Steven J. Vertun, aka “Coyote,” is the 39th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America and the Kiado-Ryu system of martial arts. His performance excellence led him to become the North American Sports Karate Association (NASKA) National kata (forms) Champion in 1993. To achieve this esteemed goal, Steve traveled to thirteen venues throughout the United States, compiling victory after victory, which ultimately led him to be the Best of the Best at his rank in the entire country.

Stavroula Avramidis, “Stav” to her friends, is not just a gal with a gun, she’s the Instructor and Founder of “She Equips Herself”—a business Equipping women with the tools they need to feel safe and confident no matter the situation. https://www.sheequipsherself.com/ Stav is not just a pretty face, she’s an expert shooter with lethal firearm skills. Don’t believe it? Check out this instructional YouTube video where she and her boyfriend, Robert MacQuarrie, aka “Mac,” a former range coach and primary marksmanship instructor for the Marine Corps, discuss sight alignment, trigger control, accuracy and more.

Shaw “Wind” Shahriari is the newest member of the Kiado-Ryu family. Heralding from Tehran—the largest city and capital of Iran—Wind is an extraordinary individual. A business man in the automotive field, Shaw has extensive experience in other martial art styles and is now a solid student of the Karate Institute of America. In the following photo Wind is adorning a white belt as his KIA journey begins. Notice the smile.

It’s awesome how KIA Black Belts remember what they learned during their Kiado-Ryu journey. Here’s a prime example. It’s funny, cogent, but a tad painful to watch. Liz Avram, aka “Quasar,” is the 46th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. She received her first dan Ranking on 10 August 1996, not exactly yesterday, but her memory is as sharp as a chef’s cooking knife. Quasar forwarded the following GIF image of a man attempting to mount a horse from the rear.

Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate of England, 1809–1892 He hardly looks like a warrior, doesn’t he? Yet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate of England during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), was a warrior, as we all are, frankly. In fact, each of us goes to war every day, battling issues specific to our karma. No one is immune from the fray, from being forced to fight both our external problems and internal demons.

Martial Arts competitions offer a wonderful opportunity for those so disposed to perform their craft and show their expertise. In the Black Belt weapons division—where the bo was featured—there has been no more elegant, dynamic and powerful performer than Mike Bernardo. Back in the 1980s and 1990s when karate tournaments flourished, he was “the” quintessential bo performer and champion. The following 1990 video, taken from YouTube, showcases Bernardo’s performance in the Weapons Division of the New England Open.