Kim “Cultivator” Thomas has fun spoofing The Karate Kid’s iconic crane stance featured in the popular 1984 movie. Cultivator, along with Chris “Growler” Grau, are on pace to earn their 4th Dan Black Belt rating in the Fall of this year—an accomplishment that has only been achieved by Dan “Basai” Asay among the 3,000 plus students in the Karate Institute of America’s thirty-four year history.
It’s just a bag, right? Actually, this old brown bag is much more. It has the distinction of being the oldest bag in the history of the Karate Institute of America. It began its life in August 1979, the official beginning of the KIA. After decades of faithful service being kicked, punched, blasted, and beaten, this old bag has been retired to remain an artifact of our rich and varied legacy as the KIA continues to march on in its duty to assist others who choose to pursue their martial arts skills and dreams.
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet takes down Kim “Cultivator” Thomas during a practice session. Raptor is working diligently toward his 2nd Dan Brown Belt; Cultivator toward his 4th Dan Black Belt ranking.
Practicing cane drills in their room of fire are Kiado-Ryu Black Belts Chris “Growler” Grau (third dan), Richard Andrew King (grandmaster), and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (third dan). Check out our Kiado-Ryu videos at KingsKarate.net. For excellent martial arts instruction for individuals or companies in Orange County, CA, contact Grandmaster Richard Andrew King. Photo courtesy of Adam “Frog” Mahan.
Kim “Cultivator” Thomas has some fun with Adam “Frog” Mahan (left) and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (right). When the young men grabbed Kim, he countered with double karate chops to their groins and followed up with double backhands to their faces. Ah, youth! Be careful who you grab, and, more importantly, watch out for the old guys!
It’s absolutely wonderful when students from the early days of the Karate Institute of America continue to reconnect with us. Such is the wonder of the web. With arms up-stretched under a beautiful Hawaiian rainbow is 6’ 7" Sam Taylor who studied with his brother at the KIA beginning in 1980. Sam was a great surfer, so it’s no wonder he migrated to Hawaii. By the way, Sam had a scary range with his kicks.
The Karate Institute of America welcomes its newest students, Rebecca “Thumper” Marquina and her brother, George, a.k.a. “Hercules.” Obviously, George’s nickname fits him well. He’s massive. And watch out for Rebecca’s power. She is truly a thumper! We look forward to their progress up the ranks.
Jake “Achilles” Dale, flanked by Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (left) and Grandmaster Richard “Whitefire” King (right). Jake “Achilles” Dale receives praise for his excellent performance during his orange belt test. On Jake’s right is Kim “Cultivator” Thomas; on his left is Grandmaster Richard “Whitefire” King. Achilles is one hot kid and delivers his performances with a lot of pizzazz!
Pictured with Bob are, from left to right: (front row) Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Mike “Shooter” Benedict, and Adam “Frog” Mahan; (middle row) Clark “Flash” Hyman, Greg “Maddog” Bendel, Richard “Whitefire” King, Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane, and Chris “Growler” Grau; (back row) Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, Jeff “Boa” Norman, Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord, and James “Psycho” Griffin. A group of Karate Institute of America Black Belts and students come together to celebrate and support Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane (wearing the white gi top and black T-shirt) in his fight against prostate cancer.
Jake “Achilles” Dale poses proudly with his family after earning his orange belt from the Karate Institute of America. Annette “Warrior” Dale, a KIA Green Belt, is accompanied by her husband, Mark, and daughter, Sofia “Cannon” Dale.