The following statement by Sun Tzu applies equally to each of us in our life struggles, just as it does in war.
It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.
By being serene and self-controlled in any situation, we allow ourselves to think more clearly, assess the situation more completely and make better and wiser decisions.
The spotlight shines brightly on Kim “Cultivator” Thomas as he prepares for his testing to become the first Black Belt in the 36 year history of the Karate Institute of America to achieve a 5th Dan “Master” status.
Thomas began his Kiado-Ryu journey just days before 911 and has been consistently developing his martial art skills for the last 14 years. His fierce determination and never-say-quit mindset underscore his massive accomplishment. After all, over 3,300 students have passed through the doors of the KIA since they opened on 31 August 1979. Cultivator will be the first student to reach such a distinguished and daunting Kiado-Ryu milestone.
It’s hard to believe but this photo was taken nearly a quarter of a century ago. From our Karate Institute of America archives, courtesy of Jenny “Cougar” Edge, and mugging for the camera during his Black Belt test, is Jeff “Chainsaw” Kelly who went on to become the eighteenth Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu. His coronation ceremony was 23 November 1991.
Jeff transferred from another martial arts studio when it closed down. As is the case with all transfers, he had to begin the KIA curriculum from the beginning. This is not an easy task, but different studios teach different curricula and that of the KIA is quite extensive, second to none. Every student en route to a Black Belt, male or female, must learn basic, intermediate and advanced degrees in fighting skills (competitive and street), self-defense techniques, katas (choreographed forms routines), an assortment of weapons katas and basic philosophic principles specific to our Kiado-Ryu martial arts system.
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States of America. His quote on Persistence has been a mainstay of the Karate Institute of America for decades. Its truth rings clear in every avenue of life. It’s a good one to memorize.
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.