Photo of the Week: Raptor Takes Down The Cultivator
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet takes down Kim “Cultivator” Thomas during a practice session. Raptor is working diligently toward his 2nd Dan Brown Belt; Cultivator toward his 4th Dan Black Belt ranking.
Photo of the Week: Black Belt Canes in a Room of Fire
Practicing cane drills in their room of fire are Kiado-Ryu Black Belts Christopher “Growler” Grau (third Dan), Richard Andrew King (Grandmaster), and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (third Dan). Check out our Kiado-Ryu videos at KingsKarate.net. For excellent martial arts instruction for individuals or companies in Orange County, CA, contact Grandmaster Richard Andrew King at “King @ KingsKarate.net”. Photo courtesy of Adam “Frog” Mahan.
Photo of the Week: Cultivator Attacked
Kim “Cultivator” Thomas has some fun with Adam “Frog” Mahan (left) and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (right). When the young men grabbed Kim, he countered with double karate chops to their groins and followed up with double backhands to their faces. Ah, youth! Be careful who you grab, and, more importantly, watch out for the old guys!
Photo of the Week: Sam Taylor's Aloha Rainbow
It’s absolutely wonderful when students from the early days of the Karate Institute of America continue to reconnect with us. Such is the wonder of the web. With arms up-stretched under a beautiful Hawaiian rainbow is 6’ 7" Sam Taylor who studied with his brother at the KIA beginning in 1980. Sam was a great surfer, so it’s no wonder he migrated to Hawaii. By the way, Sam had a scary range with his kicks.
Photo of the Week: Welcome New KIA Students "Thumper" & "Hercules"
The Karate Institute of America welcomes its newest students, Rebecca “Thumper” Marquina and her brother, George, a.k.a. “Hercules.” Obviously, George’s nickname fits him well. He’s massive. And watch out for Rebecca’s power. She is truly a thumper! We look forward to their progress up the ranks.
Photo of the Week: Achilles Receives Black Belt Praise
Jake “Achilles” Dale, flanked by Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (left) and Grandmaster Richard “Whitefire” King (right). Jake “Achilles” Dale receives praise for his excellent performance during his orange belt test. On Jake’s right is Kim “Cultivator” Thomas; on his left is Grandmaster Richard “Whitefire” King. Achilles is one hot kid and delivers his performances with a lot of pizzazz!