Winston Churchill was one of the greatest leaders of the 20th Century. As Prime Minister of Great Britain, it was his leadership that helped win World War II. He was a smart, tough, determined, indefatigable and inspirational leader.

There is a nexus, a connection, between the philosophy and mindset of Winston Churchill and the Karate Institute of America. What is it?

First, this question. What one quality is common to every one of the current 63 Black Belts of the Kiado-Ryu and soon to be 64? By the way, the current number of KIA Black Belts represents a mere 2% of those who have studied at the KIA in its 36 year history. Thus, the quality each of them possesses is rare, indeed, but nonetheless universal among each and every one of them? Guessed it yet?

Congratulations to Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet on the accomplishment of his Orange Belt. After a job well done, he poses with the Black Belts and his brother, Tristan, for some memorable photos.

Aidan did a wonderful job. He is a remarkable young man—very smart, very coordinated and very determined. As he learns to exhibit the mark of a master, i.e., control, he will go far in life. We look forward to watching him continue to grow and, hopefully, join his brother, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet as a Kiado-Ryu Black Belt one day.

This four photo sequence features some of Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet’s Orange Belt test:

1. Instructions from Mr. King.
2. Bowing in with the Black Belts.
3. Looking determined and focused during his “burn.”
4. Fighting with fourth dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas.

Aidan has come a long way since he began his Kiado-Ryu journey, growing from a boy to a young man. We are extremely proud of what he has accomplished and how he has matured. Ask him what “Your Life, Your Responsibility” means and he can give you an excellent explanation. Why? Because he’s lived it through his quest for Orange Belt, as all Karate Institute of America students themselves learn.

It may seem inconceivable but there was a time before cell phones and computers, a time when people were engaged in actively pursuing meaningful goals and achievements.

This dual photo (courtesy of and copyright by Genny “Cougar” Edge) was such a time. The year was 1986. The event—a group testing at the Karate Institute of America. It seems like yesterday, but at the time of this publication that was a mere 29 years ago!

Looking like the iconic true artiste, Dave “Rugman” Sampson allows us a look into his everyday life as a custom carpet artisan and part owner of MH Custom Carpets in Laguna Hills, CA.

Rugman is the forty-second Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America, receiving his first dan rank on 24 February 1996. His elder son, Phillip, aka, “Ringer,” is the thirty-third Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, receiving his First dan ranking on 20 August 1994.

Thomas Lindsey, aka “Draco,” is truly the giant of the Karate Institute of America. He hooked-up with Mr. King to say his farewell last week. He, his wife Michele and family, will be leaving the West Coast to establish a new life on the East Coast this month.

Draco is the 52nd Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, earning his first dan ranking on 13 December 1997. Although projecting a fearsome presence, Thomas is a gentle giant. Never once in his entire martial arts journey to Black Belt did he ever hurt anyone sparring. As a fighter, he had great control.