Pictured left to right: Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord (2nd Dan), Christopher “Growler” Grau (3rd Dan), Richard “Whitefire” King (Grandmaster, Kiado-Ryu), Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (3rd Dan), Adam “Frog” Mahan (Purple belt), and Justin (“Raptor”) Ligtvoet (2nd Brown).

Iain MacLeod with his lovely wife, Lizzy, and their 14 year old equally lovely daughter, Josie, in Rome, 2009. Iain won the very first KIA trophy in November 1991, beginning a deluge of KIA championships. Iain “Scotty” MacLeod was a legend during the early days of the Karate Institute of America. A ferocious fighter, Iain brought back the first Championship to the KIA, championships which grew to literally hundreds of first place trophies during its competitive history.

On the left, Tejas “Wolverine” Maniar, in 1998, during his Black Belt coronation. On the right, Tejas today, in 2013, as a business executive. Tejas “Wolverine” Maniar is the 57th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. Tejas is pictured here with Anna “Wildcat” Griffin as she congratulates him on his 1st Dan Black Belt achievement in 1998. Now, in 2013, Wolverine is a successful business executive. Way to go, Tejas!

Dr. Milton “Super Zedha” Jacobson is the third Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. A great inspiration, Dr. J. began his martial arts studies at the age of 54 and earned his first degree Black Belt at the age of 60 in 1984! He has always been a great inspiration and major icon in the history of the KIA. But where is Dr. J. today? Multiple efforts have failed to locate him.

Surrounding Hannah and Mr. King, posing in the center of the photo, are, in the back row, from left to right: Black Belt Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Grandpa Shamassian, Mr. Shamassian, Mrs. Shamassian, and Aunt Silva; in the front row, from left to right: Josh “Viper” Shamassian, Aiden and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet. Photographer, Mrs. Ligtvoet (not pictured). Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian, wearing a black gi with her brand new orange belt, revels joyfully after her orange belt test on June 4, which she passed with flying colors.

Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian poses with her mom, JoAnn, and brother, Josh, aka “Viper.” Hannah will be testing for her orange belt on June 4. She has prepared extremely well and we are all looking forward to her test. Go Hannibal!