This Blast from the Past features a group test in 1986. These were wonderful times, times before cell phones, computers, and video games; times in which individuals engaged in the challenging work of improving themselves, of becoming substantive within the martial arts environment. Where is such a scene visible in today’s society? Where are those individuals who invest in themselves, their health and well-being? Indeed, where has all the substance gone?

She was the most driven young student in the history of the Karate Institute of America, and the most competitively accomplished. Juliette Williamson, call sign “J.W.,”, began her KIA journey at the tender young age of eight. Extraordinarily, by age twelve in 1985, she became the fourth adult-ranked Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu. It is hard to believe that was twenty-eight years ago. Time truly does march on and waits for no man, but even so, it cannot erase wonderful memories and accomplishments of one young lady, accomplishments well-deserved through hard work, drive, determination, courage, talent, and ambition.

Posing with one of his trophies in 1991 is David “Nails” Mooney, the 19th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. David was given his call sign “Nails” because he was as tough as nails. A relentless individual in his studies, David gave one of the best black belt testing performances in Kiado-Ryu history. He had prepared himself so well that even today, twenty-years later, his work ethic lives on and sets a standard for others to follow.

Kiado-Ryu Black Belt (#36) Chris “Growler” Grau demonstrates on 1st degree Brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet how to check and counter a low body blow. Chris has developed excellent hand skills worthy of mention, hand skills that are quick, clean, and powerful.

Purple Belt Adam “Frog” Mahan delivers a palm strike to the chin of Black Belt Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, who is always the perfect dummy partner. Kim should be in show business! Mr. Mahan, too, for that matter! In fact, Frog is quite theatrical and has been performing in live theater productions throughout Southern California for the past several years. Agents, are you listening?

Pictured left to right: Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord (second dan), Chris “Growler” Grau (third dan), Richard “Whitefire” King (Grandmaster, Kiado-Ryu), Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (third dan), Adam “Frog” Mahan (purple belt), and Justin (“Raptor”) Ligtvoet (second Brown).

Iain MacLeod with his lovely wife, Lizzy, and their 14 year old equally lovely daughter, Josie, in Rome, 2009. Iain won the very first KIA trophy in November 1991, beginning a deluge of KIA championships. Iain “Scotty” MacLeod was a legend during the early days of the Karate Institute of America. A ferocious fighter, Iain brought back the first Championship to the KIA, championships which grew to literally hundreds of first place trophies during its competitive history.

Tejas Maniar, in 1998, during his Black Belt coronation. Tejas today, in 2013, as a business executive. Tejas “Wolverine” Maniar is the 57th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. Tejas is pictured above with Anna “Wildcat” Griffin as she congratulates him on his 1st Dan Black Belt achievement in 1998. Now, in 2013, Wolverine is a successful business executive. Way to go, Tejas! We’re all extremely proud of you, your accomplishments, and for being a vital building block in our rich Kiado-Ryu legacy and history.

Where’s Dr. Milton Jacobson? Dr. Milton “Super Zedha” Jacobson is the third Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. A great inspiration, Dr. J. began his martial arts studies at the age of 54 and earned his first degree Black Belt at the age of 60 in 1984! He has always been a great inspiration and major icon in the history of the KIA. But where is Dr. J.

Surrounding Hannah and Mr. King, posing in the center of the photo, are, in the back row, from left to right: Black Belt Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Grandpa Shamassian, Mr. Shamassian, Mrs. Shamassian, and Aunt Silva; in the front row, from left to right: Josh “Viper” Shamassian, Aidan and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet. Photographer, Mrs. Ligtvoet (not pictured). Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian, wearing a black gi with her brand new orange belt, revels joyfully after her orange belt test on June 4, which she passed with flying colors.