep their own identity.   In other words, the Germans will have their own A.K.S.   The Irish, the Italians, the Spanish, the French, will all be able to teach our style without loosing their national identity.  We did it in America, now they will have the ability to do the same there.

Herr Modl will be heading Europe for us.   He is loyal, talented, and dedicated to our style.   Herr Modl has been an A.K.S. member for over 23 years.

[4]   In September, I shall be travelling to Holzminden Germany.   We have now held three A.K.S. Seminars there.   Each one being even more successful than the last one.    The hard work of Herr Modl and our A.K.S. Black Belts is paying off.   Mr. Reinecke 7th Dan, and Mr. Charles Krum 5th Dan, will be travelling with me.

The Seminar will be held on the 17th, 18th, and the 19th of September, 2004.   Anyone interested in going along must contact us by the end of June.   Have your passport ready!   Flights right now, are very low in price.  It is one way to train in a foreign country.  Plus spend time with our fellow A.K.S. friends.  We always turn this trip into a short vacation.  The scenery and friendliness of the German people is simply great.  See you there!

[5]  As you know, our style has always done well in open Karate competition.   This year has been no different than the previous and very successful years.   Although, it appears that our assistant chief instructor, "Mr. Reinecke", does not know when to retire.   He has been winning a lot this past year.   Although he competes in the higher ranking senior mens division, he keeps bringing home trophies!   You ought to see his home.   It looks more like a trophy house than a home. Even though he keeps complaining about aches and pains, it does not seem to slow him down.   "Well Fred, we are proud of you and all of our A.K.S. members.   We thank you for representing us with honor and respect."

There are many more things which I could discuss for this quarter's editorial, but that will have to wait for next time.

See you at our Summer Camp!!

Best regards, Ernest H. Lieb 9th Dan.

"Strategy In Unarmed Combat: The Science of Champions"
written by Paul Maslak

Book Review by Dr. Robert Debelak

In the last issue of the AKS Punchline, I gave a cursory glance at a basic self defense plan comprised of three main objectives: moving the target, doing something about the attack, and counter attacking. To expand on that discussion I’d like to offer a brief review of Paul Maslak’s 1982 publication, Strategy In Unarmed Combat (US: Unique Publications) in this installment.

Written over two decades ago, Maslak’s informative text is made up of four chapters covering the main topics of: wisdom, position, generalship, and strategics. While this assessment will not be a carte blanche endorsement of all ideas presented in the text, I would like to focus on a few elements the book offers as important contributions to consider in training.

WISDOM: From a theological or philosophical perspective, there will likely be room to critique this opening chapter based on our own contexts and presuppositions. Without straining too hard at the trees and missing the forest in the process, this opening chapter sets the stage for understanding martial theory under the rubric of: change, harmony, and inner strength. Smatterings of reference to martial art history and significant leaders of various arts appear throughout this chapter, as illustrations to the idea of how "change" or "flow" in sparring confrontations can be capitalized (i.e. Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, and the concept of harmonious movement - page 4). The theory of change, principle of harmony, and concept of inner strength form a base for discussing the points raised in the next three chapters.

POSITION: In the second portion of this work, salient components of movement and motion in martial combat are surveyed: economy (of motion), vulnerable points, pressure points, centerline, and positional theory. The careful reader will find expansion here of ideas presented in our general self defense plan (last month’s newsletter), with additional considerations in Maslak’s work on time, space, stance, and physique. This chapter entertains a discussion of vulnerable points in the high, middle, or lower regions of the body that are susceptible to attack.

GENERALSHIP: this is one of the most helpful chapters in the book. In commenting on this chapter, I introduce my assessment by noting the mistaken assumption of many karateka in training that technical mastery alone is sufficient to win any altercation. This misconception is easily disproved, often in the ‘school of hard knocks’ where pretty techniques are deconstructed with more effective counters rendered by an opponent. This experiential reality requires we revisit strategic values in sparring. At some level, we must understand the combination of knowing a technique, it’s proper execution, and effective application are each integrated parts of a greater whole.

Put another way, the contest between fighters is a fluid and dynamic engagement with multiple elements converging at a particular moment. Your awareness of these elements contributes to the success or failure you experience in a given sparring match. In Maslak’s chapter on "generalship" these elements are succinctly treated in terms of power and reach.

