It’s great to hear from former students. Pictured here in his rock climbing attire is Todd Alston, also known as “Thunderpunch,” for his incredible punching power. Todd studied at the Karate Institute of America back in the 1980s. As well as being a great human being, he was also a tournament fighting champion and a dominant member of the KIA’s Demonstration Team. As one can imagine, Thunderpunch was also a stellar inspiration to the other students.

Jake “Achilles” Dale poses in preparation for his orange belt test on February 20. Jake is the son of KIA green belt Annette “Warrior” Dale and her husband, Mark. Achilles looks like a true karate kid, eh? A lot of talent in this young man, and so well-mannered, too!

Brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and purple belt Adam “Frog” Mahan pose after a sparring session. Raptor, the dinosaur, and Frog, the amphibian, are excellent martial arts students and devoted members of the Karate Institute of America. We’re honored they are a part of our Kiado-Ryu family and look forward to their continued excellence.

Rising to multiple levels of KIA martial art skill and training is exemplary. It takes enormous work, dedication, and perseverance to continue beyond the initial level of being a KIA Black Belt. Pictured are three of the Karate Institute of America’s post-first degree Black Belts. From left to right are, third dan Black Belts Christopher “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and second dan Black Belt Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord.

Kiado-Ryu fighters pose for a group photo on January 22, 2013. From left to right are, Grandmaster Richard Andrew King, third dan black belts Christopher “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, second dan black belt Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord, first degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, and purple belt Adam “Frog” Mahan. Photo copyright 2013, Adam Mahan.

As a follow up to our photo of the week, we present this article by Kiado-Ryu Grandmaster Richard Andrew King, originally written in 2007. Being aware of your surroundings is one of the first lines of self-defense. Yet, many women go through their days not really paying attention to who’s watching them. Remember, this is a predatory world, and although most people are decent there are those who are not, who have nefarious agendas of molestation, kidnapping, rape and more.