[KF 500k] Member Interview: JohnASE

Patrick · KF Administrator

Member Profile

JohnASE (View Profile)
Joined: February 6, 2008
Posts: 367

Interview

Where are you from?

I've always lived in Los Angeles, California, except during college, when I was in the OC, Orange County. I currently live in the San Fernando Valley (THE Valley as in Valley Girl) not far from Reseda, home of The Karate Kid. I grew up in Hollywood and lived there for most of my life.

Why did you get started in the martial arts?

When I was a kid, a neighbor was going to start judo under a friend of his parents. My brother and decided to join, too. I think my mother was glad we took judo, since she grew up in a house with my great uncle who was a judoka.

Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken.

Decades ago, I spent about three years training in judo under the famous Gene LeBell. I stopped training in junior high school. I wanted to spend more time on my studies and on baseball and less time with my face pressed against the mat.

I haven't trained since then, but I've been involved in the martial arts community in other ways. My first job was with Ohara/Rainbow Publications, the company that put out Black Belt Magazine, among others. My second job was with Unique Publications, mostly known for Inside Kung Fu Magazine. For the past 20 years, I've been in the family business, ASE Martial Arts Supply.

Every once in a while, I consider taking up training again, but I don't want it badly enough to devote the time.

What is your grade or level?

After three years of training, I ended up still a white belt! We only had white, brown and black.

What are your first memories from training?

Learning to fall! It's the first thing they teach in judo, and I've found it to be one of the most important things I've ever learned.

What has been the highlight of your training?

Same answer as the last question, learning to fall. It's helped me in every sport I've played (well, maybe not bowling). I remember being pushed from behind when I was a kid, and rather than flop to the ground, I dropped into a forward roll. I've gone down on motorcycles a couple times and instinctively land in ways to minimize damage. I've always been athletic and willing to throw my body around. Judo helped me to do such things more safely.

What do you do for a living?

Our family business is ASE Martial Arts Supply. I work with my mother, wife and stepson. My father used to work with us, but he retired a few years ago. My mom has been involved in martial arts businesses since 1974 and is on a first name basis with many of the mucky mucks of the martial arts world. Our company dabbles in retail, but the bulk of our business is wholesale to martial arts schools. Most of our customers are in Southern California, but we sell all over the USA from Hawaii to Alaska to Florida to Maine.

What do you do when you're not working?

My main activity outside of work is playing a sport called wallyball. Simply put, it's volleyball on a racquetball court with a net strung across the middle and 2 or 3 players on either side. It's faster than volleyball as the court is smaller and you can play the ball off the walls. I'm short, so I'm not a strong spiker or blocker. I'm more of a defensive specialist and setter. I'm not young, but I'm a very physical player. I spend a lot of time diving across the floor or slamming into walls. My real passion is cars and other road vehicles. I love convertible sports cars, have a couple of motorcycles, and am in the process of converting my mountain bike to electric. I hope to move into larger DIY electric vehicles.

Who are or were your martial arts heroes?

There are so many, but I'll just mention my former sensei, Gene LeBell. He's a living legend! His pink judo gi is an icon. He was a champion judoka, professional wrestler and referee. As a kid, I remember watching him as a stunt man, letting himself be beat up by people like Hutch of the Starsky and Hutch TV show.

What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows?

I'll name one modern movie, one classic movie, and throw in a classic Japanese television show just for kicks. Kill Bill: Vol. 1, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Kage no Gundan.

Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join?

I'm sure I just searched for "martial arts forum" or "karate forum." I had been participating in non-MA forums and found communities sharing lots of great info and wondered if something similar was going on in martial arts.

Why did you stay?

I found people here to be more cooperative and interested in sharing than in another forum I found. The other forum had some great info, too, but it was interspersed with a lot more hostility and immaturity than here. Here, people seem to know how to disagree without it degenerating into personal attacks and name calling.

You've been a member since February 6, 2008. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all?

I would guess that KF has changed over the 5 years I've been here (5 YEARS?), but if so, I haven't really noticed it. I'm probably most active in the Equipment forum, since that's where most of my experience lies, and I suppose there are fewer questions there than there used to be. I assume info has built up over time, and fewer people need to ask new questions.

Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you?

There are many members whose opinions I respect and enjoy reading. If anyone stands out in my mind, it might be sensei8, Bob. I'm sure that's mostly due to his contributions to the forum, but it also might have to do with the fact that he used to live not too far from me.

Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you?

I don't really remember "aha" moments, revelations, epiphanies. I tend to take in things more slowly. New ideas need to simmer before I'll swallow them. I'm sure such moments are there, but they're hard for me to pinpoint.
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Patrick · KF Administrator

Thank you for contributing to our community as you do, John. You are a good example of someone who runs a martial arts business who adds value here without being commercial. I appreciate it and you sharing this with us.

Sincerely,

Patrick
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sensei8 · KF Sensei

Great interview!!

I thank you for the kind words!! They mean the world to me!!

I've always enjoyed your posts because you're specific and to the point. You're equipment knowledge is excellent, and it should be because of what you do for a living. However, your MA knowledge isn't just about MA equipment and the like, no, you've, from what I've read, direct MA knowledge. So much so, that you're not lost in a conversation about a wide plethora of MA subjects.

And your business sense is dead right on. Has to be in your line of work. Otherwise, your MA supply store would not be open.

Thank you!!

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**Proof is on the floor!!!

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

pittbullJudoka · Black Belt

Very interesting interview I would have thought everyone was training at some level on here.
Also you got to train with Mr. LeBell for an extended time, very cool.

DWx · Black Belt

JohnASE · Green Belt

Thanks, everyone! It's great being part of the community, Karate Forums and martial arts in general. I've gotten a lot of solid info from the internet over the years, so I try to pay it back when and where I can. I haven't dedicated my life to training like so many of you, but I've picked up a thing or two, here and there, and am glad to share what I've learned.
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John - ASE Martial Arts Supply
www.asemartialarts.com

ninjanurse · KF VIP

Great interview John...thanks for sharing!

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"A Black Belt is only the beginning."
Heidi-A student of the arts
Tae Kwon Do,Shotokan,Ju Jitsu,Modern Arnis
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