Kiado-Ryu Karate

Jan 12, 2015 - Photo of the Week

The Pen Cushion Defense

Ah, yes! It is true—the pen is mightier than the sword … when used literarily. Indeed, words, via the pen, have changed the world. Case in point, the Declaration of Independence. But the pen has other practical and beneficial uses, one being an implement of self-defense. Our photo of the week features “The Pen Cushion” to make a graphically visual statement, which is that the pen is an impaling weapon when used appropriately and correctly.

Jan 5, 2015 - Photo of the Week

Unlikely Weapons

“UNLIKELY WEAPONS” are common everyday implements you can use as self-defense tools to protect yourself and your loved ones. King’s Karate Unlikely Weapons, Volume 1 will teach you the dynamic power of simple pens, pencils, keys, clipboards, books, magazines and more. It is available on Amazon. It can also be ordered from our King’s Karate website in various formats. Check it out. Having this knowledge will give you the power of confidence!

Dec 27, 2014 - Photo of the Week

KIA's Eldest Sage Black Belt

90 YEAR OLD BLACK BELT! Dr. Milton Jacobson, aka “Super Zedha” just turned 90 years old on Christmas Day! Happy Birthday Dr. J.! Milt Jacobson, the 3rd of currently 63 KIA Black Belts, began his Karate Institute of America journey at age 54. He earned his first dan Black Belt ranking at age 60! And he’s still going strong at age 90, thirty years later. Milt is quite an inspiration, and he certainly leads by example.

Dec 8, 2014 - Photo of the Week

High Kicking Griffins

Having fun during their all-too-brief visit to California, the three Griffins show off their impressive high kick skills. From right to left are “Scholar,” “Badger” and “Gunner.” Obviously Scholar is setting the bar for her younger siblings. We’ll certainly miss these wonderful young people. They are quite talented, eager to learn, smart, respectful, dedicated and courageous—just like their other family members, especially aunt Anna “Wildcat” and uncle James “Psycho.” It was an honor to have them attend classes during their visit and we hope we will be able to work with them again in the future.

Dec 1, 2014 - Photo of the Week

Impressive Wildcat

Anna “Wildcat” Griffin practices her knife-edge kicks during her recent visit to Southern California. Anna began her Karate Institute of America studies at age eleven. She became the 55th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu in 1998. After traveling abroad to Europe, she received her Masters Degree in German and served in the U.S. Army in a combat division. Humble by nature, Wildcat is one tough soldier and martial artist. She is a true hero.

Nov 24, 2014 - Photo of the Week

Griffin Family Visit

What a great surprise visit from the family Griffin—well, some of them! Flanked by James “Psycho” Griffin< (KIA Black Belt #60) and Anna “Wildcat” Griffin (KIA Black Belt #55) are family members “Badger” (glasses and purple top), “Gunner” (blue shirt looking tough) and Scholar (glasses, center). During their month-long visit, the kids have been taking karate lessons. Of course “Psycho” and “Wildcat” were a great help. And what fun! These kids are talented!

Nov 3, 2014 - Photo of the Week

Flash's Trucker Remembrance

It is with deep and profound sorrow that I announce to you that our dear friend and martial arts brother, Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane, has passed on. As a final update to our remembrance, we would like to share another condolence we received. Following this week, we will post a page honoring Trucker. Bob, Thank you for your guidance and encouragement you gave me as I was climbing the ranks to Black Belt at the KIA.

Oct 27, 2014 - Photo of the Week

Smasher Hangs With the Guys

Hanging with the guys is our newest young stud - Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet, looking determined. It wasn’t that long ago that his brother (far right), 3rd degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, was the size and age Smasher is now. If history and lineage are any indication, we older ones are in for the fight or our lives in a few years because Smasher didn’t get his call sign for nothing!

Oct 20, 2014 - Photo of the Week

Fun Fear

Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (KIA fourth dan Black Belt) expresses some “fun fear” as he poses with our newest future Kiado-Ryu fighter, Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet. “Look out, Mr. Thomas! Smasher is, indeed, a smasher!”