|
|
|
|
Online Edition: 022 December, 2008 |
Michael A. Sullenger 9th Dan . . . In this issue: This Page... The Master's Edge Page 2: A Little Wisdom Page 3: The "Answer" Is ? and Life in the Dojo Page 4: Club News Page 5: Guest Article Page 6: The News... CLICK HERE for Past "Punchline" Editions! Return to "Home Page" |
“The Punchline” Editorial - December 2008
The year is fast evaporating for all of us. For me another birthday has come and gone. Every year I’m left wondering if they are coming every six months, instead of twelve. Getting older seems to have also resulted in the days becoming shorter as the clock appears to have fewer hours on it. We’ve all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holidays with our friends and loved ones. We will soon be celebrating Christmas with many of them again. For the Sullenger family Christmas is the time when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. As many Christians are fond of saying, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” I know many of you see things the same way.
 |
|
. . . In this issue: Page 1: The Master's Edge This Page. . . A Little Wisdom Page 3: The "Answer" Is ? and Life in the Dojo Page 4: Club News Page 5: Guest Article Page 6: The News... CLICK HERE for Past "Punchline" Editions! Return to "Home Page" |
by Michael A. Sullenger 9th Dan A.K.S. Chief Instructor This article ends a four-part series that covers a paper I first wrote for Ernie as part of my 6th Dan requirements. In March 1990, I submitted a paper to Mr. Lieb (our AKS founder and chief instructor) in partial fulfillment of my sixth degree black belt requirements. The points I made at that time are still relevant today. My friend and mentor suggested I update and share the paper with the American Karate System’s membership, as well as other true students of the arts. I hope the thoughts and reflections that follow will have a positive impact on your personal perspective regarding the martial arts, and your specific studies in karate.
I’ve been a part of the American Karate System (AKS) since 1972 and a student of the arts in general since 1960. I liked what Mr. Lieb was doing then, as I do now. We’re not constrained by traditional guidelines for the most part, though we conduct ourselves as traditionalists in many ways. While other schools might not entertain change, the AKS looks to improve wherever possible. There are a few areas where we too need to evaluate our techniques and direction. These areas will eventually be taken care of, not hidden or swept under the carpet, as some systems do to keep from disturbing so called traditionalistic values. Our system is the first truly American one to date. Now you ask, “How can there be an American system of karate?” A system or style of Martial Art does not have to originate from an oriental country. Over the centuries, many ways of fighting and defense, with and without weapons, have come and gone, but many are still with us today. If a person studies the histories of the many prominent styles of karate today, he will find these styles came into being during the last century. So, why shouldn’t there be an American style of karate? The AKS uses the main oriental systems and philosophies as its foundation stones. This includes five of our under black belt katas, which are taken from three of the main countries where various styles evolved. Like these other countries America has had its forms of fighting and has evolved over the years. This evolution has been the result of Americans learning other fighting arts while living in the orient. In addition Americans have learned from Oriental who have come to our country with their arts to teach us. The AKS requires its students and instructors to conform to rigid requirements in training, testing and attitude, both in and out of the school environment. This parallels other oriental systems in many respects and surpasses them in others. Our black belts must physically test through 6th Dan. Most other styles only test through 4th or 5th Dan levels. I could go on with additional rationale and justifications about why the AKS is so good, as well as being a legitimate style. This is not to say, as some are fond of doing, that my system is the best. No one style is worse or better than any other. The individual who represents his respective art is the one who either does a good or bad job of portraying what his system can or cannot do. When I became a student of Mr. Lieb and the AKS, I was working on my 3rd Dan with a Korean instructor. I’d learned one set of forms for my 1st Dan and a second set for my 2nd Dan. When I got back to the States I was told I would have to learn another new set of katas before I could test for 3rd Dan. It gave me the impression the Korean’s were having trouble deciding on what to do and which forms were best. You would have thought after centuries of martial history they would have gotten a handle on that already. I’d been in the Korean system some ten years, yet I never felt like anything more than just a student. While a student under some of my Korean instructors, there were times I was the one teaching the classes. There were also times where I felt there was a great deal of respect missing, not to mention the impression of being more of a dollar sign than a black belt assistant instructor. I don’t mean this to sound bitter, but I expect more from the senior instructor than just instruction. As in any