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.
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!
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.
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!
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!”
Take a good look at this photo. It’s the “Before” shot of big brother Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and younger brother Aidan, aka “Smasher.” Why “Before?” Because Tristan started his martial arts studies when he was Aidan’s age and size. Now look at him! Thus, how big will Aidan be when he is 15? That will be a great “After” shot when he poses with his brother then!
Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet’s younger brother, strikes a pose at the outset of his martial arts journey. Aidan is smart, coordinated, determined … and tough. All of us at the KIA look forward to sharing and helping Aidan as he grows … and grows … and grows. If he’s anything like his older brother, he’ll be a big dude one day!
Pictured with third dan Brown Belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet are members of his family, many of whom traveled from Los Angeles to support Tristan in testing for his 3rd Brown rank. How wonderful it is to have a family who supports their own. It’s not as common as one might think. The Karate Institute of America is honored to have such a exemplary family as a part of its legacy.
Posing with Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett after the successful completion of their 3rd Brown degree and Purple belt rank respectfully are 4th Degree Black Belts Chris “Growler” Grau (red top) and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (far right) and Richard “Whitefire” King (center).
Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett blasts her way through the “bag work” section of her Purple Belt test. Notice those Barracuda fists? You never want to experience them. Trust me. Oh, and by the way, never, never, ever tug on her pony tail!