Recognize these cuties and their gorgeous smiles? If you’ve been checking out our KIA photo of the week, you will. They are Jenny and Ryan Vail, Jon and Janice’s children. The family lives in Colorado and blessed us with a visit in the Fall of 2008. The twins were the subject of our November 17 photo of the week. Jon and Janice have both studied at the Karate Institute of America, and would have continued, but destiny moved them to the Centennial State.
Greg “Maddog” Bendel is the 14th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu (now 2nd Dan), receiving his 1st Dan in December 1990. Greg works full-time as a consultant for Hewlett-Packard, assisting customers to prepare for, manage, and survive disasters. He serves the community in Orange County Sheriff’s Department Search & Rescue Reserve Unit, serving as sergeant for the Command, Control & Logistics Squad. Greg is also the very proud father of two beautiful sons, Hunter and Marcus.
Pictured with Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Josh “Viper” Shamassian is Paul “Tron” Daniels, the 34th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. Mr. Daniels, who began his own physical fitness business, The Body Warehouse, and who also trains both Tristan’s and Josh’s mothers, referred the boys to the KIA. It was a pleasure to have Tron attend and participate in the boys’ purple belt test. And, of course, there is that famous Mr.
With new Kiado-Ryu Purple Belts, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Josh “Viper” Shamassian, are their happy and proud families. Behind Tristan (left) are his mother, Atousa; father, Ed (having fun) with younger son, Aidan. Standing with Josh are his mother, Joann; father, Mike; Aunt, Silva; and the beautiful young lady is Josh’s sister, Hannah. It is parents and families such as these that have made the Karate Institute of America a wonderful place.
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (left) and Josh “Viper” Shamassian (right) stand in ready stances at the beginning of their purple belt test earlier this month. These two young men are excellent students and did equally excellent jobs on their exams. In the background, on the left, is Mr. Shamassian; and on the right is Mr. Ligtvoet. Great to have fatherly support!
Congratulations to Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (left) and Josh “Viper” Shamassian (right), who each earned their purple belt rank following their test on 6 April 2009. Raptor and Viper are two very tough and talented young men. It is, indeed, a pleasure having them study at the Karate Institute of America. Great job, boys, and we look forward to continued great things from both of you in the future!
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia blasts Mr. King in the face during the sparring portion of her second degree brown belt test on March 10, 2009, at the Karate Institute of America in Lake Forest, CA, as her sister and mother look on. Sheel’s ferocious intensity is well known to all who work with her and, were it ever to come down to choosing sides, you’d definitely want her on your side!
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia composes herself prior to performing a kata on her second degree brown belt test at the Karate Institute of America on March 10, 2009. Looking on in the background are, from left to right, Black Belts Mike “Shooter” Benedict and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and green belt Annette “Warrior” Dale.
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia blasts Kim “Cultivator” Thomas with a roundhouse kick during the sparring portion of her second degree brown belt test on March 10, 2009. Sheel has exceptional kicks, which she showcases during her kata performances. Kim is always the gracious one when it comes to taking a beating!
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia is all smiles after the conclusion of her second degree brown belt test at the Karate Institute of America on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Black Belts in attendance are, from left to right, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Mr. King, Mike “Shooter” Benedict. Sheel, Ms. Intensity for sure, gave an excellent performance. What a great smile she has, and after a test no less!