Maslak suggests that in any given situation a fighter may be in one of four primary categories, defined on the basis of power and reach (page 23). Fighters are generally classed as:

a) more powerful with more reach (than their opponent);

b) more powerful but with less reach (than their opponent);

c) less powerful, but with more reach (than their opponent);

d) less powerful and with less reach (than their opponent);

These configurations are later respectively termed as the following kinds of fighters:

the tall heavyweight

the short heavy weight

the tall lightweight,

and the short lightweight

Pages 22-31 discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each category. In brief:

a. Surveying Maslak’s first category of the "tall heavyweight," the best features of this configuration are for the taller stronger fighter to "outfight," minimize defensive space; and attack with unending offense in a direct, frontal assault. [Some might call this "bull-dozing."]

b. The second category of the shorter, heavier fighter offers the idea that infighting while minimizing defensive space is an advantage, much like the mantis forms (page 28). Again, due to the (perceived) superior strength of this type of fighter, unending attack is suggested, with a mix of direct and indirect atta

c. The two categories of less powerful fighters are both encouraged to explore outfighting and maximizing of defensive space. In the case of the taller lightweight, a mobile defense with mixed attacks are deemed advantageous (like the White Crane form(s) of fighting strategy - pages 26-27).

d. In the case of the smaller lightweight, a mobile defense employing indirect flank attacks assist one from being hit and lend themselves to angular (oblique) attacks.

STRATEGICS: The generalities mentioned above are expanded on the other parts of the book where high, medium, and low sectors of the fighter (inside and outside) are reviewed with examples of angular attacks, frontal attacks, and the like. The ideas at the very least are a good start at considering how to improve application of your own kicks and punches, with some reasoning behind the actions chosen in any given sparring en-gagement.

Got a favorite technique or combination? Why do you like that combo so much – is it because it feels good or looks pretty? Or does it’s value lie in the effectiveness of the technique’s application? How has the proper application of this technique been of value to you in dojo or tournament competition for a person of your physical make up? Personal analysis of technical effectiveness will require intentional reflection on at least some of the above factors where in any given situation, against diverse, physical configurations of opponents, you find yourself as either the stronger/weaker, and or the longer/shorter fighter.

As a disclaimer, I again emphasize that this review should not be deemed as a complete endorsement of everything penned in this text, but that is the value in exchanging thought – we learn in dialogue! Maslak’s ideas are well-written and presented logically, and will make an enjoyable and informative read for thoughtful martial artists.

Meet Our Members

[ This month we feature the American Karate Club in Muskegon, Michigan. ]
The A.K.S. in Muskegon, Michigan
by Laura Werner

The American Karate Club, formerly known as Mona Shores Karate Club, began in September of 1991 when Muskegon's AKS dojo was moved from the Omni Fitness Center to Ross Park Elementary School in Norton Shores and is part of the Mona Shores Community Education Program.

Mr. Lieb was teaching classes both at Omni and at a Fitness Center in Holland, Michigan.   Several high ranking black belts conducted these classes as assistants to Mr. Lieb.   Also, there was a "children's" class at Omni that was separate from the adult classes.  This required the attention of various black belts who conducted this class, and then afterwards, attended their own class headed by Mr. Lieb.

For various reasons, the Holland classes were discontinued, and the Omni classes were combined and moved to Ross Park Elementary School in the Mona Shores school district under the control and direction of Mr. Dave Thomas.

During the 'school' months, combined children/adult classes are conducted in one of two gymnasiums.  During summer months, classes are taught on the expansive lawn of the school grounds.  The fresh air and bare feet on the cool grass is great!

Mr. Thomas said the club has been privileged to be associated with and promoted more than 30 black belts during this time period.    Some followed as assistant instructors from the Omni, and others were promoted through the ranks and became excellent AKS instructors.

Some of the "highlights" of the club are as follows:

Class size varies, but we have had as many as 65 students on the floor at one time. Most of our students are people training with their spouses and their childeren.

We produced a 2 hour television program on American Karate for local TV station.

Our Black Belts and students have made excellent showings at a number of Karate tournaments. "We always place well in both forms and sparring for all ranks," says Mr. Thomas.

We have taught several seminars on self defense for the blind and visually impaired.

We emphasize a well rounded cirriculum of basics, forms, self-defense, sparring, weapons, history, philosophy, sportsmanship, and ethical behaviour for the martial artist.

Thank you, Mr. Thomas, for your dedication to this class. You've managed to juggle the demands of work and the demands of AKS to become a most respected instructor and co-leader of the A.K.S. We wish you many more years of teaching students how to become skilled and "honorable" karatekas.

This club has always been blessed with the guiding hand of Mr. Lieb. It is indeed a treat to be occassionally "instructed" by the Founder and Chief Instructor of our style. His visits to our dojo are always special. I know we kind of take it for granted, but, Mr. Lieb, you are "indeed" our inspiration!! Thank you for your life-time of service and "all consuming" passion to the success, quality, and integrity of the American Karate System.

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.

Always there, but never seen:
“Ninja”, our invisible karateka
by Ingrid Coughlan
1st Dan Shotokan and 6th kyu AKS Hildesheim, Germany

On 17 April 2004, Miss Bjöerk Opdenplatz was born to her parents Nadine and Michael from Neu Oedelum, a small village near Hildesheim / Germany.   Nice, you may say, but why would this be of any interest to the readers of the Punchline?!

