COVID-19 is a virus, but it’s also an enemy, an invisible and lethal enemy. As the whole world knows, COVID-19 is humanity’s #1 enemy at this moment in human history. Truly, we are at war. COVID-19 struck quickly and powerfully in a blitzkrieg that has, like 911, changed the world. It will be defeated but not until it has done more damage. In its aftermath, we would be wise to reassess why so many countries around the world, if not every country, was caught off-guard.

During this global pandemic of COVID 19 (Coronavirus) with its attendant turmoil and concern, it is vital for all humanity—individuality and collectively—to remain “balanced” and not allow the virus, or any other calamitous situation for that matter, to dictate our disposition. When we lose our balance, we put ourselves in a perilous situation. Uncomfortable? Of course, but Imperative to manage and control. This is why “Balance is Primary” is a fundamental life principle, not simply a martial arts precept.

Joan of Arc is, arguably, the most famous female warrior in history. There are others, of course, but her name is legend. You can read more about her life here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc One of the stellar traits of great leaders is their positive and uplifting spirit, a spirit that energizes and motivates others to rise to the occasion and do great things. The following succinct and powerful quote from Joan of Arc reflects such positivity.

Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) is one of the most vaunted, heroic and inspirational Royal Navy Commanders in British history. Beset with health problems all his personal life, and besieged with battle after battle in his military life, Lord Nelson remains the epitome of courage, bravery and toughness. In honor of his contribution to Britain’s remarkable legacy, a statue of Nelson adorns Trafalgar Square in London. When Nelson stated, Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.

The following screencap is courtesy of Warner Brothers via the Bruce Lee YouTube website. It’s from the movie, “Boards Don’t Hit Back.” The 3:15 video is here: The fight, with Lee on the left and the bad guy on the right, begins as pictured. Based on Kiado-Ryu fighting theory, there is a major problem here, a problem in fact that violates the #1 Security of combat. What is it?

It is with great pleasure that the Karate Institute of America announces that Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet has been promoted to 3rd Dan Black Belt. His official promotion date was 15 December 2019. So . . . Congratulations, Raptor! Raptor, soon to be 22 years of age, started his KIA journey when he was 8 years old. He has studied Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts for 14 years without pause. Such awesome determination and persistence demand great respect.