organization, loyalty, friendship and trust must be given in both directions. For me the study of karate was more than just learning how to kick and punch. It was becoming part of something that has a rich history, even though many cultures are involved. The self-discipline and desire to acquire the capabilities and knowledge demonstrated by Orientals were to be admired. True study of the arts meant accepting it as a way of life. American students tend to be lazy, afraid of a little work, and impatient for results. It’s good to ask questions in order to improve one’s understanding. It’s also important to follow instructions without questioning them as well. A student must trust his teacher to provide him in his learning environment with both physical and intellectual instruction. Obviously, his teacher must be qualified enough to provide the appropriate level and depth of instruction, based on the level and ability of the student. The student must also know when to ask questions and when to pay attention and work. American students also give up too easily, or become bored and want to move on to something else. If things start to get difficult, quitting seems to be the easiest way out. In fairness to Americans a Shotokan friend of mine, Ariel Lim, told me when he started training in the Philippines there were 500 students. When he tested for his black belt five years later there were only seven. The point is not everyone is cut out for the training or life style. Those who become successful in the martial arts have a much higher likelihood of being successful in life as well. RecommendationsIf you are a student of the Martial Arts, or desire to become one, examine your reason and resolve. Search your mind and your heart for the true reason and don’t start with any misgivings. Know that your studies will take years. Understand the key to success requires patience and perseverance. Though the end results tend to be a long way down the road, they are well worth working for. I have come to the point where I am comfortable with who I am and what my abilities and inabilities are. I have no illusions of being anything more than I am. I seek no higher goals than continuing to be one with my environment and my society. My joy is in seeing the light in the eyes of a student to whom I have just shown or explained something they have grasped. I have nothing to prove to anyone save myself, for it is only my God and myself I must please and serve. By helping students understand movements and/or principles, I have earned rewards for which there is no monetary equivalence. Being there for someone who is having problems for which they feel no escape also provides fulfillment. What each person must do in his or her own mind is to plot a path and travel it. We are the sowers of our own seeds of success or failure and must stand ready to reap the results, be they good or bad. In Gichin Funakoshi’s autobiography, Karate-Do, My Way Of Life, he writes, A Japanese actively seeking self-enlightenment will say that he is “training his stomach” (hara wo neru). Although the expression has wide implications, its origin lies in the obvious necessity to harden the muscles of the stomach, a prerequisite for the practice of karate, which is after all, a combat technique. By bringing the stomach muscles to a state of perfection, a karateka is able to control not only the movements of his hands and feet, but also his breathing. (P. viii) The practice of karate, or any Martial Art, requires dedication. The dual meaning behind Funakoshi’s discussion of hara wo neru was first the literal meaning of the toughening of the stomach. The second more philosophical one was to train and develop our minds and bodies. By approaching our training from the latter, we then seek to arrive at a point of self-enlightenment. To some that would be the point where we become totally comfortable with who we are, and what our capabilities and inabilities are. Also, the study of the Martial Arts requires courtesy, respect and sincerity be given and received by all. This is also a good point Sensei Egami made in his book. He said, “He who could follow the way of karate must be courteous, not only in training but in daily life. While humble and gentle, he should never be servile. His performance of the kata should reflect boldness and confidence. This seemingly paradoxical combination of boldness and gentleness leads ultimately to harmony. It is true, as Master Funakoshi used to say, that the spirit of karate would be lost without courtesy.” (P. 18) The one movement that best reflects this attitude is taught the very first day a person begins his studies. It encompasses respect, courtesy, humility and sincerity. Yet, people are concerned they aren’t doing it right. You’re wondering what movement could embody so much. It is the simple bow. Sensei Egami puts it very nicely. “Without sincerity, the bow is meaningless. Rather than be concerned about its outward appearance, put your heart and soul into the bow, then it will naturally take on a good shape.” (P. 18) As with all things one endeavors to accomplish in life, the results are always better when we have put our hearts and souls into the effort, with sincerity, courtesy, and respect. The efforts merit the results. MemoriamOn September 22, 2006, my dear friend, teacher, and mentor of more than 33 years was tragically killed in Lathen, Germany. Ernie was traveling with Chuck Krum, affectionately