Kansas Superfights

Karate Tournament Results
Taty Huhn
1st Int. Kata
2nd Int. Sparring

Saturday, December 18, 2010
Kansas Superfights
McPhereson, KS

About Us

American Karate & Martial Science - About Us

Mission Statement: Our mission is to achieve Success through Excellence.

Striving for excellence is not a journey for superiority, competing with others or about outstripping someone. Excellence means being better tomorrow than you were yesterday. We achieve excellence by matching practice with potential.

Motto: Reach one, Teach one!

"In seeking wisdom, the first step is silence,
the second listening,
the third remembering,
the fourth practicing,
the fifth --- teaching others."

INTRODUCTION

Thomas Williams is the chief instructor and senior master of American Karate and Martial Science. He holds black belt ranks in several disciplines. His mission is to achieve excellence by matching hard work with potential. He believes that at any point in a persons life if you can reach one you can teach one. The physical and cultural arts are uniquely suited for the personal development of children and adults, stressing such values as respect, discipline, courage and integrity while also teaching goal-setting skills and instilling a positive work ethic. Psychological studies show that quality martial arts training improves the ability to focus, to concentrate, self-discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to manage stress. Martial arts also provide positive peer influence, pro-social activity and positive leadership from the instructors.

OUR SYSTEM

American Karate and Martial Science is an eclectic system of martial skills which should not be confused with or considered to be a newly created martial art. It is merely my perspectives, influences and strengths of the martial arts of TaeKwon-Do, GoJu, Kenpo and modern Arnis.

What I have learned from these schools of thought have been compiled, absorbed and distributed back to my students. Therefore, I can not claim to instruct my students in the classical forms of these martial arts. It is what I have given them. Although It may not be classical, it is traditional. Traditional because there is a method and philosophy of how the martial arts have been taught and how my students will instruct their students and so on. Remember, over a period of time, even traditions change. It is every instructors hope that any changes made are positive changes which will help and aid in the growth and development of his/her particular system.

Meet Dr. Thomas Williams, Master Instructor

Thomas Williams Two time

USA Hall of Fame Member and Ph.D.

2012 United States Hall of Fame Member

Thomas Williams is the Chief Instructor and has been in the martial arts for over 40 years. He holds black belt ranks in several disciplines and is considered to be one of the top Law Enforcement trainers in Kansas when it comes to defensive tactics, reactive knife, and firearms.

Awards

• 1974 Outstanding Martial Artist Award Hutchinson Moo Duk Kwan Club
• 1975 Outstanding Martial Artist Award Hutchinson Moo Duk Kwan Club
• 1984-1985 Edition of Americas Who’s Who In American Martial Arts
• 1990 Graduate Executive Security International
• 1992 Karate International Magazine’s Who’s Who In The Martial Arts
• 1999 Action Martial Arts Who’s Who In The Martial Arts
• 2005 IMAF Manuel C. Pina Award for Excellence
• 2009 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
• 2009 Ph.D. University of Asian Martial Arts Study
• 2010 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
• 2010 Martial Arts Master of the Year
• 2011 International Independent Martial Arts Association (IIMAA) Hall of Fame
• 2012 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Memberships & Associations

• Alliance Martial Arts Association 
• Martial Arts Masters Association
• Midwest Brotherhood Karate Association
• Midwest Karate Officials Association
• Independent Martial Arts Federation
• International Independent Martial Arts Association
• International Martial Arts Council
• United States Martial Arts Association

Related Accomplishments

• Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Firearms Instructor
• Kansas Department of Corrections Firearms Instructor
• Kansas Department of Corrections Master Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Mike Inay Reactive Knife Instructor
• Department of Justice Defensive Tactics Instructor

Independent Martial Arts Federation

Thomas Williams, Kansas Representative
Mr. Williams is the Kansas Representative for the Independent Martial Arts Federation. The Independent Martial Arts Federation provides rank and instructor recognition to martial artists from all disciplines that have found themselves without an instructor or the means to obtain regular promotions.


USA Martial Arts Hall Of Fame
The U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame was originally designed in the mid 1970’s as a service to Karate practitioners with the U.S.K.A. under co-creators Grand Master Robert Trias and Jim Thomas. During this period, there were no other ‘Hall of Fame’ types anywhere except the well-known Black Belt magazine's Black Belt Hall of Fame. After the passing of Grand Master Trias, student & co-creator Dr. Jim Thomas of the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame decided to take this Hall of Fame to another level. In 1992, the all-new U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame began.

