Although written for Vietnam era military service personnel at the time, Don’t Forget the Heroes is a patriotic, passionate and moving tribute to all American men and women who serve, are serving and will serve the “Flag of the Free,” especially those who have paid, and will pay, the ultimate price in defense of liberty. Endorsed by General Norman Schwarzkopf and Ross Perot. “Don’t Forget the Heroes” is a wonderful tribute to all of us who served in Vietnam, both the living and the dead, and the families at home who also paid a price for loving a service member.

Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian delivers, joyfully, a palm thrust to Bob during her workout. Notice the bend in Bob’s neck. Ouch! And Hannah’s eyes—totally focused. Too, check out her right hand. It’s perfectly placed and ready to deliver its own strike. Poor Bob. At least his pain is at the hand of one of the sweetest martial artists in KIA history. And don’t think this chick can’t hit. Believe me, she can … and does.

Balance is Primary. This is one of the most critical principles in martial arts and life. When things are out of balance—physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, spiritually—complications ensue. We simply cannot have a substantive, healthy, harmonious life if we are out of balance. As Euripides (480–406 B.C.E.) stated, The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life. Pope John Paul II observed, Man always travels along precipices.

This is one of the fundamental principles of the Karate Institute of America. Do you want to be a diamond or a chunk of coal? If you choose to be a diamond, you must be willing to embrace the heat, pressure and time necessary to be a gem of immense value. If you choose to be an ordinary chunk of coal, well, you’ll have lots of company.

With a beaming and relieved smile, Judy “Striker” Gompf poses with Mr. King after her successful Orange Belt test. Having moved out of the area, Striker was able to return and finish her goal. By the way, her basics were just as good as they were when she moved over a year ago. She didn’t skip a beat. This is such a great testimony to her persistence and determination, which her following inspirational quote corroborates:

Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett (sunglasses) poses with Judy “Striker” Gompf just before Striker takes her Orange Belt test. Barracuda is a Purple Belt working on her Blue. And did her support help? Of course. These two ladies have been friends from their high school days at Laguna Beach where they both played softball. They’re really athletes and fearsome fighters. Check back next week to see if Striker passed her test.