40^th Anniversary Emblem Order Form

In response to the numerous requests for another emblem, in addition to the one handed out at the tournament, addition emblems can be ordered using the order form provided here.
Click here for 40^th Anniversary Emblem Order Form

Newest AKDWK Dojang -1st test held!!

Lowville Academy and Central School District

(Click the image for a larger view.)

Congratulations to all of the students and Black Belt Team Members who have worked so well together over the past several months!!

The testing went very smoothly on Monday, December 16, and all the new American Kang Duk Won Lowville Academy orange belts did a great job in every portion of their tests.  These young people have responded to each of the Black Belts in a positive and respectful manner each week.

We look forward to their continued progress and participation in the upcoming 40th Annual American Kang Duk Won Championships in March!

Brown Belt Meetings - 2014

Watertown, Main Dojang, YMCA - 1:00 p.m.
January 12
Marrch 2
April 13
September 14 (3:00 - 4:00 PM after the Black Belt Camp at Sixberry Lake)

Children's Christmas Clinic

For Boys and Girls - ages 6 to 13
December 7 and 8 (overnight)
at the YMCA, Watertown, NY

A very enjoyable time was had by the 28 students in attendance. They are pictured below with Brown Belt helpers and Black Belt Instructors during the time that Mr. and Mrs. Claus droppped by for a visit.


(Click the image for a larger view.)

2013 Festival of Trees - Set up

The Festival of Trees, Dec 6 to Dec 8, is sponsored by the Samaritan Foundation and the Watertown Family YMCA. Proceeds of the fundraiser are used for community programs related to Military Families, Hospitals, Family Care Centers, and other area projects. Each year AKDW members help with the setup of the trees, and at the end of the festival with the wrapping up of the fully decorated trees in preparation for their delivery to their buyers.

Below is a picture of the Festival of Trees set up crew at theNew York State Office Building, Watertown.


(Click the image for a larger view.)

The annual Creepy Creatures Haunted House was held in The Historic Paddock Arcade, in downtown Watertown, New York on two weekends prior to Halloween, Friday and Saturday October 18, 19 and 25, 26, 2013.

The theme for the Haunted House has always been to honor the "Classic Masters of Fright." These Classic Masters might be from memorable short stories, books, or the movies. The exhibits are developed and staffed by members of American Kang Duk Won. Guides escort visitors in small groups and provide commentary for total enjoyment and safety. Visitors of all ages are welcome, even small children, as the intent is for excitement, intrigue, and fun, not gross horror.


The cast at the end on the final night of the production - Saturday, October 26, 2013.
A job well done by all! Congratulations!!
A special thank you to Master Carpenter who helped organize and oversaw the entire operation.

See pictures of the exhibits on the community page.

State Senator Ritchie notices AKDW in the news

State Senator Patty Richie recently sent the office a communication, reproduced below, that she observed AKDW members in the news. In this case, it was a picture of those attending the last summer workout at the Canton Bend in the River Park alongside the Grasse River. Thank you Senator Ritchie.

(Click the image for a larger view.)

Black Belt Camp 2013

The 9th Annual Black Belt Camp was held September 15 at Sixberry Lake. The day was perfect, cloudy but warm. Many black belts were in attendance and worked practicing skills, learning new techniques, and having fun. (Imagine Black Belts playing blindfolded in paddle boats, and on lawn mowers!) Immediately following the camp, the September Brown Belt Meeting was held.
(Click the image for a larger view.)
Group picture of the participants.

More pictures will be coming soon.

New Video Posted - Can-Am Parade

A video of members of AKDW, including the cannon team, marching in the Can-Am Parade at Sackets Harbor Saturday, July 20, 2013 has been posted and is available for viewing via the following link. Can-Am Parade Video

AKDW Marches in 2013 Can-Am Parade

American Kang Duk Won Karate members enthusiastically marched in the Can-Am Parade at Sackets Harbor Saturday, July 20, 2013. Members of all ranks can participate as well as the cannon team.

The day was perfect for a parade, and after the parade, numerous comments were heard about how sharp and professional the AKDW group looked. Congratulations, and thanks to all who participated.



For video of paarade, click here Can-Am Parade Video

State Senator Ritchie Commends AKDW for Community Involvement

State Senator Patty Richie recently sent Master Lawlor, and all Black Belts and students of American Kang Duk Won Karate, a letter and certificate of commendation for community involvement. The AKDWK has been involved in numerous activities in Watertown and the surrounding area, the Haunted House, Festival of Trees, Downtown Business Association Events, Fort Drum Seminars and Fund raisers, YMCA Campaign Drive, to name a few.
(Click on the image for a larger view.)