Thomas Williams, 2009 Inductee
USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Thomas Williams, 2009 Silver Life Award
30-40 years of Martial Service

Thomas Williams
2010 Martial Arts Master of the year

Thomas Williams
2010 Martial Arts Master of the year

University Of Asian Martial Arts Study Ph.D. Program 

The martial arts Alliance and USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame have been working on a PH.D. Program for tenured martial art instructors for almost a decade. The only way to be part of this program is to be an Inducted member of the U.S.A. Martial Arts ‘Hall of Fame’! Once you are part of the USA Martial Arts ‘Hall of Fame’ you’ve proven a standard of excellence. After the ‘Hall of Famer’ has been inducted he/she may choose to participate in the Ph.D. Program. Those interested must provide a Dissertation/Thesis that will be read and approved or disapproved by a Board of Directors. If approved, honorees are recognized as one of the best the industry of the Martial Arts offer! The Ph.D. program is not a traditional scholastic accredited degree that authorizes anyone to claim to be a medical doctor! This program defines you as one of the best in the martial arts industry! The Board of Directors consists of Martial Arts Masters and Grand Masters who are also Lawyers, Physicians, Science Doctors, Education Ph.D.’s etc….who volunteer their time as Board members.

Every city has unqualified martial art schools and teachers in them! Some should not be allowed to operate, but do! This feels like a ‘black eye’ to those qualified instructors who operate honorably! A master plumber with 10-15 years experience will make $50.00 to $100.00 per hour or more. Get an air-conditioning/heating person out to repair at $50.00/ $100.00 per hour or more! Hire an attorney…WOW!!!…Look, often times we are valued by our titles, proof of authentication etc….we might not be able to say we’re a medical doctor but we are as valid in what we do than some who are traditionally blessed with degrees and education! We have many, 20-30 plus years active teachers who have designed, dedicated, spent their world being who they are as teachers, leaders, instructors and more! We are equally as qualified in teaching martial arts, science and history as an educator. Thanks to organizations like EFC, NAPMA and MAIA we can continue our education of the martial arts by attending seminars on tuition, learning theory, fitness, sales, management and marketing. Not many understand the difference in what we have done in the martial arts world…the sacrifices, aches, injuries, developments and ideas it took to train and develop our students to be a more efficient and disciplined member of society with integrity and character.

Being a black belt in it self does not mean you are an instructor. Black belts from 2nd to 5th dans are referred to as sempei (senior grade). It is the sempei that set the example for the kohai (junior grade) to follow. More than simple seniority, sempai implies a relationship similar to mentoring. They are expected to assist the Chief Instructor with less experienced students. A kohai is expected to respect and follow the sempai, and the sempai in turn must guide, protect, and teach the kohai as best they can the rules and etiquette of the dojo. Black belts can achieve tested rank up to 5th dan and honored rank up to 8th with 9th and 10th reserved for the founder of an art or system or promotions to said rank by a board of review. It is at 5th dan and above that you hear the term “master” and “grand master”. Thanks to the Alliance and a few other organizations, those that have spent twenty plus years of their life teaching the martial arts can be honored with professorships and doctorates of the martial arts and sciences.

Thomas L. Williams, Ph.D. 

American Karate & Martial Science

Thomas Williams Ph.D.
Asian Martial Arts Studies

Meet Our Black Belts

	Sandra Price-Byrd is a 7th Degree black belt in American Karate and a 4th Degree in GoJu-Ryu. She is an assistant instructor to Mr. Williams as well as Chief instructor along with her husband Ricky Byrd at their own school in McPherson, Kansas. Sandra and Ricky put on the Kansas SuperFights and Showdown tournaments, Boxing and full contact matches. AWARDS   2012 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
	Marcia Dillon is a 5th Degree Black Belt in American Karate and assistant instructor to Mr. Williams. She assists with the Women Self Defense Workshops.
	Jesse Pinkston is a 1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in American Karate.
	Jean Gaeddert is a 6th Degree Black Belt. She assists Mr. Williams with the youth and adult classes and Women Self Defense Workshops.
	Shelli Matzek is a 4th Degree Black Belt in American Karate and a 3rd Degree in GoJu-Ryu.
	Wendy Brown is a 5rd Degree Black Belt in American Karate.
	H. James is a 5th Degree Black Belt. He is the owner and Chief Instructor of Young-San Karate in Denton, Maryland.

