**Kiado-Ryu Principle #39** \ *[The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master](http://amzn.to/pJSoeZ)* \ As the greatest gift exacts the greatest price, the greatest accomplishment exacts the greatest sacrifice. ~ Richard Andrew King Spiritual development requires great sacrifice. ~ Saint Sawan Singh Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies. ~ Henri Frédéric Amiel Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #30 \ *[The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master](http://amzn.to/pJSoeZ)* \ © Richard Andrew King In the day-to-day battles of life, we can weep or laugh or cry, but the indefensible truth is that we either Adapt or Die. The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher. Chinese Proverb Fixed fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity. General George Patton Jr.

(Photo courtesy of Pac-12 Networks) As a follow-up to the KIA article KYLEE PEREZ—WARRIOR WITH GLOVE & GRACE, the Pac-12 Network has created a terrific 5:07 YouTube video recognizing the UCLA senior softball standout and her battle with Type 1 Diabetes. Kylee’s story is an inspiration for all people afflicted with T1D. Thanks, Kylee! You’re a great inspiration and role model! And thank you Pac-12 Network for your wonderful video tribute.

© Richard Andrew King & Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts™ When we think of self-defense, it is fair to say that the most common perception is of an assailant attacking us as we defend ourselves with our martial arts skills. Such a scenario comes within the milieu of external self-defense. However, how often do we consider defending ourselves from ourselves? Answer: not often, if ever. Yet, defending ourselves from our own selves via bad judgement and foolish behaviors can, arguably, be the most critical application of self-defense.

© Richard Andrew King – Published 30 April 2018 There are warriors, and then there are warriors with a glove. There are athletes, and then there are athletes with grace. Kylee Perez, star second baseman and undisputed Senior leader of the historically vaunted UCLA Bruins Women’s Softball team, is both a warrior with a glove and an athlete with grace. For Kylee Perez, glove and grace go hand in hand.

General George Patton was one of the most iconic military leaders in history. And what do “White Tie and Tails” have to do with this vaunted martial leader? Patton states: I always believe in being prepared, even when I’m dressed in white tie and tails. In other words, “No matter where I am or how I’m dressed, I’m always prepared to fight.” From a personal standpoint, are we prepared to such a level?