2011 Student of the Year

Salem Karate Club, West Virginia

Miki M. Gain was selected as Salem Karate Club's 2011 Student of the Year at the Fall Seminar in West Virginia this past November.

Miki remembers always being fascinated by the martial arts; even as early as 6 years old while growing up in Nebraska and Wyoming.  Watching movies such as Fist of Fury, and TV shows like the series Kung Fu, had her begging her parents to let her take karate.    But there were no classes anywhere near their home.

When Miki was around 13 years old, a very frightening altercation with a stranger made a definite impression and intensified her desire to learn self defense.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t until she went to college at the University of Wyoming that she was able to finally study martial arts, taking a Shotokan class on campus.

Years later after getting married, starting a family, and moving to West Virginia, Miki searched on line for local karate clubs and found the Clarksburg Karate Academy, headed by Anthony Wright.   She and her daughter studied there two years until the class shut down.  Miki then heard that Sensei Folsom was accepting new students at the Salem Karate Club and signed up her daughter, Taylor, and herself for classes.  Although her daughter has decided to pursue other interests for now, Miki continues to train regularly.  She is an extremely reliable and enthusiastic student; even traveling nearly twelve miles to train with the Mountaineer Karate Club during the summer.  Miki loves to help teach the younger students, always willing to assist in any way she can.   She loves attending the seminars and having the opportunity to meet and learn from all the instructors in the AKS.

Miki stated it best when speaking of the AKS. “Being connected is so important! There is something about knowing I’m part of this awesome karate family that makes it all so much more relevant and fulfilling. It may have taken the better part of 40 years, but I feel like I’ve come home.”

Congratulations, Miki, on your well deserved award!

--E. Jude Gore / 5th Dan - AKS

2011 Student of the Year

West Toledo YMCA
Karate & Self-Defense Program

Samuel Blood has been nominated as Toledo’s student of the year for 2011. Sam was presented his award at this year's Toledo seminar on May 21, 2011.

As Mr. Sullenger was describing the award and what it signifies before announcing the winner, I couldn’t help but notice Sam’s attentiveness and then glancing at the other attendees at the seminar. You could see the look that said… ”I wonder who it is this year?”. As Mr. Sullenger said “Samuel Blood”…..Sam displayed a complete look of surprise! You could tell he wasn’t expecting to hear his name. In just a few seconds, his reactions confirmed to me why he was chosen.

Sam is someone who has always worked hard, showed diligence and never expected more than he gave. It is very difficult to blend confidence with humility but he has managed to find the balance of the two. I have watched Sam grow into a karateka that others in class tend to look up to and follow as he shares his time, talent and thoughts with those both younger and older. He is always inquisitive and looking to learn something new. He realizes that results come from staying focused, giving great effort and not getting caught up in expectations (this explains his look of surprise). Sam understands that giving one’s best is all that matters.

Sam has earned this award. He and his family should be very proud.

--Rand Palmer / 5th Dan - AKS

2011 Student of the Year

Tri-cities Family YMCA
AKS Karate Club

Mrs. Kimberly Bremer was awarded Student of the Year at our July Summer Camp this year.  Mrs. Bremer is a 5th Grade Green Belt at the Tri-Cities YMCA in Grand Haven.   Mrs. Bremer and her family were on vacation during our summer camp so Mr. Ray Sinclair, AKS 4th Dan, accepted the award in her place.

Kimberly was one of our first continuous students, and enjoyed it so much she recruited her husband, Aaron, and her son, Will, to start training.   She is an excellent student who trains hard in every class.   She has also been a great ambassador for the class by promoting our program to other Y members.   She has encouraged a number of other women to join her in class.

Mrs. Bremer does a remarkable job of juggling her responsibilities as a wife, mother of three small children, and her career as an IT Manager for JSJ Corporation.  She still makes every class and helps Mr. Thomas with warm-ups and teaching the newer students.  Kimberly Bremer is a real asset to our Tri-Cities YMCA karate family.

Congratulations Mrs. Bremer on your well deserved award!

--Dave Thomas 8th Dan AKS

2010 Student of the Year

West Toledo YMCA
Karate & Self-Defense Program

Joseph Mollenkopf has been selected as Toledo’s STUDENT OF THE YEAR for 2010. Joe was the perfect choice to be Toledo’s first recipient of this award as he exemplifies the definition of the award.

Joe has been with the AKS since the late seventies and as a current 2nd BROWN BELT he has traveled a road not many others could endure. From a teenager who struggled with the requirements to advance, he has overcome many obstacles to achieve his current rank. He has been burdened with physical limitations that sap his muscle and cardio endurance (on occasion life threatening), but he has learned to adapt and pace himself to where he knows what he can and can’t do. Those of us who have known Joe for many years are amazed at the level of skill and physical conditioning he has achieved in spite of his setbacks.

But Joe hasn’t been satisfied with just HIS accomplishments, he has grown to be an individual who we all can count on to teach others and share that which he has learned. His character and work ethic put him at the top of the list in class attendance and he always seems to be more interested in helping others rather that tend to his own goals and needs.

Joe Mollenkopf is as much a part of Toledo AKS as anyone who has ever passed through the ranks….probably more so. There will be future Students of the Year, but Joe has set the bar high and could easily fill that roll every year.

