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!
What student of the Karate Institute of America does not recognize this quote from the ancient Chinese warlord Sun Tzu? War is a grave concern of the state; it must be thoroughly studied. Sun Tzu The Art of War (Translation by Samuel B. Griffith) This statement underscores the critical importance of not just studying martial arts but studying it thoroughly. As KIA students also know, and as The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master teaches, “Martial arts is life.
Ciaran, aka “Lightning,” moves from the Acquisition stage of his Karate Institute of America education to the Integration process—doing the practice. In the left photo he works his hand-checking skills with an overhand hook. He must be having fun if the smile on his face is any indication. In the right photo, Lightning practices his knee strike. Notice his concentration in both pics. Given his parental heritage, Ciaran has the potential of being a great athlete.
Well, the circles and cycles of life keep circling ‘round. With Mr. King are his two grandsons: Ciaran, aka “Lightning,” (the elder, now 5) and Rory, aka “Thunder,” (the younger, age 1). They are the progeny of Whitefire’s younger daughter, Chandra, and her husband, Dan. Photo #1: Lightning gets instruction in hand checking as Thunder sits and takes notes. Photo #2: Lightning is put to the test with Thunder on deck, standing and ready to mix it up.