Who’s lurking behind trees, bushes, walls, or structures in your life? The Phantom Ninja poses behind this tree to remind you to always be alert to who’s watching you when you’re out and about. Being aware is your first defense against attack and can save your life.

For those of you who have purchased canes from the Karate Institute of America, I would like to offer you a FREE group cane class, if you’re interested, on Saturday, January 26, at 10:00 AM at a park in Laguna Hills. If you have never purchased a cane from me but have your own cane, the fee is $20/person. There are two canes still available from the last order. These can be purchased for $50 each.

Adam “Frog” Mahan stands next to Mr. King, joined by the reviewing panel of Karate Institute of America martial artists, after being awarded his purple belt in the Kiado-Ryu martial arts system. Flanking Mr. King and Adam are #rd Dan black belts Chris “Growler” Grau, on the left, and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, on the right. Rounding out the panel is first degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet.

Adam “Frog” Mahan demonstrates KIA kata, Institute Form #1, as part of his purple belt test. Pictured left-to-right are first degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, 3rd Dan Black Belt Chris “Growler” Grau, and 3rd Dan Black Belt Kim “Cultivator” Thomas.

Adam “Frog” Mahan is awarded his purple belt by Mr. King on December 27, 2012. Congratulations, Frog, on another major step up the Karate Institute of America ladder! You’re doing great, and we all appreciate your effort, skill, and character. Next stop, blue belt!

What a blast from the past! James Rowe is pictured with his bride-to-be, Megan Von Berg. On the left, we see him in the early 1980s as a KIA Orange Belt in much younger days when we knew him as Jamie Rowe. James is now thirty-six. How rewarding it is to see old friends reconnect and share their lives with us. Congratulations, Jamie and Megan. We wish you all the very best!