Sam's All Star Karate Championships

Karate Tournament Results
Best Uniform
Taty Huhn 1st
Tate Sazama 2nd

Musical Kata
JoLea Wheeler 1st Youth

Kata
Shayla Johnson 1st, 7-8 Int.
Jolea Wheeler 3rd, 8-9 Int
Taty Huhn 1st, 10-11 Int.
Tate Sazama 3rd, 10-11 Int.

Kumite
Shayla Johnson 1st, 6-7 Int.
Jolea Wheeler 1st, 7-8 Int
Taty Huhn 2nd, 10-11 Int.
Tate Sazaman 3rd, 10-11 Int.

U-TUG
Jolea Wheeler 3rd, 7 year old


Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sam's All Star Karate Championships
Inman Wellness Center
Inman Kansas
Contact: Sam or Jessica Price 620-669-9051

Adult Class ages 13+

Adult Karate

American Karate & Martial Science Adult class has both men and women ages 18 to 50+. Classes are divided by belt rank into Adult Novice class (white and gold), Adult Intermediate class (Green - Purple), and Adult Advanced (Brown and Black).

Adult Karate students will learn:

- Honor - Respect - Self-discipline - Self-confidence - Positive attitude - Integrity - Goal-setting - Positive work ethic           - Courage - Leadership - Decision making

- Coordination & balance - Strength & stamina - Better flexibility - Self-defense - Stances - Blocks - Punches - Kicks - Basic techniques - Combinations - Kata - Sparring (kumite) is conducted by Mr. Williams in a controlled and safe environment.

What happens in the Adult Novice class?

The Adult Novice (open to all belt ranks) start by lining up by rank and then a period of meditation. Next students warm-up (jumping jacks) and then stretch. Adult Novice may be asked to do a variety of activities in a given class period. Some of those activities include: conditioning, basic techniques (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks), single and combination of basic techniques with a partner, targets, and bags, kata (prearranged basic defensive and offensive techniques), self-defense with a partner, step sparring (without physical contact) and sparring (physical contact using protective gear). The class ends with another period of meditation. Guests may watch the Adult Novice class from the seating area (children must be supervised).

Why are high ranked belts in the Adult Novice class?

Many times higher ranked students will "train down" and attend the novice class. This allows novice students to "see" the expectations and discipline required of higher ranks. (Higher ranked students may "train down" and attend the novice class, but novice students may not attend the intermediate and advanced classes.) It is important that students learn and apply proper basic technique, because the "basics" are the key to later karate development.

What happens in the Adult Intermediate & Advanced classes?

The Adult Intermediate and Adult Advanced student perform many of the same activities as the Adult Novice class, and also work on rank specific (intermediate and advanced) activities, including: step sparring, kata, self defense, break falls, and weapons (bo, kamas, and sai). (Weapons training at American Karate & Martial Science is open only to ranks purple belt and higher. Mr. Williams determines when a student has the karate skills and techniques and responsibility required for weapons training.)

Before Adult Karate class

Upon entering the dojo (training hall) all students will give courtesy by coming to attention by placing their arms by their side and bring both feet together and bow from the waist. Adult Karate students are expected to display respect to the dojo, students, and instructors. Prior to class Adult students will line up their shoes and gear bags, and then bow into the dojo (training area).

Once the student changes into their gi, they should proceed to the training area and warm up by doing light cardio, dynamic stretches, or warm up by practicing Kata or bag work. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of the instructor. When the Instructor comes into the dojo courtesy should be given, and the student should then continue to warm up. When class is called to order the Instructor will say, "Line up!" Students will line up according to belt rank with the senior belt on the right. All students will then come to attention and give courtesy as instructed.

Uniform & Belt

Adult Karate students will wear a black gi (uniform) and start with a white belt. Male students normally do not wear a t-shirt under their gi top. They may wear a black undershirt. The female students must always wear an under garment. They may wear a black t-shirt or one that matches the color of their obi (belt).