Well, the important detail is the fact that Nadine Opdenplatz continued her karate training from the day she learned that she was pregnant until one week prior to giving birth.   Nadine is an AKS student in Andreas Modl’s dojo in Holzminden.   She also trains with us in Hildesheim.

Our AKS group in Hildesheim is special insofar as women outnumber men, due to our group history.   Originally, we were a group of ladies from a Shotokan club, looking for advanced training in self defense.   We attended seminars by Andreas Modl, who holds the position of self defense commissioner in the Federal State of Lower Saxony.   Eventually, we introduced his karate style, the American Karate System, in our local Shotokan club.   Nadine joined us immediately because she lives close by.

When we heard that she was pregant, we were happy, but also sad.   At first, we thought that our friend would now drop out of our training over a long period of time.   However, we had not reckoned with her determination. “  So what”, said Nadine, “I’ll continue my training and I’ll just be a bit more careful than otherwise”.

We hesitated for a moment, but then, realizing that in general, physical exercise is good for pregnant women, we decided that it was a good idea and that the practice should be simple: Anything which was potentially dangerous for the pregnant mother had to be strictly avoided, while anything which was safe was allowed.   In the course of the weeks, Nadine developed a special and suitable form of training for herself and we helped her in the process.

Nadine consulted her experienced midwife about her plans.   She asked her what movements would strengthen her body and which ones would be counterindicated for her.   She stuck to her midwife's advice, especially with regard to warming up, fitness and stretching exercises, as many of these can have an undesirable effect on a pregnant woman's body.

She did mostly katas and basics until one week before our invisible member’s cover was blown and “Ninja” (as we had called the child) turned out to be Miss Bjöerk Opdenplatz.

Partner training ended for Nadine when she was in her 7th month.   Before that, it was strictly "no contact", except for light, “symbolic” blocks which she performed with her arms.   We not only stopped our punches and kicks, performing them “lightly”, as that might go wrong sometimes, but we deliberately missed her body, or chose an exaggerated, "wrong" distance.   In other words, we simply made sure that there would be absolutely zero body contact, also at the expense of the quality of the exercise.   Free fighting, throws and falls and any other techniques causing shock to the body were taboo from the beginning.

One golden rule is that a pregnant woman must always and without exception have the right to personally choose her training partners.   It does not matter whether these are males or females, what matters is that they are trusted partners with regard to their technical ability and with regard to their attitude.   Also, the choice is hers regarding every single exercise or task, and questions are always asked beforehand.   Nadine attended external seminars with us until the pregancy was rather far advanced.   Before those seminars, we arranged which of us would be her partner(s), so that she would exercise only with people who knew about the pregnancy and our agreements.

Although Bjöerk is Nadine’s first child, the birth was short and easy and Bjöerk scored perfectly on the APGAR scale.   Therefore, although this has never been Nadine's intention, we have shown that a form of karate is possible throughout pregnancy, from the first to the very last week, and that it can be a good and desirable exercise for a pregnant woman.

Nadine attended Teddy's seminar in Holzminden this weekend (May 22/23), bringing her daughter to the dojo with her.   That worked well and yesterday, the young mom passed her test for 6th kyu AKS, while we were minding the baby in turns.   I think that this also shows that the training during the pregnancy was not only good for both the young mother and her baby, but was even worth while as far as karate is concerned.

I'm attaching three photos of Nadine and her baby, taken in Teddy's dojo yesterday (May 22).   Nadine still in her orange belt (it's green now).

By the way, a second baby is "in the planning stage": Bjoerk is supposed to have a brother or sister in maybe two years' time.   Let's see.   :-)

CONGRATULATIONS Mom and Dad Opdenplatz!! And WELCOME baby Bjoerk!!

Best wishes from your AKS family!

PROMOTIONS!!

May 19, 2004 - Mona Shores Karate Club - Muskegon, Michigan

Jordan Sabo - 8th Grade Yellow Belt

Tom Sabo - 8th Grade Yellow Belt

Brian McKeown - 7th Grade Yellow Belt

Shawn Pike - 7th Grade Yellow Belt

Andrew Frees - 6th Grade Green Belt

Sherry Frees - 6th Grade Green Belt

Jack Griffin - 6th Grade Green Belt

John Griffin III - 5th Grade Green Belt

Rodney Gonzales - 4th Grade Green Belt

AKS Section of Shotokan Hildesheim (Hildesheim, Germany):

Mr. Bryan Bernhard Coughlan (2nd Brown, Shotokan) to 5th Grade Blue AKS - March, 2004.

Ms. Jessica Preuss (2nd Brown, Wado Ryu) to 6th Grade Green AKS - March, 2004.

