What in the world is “A Black Belt Pinky Champion?” It is a rather interesting question, is it not? Well, the Karate Institute of America has its own one-of-a-kind Black Belt Pinky Champion?
He is Doug “Pinky” Krause, KIA Black Belt #48, who received his first dan rating on 1 February 1997, nineteen years ago!
Pinky’s National Championship was earned in 1993 on the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) circuit, which consisted of 13 cities in the United States hosting open, all comers tournaments. Mr. Krause won the Intermediate men’s open hand forms division.
But Pinky’s forms championship doesn’t tell the whole story. He was also the runner-up in the men’s fighting division, having lost a national fighting championship by only one point! It was a marvelous year for Doug Krause, and he represented the Karate Institute of America honorably and professionally.
It was a wonderful reunion when Mr. King met Mr. Krause for lunch. Always the respectful gentleman, Pinky was front and center with our KIA salute. Returned, of course, by Whitefire with sincere respect and joy. It was especially delightful because there was Pinky wearing his patented pink headband, so ubiquitous during his tenure at the KIA, and he was even standing in front of the same brand of vehicle he owned back in the day! Amazing. Talk about deja vu!
Pinky is more than a martial artist. He is also an accomplished dirt bike racer. He loves to go fast! Still does, although he’s slowing down a bit, as we all are in these advancing years. Check out Pinky’s racing jersey! Pretty cool, eh?
It was such a heart-warming, positive and tender moment reconnecting with Mr. Krause, as it is and has been with so many KIA faithfuls. Thanks, Pinky, for all the wonderful memories and for being such a substantive part of our rich Karate Institute of America legacy and history!
