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.
The spotlight shines brightly on Kim “Cultivator” Thomas as he prepares for his testing to become the first Black Belt in the 36 year history of the Karate Institute of America to achieve a 5th Dan “Master” status. Thomas began his Kiado-Ryu journey just days before 911 and has been consistently developing his martial art skills for the last 14 years. His fierce determination and never-say-quit mindset underscore his massive accomplishment.
It’s hard to believe but this photo was taken nearly a quarter of a century ago. From our Karate Institute of America archives, courtesy of Jenny “Cougar” Edge, and mugging for the camera during his Black Belt test, is Jeff “Chainsaw” Kelly who went on to become the eighteenth Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu. His coronation ceremony was 23 November 1991. Jeff transferred from another martial arts studio when it closed down.
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States of America. His quote on Persistence has been a mainstay of the Karate Institute of America for decades. Its truth rings clear in every avenue of life. It’s a good one to memorize.
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
What a wonderful and nostalgic reunion with Todd “American Rambo” Miller. Todd studied at the Karate Institute of America in the early 1980s when he was simultaneously studying at USC where he graduated cum laude from the Real Estate Finance Program at the Marshall School of Business. He is now the owner of Western States Technologies in Irvine, CA. Todd is also a Gold Medalist and National Champion in Adult/Senior volleyball, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for the renowned Semester at Sea collegiate program.
Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett strikes a forward stance and punch as she prepares for her upcoming blue belt test (TBA). She is a determined young woman with a “never-say-die” mindset. Barracuda is also becoming a very accomplished Kiado-Ryu martial artist, brandishing excellent round house kicks and quick, studied hand movements. Her fighting spirit is nothing to challenge unless you want to find yourself looking up from a supine ground position, dazed, wondering what just hit you and how you got there!