As we have seen in the previous KIA feature, “Shakespeare and Martial Arts,” an excellent piece of advice was given to Laertes by his father, Polonius. That historic advice from Hamlet is from—Act 1, scene 3: This above all–to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. However, while being one’s own man offers certain advantages to living a good life, there is more.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE is, arguably, the greatest writer in history. He is certainly the greatest playwright the world has ever known. Who is there who has never heard of the Great Bard, read one of his plays, his poems, his sonnets or recited one of his quotations? But what in the world has Shakespeare got to do with Martial Arts, you might ask? After all, he was a writer, not a fighter.
This is HUGE! On Thursday, 14 December 2023, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet became only the 3ʳᵈ individual in Kiado-Ryu history to earn a MASTER BLACK BELT ranking! He is preceded by Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (1ˢᵗ) and Christopher “Growler” Grau (2ⁿᵈ). So … a well deserved CONGRATULATIONS, RAPTOR! The KIA officially began its life on 31 August 1979 and now, 44 years and over 3,300 students later, Raptor has risen to a “Master” ranking.
Thursday, 30 November 2023, was another auspicious day for Shaw “Wind” Shahriari as he easily passed his Green Belt test (with a little stress). Congratulations, young man! A fruitful—and joyous—accomplishment. “Great job, Wind!” Adding to the auspicious occasion was the presence of Kiado-Ryu Green Belt Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet—a once precocious young lad who has blossomed into a giant young man, now 17 years of age and a Senior in High School.
KNOCKOUT! It’s the primary goal and success of any fighter—a trophy for the victor’s wall. Knockouts don’t generally occur by luck. They are more often the result of design and opportunity. This KIA feature addresses the “Anatomy of a Knockout” when Allanna Jones was kayoed by Holly Holm. The intent of this assessment is not to disparage Allanna Jones but, rather, to be informative as to how not to get knocked out.
ATTAINS 2ᴺᴰ DEGREE BROWN BELT It was Wednesday, 25 October 2023, that a major accomplishment occurred at the Karate Institute of America. Guy McDonald, aka “Skull,” achieved his 2ⁿᵈ Degree Brown Belt ranking. This was a big deal, bigger than most Kiado-Ryu belt acknowledgements. It was also unique—a inspirational feat never before occurring in KIA history. Skull should be extremely proud of his accomplishment, as well as his entire family. CONGRATULATIONS, GUY!
In an ever-growing and hostile environment due to a law and order breakdown, millions of Americans are exercising their 2nd Amendment right to carry a firearm for their personal protection. Different states have different laws regarding carrying a firearm. In California, the legal right to do so falls into a category identified as “CCW” or “Concealed Carry Weapon.” One of the businesses offering CCW services and firearm training in Orange County is EliteCCW located at 18183 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708.
It wasn’t a gunfight at the OK Corral but it was deadly. A lone shooter, retired sheriff John Snowling, shot his wife in the face and killed three innocent people at famous Cook’s Corner—a family restaurant in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, CA. The dead were identified as Tonya Clark, 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona; Glen Sprowl Jr., 53, of Stanton and John Leehey, 67, of Irvine. Snowling, whose motive apparently had to do with his wife’s filing for divorce, was killed in the massive gunfight.
The business world knows him as David T. “Chip” Robinson, Jr., President of The Management Works of Newport Beach, CA. However, the Karate Institute of America knows him by only one name—his call sign—“Hawk!” Hawk began his martial arts journey at sixteen years of age. His first championship was at the Orange Belt level—the first color belt above White, the color for beginners. Obviously, winning his first championship as an Orange Belt was a portent of things to come, and oh how they came!
The 9th of September 2023 was a great day for Arian D, aka “Terror.” Not only was it his 11th birthday—complete with an afternoon birthday party—it was also his KIA Purple Belt test day in which he passed with glorious success! So … here’s to you, young man: CONGRATULATIONS on your achievement of becoming a Kiado-Ryutm Purple Belt! Remember this pic when Arian was awarded his Orange Belt back in June of 2022?