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.
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett pose, reluctantly, during a forced photo op in order to highlight their upcoming tests in late August. Raptor will be going for his 3rd degree Brown Belt and Barracuda will be testing for her Purple Belt. Best wishes to them both!
Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett joins the guys as she prepares for her upcoming Purple Belt test. Barracuda will be testing at the same time that Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet tests for his 3rd degree Brown Belt. Remember when Raptor was small? Not any more, to the chagrin of us who have to fight him!
In a playful moment, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas executes a drop punch to perpetrator Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet as a retaliatory strike to Raptor’s earlier attack. How the boys love to have fun!
Hannah “Hannibal” gives Bob some love to help him feel better after she spends some time beating up on him. Actually, Bob loves the attention, no matter how he gets it! If you look at Hannah’s feet, you can see why her second call sign is “Socks.” She always wears different socks on different feet. Today’s session is no different. Cute.
In a playful moment, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas attempts to push Chris “Growler” Grau but oops! Surprise! Growler countered with a rather direct and surprising stretch/throat move, quite enjoying the exchange, as is obvious by the smile on his face!
Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian is known for her flair, as well as her martial artistry. Notice her feet? She’s wearing a different sock on each foot. This unique artistic touch has garnered her a second call sign, “Socks.” Hannah’s spirit is as fun as her wardrobe! She’s a delightful young woman, up and coming martial artist, and, by the way, she employs a wicked right punch!
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (pronounced “light-foot”) easily dispatches his attackers—Chris “Growler” Grau (red gi top) and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (all black gi). Raptor has come a long way up since his younger, and much shorter, days as a raptor fledgling. He will be testing for his 3rd degree Brown Belt soon. We’re really proud of him. Stay tuned.