I have the known Mr. Tork since he joined the A.K.E.A. somewhere around late 1994/early 1995.  At that time the school was located out in North Auburn in a small storefront.  He was part of a group of die-hard gung-ho advanced students that came to my advanced group every Wednesday.  There were about a dozen students and groups were intense with bruises and bloody noses being fairly common.  Mr. Tork was always there, and I knew even then he was a special student.

A couple years later, I had the immense privilege of becoming his private instructor.  Later on, he become one of the instructors teaching for me at the school.  It was during this time that my respect for his dedication and commitment really grew.  We would often drive down to Oregon together to complete in tournaments. and Mr. Tork almost always finished in the top 3 for sparring in his divisions.

As instructor he is second to none.  Students have always appreciated his commitment to teach real life self-defense.  As students are getting ready for their black belt test, there is no one I would trust more to get them ready.  I have always had complete confidence in him, and I know that there is nothing more important to him than the development of his students.  He has always given 100% to them.

We have been there for each other, at both our high points and our low points in life.  At one point I had to step away from the school for a couple years, and it was Mr. Tork that sought me out and convinced me to come back to the school.  Over the 20+ years we have training and taught together, Mr. Tork has become more than just a student to me, he is someone I count as a friend.  I understand that sometimes life has a ways of interfering with your plans, but I have every confidence that Mr. Tork will continue his journey in the martial arts.

His presence will be greatly missed, and the school will seem a lot quieter without his energy. Take care Mr. Tork! – Sensei Craig Moore, Yondan