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.
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.
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!
Pictured with Bob are, from left to right: (front row) Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Mike “Shooter” Benedict, and Adam “Frog” Mahan; (middle row) Clark “Flash” Hyman, Greg “Maddog” Bendel, Richard “Whitefire” King, Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane, and Chris “Growler” Grau; (back row) Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, Jeff “Boa” Norman, Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord, and James “Psycho” Griffin. A group of Karate Institute of America Black Belts and students come together to celebrate and support Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane (wearing the white gi top and black T-shirt) in his fight against prostate cancer.
Jake “Achilles” Dale poses proudly with his family after earning his orange belt from the Karate Institute of America. Annette “Warrior” Dale, a KIA Green Belt, is accompanied by her husband, Mark, and daughter, Sofia “Cannon” Dale.
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.