American Karate System

Keeping It Old School

by Dave Thomas 8th Dan

The American Karate System is founded on traditional martial arts training and values. Respect, hard work, honor and humility are requirements that have been passed on since our inception. These are the qualities Mr. Lieb was taught when he was a student, and that he valued and perpetuated as he trained his students. Even as he developed his new martial arts style, he held fast to the 'old school' traditions. Even his martial arts friends that are Masters of other styles share these same values. Teachers like Tadashi Yamashita, John Tai, Jimmy Jones, Bill Wallace and Nick Cerio emulate the same ideals.

I know what you're thinking, "This isn't new information."

As veteran martial artists, we see many changes to satisfy a modern society that wants flash and immediate gratification. Fashion plate uniforms, light-up toothpick bo staffs, patches for every effort and/or attitude, and awards for participating, not achieving. Karate is becoming more about appearance than substance.

I have had perspective students ask, "So if I join your school, how long until I get my Black Belt?"

My standard answer is, "Everyone is different." They don't understand that the Black Belt represents knowledge and skills that require training, dedication and commitment. It's a process - not a product.

I visited a karate school in Benicia California this summer. One of their students is a grandchild of our family. The walls of the school were covered with certificates and newspaper articles, so I was led to believe the school was established and credible.

I was lucky enough to pick the week to visit that was 'wear your pajamas as a uniform' week. There is a new level of angst watching a Black Belt teach class dressed as Winnie the Pooh. The floor was full of students in Spiderman, Batman and Shopkins bedtime apparel.

A parent explained that they test for belt stripes every 2 weeks, and color belt test is every two months. When a student changes belt color, they have to buy the corresponding color uniform. All sparring gear and accessories have to be purchased from the school. And the parents willingly spend hundreds of dollars monthly; thinking more dollars equates to better skills.

In three years, the student is given their Black Belt. Our grandson will be 10 years old.

I understand that commercial schools have to be profitable. There are bills to be paid. The best way to keep your school solvent is with a large children's class.

But at what expense? I once visited a school for teaching exclusively younger kids. That night, they were teaching 'the walk of confidence.' I left hoping 'the walk of confidence' was going to be enough to keep them safe, because they had no other skills. Another so-called children's martial arts class spent their time playing dodgeball.

My fear is that someday these kids will have to defend themselves and not have the skills to keep themselves safe. I had a talk with my kids about why I push them so hard in class. "Because someday you will need to use what we teach. A half-hearted response will only get you hurt."

I am proud to say that we, in the American Karate System, hold dear the traditional values and ideals. We put our students' welfare and safety ahead of all else. We work hard to teach the skills and attitude that will keep our students safe in the street. We keep our standards high along with our expectations for those we teach. Our students earn their rank - it's not given.

We don't take short-cuts, we don't take the path of least resistance, and we don't follow the modern template.

The American Karate System remains Old School. I am proud to be an Alumnus.

Dave Thomas 8th Dan

Following are the current quarterly promotions for each club.

Black Belt Promotions


Tom Twining	8th Dan	American Karate Club-Muskegon
Brent Chalko	3rd Dan	American Karate Club-Muskegon
Randi Zaitlin	2nd Dan	American Karate Club-Muskegon
Mitch Bailey	1st Dan	American Karate Club-Muskegon
Jared Jablonski	1st Dan	West Toledo YMCA Karate & Self Defense Program
Casey P. Lehto	1st Dan	West Toledo YMCA Karate & Self Defense Program