This week’s photo features not just any psycho, but the KIA’s own Psycho, which is the call sign for James Griffin, the sixtieth Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu. James’ sister is Anna “Wildcat” Griffin, the fifty-fifth Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America.
Pictured with Psycho and Mr. King is Mr. Griffin, the patriarch of the wonderful Griffin family, and partner with Mrs. Griffin, its matriarch. The Griffins have been stalwart supporters of the KIA for decades, and we are eternally grateful they have shared their hearts, minds, spirits, character and lives with us. This photo was taken after the latest Black Belt coronation of Messrs. Thomas and Ligtvoet.
James began his KIA journey back in the 1980s when he was in high school. He is the middle child of five in, as he would say, an energetic and loud-voiced family! In the 4th grade he won an award for his perseverance, which has obviously helped him greatly in his life.
Psycho’s perseverance has certainly paid off for him. Not only did he achieve a KIA Black Belt, which is no small achievement, but he has also been working in the banking business for fifteen years and is currently the Operations Supervisor at his bank. With his dedication, perseverance, intelligence and exemplary character, James will go very far in life, indeed. We are so very proud of him and his entire family, all of whom are truly remarkable individuals.