Strength is . . .
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
President Calvin Coolidge - Persistence
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.
Grown Ups, Own Up
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
American Rambo, His Valiant Wife, and Global Grins
What a wonderful and nostalgic reunion with Todd “American Rambo” Miller. Todd studied at the Karate Institute of America in the early 1980s when he was simultaneously studying at USC where he graduated cum laude from the Real Estate Finance Program at the Marshall School of Business. He is now the owner of Western States Technologies in Irvine, CA. Todd is also a Gold Medalist and National Champion in Adult/Senior volleyball, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for the renowned Semester at Sea collegiate program.
Blonde On a Blue Horizon
Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett strikes a forward stance and punch as she prepares for her upcoming blue belt test (TBA). She is a determined young woman with a “never-say-die” mindset. Barracuda is also becoming a very accomplished Kiado-Ryu martial artist, brandishing excellent round house kicks and quick, studied hand movements. Her fighting spirit is nothing to challenge unless you want to find yourself looking up from a supine ground position, dazed, wondering what just hit you and how you got there!
Sun Tzu on War
What student of the Karate Institute of America does not recognize this quote from the ancient Chinese warlord Sun Tzu?
War is a grave concern of the state; it must be thoroughly studied.
This statement underscores the critical importance of not just studying martial arts but studying it thoroughly.
As KIA students also know, and as The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master teaches, “Martial arts is life.” Therefore, the admonition of Sun Tzu that “War … must be thoroughly studied” applies to everything we do in life if we want to succeed. Being mediocre, doing things haphazardly, not paying attention to details, not being serious about succeeding, etc., will not guarantee success. Whatever it is we choose to do, if we wish to succeed, we must not simply study it; we must study it thoroughly.