known to all as Sergeant Pepper, and two of our German members. They were riding on an experimental train that struck a maintenance car. Along with our members there were 21 others who died. Over the past decade Ernie had discussed with me and several of the other senior black belts his desires for leadership and control of the AKS in the event he was no longer with us. All of us figured this wouldn’t be anything we’d really need to concern ourselves with. Ernie was getting more into the development and building of the AKS as time went along. His yearly trips to Germany to conduct seminars, coupled with his efforts at home, had helped to focus his energies. He saw a bright future for the AKS and was enthusiastic. I remember jokingly telling him he would probably out live most of us. Part of Ernie’s concern was the survival of his beloved organization. The examples left by what had happened to Ed Parker’s International Kempo Karate organization, and Robert Trias’ United States Karate Association after their deaths remained ever present in his mind. The organizations those two pioneers of American karate built fell into disunity after their respective deaths because of petty squabbles and large egos among the senior black belts. The senior students of these two great men could not come together regarding who the leader of their respective organizations should be. The end result was both organizations became fragmented and broke into smaller groups. The legacy of these two great pioneers was lost in the dust of the power struggles that ensued following their passing. To Mr. Lieb’s credit he had already taken steps to let his senior black belts know who he wanted to take over as the chief instructor in the event of his death. After his funeral on October 4, 2006 I was named his successor. During our first summer camp, without our beloved leader and friend, my succession was formalized with my promotion to 9th Dan. In reflecting back over the years I’ve been training and studying the martial arts, I never once imagined ever arriving at the rank I now hold, or being responsible for the leadership of such an organization. Thankfully, senior black belts who share the same vision and goals surround me. During the black belt meeting it became clear those present were unanimous in their desires to see the dream and legacy of our founder continued. They voiced their collective trust in our two assistant chief instructors (Fred Reinecke and Dave Thomas) and in you humble correspondent. The tragic lose of our founder and friend left a large void in our hearts and the training halls that make up the American Karate System. What remains is what he instilled in all of us who were privileged to train under him. Many of us were all honored by his enduring friendship. He taught us the importance of treating all students with kindness, humility, and patience. He taught us to be competitive but always good sportsmen. He emphasized the need to learn from other styles while willingly sharing. Most importantly he taught us that the person who represents their respective styles either does it honor or shame; inferring that all styles have both good and bad aspects. The challenge is to adopt the good and leave the bad behind if it can’t be improved on.
The above ideals are best summed up by the following creed:
The goals and mission of the American Karate System continue the dream and legacy of its founder Ernest H. Lieb. It is our pledge to accomplish this by adhering to the following:
1. Strive for excellence in training and the conduct of your personal life.
2. Foster the technical, mental, and personal development of AKS members.
3. Maintain traditional ideologies while approaching training from an eclectic point of view.
4. Teach effective techniques, tactics and strategies for self-defense; and/or defense of the helpless.
5. Represent the AKS with dignity, honor and integrity at all times.
6. Espouse the noble virtues of humility and honor in training and social interaction.
7. Participate in competition with sportsmanship.
8. Promote open engagement and mutual sharing of martial art training experiences with members of other styles and organizations.
9. Keep administrative costs of services to members at a minimum.
As members of the American Karate System we should all strive to be the best we can, while helping each other in whatever way possible. What we do must not be based on greed or any desire for self-gratification beyond our own improvement, and that of our fellow members.
In 2008 I received a letter advising me I’d been inducted into the Academy of Masters Hall of Fame. The ceremonies and induction took place on August 16, 2008, at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. There were many dignitaries there from the martial arts community, notably Bill Wallace and Kathy Long. This was an event I never in my life envisioned I would be attending, let alone be a part of. Suffice it to say my training and experiences in life, coupled in large part to my more than three decades with Ernie, are the reason this was able to occur. I must tell the reader an important ingredient that makes such things possible. That ingredient is the cumulative participation of others. For me, in addition to Mr. Lieb, are my students and friends in the martial arts. I never would have believed I would end up with a legacy such as I have today. I give thanks to God in Heaven and those already mentioned.