After acquiring the proper skills (mental and physical) students may have the opportunity to "belt test". Adult Karate students may advance through the ranks of gold, green, purple, brown, black.

Belt tests

Belt tests at American Karate & Martial Science are open ONLY to students that are ready and are individually identified by Mr. Williams. Student progress is evaluated by Mr. Williams during regular class time, and when a student has mastered the karate skills and techniques the student will receive an invitation for the upcoming belt test (it is inappropriate to ask, or suggest a student is ready to belt test). Belt tests only occur 2-3 times per year and occur outside of regularly schedule class (normally on a Friday for Adult students).

Adult Class ages 13+ Photos

Youth Class ages 6-12

Youth Karate is for girls and boys.

American Karate & Martial Science Youth class is almost half girls and half boys ranging from ages 6 to 12. Classes are divided by belt rank into Youth Novice class (white and gold) and Youth Intermediate class (Jr. green - Jr. black).

Youth Karate students will learn:

- Honor - Respect - Self-discipline - Self-confidence - Positive attitude - Integrity - Goal-setting - Positive work ethic                           - Courage - Leadership - Decision making

- Coordination & balance - Strength & stamina - Better flexibility - Self-defense - Stances - Blocks - Punches - Kicks - Basic techniques - Combinations - Kata - Sparring (kumite) is conducted by Mr. Williams in a controlled and safe environment

What happens in the Youth Novice class?

The Youth Novice (open to all belt ranks) start by lining up by rank and then a period of meditation. Next students warm-up (jumping jacks) and then stretch. Youth Novice may be asked to do a variety of activities in a given class period. Some of those activities include: conditioning, basic techniques (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks), single and combination of basic techniques with a partner, targets, and bags, kata (prearranged basic defensive and offensive techniques), self-defense with a partner, step sparring (without physical contact) and sparring (physical contact using protective gear). The class ends with another period of meditation. Parents may watch the Youth Novice class from the seating area.

Why are high ranked belts in the Youth Novice class?

Many times higher ranked students will "train down" and attend the novice class. This allows novice students to "see" the expectations and discipline required of higher ranks. (Higher ranked students may "train down" and attend the novice class, but novice students may not attend the intermediate class.) It is important that students learn and apply proper basic technique, because the "basics" are the key to later karate development.

What happens in the Youth Intermediate class?

The Youth Intermediate (only Jr. green belts and higher) student perform many of the same activities as the Youth Novice class, and also work on rank specific (intermediate and advanced) activities, including: step sparring, kata, self defense, break falls, and weapons (bo, kamas, and sai). (Weapons training at American Karate & Martial Science is open only to ranks Jr. purple belt and higher. Mr. Williams determines when a student has the karate skills and techniques and responsibility required for weapons training.)

Before Youth Karate class

Upon entering the dojo (training hall) all students will give courtesy by coming to attention by placing their arms by their side and bring both feet together and bow from the waist. Youth Karate students are expected to display respect to the dojo, students, and instructors. Prior to class Youth students will line up their shoes and gear bags, and then bow into the dojo (training area).

Once the student changes into their gi, they should proceed to the training area and warm up by doing light cardio, dynamic stretches, or warm up by practicing Kata or bag work. There is to be absolutely no horseplay, or joking around in the Dojo. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of the instructor.

Any activity prior to class starting that may be considered disturbing to the atmospheric conditions of the Dojo is not permitted. When the Instructor comes into the dojo courtesy should be given, and the student should then continue to warm up. When class is called to order the Instructor will say, "Line up!" Students will line up according to belt rank with the senior belt on the right. All students will then come to attention and give courtesy as instructed. Students are to show respect for each other, in and out of the Dojo and the instructor at all times.

Uniform & Belt

Youth Karate students will wear a black gi (uniform) and start with a white belt. Male students normally do not wear a t-shirt under their gi top. They may wear a black undershirt. The female students must always wear an under garment. They may wear a black t-shirt or one that matches the color of their obi (belt).

After acquiring the proper skills (mental and physical) students may have the opportunity to "belt test". Youth Karate students may advance through the ranks of gold, Jr. green, green, Jr. purple, purple, Jr. brown, brown, Jr. black. Youth should be 16 years old to be eligible for an adult Black Belt.

Youth Karate students will eventually move into the adult karate program. This usually happens around 13 years old.

