Congratulations to Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett on the accomplishment of her Karate Institute of America Orange Belt ranking. Barracuda, who is in the manufacturing business, has a roundhouse kick that would rival those of higher level martial artists. We look forward to watching her progress, as she tackles her Purple Belt ranking with the ferociousness of a true barracuda!
Mr. King congratulates Christopher “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas on the extremely noteworthy achievement of their 4th Dan Black Belt ranking. Messrs. Grau and Thomas of the Karate Institute of America achieved this distinguished rank on 22 October 2013. They are the highest ranking active Black Belts in the Kiado-Ryu martial arts system.
Congratulations to Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet on the accomplishment of his 2nd Degree Brown Belt on 22 October 2013. Raptor is fifteen years of age. With Mr. King on the conferring panel are Black Belts Christopher “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas.
Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett of the Karate Institute of America strikes a pose in preparation for her Orange Belt test at the end of October. Dedicated and determined, Ms. Garrett, who is in the manufacturing business, has a wicked roundhouse kick that would rival any higher level student. We look forward to her impending success and future studies at the KIA.
Major Accomplishments Rising for THREE KIA Students Christopher “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas pose with soon-to-be 2nd Dan Brown Belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet upon successful completion of his test on Tuesday, 22 October, 2013, 7:00pm. Growler and Cultivator will be completing their requirements for a 4th Dan Black Belt rating with a performance of a few upper division katas. Fourth Dan is a highly prestigious Karate Institute of America black belt rank held only by one other Kiado-Ryu martial artist—Dan “Basai” Asay (currently inactive).
Jimmy Edge, shown here in a black gi top, red pants, and purple belt is the son of Genny “Cougar” Edge (Kiado-Ryu Black Belt #13) as he bows in before performing his kata at a martial arts tournament in 1985. Copyright and courtesy of Genny Edge.