The Karate Institute of America has been extremely blessed throughout its thirty-seven year history with wonderfully generous people who have given their time, energy, skill, and support to ensure its success. Without question, the one individual whose generous endowment blessed the KIA with its own studio in the early 2000s is second dan Black Belt, Jeff “Boa” Norman—the sixty-first Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu.
In 2001, the KIA was without an indoor facility. Jeff’s brother, Todd—also a second dan (Black Belt #51), invited us to hold classes at his Cutting Edge sports facility in Lake Forest, for which all the students were extremely grateful. Next, Jeff offered to pay for a “build out” of a room on the second story to house the KIA, stating that it was his gift based on all the KIA had done for him and his business. That wonderful facility lasted until November 2010 when it finally fell victim to the global financial crisis of 2008. There was simply not enough business to keep it or the Cutting Edge afloat. Yet, that studio, made possible by Jeff Norman’s generosity, was a great home for the KIA during those years. Jeff Norman was recognized and honored for his exceedingly generous gift on 28 August 2006.
Thank you plaque
Boa received his first dan rating on 25 October 2003. In the photo below from his Black Belt test, he is parrying a kick from KIA second dan Black Belt, Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord.
Boa & Odin, sparring
Boa poses with Mr. King after his test and coronation.
Boa & Whitefire
And here’s a nice shot of Boa prior to competing with a bo in the Black Belt weapons division.
Boa with bo
Life, of course, is never static. Boa and his family moved to Queen Creek, Arizona, approximately twenty-five miles Southeast of downtown Phoenix.
Jeff is now the Managing Director of the National Association of Family Services, which provides families access to legal services at greatly reduced prices with an emphasis on estate planning benefits. His website is http://nafsbenefits.com. Boa travels a great deal in his business giving free seminars and, regarding his work, states:
I can’t tell you how much I have incorporated KIA principles and concepts into my daily business dealings.
When he’s not busy with his work, Boa loves spending time with his lovely wife Michelle, his son and two twin daughters. In fact, Jeff took his son to his first NBA game this month. Two weeks earlier he and Michelle took their daughters to a Justin Bieber concert.
Boa with Michelle & Justin
Oh, and by the way, Boa claims to be the biggest Rams fan on earth and is glad they’re now back in L.A.
Boa in Rams helmet
Thanks for everything you’ve done for the Karate Institute of America, Boa. We’re deeply grateful and miss you and your family! All the best!