"FAMILY 2005"

Dear A.K.S. Members and Friends:

As you know, we are now ending the year of 2004.  This has been a very interesting and successful year for our style of karate.

I have been asked the following question over and over again by other martial artists.  "How can such a small organization as we are, have so many "6th dans & higher" master level instructors???"   I tell them that the answer is very simple.   It is called loyalty.  To clarify my answer even more, I explain to them that the least number of years of service is 28, and the highest is 48 years.  They just shake their heads and move on to some other topic.

There are many karate organizations that are much larger than we are.   They may only have half as many Master level instructors.  Our retention rate is very unusual.

I would like to just give you one of the many reasons these A.K.S. members stay.   In our style we try and give everyone respect.  This respect starts at the white belt level and continues all the way to the black belt level.  We provide a lot of extra training; from basics, to advanced basics, to kata, to self defense, to fighting techniques, to weapons training, to teaching methods, and, yes, even to first aid.  We provide an annual A.K.S. Summer Camp which is open to all ranks.  It creates a bond for our members, no matter what their age, gender or rank.  We provide a dinner so that everyone can meet one another socially.  No uniforms - just people who want to learn more about one another.  Tables are not separated by rank, which means anyone can sit where ever they please.  It allows everyone to see that rank only means something while in uniform.  But out of uniform, we are all one family and equal.

Over the years, the term "CLAN" has often been used.  In reality, that is what we truly are.  Whenever one of us is in trouble, we all circle our wagons around that person and protect them.  We share our joy and even our sadness with each other.  Within our karate clubs, we are a family.  We also take into consideration a persons age and health issues when they test.

I feel we have matured, not only as a style, but we have matured in our ability to understand and feel compassion.  We know that it is impossible for one individual to excel in every area of our style.  Our requirements are hard, and cover many areas of the Martial Arts skills.  An A.K.S. Black Belt will become well versed, not only in karate, but he/she must also learn the basics of Oriental weapons, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, teaching methods, history, kata, and on and on.

We also encourage our Black Belts to study other martial arts styles.   To earn rank, if they so choose.  To then bring back that knowledge, and share it with their A.K.S. brothers and sisters.   This has been a very open and successful program.  Other styles do not allow this as they are afraid they will loose their teachers.  Our philosophy is a lot different.  If a Black Belt chooses to leave the A.K.S, we do not stop them.

We also know that what we offer is something other styles are not willing to do.  And that is to let their members see what there is available in the martial arts world.  If your students and instructors feel you have provided them with the best training and support, they will return to you.  If what you offer is weak and of poor quality, they will not return.

For the past 40 years, we have lost very few Black Belts.  The ones we lost, had their own personal reasons.  We wished them well and moved on with our A.K.S. business.  Like the old saying "you cannot please the whole world all the time."

What we do produce are excellent students and instructors.  Loyalty just happens to be part of our very strong foundation.  True "Loyalty" is earned - never demanded.  So to all of you who have been part of our organization for so long, we "THANK YOU" for your support and your LOYALTY.

So for the New Year, I wish you health, love, new friendships, and GOOD training in 2005!

Best regards,
Ernest H. Lieb, 9th Dan.
The American Karate System - U.S.A.

Dear A.K.S. members:

Recently, the idea was presented to have more logos. Well this idea did not work out.  It also created a furor, and in the end ruffled a lot of feathers.

There will not be any new logos used in our style.  But before I get to that point, allow me to provide you all with the history of the A.K.S. logo and patches.

In 1964, upon my return home from South Korea, I only used the American flag on my uniform the first year.  It is what I wore while serving in South Korea.  I simply wanted to let people know that I represented America.  It, of course, caused bad feelings with a few of the competitors I faced.   That, however, did not concern me as I knew I was doing the right thing.

I noticed in America that many different patches where worn on competitors uniforms.  Not only did they represent styles, but they also represented the various karate organizations and clubs.  At least the karate uniforms where still white.

I wanted to show respect to Mr. Kim of Korea.  I also needed to show respect to my style, "Ji-DO-Kwan," also spelled by some in America as "Chi-Do-Kwan".  I first used a patch that I designed, using a fist.  I was not pleased with it.

