This class photo was taken during a testing at the Karate Institute of America in 1986, twenty-eight years ago during the Golden Years of the KIA. Back then there were no computers, cell phones, tablets, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. It was a very different time, but as time goes, not that long ago in relation to the massive changes our world has gone through since then.
Annette “Warrior” Dale is a cannon maker. “How so?” you ask. Warrior is the mother of Sofia “Cannon” Dale featured in our previous photo of the week. Annette holds a Green Belt ranking from the Karate Institute of America, and she is tough. Warrior was a state champion long distance runner in high school, as well as a gymnast in her youth. She holds a Master’s Degree in psychology and advanced certifications in her field.
Sofia “Cannon” Dale delivers a palm-claw to Bob during a lesson. Cannon is the daughter of Mark and Annette “Warrior” Dale, and she did not get her callsign of “Cannon” without merit. This young lady has power to spare, so beware to anyone attempting to mess with this powerhouse! “Are you okay, Bob? You don’t look too happy.”
Dr. Kenneth “Ramjet” Anderson, Karate Institute of America Black Belt #11 (1990) was one of the toughest, most honorable, hard working, and dedicated students in Kiado-Ryu history. A champion fighter, Ramjet exhibited a quiet power and humility. He was never arrogant, never boisterous, never forsaking his Marine Corps military bearing. Ramjet was so tough he went through an entire brown belt testing with broken ribs, a fact not known until another student revealed his injury after the test.
Our friend, Isabel Rolo, invited us on her internet “Let It Shine Show” to demonstrate some self-defense skills, which my daughter, Christa, 4th Dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and I graciously accepted. Take a break and watch the video. It has some simple but powerful skills anyone can use to protect themselves from assault. For martial arts lessons, workshops, or events, contact Richard King: king @ kingskarate.net. For martial arts principles, read: The Black Belt Book of Life - Secrets of a Martial Arts Master available in paperback at Amazon.
Bob “Grinder” Schreck, Karate Institute of America Black Belt #6, goes through the “bag drill” portion of his 1st Dan Black Belt test in 1986 (center of the bag ring). Grinder, who went on to achieve his 2nd Dan Black Belt rating received his callsign because of his indomitable spirit to succeed. Bob was not a champion performer but he was and is a champion human being, dedicated friend, and excellent student who lives the true code of a Black Belt through his quiet power, humility, and untarnished character.