Jim Roy is currently a Master level Black Belt in the AKS. Jim's story starts with his high school track and field competitions. From 1971 - 1975, he was the city, regional, and conference champion in the 200 and 400 meters. In his senior year, Jim placed 5th in the state of Michigan in the 400 meters, and for several years after graduating, he continued to hold the city record in the 200 meters.

Jim Roy is an Army Veteran. In 1975 after graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army after marrying his high school sweetheart, Debra Roy. He was stationed in Tacoma Washington from September 1975 to September 1978; where he earned the rank of Sergeant. Jim was a heavy equipment operator in a combat engineering unit that supported the Army Rangers. He was awarded the distinguished soldiers Freedom's Guardian medal.

After leaving the army, Jim returned to Muskegon and started training as a bodybuilder. He entered and won an amateur bodybuilding contest in 1986. While working full time, Jim also attended college at Baker College in Muskegon, Michigan. He graduated in 1983 with an Associate's Degree in Engineering. Jim retired in 2021 from OMT-Veyhl located in Holland, Michigan. He was a Project Manager for new product development.

Jim has been with the AKS since 1987 and holds a Master Level Black belt. He has participated in various martial arts tournaments over the years, and has won many medals and trophies in sparring. Jim began his karate career with his wife, Deb, and his 3 children, Robert, Lisa and Kevin, after they visited one of Mr. Lieb's classes at the Omni Club in Muskegon, where Jim was training as a body builder. The kids asked if they could take karate classes, and so they decided they would all try it as a family.

Now there are currently 3 generations of Roys who are active and training in the AKS. The Roy family has participated in many class demonstrations at local schools and malls, and has traveled to participate in regional seminars in multiple states. Jim has held many "free women's" self-defense seminars, along with his wife, Deb, over the years.

Jim is currently an assistant instructor with the American Karate Club in Muskegon, Michigan under AKS Chief Instructor, Mr. Dave Thomas 9th Dan. He is a two time winner of the black belt of the year award - 1993 & 2010. Jim has 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with the hopes of having 4 generations active in the Martial Arts.

Jim as Body Builder

Ernie, Marlene, Jim, Dave

US Army 1975-1978

It' a Family Thing

Jim and Debra Roy

• 1st Dan  American Karate System - October 1991
• 2nd Dan  American Karate System - March 1994
• 3rd Dan  American Karate System - December 2008
• 4th Dan  American Karate System - July 2012
• 5th Dan  American Karate System - June 2016
• 6th Dan  American Karate System - Master Level, August 2022

• 2010 - AKS Black Belt of the Year
• 1993 - AKS Black Belt of the Year