Looking like the iconic true artiste, Dave “Rugman” Sampson allows us a look into his everyday life as a custom carpet artisan and part owner of MH Custom Carpets in Laguna Hills, CA.
Rugman is the forty-second Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America, receiving his first dan rank on 24 February 1996. His elder son, Phillip, aka, “Ringer,” is the thirty-third Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, receiving his First dan ranking on 20 August 1994.
Dave is one of the finest gentlemen you will ever meet—gracious, humble, kind, extremely generous and … hysterically funny. His wit is so sharp, his mind so fast that he could be a stand-up comedian if he chose to be so.
In reference to his artistic talents, Rugman is also a voice-over specialist, working for major companies in his part time. Too, he is a great cameraman, videographer, and director. With his vast experience in the Marine Corps as a newsman, Rugman was the dynamic core of public access TV shows such as Black Belt Masters Showcase, Horizons 2000 and The Mane Stage.
But all artists usually need a consistent day job, hence his involvement in MH Custom Carpets. In fact, it was Dave Sampson who designed and crafted the KIA’s carpeting in its last studio, as the following photos reveal.
Here is of the KIA’s logo which Rugman sewed into the actual carpet.
We are so blessed to have Dave Sampson as one of the outstanding individuals enriching our Karate Institute of America legacy. Thank you, Rugman, for all you have done for us, for your exquisite talent, generosity, irrepressible personality, faithful and devoted friendship throughout these many decades.