Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett blasts her way through the “bag work” section of her Purple Belt test. Notice those Barracuda fists? You never want to experience them. Trust me. Oh, and by the way, never, never, ever tug on her pony tail!

Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet pose Before and After their latest test on 26 August 2014. Zemia graduated to Purple belt and Tristan to 3rd Brown. For him the next level is 1st Dan Black Belt! Both students did an excellent job. The Karate Institute of America is fortunate to have them as our own. They are exemplary individuals and we look forward to their future accomplishments.

This is a fun photo! From our KIA 1992 Black Belt Archives are (from left to right): Thomas “Draco” Lindsey, #52; Kurt “Raphael” Hoberg, #21; Doug “Doc” McGregor, #20, and Eric “E.T.” Tan, #22. Hard to believe it’s been twenty-two years since this “Black Belt Stair Steps” photo was taken, courtesy of, and copyright by, Genny “Cougar” Edge, #13.

Barracuda parries a front kick from Raptor as they prepare for their upcoming tests at the end of August. For Raptor it will be his seventh KIA test, moving up the ladder from white belt. It will be Zemia’s second test. First was Orange belt and now Purple. Exciting time!

Kim “Cultivator” Thomas gives a hearty thumbs up to Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett after she visited the Black/Brown belt class in preparation for her upcoming test later this month.

Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett pose, reluctantly, during a forced photo op in order to highlight their upcoming tests in late August. Raptor will be going for his 3rd degree Brown Belt and Barracuda will be testing for her Purple Belt. Best wishes to them both!