As is well known to KIA students, our current “Barracuda” is blue belt Zemia Garrett. However, in the early days of the KIA, Ryan Allen also claimed the call sign “Barracuda.” Ryan studied with the Karate Institute of America from approximately 1989 to 1991. He achieved his Orange belt under the tutelage of KIA Black Belt Greg “Maddog” Bendel, one of the KIA’s chief instructors at the time. To this day, Ryan “Barracuda” Allen has wonderful memories of the KIA.
With Sue Lansdon, Inspirational Heroine We meet many people in our lives, but some remain friends forever. Too, some of our friends are truly inspirational. Sue Lansdon, who was an instrumental force in the early days of the Karate Institute of America, is one such person. Before her destiny moved her in a different direction, Sue attained the rank of Green belt. She was also an integral part of the KIA Demonstration Team back in the early 80s.
One of the wonderful aspects of the Karate Institute of America is the number of enduring relationships created over the years. One of the most precious is that of “Goldilocks and the Brown Bears,” i.e., Nicole Hackler, Lori and Jenny Brown. From left to right: Jenny, Nicole, Lorie. Summer, 2016, SoCal. This summer Nicole had a chance to visit SoCal and she was able to connect with her KIA buddies, Lori and Jenny.
She’s known to her friends as Lauren; to her former AP teachers as Ms. Haller; to her boyfriend, Kiado-Ryu Black Belt #64, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, as his gorgeous girlfriend. However, to the Karate Institute of America she’s known by her call sign, “Nuke.” Why “Nuke?” Just take a couple of her back kicks to any part of your body and you’ll know why, painfully, if not worse! That is if you’re still standing … and conscious.
This is fun. Mike Shamassian, Hannibal’s father, applied a little Picasso artistry to several photos of his daughter’s Purple Belt test. They’re very unique! Enjoy. Hannah and her father, Mike Hannah’s brother, Josh; Mrs. Shamassian; Mr. King Hannah, Master Thomas, Tristan Ligtvoet, Mr. King Hannah and Mr. King
Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian has been spying a Purple Horizon for some time now. On 21 July 2016, she crossed that horizon through great determination, persistence and an undying will—all met to the thunderous applause and approval of those who witnessed her accomplishment. Way to go, Hannah! Great job! You are truly an inspiration, the epitome of persistence and the manifestation of the great British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s eternal words: Never, never, never, never give up!