Bob “Grinder” Schreck, Karate Institute of America Black Belt #6, goes through
the “bag drill” portion of his 1st Dan Black Belt test in 1986 (center of the
bag ring). Grinder, who went on to achieve his 2nd Dan Black Belt rating
received his call sign because of his indomitable spirit to succeed. Bob was
not a champion performer but he was and is a champion human being, dedicated
friend, and excellent student who lives the true code of a Black Belt through
his quiet power, humility, and untarnished character.
What a wonderful Christmas gift! Todd “Thunderpunch” Alston, visiting from
back East, dropped by to pay Mr. King a visit. It was a great Christmas gift
from Todd, who was one of the Karate Institute of America’s stalwart students
in the 1980s. Todd’s contributions to the KIA in that era are prodigious. His
intensity, courage, skill, support, and fighting expertise earned him enormous
respect among other Kiado-Ryu students as well as his adversaries.
Hannah “Hannibal” Shamassian expresses her creative flair in wearing “Rainbow”
leggings for her private karate lesson. But don’t let the fancy colors fool
you. Hannah wasn’t named for one of the greatest military generals of all
time, Hannibal, for no good reason. She is one tough … but feminine … young
woman. We’re glad she’s on our side! I’m sure we’ll see more of her creative
flair as her Karate Institute of America journey continues.
Jake, aka, “Achilles,” son of “Warrior”, strikes a pose as he practices during
one of his Orange belt lessons while studying for his Purple belt. Achilles is
one of the finest young men you could ever meet, as well as being a first
class athlete and martial artist. And to think that he is only ten years old!
Congratulations to Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett on the accomplishment of her
Karate Institute of America Orange Belt ranking. Barracuda, who is in the
manufacturing business, has a roundhouse kick that would rival those of higher
level martial artists. We look forward to watching her progress, as she
tackles her Purple Belt ranking with the ferociousness of a true barracuda!
Mr. King congratulates Chris “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas on the
extremely noteworthy achievement of their 4th Dan Black Belt ranking. Messrs.
Grau and Thomas of the Karate Institute of America achieved this distinguished
rank on 22 October 2013. They are the highest ranking active Black Belts in
the Kiado-Ryu martial arts system.