I then, later on, designed a different patch.  It was in the shape of a triangle or the pyramid.  This design represents the strongest structure known to man.  I then used the letters which spelled "American Chi-Do-Kwan" around the triangle.  In the center, I placed a solid colored circle.  I just happened to choose the color red.  The circle represents no beginning and no end.  It is the circle of perfection.  After all, when we practice karate, is that not what we are always trying to achieve?   PERFECTION?   So the time frame of the origin of this logo was in the late 1960's.

In regards to the A.K.S. patch, I tried several different ideas.  I was not pleased with any of them.  But, I noticed that whenever I fell back upon my emotional attachement of being a proud American Citizen, I always found the answer to my problem.  So I used the colors of our flag which is red, white and blue.  I then used the color of bright gold; forming my letters and border in that color.  It represents gold, which has been used for hard currency for over a thousand years.

One can identify our instructors and students where ever they are in a karate event.  The patch not only stands out in color, but it also has gained a lot of respect over the past 32 years.

I thought about the fact that we are the greatest nation on earth.  Our Flag represents "FREEDOM".  So we started to wear our A.K.S. patch over our heart, and the American Flag on the left shoulder.  It has been that way now for over 30+ years.  I do not expect that to ever change.

The A.K.S. patch and our logo, are recognized within the karate world.  When other martial artists see it, they expect from the person wearing that patch or logo, dedication, a proper karate attitude, and highly developed martial arts skills.

To now add another logo is not the answer as it confuses those that know us.   It also takes away the recognition we have worked so hard to earn.  Even those who may not like us, or are even jealous of us, they still will know who we are and what we represent, when we walk on a karate floor.

Throughout the years, many of our Black Belts sacrificed their time, their money, and their sweat to make us into the only American Karate Style that can, and does, represent our country.

We are now building a strong following in Germany.  Other countries are also interested in working with us.  They are comfortable and familiar with our logo and our patch.  We need to continue to strive in building a good reputation here and overseas.  We do not need to muddy the water by confusing those who know and support us.

I have always been proud to wear my A.K.S. patch, my American flag, and my A.K.S. logo no matter where I went.  I shall continue to do so.  I hope you will too.

Best regards,
Ernest H. Lieb, 9th Dan.
American Karate System.

Meet Our Members

I would like to congratulate Mr. Rand Palmer for passing his 4th Dan examination on November 23th, 2004.

Rand has been a student of Dr. Guessler Normand, 6th Dan, for over 20+ years.  Most of you will remember him from our summer camps.  He is always training with us.  Plus he brings with him many of his A.K.S. students from Ohio.

When Dr. Normand retired from the University, Rand took over his classes at the West Toledo YMCA Karate & Self-Defense Program in Bowling Green, Ohio; although, Dr. Norman attends when he can.  Rand has been responsible in getting the students ready for Black Belt testing.  Over the years, Dr. Guessler has done a splendid job in preparing his people.  It appears that Rand has not lost any of that luster as his students are always up to date and prepared.

I thank both Dr. Normand and Rand Palmer for representing our style with such honor and dedication in Ohio.

Congratulations Rand!    Job well done!

Ernest H. Lieb, 9th Dan
The American Karate System - U.S.A.

New Requirements

Dear A.K.S. Members:

This is an update for our members, in regards to the changes coming about within the A.K.S.

I normally do not dive into this critical area of our style. But after visiting Germany, where I found the same problems, I find that certain changes are way overdue.

Over the years, I was probably the most stubborn instructor when it came to change.  Just ask Mike Sullenger, Fred Reinecke, and all of our Master level instructors.  But there are times where change becomes neccessary if it benefits the future of our members.

For years we have kind of laid back, letting the world pass us by.  That time has passed as we need to keep up to date, or simply fade away.  Father time has been knocking on our door for some time.  I had turned a deaf ear to him.  But he now has my full attention.

For the past several years, our A.K.S. Summer Camps have suffered from the lack of attendance.  While the Black Belt division has been increasing,our grade " Kyu " ranks attendance has been getting smaller.   No one seems to have the answer to this problem.