Ms. Marcella Raese (2nd Brown, Shotokan) to 7th Grade Orange AKS - February, 2004.

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

---

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

Mustang AKS Spring Seminar

by Kendrik Melvill, 5th Grade Green
Mustang, Oklahoma Karate Club

On Friday, March 26th the Mustang, OK AKS Karate Club was honored by the arrival of Mr. Sullenger (7th Dan), Mr. Dave Thomas (6th Dan) and his son Mr. David Thomas (2nd Dan) to conduct a spring seminar.    The lower ranks got acquainted with our instructors and enjoyed good food and service at Bill’s Fish House on Friday evening.

On Saturday the seminar kicked off at 9 am, the first 45 minutes were dedicated to stretching, a topic that Mr. Sullenger was none too shy in emphasizing as an integral function of our training.   Mr. Sullenger introduced a number of stretches including a team-stretching that pushed the limits of our bodies, and made us rather pliable.

We worked across the floor during the morning as Mr. Sullenger called attention to action/reaction.   As everyone was quite familiar with the topic, Mr. Sullenger demonstrated that not only is it good for blocks and strikes, he revealed that it works for kicks as well.   Proper use of the torso to rotate opposite the kick increases the speed and power, thus making a more effective kick.

After lunch, we worked on Kata; the Black Belts worked on Cat 1 and the lower-ranks worked on highest Katas that corresponded to their ranks.   Also, Mr. Thomas worked with the lower-ranks with self-defense and 3-steps.   As he slapped his feet on the floor, he expressed that self-defense is meant to be creative as well as efficacious.   He conveyed that one must be aware of their surroundings, so that they may prevent a potential confrontation, and also be resourceful in their surroundings, so as to better utilize it to one’s purpose in case of a confrontation (such as using a car antenna or one’s own belt).    As Mr. Wenzel later elaborated further, “we need to have a lingering awareness’ to our situation so that we may be ready at all times and not be caught unawares.”

After we adjourned to our homes to get cleaned up, we regrouped at the dojo for dinner and savored the finest of pizza and conversation as some of the students tried frantically to get the VCR and TV to work properly.   A potential crisis was avoided as they got the lavishly immense 19 inch TV to work with our VCR.   Mr. Sullenger delved into the philosophy of Karate, not only the implementation of force, but the intangibles that should be instilled in everyone dedicated to being a serious Martial artist such as, wisdom, justice, moderation and courage.  Finally, he finished up with an intriguing video of many of the Masters who walked the earth before us, so that we might understand the legacy and tradition we are carrying.

Benefit Tournament for American Cancer Society

by Ray Sinclair, 2nd Dan
The second annual "Take A Kick At Cancer" Karate Tournament was held on May 8, 2004 in Whitehall, Michigan. All of the proceeds from that tournament went to the American Cancer Society.

The tournament was larger this year due to more people being aware of it, and also because that "word" had gotten around that it had been well run the previous year.

The Muskegon [Mona Shores] Karate Club had 10 competitors at that tournament, and all did very well with most of them placing in at least one event.

David Eric Thomas-2nd Dan took 2nd place in Black Belt Sparring - Heavyweight Division, and 3rd place in Black Belt Weapons

Robert Roy-1st Dan took 2nd place in both Black Belt Forms and Black Belt Sparring - Lightweight Division.

Sherry Frees took 2nd place in Senior Novice Forms.

John Griffin took 3rd place in Senior Novice Forms.

Rodney Gonzales took 1st place in Adult Green Belt Forms.

Andrew Frees took 3rd place in Yellow Belt forms in the 12-13 year old division.

Jack Griffin took 1st place in Yellow Belt forms in the 7-8 year old division.

Also competing at the tournament were: David Thomas 6th Dan, Raymond Sinclair 2nd Dan, Jeannie Waite 6th Grade Green.

Congratulations to all who participated!

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR "A.K.S. MESSAGE BOARD" at

http://americankarate.proboards12.com

. . . . there is a link to this page on the A.K.S. 'Home' page.

We are in need of Moderators for this forum.  If you are interested, please contact David Eric Thomas

David Eric Thomas

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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.

A tentative "camp" schedule is posted on the "EVENTS" page of the AKS website.

Did You Know ? . . .
Definition. . . " Ninja  and  Ninjutsu " . . . as defined in Black Belt Magazine Dictionary http://www.blackbeltmag.com/dictionary

Ninja:   "Stealer in."   Japanese warriors most associated, but sadly stereotyped with spying, infiltration and assassination.   They became legends in their time, supposedly capable of disappearing into thin air and turning into animals.

Ninjutsu:    The art practiced by the ninja of feudal Japan.

Quote for June, 2004

ON PHILOSOPHY -  Bruce Lee ~ Enter the Dragon

Its like a finger, pointing at the moon.   If you stare at the finger, you miss all the heavenly glory.

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