2013 Summer Karate Camps

Children's Karate Camps

June 8 & 9
Day Camp for 6 - 9 year olds - Saturday, June 8
The Weekender (Jr. Camp) for 10 - 13 year olds - Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9


First Report from camp: While rain threatened, there was only a slight mist off and on throughout the day, keeping a comfortable temperature and no bugs. Everyone had a great time. The group picture of both the Day Camp and the Jr. Camp participants along with the Black Belt instructors and Brown Belt assistants is given below, The Black Belt ninjas were putting final preparations on the Combat Course and were not in the photo.


(Click on the image for a larger view.)



36th Annual AKDW Adult Karate Camp

The Adult Camp - Thursday - Sunday, June 27, 28, 29, 30

Camp opened under beautiful skies and comfortable temperatures. The Black Belts and the students were ready for an exciting time.

(Click on the image for a larger view.)


Cick here for pictures from the 2013 Camps.

New Tournament Picture Page

We were fortunate this year in having a wealth of pictures from several sources to sort through and select representative ones to post. Unfortuantely, this was quite time consuming, but we have included more pictures than in any previous year. Videos of the Black Belt Demos are being posted as soon as they are checked and uploaded. Links for the videos are given on the same tournament page. (Photos and videos from the tournament can be seen here. 2013 AKDW Tournament Pictures and Videos

New General Publicity Article and Picture

The American Kang Duk Won Karate School recently conducted its 39th annual International Championships at Jefferson Community College in Watertown. Area martial artists participated in sparring, formal exercises (kata), and traditional weapons competition. Approximately 300 members of American Kang Duk Won attended from New York, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. The competitions represent one of the longest running traditional karate tournaments in the Eastern United States. Master Robert Lawlor was the tournament coordinator.
(Photo by Carol Barclay)

American Kang Duk Won students representing classes in Canton, Gouverneur, Heuvelton, Ogdensburg, Madrid, and Norwood, were represented at the annual International Championships held recently at Jefferson Community College in Watertown. They include Tyler Bowman, Sam Kramer, Abbigail Dent, Ethan Dent, Stephen Folk, Andy Friot, Bailey Friot, Aren Gomez, Jaiden Gomez, Tsali Gomez, Luci Green, Max Green, Sonja Green, Dan Green, Daniel Hall, Joshua Harris, Lucy Jenkins, Alexis Michael, Connor Mudge, Harley Neaves, Cristiano Palumbo, Francesco Palumbo, Jared Pitts, Maria Ricalton, Jackson Sheen, Maxwell Sheen, Alex Steele, Colleen Steele, Noah Steele, Kaleigh Weber, Catie Yablonski, Sarah Yablonski, and Cohen Young.

American Kang Duk Won Karate Black Belt instructors judged the competitions and presented special demonstrations throughout the day. North Country regional instructors include Andrew Ellis, Mike Jackson, Chris Lewis, Mark Norman, Jennifer Palumbo, Elinore Rupp, John Rupp and Ron Sellers. Master Instructors Debbie Hintopoulos and Frank Palumbo (St. Lawrence County classes) were tournament directors.

New Class in Lowville

An exciting and full day of introductory activities to the martial arts beginning on

April 20 (First day)
10:30 - 2:00 :p.m. - Women's Self-defense Seminar
3:00 p.m. - Intro Demonstration (open to everyone)

Regular class schedule: Saturday, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (children & adults), Lowville Academy and Central School - Middle School,
Instructor:  Master Frank Palumbo and the AKDWK Black Belt Instructional Team





AKDW receives Downtown Business Association Award

On Friday evening January 25, 2013, Master Lawlor and several Black Belts received the "Service to the Communuty Award" from the Downtown Business Association of Watertown, NY on behalf of all AKDW members.  They recognized us as the outstanding organization in Watertown for the community involvement we display throughout the year.  The events we have assisted with included: Festival of Trees, YMCA Capital Fund Drive, Halloween Paddock Arcade Haunted House, Fall Festival Downtown demonstration, and for ongoing martial arts programs for youth and adults.    The Award is now displayed in the Main Dojang in recognition of the efforts of all students and instructors.
(Click the image for a larger view.)