At first, I thought it was our fault.  Did we not offer the right classes?  But after teaching at the German A.K.S. Seminar in Holzminden, I found that they had the same problem.  A lot of Black Belts, but very few low ranking students.

This problem was discussed in Germany.  It was again discussed on our flight back home.  Suggestions are plentiful, yet no one can provide us a way in dealing with this problem.  So I went back to the years when our style had its largest membership.  This, of course, covered both the low and high rank divisions.

Surprisingly, one major single factor entered into this equation.  Once we moved away from this single factor, our membership slowly declined.  Of course, it took many years to do so.  But over many years, we lost our solid foundation.  I shall now tell you about the forthcoming changes.  You can figure out for yourselves what that single factor was.

Here are the forthcoming changes effective January 1st, 2005.

[1]  All grade "Kyu" ranks. Will participate in A.K.S. events.  Not to do so will prevent a student from moving up in rank.

A: Grade ranks must attend at least four A.K.S. Summer Camps prior to testing for 1st Dan Black Belt.

B: For the other four levels of rank (2nd thru 5th Dan), they must attend four A.K.S. seminars, clinics, or advanced training sessions.

[2] Required Documentation

A:  Every grade student must have an A.K.S. Student handbook.  It must be signed off by your instructor, starting as a white belt.

B:  To test for Black Belt, the student's Head Instructor's signature must be on the last page, validating that these requirements have been accomplished.

C:  Thirty days prior to testing for Black Belt, the student's Instructor shall forward the reviewing students essay to A.K.S. Headquarters.

[3] Requirements regarding our Black Belt members - Effective January 1st, 2005.

A:  When a student earns his/her Black Belt rank, he/she must start their own A.K.S. Club.   They can teach as few as 10 students, but they must get in their teaching experience to be able to move up in rank.

If their Instructor runs a large Karate Club, he/she may choose to have them assist him/her by providing at least 10 students under the new Black Belt's supervision.  Thus making that Black Belt responsible for those 10 students.

B:  This structure provides a Black Belt not only with teaching skills, but it provides him/her with business management skills.  If he/she runs into problems that his/her Instructor is unable to resolve, we, at your A.K.S. headquarters, are always ready to assist you.   Our experience of over 40 years can provide you the steps neccessary for success.  We can also show you how to earn a good profit by following proven business rules and guidelines.

If anyone has any questions, please direct them to Mr. Lieb, Mr. Reinecke, or Mr. Sullenger. Their phone numbers and E-mail addresses are on our A.K.S. Website [ www.americankaratesystem.org ].

Best regards,
Ernest H. Lieb, 9th Dan
American Karate System

2004 Trip to Germany
Story by:   Ernest H. Lieb
Pictures by:  Fred Reinecke

The following is my take on our 2004 trip to Germany, for our annual September A.K.S. Karate seminar in Holzminden, Germany.

Mr. Fred Reinecke, 7th Dan, and I, met Sgt. Charles Krum, 5th Dan from West Virginia, in Detroit on the 13th of September.   We then borded a Northwest flight to Hanover, Germany.

We arrived on the 14th in Amsterdam, reaching our destination at Honover Airport about 1:40pm.   Ingrid Coughlan picked up us three very tired warriors.  She then drove us to her city "Hildesheim", where we stayed for three days.   She also took us sight seeing.   Ingrid, her husband Jack and son Bryan, took excellent care of us.

On the 15th, we gave an A.K.S. Self Defense seminar.  Fred took the grade "kyu" ranks, while Chuck and I taught the Black Belts.   The floor was full! Students and Instructors - wall to wall!

Click HERE for pictures

Herr Dieter Mansky, 6th Dan in Shotokan, introduced us to his class.   We then taught a very hard two hours of American Style Karate.   Everyone was pleased!   It was obvious that Herr Mansky and his people are very talented.

Afterwards, Herr Mansky took us out to eat at a wonderful Pub nearby.   A fun and enjoyable time, was had by all.

