Kiado-Ryu Karate



Jul 4, 2016 - Photo of the Week

Wildcat on the Move

As nature has her wildcats, so does the Karate Institute of America, and our Wildcat, like Nature’s, is on the move!

Anna “Wildcat” Griffin is the 55th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu. She began her KIA journey at age 11. In 1998 she earned her 1st Dan Black Belt rating. True to her call sign, Wildcat is as tough as they come and a true legend in KIA history.

Anna, a former United States Army veteran of eight years, relocated from the central plains of the U.S. to the Northwest where she is now working in the insurance field. Last week she paid us a visit when she traveled to SoCal to help her parents relocate to her neck of the woods, where much of her family is now living.

We were really happy to share a moment together for a mid-morning brew.

Here is a photo of Anna’s always smiling face and sunny disposition. She credits her success in life to the strong and loving support of her entire family, supported by a devout and uncompromising belief in God—wonderful qualities in an age that is doing its best to deny the natural connections we all have to the Divine.

And a selfie with Mr. King

Wildcat even took the time to join our Black Belt class. Her brother, James “Psycho” Griffin (KIA Black Belt #60), also stopped in to work out. It is so fun to work with Kiado-Ryu Black Belts. Wildcat’s and Psycho’s skills are still sharp and deadly, and my-o-my how fast they pick things up. It’s awesome.

After a light workout, Cultivator had an opportunity to pose with the two Griffins.

Then it was Mr. King’s privilege and honor to share a photo of these two wonderfully gifted, humble, courageous, honorable and, frankly, lovely individuals and KIA Black Belts through and through.

We wish all of the Griffins a prosperous and healthy life as they join together in their new environs in the Northwest. God Speed and blessings to you all, and thank you so very much for being such a dynamic and edifying presence to the Karate Institute of America throughout the last three decades!