New Weapons Seminars Schedules Posted

A new schedule for weapons seminars has been posted. Some seminars are being held at locations away from the main dojang, so pay close attention to the location. Check the schedule often as more seminars will be added. The schedule of weapons seminars can be accessed here Weapons Seminars.




New Video Posted - Can-Am Parade

A video of members of AKDW, including the cannon team, marching in the Can-Am Parade at Sackets Harbor Saturday, July 21, 2012 has been posted and is available for viewing via the following link. Can-Am Parade Video or
Click on the picture to see the video





New Class - Self-Defense for Adults

A new class focusing on self-defense for adults has started at the main dojang in Watertown. It is for students 16 years of age and older and of all ranks, white to black. The class is on Thursdays 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Instructor: Master Jones.




New Youth Class - Gouverneur

A new class for youths in grades 2 to 6 is starting in Gouverneur at the Village Recreation Center. The class is on Tuesdays 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Instructor: Master Palumbo.




Mrs. Young Receives Athena Award

Mrs. Denise K. Young - Executive Director, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization has been selected as the 2012 ATHENA Award Recipient.. Mrs. Young is an AKDW Black Belt Instructor. This is a great honor for Mrs. Young. Congratulations! Click on the following link for the complete story on newzjunky.com.




AKDW Marches in 2012 Can-Am Parade

American Kang Duk Won Karate members enthusiastically marched in the Can-Am Parade at Sackets Harbor Saturday, July 21, 2012. Members of all ranks can participate as well as the cannon team.

In a note to the black belts, Master Lawlor said, "I want to say that I could not have been more proud of all of you who marched in the Sackets Harbor parade, despite the hot weather, and the extra steps marching in place, and being thirsty, everyone stood tall.   Later among the comments I heard were; Awesome; Everyone looking straight ahead; Very professional; Serious looking; Flags and banners - you knew we were coming; Cannon Team looked like they were on a real mission; Cannon Team looked grim and businesslike; and many more comments.   Again, my deep appreciation to all of you."



(Click on an image for a larger view.)

A video of the AKDW marchers is also available here Can-Am Parade Video





The Journey of the AKDW Karate Flag

The AKDW Karate flag traveled with approval with "Chief Warrant Officer 4" Michael Pracht, also an AKDW member, while he was deployed in Afghanistan. The flag accompanied him while he flew missions there and it was flown on the main flag pole on the base. Click here to see the story of the mission in Afghanisgtan and the official presentation of the flag on it return to Master Lawlor at the 38th Annual International Championships on March 31st, 2012.




40 Years of Karate Classes in Gouverneur

American Kang Duk Won Karate is now in its 40th year of teaching classes at the East Side Elementary School Dojang in Gouverneur, NY.  Students met on May 1, 2012, for this annual regional photo.   Master Lawlor, Master Palumbo, Mrs. Palumbo, Mr. Rupp, Mrs. Rupp, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Sellers, and Mr. Jackson evaluated students who completed belt testings later in the evening.
Photographer Carol Barclay, of Canton, NY, once again was on hand to take the outstanding group photos!




Honorary Black Belt

Master Robert Lawlor presented Robyn Bartlett with a certificate as an Honorary Black Belt of American Kang Duk Won Karate at the recent Instructor's Meeting January, 15, 2012. Robyn is owner of Johnny D's restaurant in the Historic Paddock Arcade and has supported the organization in many ways by special openings of the diner, participating in AKDW activities, etc. Her generous support of AKDW is most appreciated. Thank you Robyn.

Robyn Bartlett and Master Lawlor



Children's Christmas Clinic 2011

For Boys and Girls - ages 6 to 13
December 10 and 11 (overnight)
at the YMCA, Watertown, NY

An eager group of children attended the clinic. They practised forms, worked on breaking tchniques, relaxed in the pool, tumbling, along with other sessions and were given a special treat by a visit from Santa. Another very special treat was a visit by Deputy Sheriff Shaun Cuddeback and his police dog K9 Liberty of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

(Click the image for a larger view.)




Festival of Trees 2011 - Wrap Up

The Festival of Trees was Dec 2 to Dec 5 to benefit the Samaritan Foundation and the Watertown Family YMCA. Each year AKDW members help with the setup of the trees, and at the end of the festival with the wrapping up of the fully decorated trees in preparation for their delivery to their buyers.
Click here for a story on the festival in the Watertown Daily Times.
Click here for pictures of the trees and the wrap up.