Belt tests

Belt tests at American Karate & Martial Science are open ONLY to students that are ready and are individually identified by Mr. Williams. Student progress is evaluated by Mr. Williams during regular class time, and when a student has mastered the karate skills and techniques the student will receive an invitation for the upcoming belt test (it is inappropriate to ask, or suggest a student is ready to belt test). Belt tests only occur 2-3 times per year and occur outside of regularly schedule class (normally on a Saturday for Youth students).

Promotions

November 2010

Gold Belt

Jeff Geesling
Kaile Stowers
Kristin Stowers

Green Belt
Natalie Kolarik
Shayla Johnson
Levi Geesling
JoLea Wheeler

Jr. Purple Belt
Nolan Clarke
Payten Mayes

Purple Belt
Shalee Mog
Tatyana Huhn
Tate Sazama

AKMS-Sedan KS

American Karate & Martial Science - AKMSA-Sedan KS

Cristine Warring - Black belt and

student instructor at AKMS-Sedan KS

Cristine Warring holds a brown belt in Shotokan Karate and black belt in American Karate & Martial Science. She is a student instructor under the supervision of Mr. Williams. Cristine Warring actively competes in kata, weapons kata, and kumite at Karate Tournaments around the state.



Contact Cristine Warring at 620.249.7780 or warringc@gmail.com

AKMS-Sedan KS Photo Gallery (Click here)

AKMS-Sedan KS Photos

Thomas Williams & Cristine Warring kumite (fighting) at
Dave Estate's American Freestyle Tournament

Mr. Williams, Ms. Gaeddert, and Ms. Warring with new Gold Belts

Jeremy Monday - 2010 Outstanding Student Award

November 2010 Newsletter

WORLD MARTIAL ARTS DAY

Our students participated in the "Kicking in the USA" World Record Kick-A-Thon as part of World Martial Arts Day on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Mayor Cindy Proett and Governor Mark Parkinson proclaimed October 16th as World Martial Arts Day in Hutchinson and the State of Kansas. This fundraiser was sponsored by Hopeful Tomorrow, a national children’s charity. Although we fell short of our goal everyone had a great time. We totaled 25,486 kicks. Taty Huhn raised the most in pledges and had the highest number of kicks at 2,454. Woodly Yoder kicked non-stop for an hour. Great job Woodly!

Local television news station KWCH Channel 12 covered the event.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH

The Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women joins advocates, survivors , and communities around the country to observe October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a moment to elevate the conversation so the majority of Americans will understand that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.

Violence against women is the seed to so many other forms of violence. This shift in our conversation must happen because violence against women continues to have devastating effects on entire communities. When children witness violence in the home, those children are impacted by what they have seen and often experienced themselves. If we want to tackle violence in our country, in our communities, then we must address the violence that occurs in so many homes. And all members of the community must be engaged to end the violence.

We at American Karate & Martial Science observe and recognize Domestic Violence month every year by putting on a free self defense workshop. This year we started with over twenty participants. We will be having a follow up session in May which will be more intense and physical.

KARATE NI SENTE NASHI
"In Karate, never attack first"

Master Funakoshi used the term "karate" in stating this principle because he was expressing this philosophy to karate students, but this principle--like all of his principles--applies to life in general. In other words, one could say, "In life, never attack first."

Technically, karate is a fighting art. It involves kicking, punching and blocking. But this is only the physical side of karate. What we are training to do, really, is to change ourselves on the inside, so that we know how to avoid violent situations. When we train, the first move we make from the ready position is a blocking technique. This reinforces the philosophy of nonviolence and never attacking first. Rather than participate in violence, it is always better to stop it, or avoid it. Rather than initiate a conflict, it is always better to be prepared to react to it, to end it.

--Teruyuki Okazaki

COMING EVENTS

• Adult and Youth Belt tests
• Operation Christmas Child (Shoe box gift). Go to www.samaritanspurse.org/video/ 
• Enchilada Fundraiser
• Sam Price's All Star Karate Championships
  

SPARRING GEAR COMBO SET

We are offering several combo specials for the holidays like this sparring combo for $99.00. The new gift book also has over a hundred new items. Drop by a place an order today.

NEW STUDENT

James Francis

Student Photographs

If you have any digital or hard copy photos of any of our students please email copies to Mr. Williams so that he can place them on the website or put on the slide show during special activities.

