From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.

If we are to live with a noble and elevated spirit, regardless of our personal comfort, it is axiomatic that we realize that Character Must Precede Prowess. In other words, character must come first before our martial arts rank, status, championships, name, fame, skill, billfold, bank account, titles on the door, trophies on the shelf, name plates on the desk, headlines in the local society column or records in the record book. Without a high ethical and moral character, of what true value is our life? Regardless of our achievements, if we lack a sound character, how can we be truly satisfied with ourselves as human beings and the legacy we will leave upon the earth when our last breath is expended?

There is only one “Chief” in the annals of Kiado-Ryu history, and there always will be only one. That “Chief” is Dr. Tim Huston, whose call sign fits his persona.

A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Huston is the 29th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, receiving his 1st Dan rank on 12 February 1994. In fact, he is the patriarch of the inaugural father/son Black Belt duo at the Karate Institute of America. His son, Geoffrey, aka “Eagle,” became the 26th KIA Black Belt on 25 June 1993. Following in their footsteps and fighting gear, are Dave and Phillip Sampson, Vince and Jeffrey Weber, Mike and Greg Benedict.

Wow! Check out these beautiful ladies from the 1994 Karate Institute of America pictorial annuals.

Kneeling in the front row is Orange Belt Nicole “Goldilocks” Hackler (now a Brown Belt). In the back row from left to right are Heather “Burner” Corn (now Riggs), the 37th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu; Liz “Quasar” Eckes (now Avram), the 46th Black Belt of the KIA, and Purple Belt Christa “Commander” King (now Jacob).

This is an inspirational story, the kind that warms your heart, the kind we need more of, the kind that all parents should share with their children.

Jon “Stretch” Vail studied at the Karate Institute of America back in the 80s before he headed off to college. He and his lovely wife, Janice, have twin children—Jenny and Ryan. They’re cool kids, really cool kids. After looking at these photos, check out their amazing story of entrepreneurialism and generosity at this link. You’ll stand up and cheer!

From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.

Kiado-Ryu

Passages & Principles

There can be no excellence without effort.

We live in an age with effort waning
With riches expected sans work,
But in all reality and actuality
There can be no excellence without effort.

Greg “Maddog” Bendel executes a pose during his Green belt test in 1987 at the KIA. He attained his first dan Black Belt on 15 December 1990, becoming the fourteenth Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. Greg continued his studies and earned his second dan Black Belt degree.

Maddog was an instructor at the KIA, as well as being a martial arts open tournament champion. He was a stickler for detail and precision, which no doubt assisted him in his professional career.