Lee Sprague
7th Degree Black Belt
Senior Professor of the Arts
Founder of Practical Protection Concepts
(1960-2014) Lee A. W. Sprague was a distinguished member of Team Elite, a select group of advanced black belts under Bill Packer. During and after the establishment of The American Institute of Kenpo, Mr. Sprague provided guidance and direction derived from an exceptional lifetime of experience.
Individuals who had the privilege of encountering Mr. Sprague were well aware of his exceptional martial prowess. His technical proficiency, tactical judgment, and combat mindset were unparalleled in his field. However, what truly distinguished him was his unique ability to inspire and elevate his students to their full potential. His presence lingered with his students long after their lessons concluded, embodying the essence of his teachings.
Prior to his formal acquaintance with the principles of Bushido, Mr. Sprague’s life was guided by an innate sense of honor and integrity. However, upon discovering the code of Bushido, he recognized its profound alignment with his personal beliefs. Consequently, he dedicated himself to conveying its teachings to countless students, friends, and family, striving to demonstrate the path to a sincere and righteous life.
Mr. Sprague’s initial encounter with the concept of Bushido occurred during a shopping excursion at a department store. While browsing through the merchandise, he was captivated by a shirt bearing a distinctive symbol—the emblem of Bushido. Upon examining the shirt, he noticed a tag inscribed with the values of Bushido, which resonated deeply with him. Despite not fully comprehending the significance of each word, he felt an immediate connection to the message conveyed by the code of Bushido. Seeking clarification, he sought assistance from a close friend who elucidated the meaning of the term “discernment.”
Subsequently, Mr. Sprague discovered that the symbol represented a code, an ancient set of morals employed by the esteemed Samurai. From that moment on, he committed himself to the pursuit of knowledge and adherence to the principles of Bushido. The code became an integral aspect of his life and persona, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mr. Sprague’s life has been marked by numerous accomplishments. He served in the military, held the position of lead bouncer, and operated a Kenpo school during his time in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Notably, he spent a significant period as Bill Packers’ right-hand man, instructing countless students and contact fighters at the American Kenpo Karate Association’s (AKKA) flagship school in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The American Institute of Kenpo extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Sprague for his invaluable teachings, which have profoundly influenced the philosophical foundation of our curriculum. In recognition of his contributions, the system AIK employs to impart traditional values and bushido-based character development principles, known as the “L.A.W.S (Lee Allen Walton Sprague) of the Scholar and Warrior” system, was named after him.
~ Last Updated 3/3/2025