Anna “Wildcat” Griffin is the stuff legends are made of and, without a doubt, she is a legend in the annals of Kiado-Ryu history.
Beginning her martial art journey as a young teen, Anna grew to become one of the toughest and most courageous of warriors while still a teenager. During her ascent, her focus and drive were extraordinary, as was her ambition. Wildcat, and she was definitely a wild cat as anyone who ever fought her can testify, hunted her Black Belt rating like a panther in the wild. She was absolutely fearless and indomitable.
Anna’s exceptional courage and toughness are revealed in the following story.
One evening while she was sparring with the brown and black belt men, she clashed forearms with her opponent and was knocked out cold, falling to the ground unconscious. She eventually came to, shook off the cobwebs and went home. Unbelievably, the next night Anna was back in the studio fighting again with the brown and black belt men! No one in Kiado-Ryu history has ever rebounded with such tenacity and absolute fearlessness. Pound for pound, breath for breath, Anna Griffin is as courageous as any martial artist in the history of the KIA and is, poignantly, the stuff of legends.
Wildcat’s character, not just her courage, is exemplary. She has never asked for special treatment, has been unwaveringly accountable for her actions, is as honest as the day is long, and, to top it off, is sweet and respectful. Indeed, Anna Griffin is a true role model and a major asset in the long and distinguished legacy of the Kiado-Ryu. We are ever grateful to have her as one of our own.