Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia composes herself prior to performing a kata on her second degree brown belt test at the Karate Institute of America on March 10, 2009. Looking on in the background are, from left to right, Black Belts Mike “Shooter” Benedict and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and green belt Annette “Warrior” Dale.

Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia blasts Kim “Cultivator” Thomas with a roundhouse kick during the sparring portion of her second degree brown belt test on March 10, 2009. Sheel has exceptional kicks, which she showcases during her kata performances. Kim is always the gracious one when it comes to taking a beating!

Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia is all smiles after the conclusion of her second degree brown belt test at the Karate Institute of America on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Black Belts in attendance are, from left to right, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Mr. King, Mike “Shooter” Benedict. Sheel, Ms. Intensity for sure, gave an excellent performance. What a great smile she has, and after a test no less!

Where the red arrow is pointing was the second location of the Karate Institute of America from March 1981 until April 1997: 22622 Lambert Street #308, Lake Forest, CA 92630. So many wonderful memories and Black Belts were created within those walls. In fact, if those walls could talk, oh what stories they would tell! The building has gone through many color schemes, veneers, and management companies since then, but the shell remains the same.

Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Kiado-Ryu Black Belt #63, shares a moment of his fightin’ side during a kata performance at the KIA. K.C., as he is often called, is a warrior for sure. But, just for the record, his normal nature is very warm, loving, and humorous. Just don’t upset him!

Annette “Warrior” Dale shares a playful moment with her father after her green belt test. Her father, Dr. Allen Carden, is a professor of history in the California State University system. Dr. Carden and his wife, Denice, reside in the San Joaquin Valley.