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!

Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet pose Before and After their latest test on 26 August 2014. Zemia graduated to Purple belt and Tristan to 3rd Brown. For him the next level is 1st Dan Black Belt! Both students did an excellent job. The Karate Institute of America is fortunate to have them as our own. They are exemplary individuals and we look forward to their future accomplishments.

This is a fun photo! From our KIA 1992 Black Belt Archives are (from left to right): Thomas “Draco” Lindsey (#52), Kurt “Raphael” Hoberg (#21), Doug “Doc” McGregor (#20), and Eric “E.T.” Tan (#22). Hard to believe it’s been twenty-two years since this “Black Belt Stair Steps” photo was taken.

Barracuda parries a front kick from Raptor as they prepare for their upcoming tests at the end of August. For Raptor it will be his seventh KIA test, moving up the ladder from white belt. It will be Zemia’s second test. First was Orange belt and now Purple. Exciting time!

Kim “Cultivator” Thomas gives a hearty thumbs up to Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett after she visited the Black/Brown belt class in preparation for her upcoming test later this month.