The annual Creepy Creatures Haunted House was held in The Historic Paddock Arcade, in downtown Watertown, New York on two weekends prior to Halloween, Friday and Saturday October 21, 22 and 28, 29, 2011.

The theme for the Haunted House has always been to honor the "Classic Masters of Fright." These Classic Masters might be from memorable short stories, books, or the movies. The exhibits are developed and staffed by members of American Kang Duk Won. Guides escort visitors in small groups and provide commentary for total enjoyment and safety. Visitors of all ages are welcome, even small children, as the intent is for excitement, intrigue, and fun, not gross horror.

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, the Watertown Daily Times had an almost full page story, with pictures and interviews, on the first page of the Currents section. In case you missed it, here is a link to the article on the Watertown Daily Times web site

On Friday, October 28, 2011, the Watertown Daily Times published the following picture in a large format in the Currents section. (Unfortunately, this is a digital picture reproduction and is not the quality of the picture in the paper.)


"Dr. Jekyll creates a potion in his lab last weekend at the haunted house
in the Historic Paddock Arcadee in downtobr Watertown.
Creepy characters, monsters, and spooks return to their haunts again this weekend
from 7 to10 p.m. today and 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday."

The cast at the end on the final night of the production - Saturday, October 29, 2011.
A job well done by all! Congratulations!!
A special thank you to Master Carpenter who helped organize and oversaw the entire operation.




Black Belt Camp 2011

The 7th Annual Black Belt Camp was held September 18 at Sixberry Lake. The day was perfect, sunny and warm. Many black belts were in attendance and worked practicing skills, learning new techniques, and having fun. (Imagine Black Belts on tricycles!) Immediately following the camp, the September Brown Belt Meeting was held.
(Click the image for a larger view.)
Group picture of the participants.

A few pictures from the 2011 Black Belt Camp are given here: 2011 Black Belt Camp pictures





AKDW Flag Located

If you were at camp, or just took a close look at the photo of the Jr Camp attendees in the above photo, you noticed the left-most flag pole was devoid of a flag. Only two flags were flown - the United States and the Canadian national flags. The AKDW flag which is usually flown was missing. It turns out it was missing with official approval.

AKDW member CW4 Michael Pracht was given special permission to take, and display the flag when appropriate, while deployed in Afghanistan. He has been able to fly the flag on a mission, and is planning, when they have decent weather, to run it up the main flag pole at FOB Salerno base in Afghanistan, and is also planning to fly the AKDW flag on the September 11th anniversary of the New York City terrorist attack.

A picture of the AKDW flag in CW4 Pracht's capable hands at FOB Salerno, Afghanistan is given below.


(Click the image for a larger view.) The following are in the photo: CW4 Pracht; Pilot in Command, 1-10 Attack, 10th Combat Aviation; and from the Wyoming National Guard MEDEVAC C Company 5-159th: CW2 Atencio, Pilot; SPC Buettner, Crew Chief; SFC Kowlock, Flight Medic; SGT Monnin, Flight Medic




AKDWK Honored by Downtown Business Association

American Kang Duk Won Karate under the leadership of Master Robert C. Lawlor was recently honored by the Watertown Downtown Business Association as being the outstanding Organization of the Fall Season. The AKDWK and Master Lawlor were recognized for conducting many events throughout the greater Watertown area and for the programs offered at the YMCA, the institutions of higher education, Jefferson Community College, Queen's University, St. Lawrence University and all other school and public community facilities. Of course, this honor could not be achieved without the tremendous participation by all the Black Belts and students in the organization. Congratulations to everyone!




New Black Belts

Three students successfully completed their Black Belt test on Saturday, April 17 and were presented with their Black Belts on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at a luncheon in the Black River Valley Club.
Congratulations to:
Richard Adams, Phil Widrick, and David Champagne


Standing: Master Beyer, Master Carpenter, Master Shean, Master Robert Lawlor, Master Palumbo,
Master Hintopoulos, and Master Jones
Seated: Richard Adams, Phil Widrick, and David Champagne





New Format for History at Testings

Students testing for green belt and above are required to have a basic knowledge of the history of AKDWK and to exhibit this knowledge at their testing. The history portion of the testing will now consist of the student being asked a question from a list of published questions and their associated answers. The first page of this General History questions and answers is given here. More questions and answers will be added as they are compiled.
General History, page 1




Black Belt Testing and Promotion

39 American Kang Duk Won Karate Black Belts Receive Promotions!

The school's largest testing ever held for various ranks of black belt was conducted in the main dojang at the Watertown, NY, YMCA on Saturday, March 5th.