|
 . . . In this issue: Page 1: The Master's Edge Page 2: A Little Wisdom This Page. . . The "Answer" Is ? and Life in the Dojo Page 4: Club News Page 5: Guest Article Page 6: The News... CLICK HERE for Past "Punchline" Editions! Return to "Home Page" |
2008 has been a good year for Black Belt testing in the American Karate System. I am proud to say that as we enhance our ranks, our organization is growing and strengthening with each promotion. We test for rank for two fundamental reasons, to confirm that knowledge and requirements are met to the best of the student’s ability. It also allows the board insight as to how individuals react under stress, because there is stress. A good test indicates how someone would potentially react if confronted on the street. Testing for Black Belt is an arduous journey; every Black Belt candidate I have ever met has taken their testing seriously. No one makes Black Belt without sacrifice, commitment, injuries and hard work. I have seen students that were not successful at their test, quit and never come back. The stress to perform is self-induced, and can be overwhelming; there is a genuine concern to not embarrass themselves as well as their Instructor. At times nausea, injuries and temporary amnesia have plagued students as they struggle to do their best; but from somewhere deep inside they find the strength to rise to the occasion and do their best. During this year’s Black Belt tests, it was evident that each person had worked very hard to be ready to demonstrate his or her knowledge and skills. But for a number of our Black Belts there was a back-story that most people weren’t privileged to. Out of respect for these individuals, I will not use their names, but I do want to extend praise and gratitude for their fine performances. One of our Black Belts had several orthopedic procedures two days before testing. This information was shared after the testing as he was getting attention for a pre-existing condition. During the test, he asked for and received no special consideration, he contended he was in prefect health. He actually was vexed that he was not allowed to perform more katas above and beyond his requirements. Another of our Black Belts trained after working 12 to 14 hours a day for six, sometimes seven days, a week. He had to do most of his preparation alone, as his job required him to work some distance from home and his Instructor. I am pleased to say he did an outstanding job at his Black Belt review. And yet another of our Black Belts had adjusted his work schedule on his new job so he could train at his regular club two days a week. His job is 200 miles from his home club. He had not missed a class in 7 months. His continued training and working on his next Dan rank because it was that important. One of our Black Belts came to the testing after being let go from their position earlier that same day. It was a job they had for almost 15 years, and temporarily could create a hardship for their family. But they put their personal setback aside, and did an excellent job in demonstrating the skills and knowledge required for their next rank. In 2008, we promoted 12 individuals to new levels of Black Belt rank, from First Dan to Fifth Dan. I was privileged to sit on the board of review for all these AKS Black Belts. From the hard work and commitment I saw, I am pleased and appreciative of the talent and maturity with which our Black Belts represent our organization.
Congratulations to each and every one of you. You make us proud!
|
 . . . In this issue: Page 1: The Master's Edge Page 2: A Little Wisdom Page 3: The "Answer" Is ? and Life in the Dojo This Page. . . Club News Page 5: Guest Article Page 6: The News... CLICK HERE for Past "Punchline" Editions! Return to "Home Page" |
Lumberport, West Virginia E. Jude Gore, 5th Dan / Brian Greynolds, 4th Dan Head Instructors
Ross Park Elementary - Muskegon, Michigan Dave Thomas, 8th Dan - Head Instructor
Toledo, Ohio Rand Palmer, 5th Dan - Head Instructor
Congratulations to our Black Belts and to all students who have been promoted this past quarter. 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
. . . In this issue: Page 1: The Master's Edge Page 2: A Little Wisdom Page 3: The "Answer" Is ? and Life in the Dojo Page 4: Club News This Page. . . Guest Article . . . Page 6: The News... CLICK HERE for Past "Punchline" Editions! Return to "Home Page" |
The Yamashita Seminar was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 9th. Out of all the notable karateka that Mr. Lieb knew, with the exception of his first Korean Instructor, Tadashi Yamashita is the only other person who he called Sensei. On the Weekend of the eighth and ninth of November, Yamashita Sensei was in West Michigan teaching his style of Okinawan Shoryn Ryu. This Seminar was held at Pro Karate of Grand Rapids which is owned by Brian Lentz. The seminar was open to all styles.
For those of our style who have never experienced this training, you should consider attending a session with Yamashita Sensei in the future.
