There’s often a lot more to KIA practitioners than martial arts.
Last week we featured Steve “Coyote” Vertun and
his wonderful song Ghost. This week we take you back to the mid 1990s with
troubadours Richard & Richard, a Karate Institute of America singer/songwriter
duo who played locally at various venues including the San Juan Capistrano
Mission and The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano where they occasionally
performed as an opening act for nationally known touring singers and bands.
Steve “Coyote” Vertun, KIA Black Belt #39, has experienced the most horrific
event in a parent’s life—the passing of his son, Alexander. In his son’s
memory, Steve has written, sung, performed and produced a music CD whose
anchor song is GHOST—a must-see beautiful tribute in word, song and
production. It should also be noted that Coyote’s music engineer is the KIA’s
own Jerry “Shuto” Alston, the 28th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu.
Billed with high expectations, the Ronda Rousey–Amanda Nunes fight was UFC’s
207th main event showcase. It was held on 30 December 2016, in Las Vegas.
It was Rousey’s first fight since being knocked out via the striking arsenal
of Holly Holm on 15 November 2015, when Holm’s left roundhouse kick to the
head topped off the final blow to “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey in the second round,
leading to her devastating defeat in the octagon during UFC 193 and further
leading to her loss of the women’s UFC World Bantamweight Championship title.
What better way to start off 2017 than with a Raptor vs. Raptor Dad
tête-à-tête.
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (KIA Black Belt #64) mixes it up with his dad, Ed
Ligtvoet, in a light sparring duel. Although Mr. Ligtvoet is not an official
KIA student, at least not yet, he does have a military background, having
served in the Royal Netherlands Army as a younger man.
Raptor’s success as a martial artist was certainly aided by his father, who
would always mix in up with his elder son as he was growing up. Ed is one
tough dude, and he made sure his son was equally matched.
The Hawk flew into the Karate Institute of America in the 1980s, developed his
martial arts skills, became a champion fighting and forms competitor, and
moved deeply into the Brown Belt rankings until his destiny forced him in the
1990s to spread his wings and fly to other regions. However, as destiny would
also demand, he returned to his KIA home for an awesome visit and get-together
with Mr. King, sharing stories of old and great events of daring-do.
It was a very special night at Steve Vertun’s Segue office party, as four
Karate Institute of America Black Belts were reunited for a wonderful
Christmas reunion.
Coyote’s business, Segue, is dynamically successful due to his exceptional
leadership and managerial skill. Plus, as was evident, his staff reflects
qualities of excellence, loyalty, hard work and business acumen, like their
boss. It was an inspiring evening to be around such a body of people.
