Congratulations to Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet on the accomplishment of his Orange Belt. After a job well done, he poses with the Black Belts and his brother, Tristan, for some memorable photos.
Aidan did a wonderful job. He is a remarkable young man—very smart, very coordinated and very determined. As he learns to exhibit the mark of a master, i.e., control, he will go far in life. We look forward to watching him continue to grow and, hopefully, join his brother, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet as a Kiado-Ryu Black Belt one day.
In fact, Tristan started his KIA training when he was eight years old, the same as Aidan. He’s now seventeen and scheduled to test for his 1st Dan Black Belt rating in October of this year, becoming the 64th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu. Also at that time, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas will hit a milestone in Karate Institute of America history, becoming its first 5th Dan Black Belt, a remarkable accomplishment carrying a “Master” rating and title. Major history is coming soon to the KIA!