Tuesday, 8 December 2015, was the first day of KIA impending history in two parts. First, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (top picture, center), soon to be KIA Black Belt #64, completed day one of his Black Belt test. His smile offers a stark contrast to his tattered gi and sweaty head—a common visual after such an ordeal, as the attending Black Belts will concur. They are, from left to right, Mike “Shooter” Benedict (2nd Dan KIA Black Belt #62), James “Psycho” Griffin (1st Dan KIA Black Belt #60), Chris “Growler” Grau (4th Dan KIA Black Belt #36 and web master for Kiado-Ryu.
Self-defense demands awareness, and make no mistake about it, the world is under assault from radical Islamic terrorists and the decent people in the world must be aware and take positive action to thwart terrorist activity and prevent the loss of life. The incidents in Paris and San Bernardino of late are just two of the latest examples.
Therefore, if you See Something, Say Something, meaning something suspicious. Forget about being politically correct.
General Douglas MacArthur was one of America’s greatest military commanders. As all great warriors, his words are a treasure trove of inspiration and power. Following are four of MacArthur’s famous quotations.
There is no security in life. There is only opportunity.
General Douglas MacArthur Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.
General Douglas MacArthur No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
Following is great advice on dealing with a terrorist attack from former Navy Seal, Brandon Webb, and Army Ranger, Jack Murphy, authors of The Isis Solution.
Information courtesy of an interview with Brandon Webb and Jack Murphy with host Megyn Kelly on the FOX News network.
How to survive a terrorist attack
RUN for COVER. “Get off the X” as they say in the Special Ops community. The “X” is the Point of Impact.
Kim “Cultivator” Thomas and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet strike a pose in solidarity as their date with KIA history is set—15 December 2015, Tuesday.
And what is the historical significance? Mr. Thomas will be completing the requirements for his fifth dan Black Belt, an accomplishment earning the title “Master” in the Karate Institute of America system, a feat never before attained in the KIA’s 36 year history.
The second part of the historical evening will witness Mr.
The substance of this anonymous quote is the bedrock of the fighting philosophy of the Karate Institute of America. Assailants beware!
Congratulations to Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett on the accomplishment of her Blue Belt on 28 October! Zemia is extremely dedicated and has worked diligently to achieve her new rank at the Karate Institute of America.
Besides her diligence and dedication, another remarkable talent Barracuda exhibits is her fiery and feisty competitiveness. She can really turn up the heat when she fights, clearly holding her own with any dude.
And power? Ouch!
Raptors were born to fly, and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet does just that - going air-borne as he prepares for his upcoming Black Belt test.
When Tristan began his martial arts journey at eight years old, he could hardly get his legs above knee height. However, with years of study and development, his ability and talent grew as he moved up through the ranks of the Karate Institute of America.
Who would have ever thunk it—Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian having a twin sister? Such is the level of today’s technology. Just a little photo adjustment and Presto! Twins!
And how cool is this chick? Check out the attire—matching pink Tee and shoes with contrasting blue and black tights! Cool! Is this a prelude to a clothing designer profession, perhaps?
But don’t let the attire capture all of your attention. Those roundhouse kicks are looking really good.
The following statement by Sun Tzu applies equally to each of us in our life struggles, just as it does in war.
It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.
Sun Tzu The Art of War (Translation by Samuel B. Griffith) By being serene and self-controlled in any situation, we allow ourselves to think more clearly, assess the situation more completely and make better and wiser decisions.