We welcome those who would like to contribute to this "quarterly" space. Please submit your article to ljwerner@mail.com |
 . . . In this issue: Page 1: The Master's Edge Page 2: A Little Wisdom Page 3: The "Answer" Is ? and Life in the Dojo Page 4: Club News Page 5: Guest Article This Page. . . The News. . . CLICK HERE for Past "Punchline" Editions! Return to "Home Page" |
My Way of Life By Gichin Funakoshi Karate-Do My Way of Life, published by Kodansha International, is an English translation of the autobiography of the father of modern Karate-do, Gichin Funakoshi. It was written when Master Funakoshi was 90 years old, only a year before his death. He takes the reader through nine decades; from his childhood as a very frail child to a strong adulthood and maturity, attributing his long life to his strong devotion to Karate-do. Funakoshi’s memoirs describe his life in Okinawa and how the effects of history led him to study Karate-do. His stories will lead the reader to discover how modern day karate has evolved, despite laws that prohibited the bearing of arms and students having to study karate in secrecy. There are many Oriental arts of self-defense, with karate being related to most of them in one way or another. Gichin Funakoshi lead a very humble life, and taught his students that “Karate begins and ends with courtesy”. Karate is a defensive art that should never serve offensive purposes. Besides mastering certain defensive skills one should master the art of being a good and honest member of society. It was his strong belief that karate-do is for everyone; that it is a healthy, well-trained way of living that teaches not only self defense from enemies but from illness and disease, as well. One should “become not strong but weak”; that through training, if one practices with all their heart and soul, they will become master of themselves in all situations. Karate-Do My way of Life is a book from which all types of readers will enjoy and gain benefit, whether they practice karate or not. We should all follow the lessons of Master Funakoshi that “Love of karate, love of self, love of family and friends: all lead eventually to love of one’s country. The true meaning of karate can be acquired only through such love.”
A.K.S. membership dues for 2009 are being accepted. Please send your application form and check to:
International Headquarters 3871 Highgate Road Muskegon, Michigan 49441 See the "Calendar of Events" page on our website for more information. You may download a form to fill out and mail in with your payment: PLEASE VISIT OUR "A.K.S. MESSAGE BOARD" at
please contact David Eric Thomas |
|
Did You Know ? . . . Return to "Top" A.K.S. "Home Page" |
by Laura Werner 2nd Dan A.K.S. Webmaster A while back, I received an email that seems to stay quietly in back of my mind. Just kinda hangs there in the extremities; waiting to remind me again as to just how "lucky" I really and truly am. With all of the doom and gloom that we are being faced with on a daily basis, with all the hardships coming down the line with job loses and rising prices, we get to feeling pretty anxious for ourselves, our families, and friends. Our boat is being rocked quite violently and our comfort zone seems to be shrinking daily. We ask ourselves how much longer can this go on? How can we deal with the chaos that seems to rule the day? Then I remembered that email, and it was very easy to put everything into perspective. I would like to share that email with you now.
JUST 100 people. . . If you could fit the entire population of the earth into a small village consisting of "just 100 people," maintaining the same proportions of all the people living on Earth, that village would consist of:
The statistic that struck me the hardest begins with . . ."if you currently have money in the bank . . ., you are one of 8 of the privileged. . ." I doesn't say "lots of money in the bank . . . it simply says ". . if you have money . . . then I am one of the privileged few in the world." You kind of have to repeat that phrase a couple of times to understand just what that means. There are 92 people in your "world" village of 100 souls that have much less.
You could drive yourself crazy trying to figure out just why you are where you are in your village of 100 people. A better acceptance would be to be grateful for what you have, mindful of what others need, and generous with your wealth; whether that be money, time, or friendship. I wish you all a very |
|
The Punchline is published on a quarterly basis in March, June, September and December. All rights reserved by the American Karate System.org |
Fred Reinecke attended the Sunday afternoon session. The subject covered was the bunki; or self defense movement from an Okinawan Kata called Okan. Yamashita Sensei, while in his late 60’s, still moves with the speed of a man many years younger. Mr. Reinecke found the subject covered very enlightening. He also enjoyed the training and camaraderie with the other black belts who attended the seminar. 
Heinrich has a flat along with his karate dojo a little south of Hamburg in Luneburg. So not only did we experience the high speed trains in France, we also had an exciting ride on the Autobahn.
Along with sightseeing, I taught two sessions of karate at the Osaka Dojo in Luneburg. The first session the dojo was packed. We spent time working on AKS Cat Form I. Andreas Kunze also came for the training. I spent a morning with Heinrich and his black belt student Thorsten working on Kobudo and reviewing the kata that was taught on Monday night. 
West Virginia hosted our 2nd Annual Regional Seminar this past November. It was a weekend packed with solid workouts, new information and exercises, and plenty of good times! Black belt testing and certifications on Friday evening kicked off our weekend. Roy Almanza Jr. received his 3rd Dan and Sandy Gore earned her 1st Dan while Gilbert Peña was awarded his certification for 2nd Dan in the A.K.S. 
Merry Christmas and a "thoughtful" new year.