If you or your employer would like to make a donation to the school to help purchase equipment or help a disadvantaged youth take martial arts lessons please fill out this form or pick one up at the school.

Promotions

November 2010

Cristine Warring-Black Belt
Jordan Julian-Brown Belt

New Black Belt Cristine & New Brown Belt Jordan

Dojo Etiquette

The way of the empty hand begins and ends with courtesy and respect. This is, and should be evident throughout the Dojo for any student that takes notice. A student must first and always remember that they are being given the gift of knowledge of the martial arts. A student must also understand that there is no amount of money that can repay their instructor for this knowledge that will be passed to them. The fees are for your private personal membership to belong to the Dojo. Fees are also for the space used, maintenance and utilities of the facility in which to train. In other words, what an instructor has to offer is for free!!! In the classical schools each student must be accepted by the instructor as a candidate for membership to receive this gift of Martial Arts, and may be asked to leave at any time if they show disrespect or misuse the knowledge they have been given. The student candidate is expected to come to class ready and eager to learn, with the proper equipment and attire.

Upon entering the dojo (training hall) all students will give courtesy by coming to attention by placing their arms by their side and bring both feet together and bow from the waist. Students will then proceed to the dressing room and change into their gi (uniform). Male students normally do not wear a t-shirt under ther gi top. They may wear a black under garment. The female students must always wear an under garment. They may wear a black t-shirt or one that matches the color of their obi (belt). Once the student changes into their gi, they should proceed to the training area and warm up by doing light cardio, dynamic stretches. Once you have entered the Dojo there is to be absolutely no horseplay, or joking around. If class has not yet begun, you may begin stretching or do some warm up on your own by practicing your Kata or bag work. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of the instructor.

Any activity prior to class starting that may be considered disturbing to the atmospheric conditions of the Dojo is not permitted. When the Instructor comes into the dojo courtesy should be given, and the student should then continue to warm up. When class is called to order the Instructor will say, "Line up!" Students will line up according to belt rank with the senior belt on the right. All students will then come to attention and give courtesy as instructed.

You come to the dojo to work not to socialize or to become socially involved with other students. Maintain your respect for each other, in and out of the Dojo and your instructor at all times and get the most out of the time you spend there. Students are to come to class and be ready to learn, not to talk and disturb others.

Thomas L. Williams, Chief Instructor

American Karate & Martial Science 

Student Transfers

How we handle students from other systems

We live in an age of upward mobility. With that comes the opportunity for transfer. Not just to a new department or division but facility as well. We often find ourselves moving from town to town, city to city, or state to state. For the martial arts practitioner this means uprooting yourself or being uprooted. If you love the martial arts this means that you will have to find another dojo to train in.

This could cause some minor set backs or major decision making, especially if you can not relocate to a school that provides instruction in the same or similar style or system! Traditionally if you found yourself facing this type of change you would also be facing the fact that you may have to start all over as a white belt in this new style. It is not uncommon for a “classical” practitioner of a Korean style to have to begin all over in a Japanese or Chinese style or vice-versa. Sometimes even within a particular style you may have to begin at the novice level. This is to be expected. In my opinion, to humble one’s self to this builds character. The instructor would see this in you and you would find yourself advancing up the ladder in this new style or system in no time!

There is also another option for those that find themselves in this predicament. American style martial arts schools often called “Freestyle”. Most American style martial artists come from several classical martial arts backgrounds. These instructors have a well rounded knowledge and/or experience in classical art forms. With this understanding they will be able to decide whether or not you need to start at the beginning, drop down one belt in rank or maintain what you currently have.

But what if I’m already at black belt rank?

There are also instructor options here as well. Regardless if you come from a classical or eclectic background you may still have to start all over from the beginning. If you have been out of it for 5 years or so you can pretty much bet that you will start over. If you have maintained your studies and are merely a black belt, the instructor may chose to allow you to maintain your belt and learn his system from the beginning. 

What if I have Dan (degree) rank on my black belt?

The same applies. Be prepared to at least start over with a clean black belt. It is not about taking away from you what you have already earned. It is about humbling yourself to the learning of something new or different. 

