Bethlehem Karate Academy

David Sames, Sensei

David Sames, Sensei started his training at the age of twelve in 1974 at Pai-Lum Kung-fu under the instruction of Shifu John Weninger.  Shifu John Weninger operated five Kung-fu studios in and around the Bethlehem area at this time.  Sensei Sames was inspired to start his training because of his older brother who was studying the art at the time.  Over the next two years, Sensei Sames advanced through the ranks.  During these years, he competed against other Kung-fu schools.

In 1978  he changed his style of training to Okinawan.  At this time, he began training under the instruction of Sensei Lapchak.  Sensei Lapchak trained under Shi Han Al Smith at The Imperial Red Dragon Karate Society of Easton.  Later in 1978 Sensei Sames started his training directly under Master Smith.  In November of 1983, Sensei Sames received the rank of black belt from Master Al Smith.  Over the past twenty-nine years, Sensei Sames has advanced through the rank to  become a Go-Dan, which is a fifth degree black belt, achieved on December 16, 2003.  At this time, Sensei Sames still continues his training .

He holds a Son-Dan with the International Martial Arts Federation World Headquarters in Japan and is a member of IKKF.