Having fun during their all-too-brief visit to California, the three Griffins
show off their impressive high kick skills. From right to left are “Scholar,”
“Badger” and “Gunner.” Obviously Scholar is setting the bar for her younger
siblings. We’ll certainly miss these wonderful young people. They are quite
talented, eager to learn, smart, respectful, dedicated and courageous—just
like their other family members, especially aunt Anna “Wildcat” and uncle
James “Psycho.” It was an honor to have them attend classes during their visit
and we hope we will be able to work with them again in the future.
Anna “Wildcat” Griffin practices her knife-edge kicks during her recent visit
to Southern California. Anna began her Karate Institute of America studies at
age eleven. She became the 55th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu in 1998. After
traveling abroad to Europe, she received her Masters Degree in German and
served in the U.S. Army in a combat division. Humble by nature, Wildcat is one
tough soldier and martial artist. She is a true hero. We are extremely proud
of her and grateful for her military service.
What a great surprise visit from the family Griffin—well, some of them!
Flanked by James “Psycho” Griffin< (KIA Black Belt #60) and Anna “Wildcat”
Griffin (KIA Black Belt #55) are family members “Badger” (glasses and purple
top), “Gunner” (blue shirt looking tough) and Scholar (glasses, center).
During their month-long visit, the kids have been taking karate lessons. Of
course “Psycho” and “Wildcat” were a great help. And what fun! These kids are
talented! How could they not be with two extraordinary Black Belts in the
family!
It is with deep and profound sorrow that I announce to you that our dear
friend and martial arts brother, Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane, has passed on.
As a final update to our remembrance, we would like to share another
condolence we received. Following this week, we will post a page honoring
Trucker.
Bob,
Thank you for your guidance and encouragement you gave me as I was climbing
the ranks to Black Belt at the KIA.
Hanging with the guys is our newest young stud - Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet,
looking determined. It wasn’t that long ago that his brother (far right), 3rd
degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, was the size and age Smasher is
now. If history and lineage are any indication, we older ones are in for the
fight or our lives in a few years because Smasher didn’t get his call sign for
nothing! He is good, smart and talented!
Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (KIA fourth dan Black Belt) expresses some “fun fear”
as he poses with our newest future Kiado-Ryu fighter, Aidan “Smasher”
Ligtvoet. “Look out, Mr. Thomas! Smasher is, indeed, a smasher!”
