These times we live in are getting scarier and scarier by the day.
Are you prepared to defend yourself or your loved ones?
Would you know what to do and how to do it?
Are you simply living in hope that you’ll always be safe?
Are you prepared to be in the “I-wish-I had-taken-a-self-defense-class”
category?
One of the mottos taught at the Karate Institute of America is, If you fail
to prepare you prepare to fail. If you don’t prepare, you will fail. As we’re
seeing day-by-day, attacks on regular people at common shopping places and
social gathering sites are no longer a rarity.
This week’s photo features not just any psycho, but the KIA’s own Psycho,
which is the call sign for James Griffin, the sixtieth Black Belt of the
Kiado-Ryu. James’ sister is Anna “Wildcat” Griffin, the fifty-fifth Black Belt
of the Karate Institute of America.
Pictured with Psycho and Mr. King is Mr. Griffin, the patriarch of the
wonderful Griffin family, and partner with Mrs. Griffin, its matriarch. The
Griffins have been stalwart supporters of the KIA for decades, and we are
eternally grateful they have shared their hearts, minds, spirits, character
and lives with us. This photo was taken after the latest Black Belt coronation
of Messrs. Thomas and Ligtvoet.
Congratulations to Kim “Cultivator” Thomas and Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet for
their extremely noteworthy accomplishments on 15 December 2015, Tuesday.
Kim Thomas has now earned the distinguished title, “Master Thomas” for
achieving the rank of 5th Dan Black Belt. He is the first student in the
history of the Karate Institute of America since its founding in 1979 to
achieve such an enormous goal. Kim began his KIA journey in August of 2001 at
the age of 45, received is 1st Dan Black Belt rating in July of 2007, and has
not let up since, finalizing the “Master Dan” phrase of his journey at age 59.
Remarkable!
Tuesday, 8 December 2015, was the first day of KIA impending history in two
parts. First, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (top picture, center), soon to be KIA
Black Belt #64, completed day one of his Black Belt test. His smile offers a
stark contrast to his tattered gi and sweaty head—a common visual after such
an ordeal, as the attending Black Belts will concur. They are, from left to
right, Mike “Shooter” Benedict (2nd Dan KIA Black Belt #62), James “Psycho”
Griffin (1st Dan KIA Black Belt #60), Chris “Growler” Grau (4th Dan KIA Black
Belt #36 and web master for Kiado-Ryu.com); and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (4th
Dan KIA Black Belt #63).
Self-defense demands awareness, and make no mistake about it, the world is
under assault from radical Islamic terrorists and the decent people in the
world must be aware and take positive action to thwart terrorist activity and
prevent the loss of life. The incidents in Paris and San Bernardino of late
are just two of the latest examples.
Therefore, if you See Something, Say Something, meaning something
suspicious. Forget about being politically correct. This is no time to be
concerned about hurting people’s feelings. Call local law enforcement if you
have any concerns or worries. The United States Department of Homeland
Security encourages such action. Contact numbers and links follow. Keep them
handy, be vigilant, and use them if necessary.
General Douglas MacArthur was one of America’s greatest military commanders.
As all great warriors, his words are a treasure trove of inspiration and
power. Following are four of MacArthur’s famous quotations.
There is no security in life. There is only opportunity.
Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.
No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
