One of the most important ingredients in self-defense is Critical Distance. Being too close to an adversary (photo 1 on the left) allows the assailant to execute a hand strike, which can be too fast to defend (photo 2, center). However, by simply extending the distance between you and the assailant (photo 3, right) to at least a two-arm length, you create a safety barrier of time, time which allows you to react positively and avoid being struck.
This class photo was taken during a testing at the Karate Institute of America in 1986, twenty-eight years ago during the Golden Years of the KIA. Back then there were no computers, cell phones, tablets, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. It was a very different time, but as time goes, not that long ago in relation to the massive changes our world has gone through since then.
Annette “Warrior” Dale is a cannon maker. “How so?” you ask. Warrior is the mother of Sofia “Cannon” Dale featured in our previous photo of the week. Annette holds a Green Belt ranking from the Karate Institute of America, and she is tough. Warrior was a state champion long distance runner in high school, as well as a gymnast in her youth. She holds a Master’s Degree in psychology and advanced certifications in her field. Warrior is also the mother of Jake “Achilles” Dale, who is as talented and smart as both his mother and sister.
Sofia “Cannon” Dale delivers a palm-claw to Bob during a lesson. Cannon is the daughter of Mark and Annette “Warrior” Dale, and she did not get her call sign of “Cannon” without merit. This young lady has power to spare, so beware to anyone attempting to mess with this powerhouse! “Are you okay, Bob? You don’t look too happy.”
Dr. Kenneth “Ramjet” Anderson, Karate Institute of America Black Belt #11 (1990) was one of the toughest, most honorable, hard working, and dedicated students in Kiado-Ryu history. A champion fighter, Ramjet exhibited a quiet power and humility. He was never arrogant, never boisterous, never forsaking his Marine Corps military bearing. Ramjet was so tough he went through an entire brown belt testing with broken ribs, a fact not known until another student revealed his injury after the test. Incredible!
Our friend, Isabel Rolo, invited us on her internet “Let It Shine Show” to demonstrate some self-defense skills, which my daughter, Christa, fourth dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and I graciously accepted. Take a break and watch the video. It has some simple but powerful skills anyone can use to protect themselves from assault.