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.

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!

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.

Ciaran, aka “Lightning,” moves from the Acquisition stage of his Karate Institute of America education to the Integration process—doing the practice. In the left photo he works his hand-checking skills with an overhand hook. He must be having fun if the smile on his face is any indication.

In the right photo, Lightning practices his knee strike. Notice his concentration in both pics. Given his parental heritage, Ciaran has the potential of being a great athlete. His mother and father were both athletic standouts—his mom in soccer; his dad in ice-hockey.

Well, the circles and cycles of life keep circling ‘round. With Mr. King are his two grandsons: Ciaran, aka “Lightning,” (the elder, now 5) and Rory, aka “Thunder,” (the younger, age 1). They are the progeny of Whitefire’s younger daughter, Chandra, and her husband, Dan.

Photo #1: Lightning gets instruction in hand checking as Thunder sits and takes notes.

Photo #2: Lightning is put to the test with Thunder on deck, standing and ready to mix it up.

General George Patton is one of the greatest military generals in United States history. He was a major factor in the defeat of the Nazi regime in Europe during World War II.

Patton has many memorable quotes which resonate with of the principles of the Karate Institute of America and to life in general, one of which is this …

In war the only sure defense is offense.

Kiado-Ryu philosophy can testify to the veracity of this statement, not only in combat but in day-to-day living. Why? Because life is conflict, it is struggle. Life is full of adversity of all kinds. When we are confronted with any challenge, if we remain passive, there is the likelihood the problems associated with such challenges will overwhelm us. However, if we attack our problems, our challenges, we become empowered. We do so because we take charge of the situation and dominate it rather than it dominating us, overwhelming us. This is why one’s concept of defense must remain offensive. It may seem to be oxymoronic, but it is, nonetheless, a truism, not only in combat but in life itself.