What’s in a Call Sign?
As is Karate Institute of America protocol, everyone has a call sign. Once in a while, one may query how an individual got his/her call sign in the first place. Sometimes, this can be a mystery. Not so with Jon “Stretch” Vail. In the following pictorial catalogue, can you guess why Jon got his call sign? If you can’t get this, you fail the test!
From the early days of the KIA and its studio at 308 Lambert Street, Lake Forest, CA.
From his collage days in the mountains.
Getting nasty with an axe kick! Remember, Jon is around 6'3" or so. That’s a high kick.
Nice air! And power!
Version #2.
A nice news articles from his college days in Arizona.
On the rocks with Stretch and his nephew.
Just hangin’ out in the hallway. Not lookin’ quite as young, though, but still s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g!
This has to be the only photo of its kind in the world—doing splits on your wedding day! Priceless! Janice is a beautiful bride!
And with Jenny and Ryan at home. Not quite as youthful but still, and forever, the STRETCH!
Now, if you didn’t guess how Jon “Stretch” Vail got his call sign, you flunk the test! You must go back and re-take the test.
Thanks for the memories, Stretch. Lots of fun, and congrats for staying so flexible for so long. You’re an inspiration, indeed!