On friday, September 17th, we drove to Holzminden.  Ingrid showed us the beautiful countryside.   She pointed out some interesting things which we would not see in America.   But that is another story in itself.

We were welcomed by Andreas Modl 6th Dan, and Jacky 4th Dan, at their country home.   He and Jacky, have some very beautiful full Arabian horses.

That evening, we held our introduction to A.K.S. Karate class.   Instructors and students were wall to wall.   We had more Black Belts than lower ranks which is very unusual.  In most events, the lower ranks outnumbered the Dan level participants.   Yet, the same thing happened at our annual Summer Camp in Muskegon this past year.   We all had a good time training together.   Then, of course, it was time to rest and get ready for a long and hard weekend.

Classes were held at the same time in three different gymnasiums.   By Sunday, everyone was exhausted, and most headed home.   But as always, Saturday night was "have a good time" party night.

Teddy (Andreas) and Jacky treated Fred, Chuck and I, like kings.   Fred went with Herr Heinrich Reimer, 6th Dan.   They went to his city and several to other places where Fred was able to teach others our A.K.S. techniques.  Heinrich made sure Fred saw some very exciting sights.   Fred then flew back to America on Thursday, September 23rd.

On Tuesday evening, September 21st, Teddy drove Chuck and me to Muelhausen where he teaches a karate class.  There, we met some of his students, including Matthias and Honk.  Both of these men had visited us last year during Summer Camp 2003.

We were then transported by Jennifer Berlit to her village called Kleineschmalkalden.  There, she had procurred for Chuck and me, a beautiful cottage on the mountain which overlooked her village.   Chuck's cottage was only 10 minutes by foot from mine.   He told me that it was the most peaceful time that he ever had.

This is now the 2nd year in my cottage there.   I plan on going back there every year.  I was also told by some of our American A.K.S. Black Belts that, next year, they also want to each rent a cottage.   The cost of your own place, is only $30 to $35 dollars a night.  How can you beat that price!   Staying there for a week, pays for your Airplane flight.  Try and rent a nice room in Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles for a night - your cost will exceed $200+ dollars per night.   Here you have a clean and beautiful cottage, all to yourself.   When you wake up in the morning, you can see the village poking its head through the clouds.   As Fred put it to me, "How can anyone pass this up?"  Our German A.K.S. brothers and sisters, provided us everything we needed during our stay.

While visiting Jenny's village, we were invited to teach an A.K.S. Self Defense class.  There is a nice Shotokan club in Schmalkalden.  The head instructor, a lady, treated us with respect and friendship.   After we were done, they had a huge table full of coffee, tea, and desserts.  When you see a table full of wonderful German bakery items, one can gain weight just by looking at it!   We were invited to return next year.   And we probably will.

Then on September 27th, we departed from Frankfurt to America.  It was a wonderful time for all of us.  I cannot wait to go back again next year.

I was told by two high ranking Black Belts in Germany that they were so impressed by our A.K.S. Seminar that they plan on speaking to Teddy about joining the A.K.S. in Germany.

So why not plan on spending your vacation in Germany next year?!

Best regards,
Ernest H. Lieb 9th Dan.
American Karate System.

PROMOTIONS!!

November 23, 2004

Rand Palmer - promoted to 4th Dan A.K.S.

November 20-21, 2004

Andreas Modl, 6th Dan A.K.S. - promoted to 5th Dan Wado Ryu

Jacky Laucht, 4th Dan A.K.S. - promoted to 3rd Dan Wado Ryu

Congratulations to all the above, and 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.

Tournament News

Mr. Leib received this bit of news from Roy Almanza Jr. in a recent email:

Roy Almanza 2nd Dan AKS-Texas

P.S. Just thought I'd let you know that my brother, Ruben, and I competed last month at the "Tournament of Champions" competition.  Everyone who participated had to have had placed in the top three at a qualifying tournament throughout the year.

I'm happy to report that the AKS had a strong showing, if I do say so myself.  I placed 1st in Men's Black Belt Forms with Cat Form 2.  I also placed 3rd in heavyweight sparring.  I definitely need to work on that.  I hope we can work on that this summer camp.  My brother also placed 3rd in Adult Male Forms.

