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.
Thousands of students came and went through the KIA’s door during those times. It was a bustling place of activity, friendships, memories, great performances, and as any Kiado-Ryu Black Belt will tell you, test after test where students oozed sweat, blood, tears, fears, smiles, laughter, and the irrepressible joy of triumph! Although not as large in physical numbers today, the spirit of the KIA lives on through those souls still studying the art of Kiado-Ryu. Still creating a legacy of great meaning and substance, for in the final analysis it is not material buildings which house the Spirit of the Kiado-Ryu, but the hearts and minds of everyone who has given it the breath of life.