Alexander the Great (photo courtesy of the British Museum) Alexander the Great was Ruler of Macedon in the 3rd Century BC. Never defeated in battle, he is one of the most vaunted military leaders in world history. The following quote from Alexander speaks directly to, and underscores, his understanding of leadership. I am not afraid of an army of lions led by sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

We never know when we’ll need to use our self-defense skills to protect ourselves, our families or other people. In this FOX News story, a homeless man armed with a nail-embedded 2x4 attacked an innocent man on the streets of Los Angeles. As fate would have it, before the assailant could do further damage, a local Good Samaritan came to the rescue, executing a flying side kick on the perpetrator, neutralizing the situation, which resulted with the attacker being put in jail.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #12 The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master © Richard Andrew King Action and reaction; Cause and consequence. It is no mystery that Competence Creates Confidence. Reason’s whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words, - health, peace, and competence. —Alexander Pope [Essay on Man] Nothing creates confidence more than competence. Telling someone they’re good at something, giving them pats on the back, kisses on the cheek, big hugs and positive words of how great they are don’t, nor can’t, build true confidence.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #39 The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master As the greatest gift exacts the greatest price, the greatest accomplishment exacts the greatest sacrifice. ~ Richard Andrew King Spiritual development requires great sacrifice. ~ Saint Sawan Singh Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies. ~ Henri Frédéric Amiel Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #30 The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master © Richard Andrew King In the day-to-day battles of life, we can weep or laugh or cry, but the indefensible truth is that we either Adapt or Die. The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher. Chinese Proverb Fixed fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity. General George Patton Jr.

(Photo courtesy of Pac-12 Networks) As a follow-up to the KIA article KYLEE PEREZ—WARRIOR WITH GLOVE & GRACE, the Pac-12 Network has created a terrific 5:07 YouTube video recognizing the UCLA senior softball standout and her battle with Type 1 Diabetes. Kylee’s story is an inspiration for all people afflicted with T1D. Thanks, Kylee! You’re a great inspiration and role model! And thank you Pac-12 Network for your wonderful video tribute.