COVID-19 is a virus, but it’s also an enemy, an invisible and lethal enemy. As the whole world knows, COVID-19 is humanity’s #1 enemy at this moment in human history. Truly, we are at war. COVID-19 struck quickly and powerfully in a blitzkrieg that has, like 9/11, changed the world. It will be defeated but not until it has done more damage. In its aftermath, we would be wise to reassess why so many countries around the world, if not every country, was caught off-guard.

During this global pandemic of COVID-19 with its attendant turmoil and concern, it is vital for all humanity—individuality and collectively—to remain “balanced” and not allow the virus, or any other calamitous situation for that matter, to dictate our disposition. When we lose our balance, we put ourselves in a perilous situation. Uncomfortable? Of course, but Imperative to manage and control. This is why “Balance is Primary” is a fundamental life principle, not simply a martial arts precept.

Joan of Arc is, arguably, the most famous female warrior in history. There are others, of course, but her name is legend. You can read more about her life here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc One of the stellar traits of great leaders is their positive and uplifting spirit, a spirit that energizes and motivates others to rise to the occasion and do great things. The following succinct and powerful quote from Joan of Arc reflects such positivity.

Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) is one of the most vaunted, heroic and inspirational Royal Navy Commanders in British history. Beset with health problems all his personal life, and besieged with battle after battle in his military life, Lord Nelson remains the epitome of courage, bravery and toughness. In honor of his contribution to Britain’s remarkable legacy, a statue of Nelson adorns Trafalgar Square in London. When Nelson stated, Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.

The following snippet is from the movie, Enter The Dragon. The fight, with Lee on the left and the bad guy on the right, begins as pictured. Based on Kiado-Ryu fighting theory, there is a major problem here, a problem in fact that violates the Number One Security of combat. What is it? Figured it out yet? The bad guy seems like he knows what he’s doing. After all, he is wearing a black belt, right?

It is with great pleasure that the Karate Institute of America announces that Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet has been promoted to 3rd Dan Black Belt. His official promotion date was 15 December 2019. So … Congratulations, Raptor! Raptor, soon to be 22 years of age, started his KIA journey when he was 8 years old. He has studied Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts for 14 years without pause. Such awesome determination and persistence demand great respect.

In fighting, other than eyesight, footwork is the most important aspect to insure success. As General George Patton said, “Fixed fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity.” Standing and slugging it out with an opponent is an ineffectual and mindless recipe for disaster. How many times has history witnessed a guy getting knocked out because he never moved on his opponent but just stood, anchored like a rock in cement, relegating himself to being nothing more than a practice dummy in the gym or dojo?

In many schools of Okinawan karate, before the development of the formal styles known today (e.g., shorin-ryu, goju-ryu, or uechi-ryu), naihanchi shodan was often the first kata learned by a novice karateka. It introduces the concepts of generating power in a small space with isolated movements as well as the way to block an attack while delivering a counterattack simultaneously. Naihanchi was originally created as a single kata, practiced for between one and three years under the tutelage of a teacher, until it was mastered.

Four Star General Norman Schwarzkopf is one of America’s most vaunted military leaders and a true hero. As commander of the United States Central Command, he orchestrated and led the quick and decisive defeat of one of the world’s most notorious villains, Saddam Hussein, during the Gulf War in 1990. “Stormin’ Norman,” as he was known by his men, was a tough and valiant warrior, having served in the Vietnam War as a battalion commander.

One of the greatest gifts of martial arts is that rising to any rank requires struggle. It is struggle that makes us stronger, sharper, more skilled, refined, tough and enduring. Rising to the level of Black Belt in the Kiado-Ryu System of Martial Arts demands years of study and thousands of hours of practice—always refining and developing our technique and character. Martial Arts is Life and as martial arts is full of struggles and challenges, so is life.