7th Degree Black Belt

Senior Professor of the Arts

Founder of Practical Protection Concepts

(1960 – 2014)

 

Lee Sprague was a cornerstone of Team Elite — a select group of advanced black belts under the legendary Bill Packer. From the earliest days of The American Institute of Kenpo, Mr. Sprague generously shared his wisdom, experience, and guidance, helping shape the organization’s direction and foundation.

 

Those fortunate enough to train with him quickly discovered his extraordinary martial ability. His technical precision, tactical brilliance, and warrior mindset were second to none. Yet what truly set him apart was his rare gift for inspiring students to reach their highest potential. His lessons didn’t end when class was over — they stayed with his students long after they left the mat.

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Long before he ever encountered the formal Code of Bushido, Lee lived by a deep, innate sense of honor and integrity. When he first discovered Bushido, it felt like coming home. The principles perfectly aligned with the values he already held in his heart.

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The Moment That Changed Everything

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One ordinary day, while browsing in a department store, Lee was drawn to a shirt featuring a striking emblem — the symbol of Bushido. As he read the tag listing its core values, he felt an immediate, powerful connection. Not fully understanding every term, he asked a close friend for clarification. When his friend explained the meaning of “discernment,” something clicked deep inside him.

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From that day forward, Lee dedicated himself to studying and living the ancient code of the Samurai. Bushido became far more than a philosophy — it became part of who he was.

He didn’t simply adopt the code as written. Instead, he thoughtfully integrated it with Western values and the spirit of chivalry, creating a practical filter that made these timeless principles relevant and powerful within our modern society.

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Mr. Sprague’s life was filled with remarkable experiences. He served in the military, worked as a lead bouncer, and owned his own Kenpo school in Las Cruces, New Mexico. For many years he served as Bill Packer’s right-hand man, teaching countless students and contact fighters at AKKA’s flagship school in Albuquerque.

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The American Institute of Kenpo owes a profound debt of gratitude to Mr. Sprague. His teachings deeply influenced the philosophical foundation of our curriculum. In his honor, AIK named its system of traditional values and Bushido-based character development the “L.A.W.S. (Lee Allen Walton Sprague) of the Scholar and Warrior.”

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His legacy continues to guide and inspire every student who walks through our doors.

~ Last Updated 5/16/2026