Nicole “Goldilocks” Hackler and her Marine Corps husband, Watten Hackler.

R.I.P. Rod “Rock” Hickman and Eric “E.V.” Vind

Jason “J.B.” Brown is the 15ᵗʰ Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu’s current 65 Black Belts. Interestingly, he received his Black Belt on 15 December 1990, Lake Forest, Southern California. J.B. came up through the KIA Juniors Program and was one of the finest young fighters at the Karate Institute of America. Jason has had quite a life. He’s traveled to 68 countries! In response to our query, he shared some of his life’s journey.

Early days! circa 1982; Left to right: Guest Black Belt, Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane RIP; Kiado-ryu Grandmaster Richard “Whitefire” King; Steven “Widi” Ho (1st KIA Black Belt and National Forms Champion); Guest Black Belt, Larry Vetter RIP Dr. Milt “Super Zedha” Jacobson, Black Belt #3 RIP Juliette “JW” Williamson, Black Belt #4; Background is Dr. J. Juliette was a great competitor and forms champion. Her work ethic was amazing. Beginning her KIA journey at age 8, she became an adult Black Belt at age 12!

A look back at the 45 year history of the KIA. No special order. More pics to come. Enjoy! Steve Vertun – National Forms Champion Terry Bass (Slider) Genny Edge (Cougar), Jerry Alston (Shuto), Rose Hoberg (Renegade) Clark Hyman (Flash), left; Greg Bendel (Maddog), right Guy McDonald (Hollywood/Skull) Richard Andrew King-Founder & Grand Master, KIADO-RYU Martial Arts Use of these photos prohibited without permission.

Picking up from “Smart Defense Part 2, De-Escalation,” what if an assailant does not want to calm down but “mix it up” instead? Let’s take a look at our options. OPTION 1 Run. Just get away from the situation. Such a withdrawal from a potential conflict is a sensible tactic. There’s no disgrace in retreating from the turmoil. Retreat, in fact, is a common military tactic. It’s better to save the day than lose it.

De-Escalation. If it’s not imperative that we physically engage an opponent in order to survive or protect ourselves or our family, then it would be wise for us to de-escalate the situation if possible. Why continue to squabble and create potential mayhem when there is no positive advantage in doing so? The first thing to do to be safe at such a moment is to “create distance” of at least a two arms length from the other person.

SELF-DEFENSE has become an all-too-common public concern these days, and rightly so. However, how we protect ourselves is important. Even more important are the self-defense laws of each state and how those laws are applied. For example, let’s say a neighbor throws a punch at us. Do we have the right to fight back, maybe by throwing our own punch … or even two or three punches for good measure?

(Source – James Rothwell, “The Telegraph” 19 February 2024) https://news.yahoo.com/finland-open-300-shooting-ranges-155200366.html FIREARMS. Their primary use is for protection, plain and simple, as Finland has so clearly demonstrated by announcing its opening of 300 shooting ranges to expand their capability of national defense with a goal of 1,000 ranges by the end of the decade. Why is this happening? Thank Vladimir Putin and his demented phobia of needless murdering in a desire to destroy Ukraine and its people.