Master Robert Lawlor, president of AKDWK international programs, presided over the testings. Black Belt instructors representing classes from USA and Canada trained throughout the evening and then were tested on formal exercises and advanced techniques required for the ranks of 2nd degree through 9th degree black belt.



Two pictures are necessary to see all those present.

Congratulations to each Black Belt who successfully attained his or her next rank in "The Arena for the Teaching of Virtue!" Your Spirit, Loyalty, and Virtue allow our tradition to continue in American Kang Duk Won Karate!





40th Anniversary of AKDWK

A reporter, Craig Freilich, from the North Country THIS WEEK newspaper recently visited the St. Mary's School, Canton, AKDWK class and interviewed Master Palumbo about the 40 year presence of AKDWK in the North Country. The article with a picture begins on the front page of the April 29 - May 5 issue of North Country THIS WEEK, and concludes on page 10. Both pages are reproduced below. (Click on the images for a larger view.)
For easier reading of the article, click here for the text only.





New Updated and Expanded Classes page

The classes page has been redone to include an interactive map linked to Google Maps. The map has a marker for each class and when expanded and changed to the hybrid view will show the exact location of the class. Clicking on the marker gives the class address and a link to the class schedule on the page. The classes page still has a link from the home page or you can access it by clicking on the following link. New classes page




New General Information Brochure for Prospective Students

A new General Information Brochure (trifold) has been prepared and is available for distribution. Click here to go to the description page to see and download a copy, in pdf format, to print. General Information Brochure




Soldier earns Expert Field Medical Badge

Pfc. Lucas C. Lawlor, son of Master Robert C. Lawlor and Master Cheryl Lawlor has earned the Expert Field Medical Badge. Pfc. Lawlor is a U.S. Army medic assigned to the Aid Station, 529th Regimental Support Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The badge signifies that its wearer is proficient in all things medical. In May, 176 soldiers from bases throughout the world tried to earn the badge during a two-week testing period at Camp Bullis, Texas. 35 Soldiers ultimately earned the badge at the end of the two weeks, one was Pfc. Lucas C. Lawlor. The testing includes a series of realistic scenarios that a medic might go through while in combat, i.e. treating soldiers while under small arms fire, during explosions, through smoke and under nuclear, biological and chemical simulations. Mental and physical skills were tested as well, through a written test, an Army physical fitness test, and a 12-mile road march.
Click here for the full article on the dcmilitary.com website. A picture of Pfc. Lawlor finishing the 12 mile road march is included.

Congratulations Pfc. Lawlor for your accomplishments! Wear the Expert Field Medical Badge proudly and with honor.





New Materials for Instructors

Instructors should note the bullet/link, Instructors Materials, under Information, Equipment, and Related Specialties on the opening page. This page contains the links to new items as well as the registration form.




AKDW Martial Arts Store Hours

By appointment only - call 315-788-8402
in the Historic Paddock Arcade, Watertown, NY.



Membership Form Available Online

A membership form in pdf format is now available on the Class Locations and Instructors page. The link is at the very end of the page, or click here for a Membership Form





*AKDWA Titles and Positions:

Chief Master of International programs and President of American Kang Duk Won Karate
Master Robert Lawlor
Senior Master Black Belts and Vice-Presidents, Senior Directors
Master Kenneth Shean
Master Frank Palumbo
Master Debbie Hintopoulos
Master Cheryl Lawlor
Master Black Belts and Directors
Master Dan Jones
Master Rose Carpenter
Master Lester Beyer
Master Instructors
Mrs. Charlene Rydgren
Mr. Mark Sears
Mrs. Debbie Beyer
Mr. David Dummitt
Mr. Darren Zehr
Senior Instructors
Mr. Steven Howard
Mr. Michael Delouche
Mr. John Langey
Mrs. Eva Marino
Mr. Robert Cappella


Congratulations to all of these dedicated martial artists!

The Directors at the 2003 Tournament



Master Carpenter, Master Hintopoulos, Master Shean, Master Robert Lawlor,
Master Palumbo, Master Cheryl Lawlor, Master Jones, Master Beyer

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For details on any of these events, contact

American Kang Duk Won Karate, P.O. Box 151 Watertown, NY 13601

or email us via this site.

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