2011

At the annual AKS Summer Camp, this year’s AKS Black Belt of the Year Award was presented to David Eric Thomas, 4th Dan (center). David has earned many accolades during his time in karate which started when he was six and earned his Black Belt at 18.

What singled him out this year is his teaching and growing our newest area club at the Tri-Cities YMCA in Grand Haven, Michigan, where he has been the head instructor for over two years. He does a week long karate camp for the Grand Haven Y every July for area youngsters.   He has put together a number of successful public demonstrations which far exceeded any competition that was present.   He has also organized and taught several women’s self-defense seminars put on as a community service.

David has also designed and written a comprehensive AKS Instructors Manual that is available on-line to all AKS Instructors.   It has teaching notes, numerous empty hand and weapons forms, self defense information and a Black Belt testing format.   His testing format was used at this summer’s Black Belt testing and generally agreed it made the testing much more organized and orderly.

Those that know David, know him to be a dedicated martial artist, an excellent instructor and a sterling example of the qualities of an American Karate System Black Belt. He sets high standards of performance for himself and his students. He makes himself available to teach outside normal class hours for those working on their next rank.

Congratulations David on a much deserved award!

--Dave Thomas 8th Dan AKS

2010

At Summer Camp this year, Deb and Jim Roy were honored as the 2010 AKS Black Belts of the Year. When I nominated them to our Chief Instructor, I told him, they are a well-matched couple that has been terrific ambassadors for the American Karate System. Because their training, teaching, and demos are always done together, it was appropriate they share the award. And the fact that they are husabnd and wife contributed to the decision.

Jim and Deb also do a number of demos every year for wellness seminars, groups promoting women’s self defense, and other community organizations. They structure their demonstrations for each individual audience and sometimes invite audience members to participate.

Jim and Deb Roy are excellent Black Belts, top-notch instructors, and exciting promoters for the AKS. I am proud to have them as my Black Belts and gratified to watch them receive a well deserved award.

--Dave Thomas 8th Dan AKS

2009

This year we reinstituted the black belt of the year award with Jude Gore (5th Dan AKS) from West Virginia being the awardee. Presenting the award is Mr. John Folsom (right).

After making the announcement of this year’s recipient, I must admit I can’t remember a time since getting to know Jude where he was so lacking with some kind of a response. It was obvious he was not expecting the award. I spoke with John Folsom, 7th Dan AKS and regional director for that area, who said Jude has been an invaluable asset in assisting him and in his support to the AKS.

--Michael A. Sullenger AKS Chief Instructor