One of the most important ingredients in self-defense is Critical Distance. Being too close to an adversary (photo 1 on the left) allows the assailant to execute a hand strike, which can be too fast to defend (photo 2, center). However, by simply extending the distance between you and the assailant (photo 3, right) to at least a two-arm length, you create a safety barrier of time, time which allows you to react positively and avoid being struck.

This class photo was taken during a testing at the Karate Institute of America in 1986, twenty-eight years ago during the Golden Years of the KIA. Back then there were no computers, cell phones, tablets, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. It was a very different time, but as time goes, not that long ago in relation to the massive changes our world has gone through since then.

Annette “Warrior” Dale is a cannon maker. “How so?” you ask. Warrior is the mother of Sofia “Cannon” Dale featured in our previous photo of the week. Annette holds a Green Belt ranking from the Karate Institute of America, and she is tough. Warrior was a state champion long distance runner in high school, as well as a gymnast in her youth. She holds a Master’s Degree in psychology and advanced certifications in her field.

Sofia “Cannon” Dale delivers a palm-claw to Bob during a lesson. Cannon is the daughter of Mark and Annette “Warrior” Dale, and she did not get her call sign of “Cannon” without merit. This young lady has power to spare, so beware to anyone attempting to mess with this powerhouse! “Are you okay, Bob? You don’t look too happy.”

Dr. Kenneth “Ramjet” Anderson, Karate Institute of America Black Belt #11 (1990) was one of the toughest, most honorable, hard working, and dedicated students in Kiado-Ryu history. A champion fighter, Ramjet exhibited a quiet power and humility. He was never arrogant, never boisterous, never forsaking his Marine Corps military bearing. Ramjet was so tough he went through an entire brown belt testing with broken ribs, a fact not known until another student revealed his injury after the test.

Our friend, Isabel Rolo, invited us on her internet “Let It Shine Show” to demonstrate some self-defense skills, which my daughter, Christa, fourth dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and I graciously accepted. Take a break and watch the video. It has some simple but powerful skills anyone can use to protect themselves from assault. For martial arts lessons, workshops, or events, contact Richard King.

Bob “Grinder” Schreck, Karate Institute of America Black Belt #6, goes through the “bag drill” portion of his 1st Dan Black Belt test in 1986 (center of the bag ring). Grinder, who went on to achieve his 2nd Dan Black Belt rating received his call sign because of his indomitable spirit to succeed. Bob was not a champion performer but he was and is a champion human being, dedicated friend, and excellent student who lives the true code of a Black Belt through his quiet power, humility, and untarnished character.

What a wonderful Christmas gift! Todd “Thunderpunch” Alston, visiting from back East, dropped by to pay Mr. King a visit. It was a great Christmas gift from Todd, who was one of the Karate Institute of America’s stalwart students in the 1980s. Todd’s contributions to the KIA in that era are prodigious. His intensity, courage, skill, support, and fighting expertise earned him enormous respect among other Kiado-Ryu students as well as his adversaries.

Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian expresses her creative flair in wearing “Rainbow” leggings for her private karate lesson. But don’t let the fancy colors fool you. Hannah wasn’t named for one of the greatest military generals of all time, Hannibal, for no good reason. She is one tough … but feminine … young woman. We’re glad she’s on our side! I’m sure we’ll see more of her creative flair as her Karate Institute of America journey continues.

Jake, aka, “Achilles,” son of “Warrior”, strikes a pose as he practices during one of his Orange belt lessons while studying for his Purple belt. Achilles is one of the finest young men you could ever meet, as well as being a first class athlete and martial artist. And to think that he is only ten years old!