Thomas L. Williams, Chief Instructor

American Karate & Martial Science 

Rank and Instructor Certification

In many systems that have a rank system that uses colored belts, nidan or 2nd degree black belt indicates instructor level. In the American Karate and Martial Science system we separate the black belt rank from the instructor rank. Therefore a Master Instructor may not necessarily mean a master level black belt in martial skill. Although it is the responsibility of junior ranking black belts to assist in teaching classes, not everyone aspires to be a martial arts instructor.

It is not our mission to produce instructors. Our mission is to teach quality martial education. We want our students to know and be confident that they can defend themselves if the need ever arose. We want to develop a students confidence, character, mind, and body. It is our position that teaching is an “old mans” game. That is to say that it’s for one who has spent many years honing their craft in the dojo and or by testing their skills in tournament competition and after having tested their metal, he/she desires to give something back by way of teaching what they know really works. For those that have the desire to teach we offer the following certifications.

Certified Instructor: 1000 hours of supervised instruction.

Assistant Instructor: Completion of a Certified Instructor’s Certification and may teach unsupervised under a Chief instructor.

Instructor: Has your own club, school or 5 years at black belt rank, instructs under a Senior, Chief or Master instructor.

Senior Instructor: Has your own club, school or 10 years at black belt rank instructs under a Chief or Master instructor.

Chief Instructor: Owner of a club or school. 15 years at black belt rank.

Master Instructor: Owner of a club or school. 20 years at black belt rank. 5th degree black belt or higher.

World Martial Arts Day Kick-A-Thon

Our students participated in the "Kicking in the USA" World Record Kick-A-Thon as part of World Martial Arts Day on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Mayor Cindy Proett and Governor Mark Parkinson proclaimed October 16th as World Martial Arts Day in Hutchinson and the State of Kansas. This fundraiser was sponsored by Hopeful Tomorrow, a national children’s charity. Although we fell short of our goal everyone had a great time. We totaled 25,486 kicks. Taty Huhn raised the most in pledges and had the highest number of kicks at 2,454. Woodly Yoder kicked non-stop for an hour. Great job Woodly!

Family Tree

American Freestyle Tournament Results

September 2010

Jeff Geesling
1st Adult Novice Kata
2nd Adult Novice Kumite

Shayla Johnson 
1st Youth Int. Kata
1st Youth Int. Kumite

Levi Geesling 
2nd Youth Int. Kata
2nd Youth Int. Kumite

Taty Huhn 
1st 10-11 Youth Int. Kata
1st 10-11 Youth Int. Kumite

Cristine Warring 
1st Adult Adv. Kata
1st Adult Adv. Kumite

Lil' Dragons Class ages 4-6

Lil' Dragons - discontinued
Much more than a martial arts class

Our Lil' Dragons Karate program develop safety skills, life skills and martial arts techniques.We want our students to grow up to be well mannered citizens.

The Lil’ Dragons will: 

• Learn to share
• Develop a sense of independence
• Develop speech and language
• Promote physical strength
• Promote coordination and stamina
• Build fundamental learning skills
• Follow directions
• Problem solve
• Show self-control
• Act respectfully
  

What happens during the 45 minute Lil' Dragons class?

(Prior to class Lil' Dragons will line up their shoes and bow into the Dojo.)
The Lil' Dragons start by lining up by rank and then a short period of meditation. Next students warm-up (running) and then stretch. Lil' Dragons will learn basic karate techniques through skill building activities. Some of the various skill building activities include: karate drills (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks), obstacle courses, flags, and working the bags and targets. The class ends with another short period of meditation. (The Lil' Dragons do not participate in sparring.) Parents may watch the Lil' Dragons class from the seating area.

Lil' Dragons Uniform & Belt

Lil' Dragons will wear a Lil' Dragon uniform and start with a white belt. After acquiring the proper skill they will advance through the ranks of gold, green, purple, brown, and black stripes that run down the middle of their white belt. Lil' Dragons do not earn solid colored belts.

Lil' Dragons will eventually graduate into the youth karate program. They will start over at white belt and work their way through the solid colored belt ranks.

Lil' Dragons Class Photos

Lil' Dragons - Group photo

Lil' Dragons - Meditation

Lil' Dragons - Front Kick

Lil' Dragons - Learn proper technique (Side Kick)

Lil' Dragons - Learn to chamber kicks

Lil' Dragons - Back Kick

Lil' Dragons - Learn Blocks