I hope we can re-establish the A.K.S. in the Rio Grande Valley.  The last time that happened was when Mr. Sullenger was competing here in the 1970's.  It's definitely time to bring the Valley up-to-date on the quality of the A.K.S.

Congratulations Roy and Ruben!!

Dear A.K.S. Members:

As you know, we now have 11 German A.K.S. Karate clubs.  They are under the direction of Herr Andreas Modl, 6th Dan.

At times we refer to Andreas as Teddy.   A nickname he appears to enjoy.  Presently, German A.K.S. members are on their way to Spain.  They have gone there to train in karate for many years.  But this time it is a bit different.  Before, it was in conjunction with the German Shotokan organization.  Although A.K.S. members will still be supporting that event, Herr Modl is now setting up a special A.K.S. training program in which only our members will participate.  So we wish him luck and a safe journey.

A bit of sad news though.   At the last A.K.S. training in France which took place several months ago, one of our German Black Belts lost his life while riding his motorcycle.  He was returning from France to go back to his home in Germany.  Although I cannot release his name at this time, I do remember him training with us in our September seminar in Holzminden.  He was a very close friend of Herr Kunze, 4th Dan.  It hit everyone very hard in Germany.  Our condolences go to his family and friends.  He shall be missed by all.

There will be some changes coming in our 2005 A.K.S. Summer Camp.  Certain classes will be dedicated to the grade ranks attending.   Most of the classes where aimed at the Black Belts.  Although the Black Belts will still receive proper advanced training, segments will be tailored only for the grade ranks as many have requested that they be reviewed in order to get them ready for their promotions.  That is one area we will specifically address.  We have some very talented instructors who specialize in this area.  I already look forward to next year's Summer Camp.

I received some very nice emails from Germany.  It appears that several instructors of other styles are going to speak to Herr Modl about joining our German A.K.S. branch.  They where extremely pleased by what we had to offer; particularly in the self defense area.

At the present time, it appears that between 8 and 10 German Black Belts will be attending our training next year.  That will make it the largest group ever to visit us here in Muskegon.  So we will need to prepare a lot of A.K.S. homes for our guests.

For those of you who are not aware of our exchange program between Germany and the States, we provide our guests with homes to stay in while they are visiting.  They do the same in return.  I remember Mr. Reinecke making this statement, "I spent a bit over $100 dollars in Germany."  He was there for 10 days.  But the kicker was, he spent it on gifts to take back to his family.  In other words, none of us can get a cheaper vacation than that.  In addition to that, you get to visit a foreign country.  So why not think about going to Germany with us next year?

Best regards,
Ernest H. Lieb 9th Dan.
American Karate System

New Classes Begin December, 2004

Starting December, 2004, I will be teaching Karate and Self Defense classes at Strive Fitness, 308 Center Street, North Muskegon. The schedule is as follows:

Security and Self Defense: Monday evening - 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Adult Classes: Tuesday & Thursday evening - 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Children Classes:   Tuesday & Thursday afternoon - 3:45pm to 4:45pm

Security and self defense classes are specifically designed to train law enforcement and professional business people.  National certification may be earned at each level of expertise.  Classes are setup on a 12 week training program.

Adult and Children's classes require a one-time startup fee that will provide a your first month's training fee, training uniform, a Yawara stick(adult class only), A.K.S. patch, American Flag patch, and the student handbook.  Safety rules are strictly enforced at all levels.

All classes are limited to 20 students.  There will be one black belt instructor per 10 students.

Please phone 231-719-2244   or   231-755-1513 for more information.

Best Regards,
Ernest H. Lieb, 9th Dan
American Karate System

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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Did You Know ? . . .

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

A strict code of ethical behavior followed by the samurai.   Bushido was formulated during the Tokugawa Era (1603 - 1868) of Japan.   The premise of the code was to advise a samurai how to conduct himself in battle and how to find a meaningful place in a peacetime society.

Quote for December, 2004

"As long as you have nothing to shoot for, you will always have plenty of ammunition. "

    -John Ward

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