Please join me in congratulating Joe on his award and achievements……well deserved!

--Rand Palmer / 5th Dan - AKS

2010 Student of the Year

Muskegon Karate Club

Rhonda Bailey, Muskegon Karate Club, first came to our class when she enrolled her son Mitch. He had earned his green belt in another program but she was not happy with the direction and curriculum of the class. It was a departure from his previous style but he adapted quickly to the AKS format. I asked her later why she changed programs? She said, “I wanted my son to learn real karate.”

After several weeks of watching our class, one night she came up and asked me to order her a uniform, she was going to join as well. She is a dedicated student who never misses a class and gives 100% every time. As she has gained in rank she is always willing to work with the newer students in learning their techniques. Her attitude and work ethic are outstanding.

What separates Rhonda from our other students is what she goes through just to attend class. She played indoor volleyball for 15 years, which took a toll on her knees. She has ligament and cartilage damage to both knees. She has come to class at night after having injections that go all the way to the bone in both knees. There have been nights where her knee has slipped out of joint but she will not yield to the pain and discomfort.

Rhonda and I have ongoing campaign to have her work within the limitations her knees require. I tell her to take it easier, she doesn’t have to do every kick or spin move.

Her answer is “I have to try. I love it too much not to.”

She works hard to be an excellent karate student, in technique and attitude. She also puts herself at risk every time she steps on the floor. That is why I am so proud that Ms. Rhonda Bailey was honored at our Summer Camp as the 2010 AKS Student of the Year. Congratulations Rhonda!

--DaveThomas

Caleb Connolly, from the Mountaineer Karate Club, was selected as West Virginia’s Student of the Year for 2010. Caleb began his Martial Arts at the age of nine, studying under Sensei Robert Leonard. When he was twelve, he joined our club when it was the St. James Karate Club and became a member of the AKS. He has followed us through location changes and names changes as we became Mountaineer Karate Club, in Lumberport, West Virginia.

Caleb will be a senior at Liberty High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia in the coming year. He is undecided as to what career path he will take, but is interested in a field which will allow him to work with other people. He enjoys music, reading, and riding the motorcycle with his dad.

Caleb has grown and matured from thinking of what he can learn for himself, to taking pride in what he can offer by working with and teaching other students. He is dedicated, strives to do always do what is asked of him, and is respectful at all times. Over the years, Caleb has worked hard and has improved his technique and control, has attended the Toledo Seminar, our Fall Seminars, and Summer Camp in Muskegon, and has earned his 1st Grade Brown in November, 2010.

Caleb has become a valued member of our school, and we are proud of him for his achievement in receiving this award. Congratulations Caleb!

--E. Jude Gore

2009 Student of the Year

Muskegon Karate Club

This year we instituted a "Student of the Year" award. This year’s recipient is Ron Kolbe (3rd Kyu AKS), a student at Muskegon Karate Club. Ron Kolbe has been training with us for about 2 ½ years. So far, he has earned his 3rd Grade Brown Belt. He is one of the first people on the floor and the last to leave. He trains hard in all aspects of American Karate. As he has gained rank, he is always helping newer students with forms, basics, and self-defense, anything they need. During the summer when we train outside, he made arrangements for our class to use his church’s gym on nights with inclement weather. From the time he started training, he has been an asset to our class in many capacities.

Over the last several years, I have gotten to know Ron on a personal level. I have learned that he was injured at work and will never be able to work again. This realization caused depression and turmoil in his life. He has told me, that after beginning American Karate, he feels much more in control of himself and much happier. Karate literally changed his life from what it had been. And now because he has gained so much through the training and the new friends he has made, he feels that he has to repay the debt by assisting the Black Belts with the newer students.

It is debt we all embrace in the American Karate System.

I am very proud that Ron Kolbe received the 2009 AKS Student of the Year award for our school. He is my student, he is my friend, and he is a credit to our organization. Congratulations Ron!

--Dave Thomas

2009 Student of the Year

Salem Karate Club

Don Riffle was selected as West Virginia's Student of the Year for 2009. Don and his son, Isaac, joined the Salem Karate Club in January 2007; with his daughter Mary Kate soon to follow. Although his son and daughter are on hiatus for the time being, pursuing other interests, Don has continued to attend karate class faithfully.  He loves learning karate and the sense of belonging and camaraderie that comes with being a part of the AKS.

Don Riffle was born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He spent about 10 years away in Arkansas, Tennessee, Charleston, West Virginia and Wetzel County West Virginia. Don is a software engineer, and has spent 11 years of his life continuing his education, both full time and part time, attending Ohio Valley College, Harding University, West Virginia Northern Community College, Fairmont State University and West Virginia University.

Along with his love of karate, Don enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking, and playing old time fiddle music with his kids. He and his family are active with the Bridgeport Church of Christ, where he and his wife teach Sunday School.

Don Riffle is a valued member of Salem Karate Club. He is extremely dependable with his attendance and always being available to assist Sensei Folsom whenever it is asked of him. He loves to learn and has attended several Fall Seminars. We are proud of him for his achievement in receiving this award. Congratulations Don!

--E. Jude Gore