A.S.K. HISTORY

American States Karate (A.S.K.) was founded around 1988 when three martial artists — Jim Backus, Gary Jacobson, and Joe Nikolas — came together with backgrounds in Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate to create a style and school uniquely their own. At the time, all three instructed through Midwest Martial Arts schools located throughout Southern Minnesota, including Rochester, Austin, and Winona.

          From the beginning, A.S.K. was designed to blend traditional martial arts with practical application, discipline, and character development. The acronym “A.S.K.” later became associated with the phrase: “Have problems with bullies? Just ASK.” Much of the original curriculum still taught today was developed by Mr. Joe Nikolas. While A.S.K. utilizes ITF Taekwondo patterns throughout its belt system, the techniques and training methods have evolved over the years into a distinctly American Karate style — blending influences from multiple martial arts into a system focused on self-defense, structure, and personal growth.

          In 1999, leadership of the school was passed to Buffy Currie in Rochester, Minnesota. Under her instruction, a second generation of black belt leaders emerged, including instructors such as Shawn Petersen, Ben Petersen, Brenda Strain, and many others who helped continue and strengthen the school’s legacy.

          Today, American States Karate remains based in Rochester while also offering classes in Byron, Stewartville, and Alexandria. One of Mrs. Currie’s longtime students, Zakh Peterson, now serves as A.S.K.’s primary instructor, continuing the tradition of teaching martial arts with an emphasis on discipline, humility, perseverance, and practical self-defense.