John Folsom was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, where his father was a physician for many years. It was there, in April of 1967, that Mr. Folsom began to study karate with Mr. Lieb, the founder of the American Karate System.

At that time, the style was Chi-Do-Kwan, and two of Mr. Lieb’s first Black Belts, Monty Bachtol and Carl Stolberg, were assistant instructors. Mr. Lieb allowed John Folsom, as a brown belt, to assist with instruction at the school, and he received his First degree Black Belt on February 8, 1971. These were very special years for Mr. Folsom with Mr. Lieb, and it was through Mr. Lieb that he had the privilege to meet and train with Mr. Yamashita. Mr. Folsom competed in a number of tournaments in the early years, and he continues to attend many AKS seminars and clinics. He has also hosted five AKS training sessions in West Virginia. Currently he is the AKS regional director for the State of West Virginia. He is an active member of the AKS and AKA.

When Mr. Folsom moved to Salem, West Virginia to attend Salem College, he started the Salem Karate Club, originally named the Salem College Karate Club. It is one of the two remaining AKS schools of the original thirteen. He has been the head instructor for 38 years, and during that time he has taught hundreds of students and promoted over 37 Black Belts. Some of his students have achieved state, national, and international recognition. At this time his assistant instructors are Mr. Jude Gore, 5th Dan, Mr. Brian Greynolds, 4th Dan, and Mr. Patrick Fluharty, 1st Dan.

In addition to the AKS rank of 7th Degree Black Belt, Mr. Folsom also has earned his 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate and 3rd Kyu Brown in Judo. Mr. Folsom’s influence in karate in Harrison County has been immense, with many of his Black Belts have opening their own schools.

Mr. Folsom joined the Salem City Police Department in June of 1976. He began as a patrolman and worked his way through the ranks to become Chief of Police from March, 1983 through August, 1989. He then became Director of Security at Salem-Teikyo University for 13 years, but returned to law enforcement in April, 2002. His current rank is Captain.

Mr. Lieb, 10th Dan and founder of the AKS, instilled a drive in Mr. Folsom that has continued since he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt. He enjoys teaching and helping students in karate. He never dreamed he would have a school that would exist for 38 years. This began by accident when Mr. Floyd Goodson, who was teaching Judo at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, invited Mr. Folsom to participate and also teach karate. He still has many ties with Black Belts in Muskegon, Michigan and Texas. He looks forward to training and socializing with them at least twice a year. Mr. Folsom lives in Salem, West Virginia with his wife, Leota, a retired middle school teacher, their three Shelties Duncan, McTavish, Riley, and their cat Jeeves.

Black Belt Promotion Dates

1st Dan American Karate System, February 8, 1971 2nd Dan American Karate System, August 17, 1972 3rd Dan American Karate System, July 12, 1974 4th Dan American Karate System, December 21, 1975 5th Dan American Karate System, August 5, 1980 6th Dan American Karate System, Master Level, June 13, 2003 7th Dan American Karate System, July 20, 2007

Martial Arts Awards

1972  AKS Instructor of the Year 1974  AKA #3 School in the Nation, Salem College Karate Club 1975  West Virginia Upward Bound Award 1976  Inducted into the AKA Hall of Fame 1977  AKA #8 School in the Nation, Salem Karate Club 1982-1983 Edition  Who's Who in Karate and Other Martial Arts and Black Belt Directory

Education

1967 - 1971  West Michigan Christian High School 1971 - 1977  Salem College, BS and BA in Behavioral Science 197x - 1977  West Virginia Vocation and Public Service Training - Law Enforcement Certification

Educational Awards

1973, 1974, 1975  Dean's List Salem College 1974 - 1975  Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities

Law Enforcement Awards

April 17, 1978  National Law Enforcement Academy, Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Investigation 1980 Edition  Who's Who in American Law Enforcement March 9, 1983  Office of Governor John D. Rockefeller IV, Law Enforcement Certificate of Achievement March 8, 1986  Harrison County Bureau of EMS Services, Recognition and Appreciation Award for Assistance during the flood of 1985 March 11, 1989  Harrison County Bureau of EMS Services, Captain John Smith Award for school bus Incident February 19, 1988 April 19, 1996  Harrison County Bureau of EMS Services, Citizens Excellence Award, Volunteer Services March 17, 2006  Harrison County of EMS Services, Sherlock Holmes Award for 27 felony count investigation of stolen debit cards using U.S. Postal Service mail June 26, 2008  Office of Governor Joe Manchin III, Certificate of Recognition

John receiving his AKA Award

John performing "Flying Side Kick"

John promoting Patrick Fluharty to Shodan

John with Jude Gore, Brian Greynolds, and Sandy Gore

John and Master Marquez