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.

General George Patton is one of the greatest military generals in United States history. He was a major factor in the defeat of the Nazi regime in Europe during World War II. Patton has many memorable quotes which resonate with of the principles of the Karate Institute of America and to life in general, one of which is this … In war the only sure defense is offense. Kiado-Ryu philosophy can testify to the veracity of this statement, not only in combat but in day-to-day living.

Winston Churchill was one of the greatest leaders of the 20th Century. As Prime Minister of Great Britain, it was his leadership that helped win World War II. He was a smart, tough, determined, indefatigable and inspirational leader. There is a nexus, a connection, between the philosophy and mindset of Winston Churchill and the Karate Institute of America. What is it? First, this question. What one quality is common to every one of the current 63 Black Belts of the Kiado-Ryu and soon to be 64?

Congratulations to Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet on the accomplishment of his Orange Belt. After a job well done, he poses with the Black Belts and his brother, Tristan, for some memorable photos. Aidan did a wonderful job. He is a remarkable young man—very smart, very coordinated and very determined. As he learns to exhibit the mark of a master, i.e., control, he will go far in life. We look forward to watching him continue to grow and, hopefully, join his brother, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet as a Kiado-Ryu Black Belt one day.

This four photo sequence features some of Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet’s Orange Belt test: Instructions from Mr. King. Bowing in with the Black Belts. Looking determined and focused during his “burn.” Fighting with fourth dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas. Aidan has come a long way since he began his Kiado-Ryu journey, growing from a boy to a young man. We are extremely proud of what he has accomplished and how he has matured.

It may seem inconceivable but there was a time before cell phones and computers, a time when people were engaged in actively pursuing meaningful goals and achievements. This dual photo (courtesy of and copyright by Genny “Cougar” Edge) was such a time. The year was 1986. The event—a group testing at the Karate Institute of America. It seems like yesterday, but at the time of this publication that was a mere 29 years ago!

Looking like the iconic true artiste, Dave “Rugman” Sampson allows us a look into his everyday life as a custom carpet artisan and part owner of MH Custom Carpets in Laguna Hills, CA. Rugman is the forty-second Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America, receiving his first dan rank on 24 February 1996. His elder son, Phillip, aka, “Ringer,” is the thirty-third Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, receiving his First dan ranking on 20 August 1994.