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When Ernie Lieb began
instilling his philosophy of karate in his students, he practiced Korean Chi
Do Kwan. Because he felt there were areas of the style he had learned
which required modification to accommodate the American physiological
structure and attitude, Ernie developed what is today known as the American
Karate System.
It's a
system of techniques and strategies which are geared to provide a person
with a means to effectively defend themselves in the event of a personal
attack. It employs blocks, punches, jabs, kicks, throws, joint locks, and
breaks that can neutralize an attacker in the blink of an eye. It's a
system by which a person can condition their body physically and mentally
arriving at a state of well being, self-confidence and control.
Few
other forms of physical endeavor can do this. It's a sport that allows
students to compete within their own school, or at regional, state, national
or international tournaments. It's an art form that allows a student to
seek perfection and self-enlightenment through dedicated practice of both
physical and mental techniques. All of this is accomplished in English
(with the exception being our German counterparts), as opposed to another
language. One who becomes totally immersed in their study of karate, or
any martial art for that matter, will soon find it has become an integrated
part of their very existence.
Today,
the A.K.S. is practiced in many States within the continental United States
and Germany. In Germany, the A.K.S. is the only non-Asian style
recognized by the German Karate Union (DKV) and the World Karate
Federation. No other American organization or style has accomplished this.
The A.K.S. was seen by the DKV to represent all of the best values and
traditions of its stringent adherence to conservative traditional values in
the study and practice of Karate. |
