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. His roots were anchored in a military lifestyle, his father having also served in the United States Army in World War II. Both father and son were graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

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. As difficult as they seem, our struggles are designed to make us better, not to destroy us; to give us a backbone, strength and courage to stand tall and prevail against the forces assailing us.

From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.

Spiritual development requires great sacrifice.

Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies.

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.

Alexander the Great was one of history’s greatest military leaders. He lived in the 3rd Century B.C. and was never defeated in battle.

As King of Macedon, Alexander created one of the largest empires in the ancient world.

The following quote (or a facsimile) is attributed to Alexander. It emphasizes the immense power of leadership.

Great fighters are great thinkers. Battles are won with brain, not brawn. Sun Tzu’s words of avoiding peril are as universally true today as they were in his time.

It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. Yet, the special memories of days-gone-by fortunately do not die but forever remain imprinted on those of us who lived them.

So many Black Belts have sent emails recalling, and being grateful for, the glorious past and brotherhood they created through their enormous personal gifts and exceptional energies.

The following photo was taken on Saturday, 9 June 1990, at our KIA studio in Lake Forest, CA, after a Black Belt Coronation ceremony honoring Rod “Rock” Hickman, Eric “E.V.” Vind, Ken “Ramjet” Rogers (now Anderson) and Rose “Renegade” Hoberg.