Karate expert, Lyoto Machida, knocked out Rashad Evans for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title Saturday night, May 23, in Las Vegas, NV. The knockout occurred in the second round. The video link is below. Pay particular attention to the hand blitz Machida unleashes at 9:59, until the knockout at 10:25. It began with a straight left reverse punch followed by a hand blitz, typical of sparring matches at the KIA, in which Machida never let up until he knocked out Evans with a punching flurry.

Recognize these cuties and their gorgeous smiles? If you’ve been checking out our KIA photo of the week, you will. They are Jenny and Ryan Vail, Jon and Janice’s children. The family lives in Colorado and blessed us with a visit in the Fall of 2008. The twins were the subject of our November 17 photo of the week. Jon and Janice have both studied at the Karate Institute of America, and would have continued, but destiny moved them to the Centennial State.

Greg “Maddog” Bendel is the 14th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu (now 2nd Dan), receiving his 1st Dan in December 1990. Greg works full-time as a consultant for Hewlett-Packard, assisting customers to prepare for, manage, and survive disasters. He serves the community in Orange County Sheriff’s Department Search & Rescue Reserve Unit, serving as sergeant for the Command, Control & Logistics Squad. Greg is also the very proud father of two beautiful sons, Hunter and Marcus.

Pictured with Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Josh “Viper” Shamassian is Paul “Tron” Daniels, the 34th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. Mr. Daniels, who began his own physical fitness business, The Body Warehouse, and who also trains both Tristan’s and Josh’s mothers, referred the boys to the KIA. It was a pleasure to have Tron attend and participate in the boys’ purple belt test. And, of course, there is that famous Mr.

With new Kiado-Ryu Purple Belts, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Josh “Viper” Shamassian, are their happy and proud families. Behind Tristan (left) are his mother, Atousa; father, Ed (having fun) with younger son, Aidan. Standing with Josh are his mother, Joann; father, Mike; Aunt, Silva; and the beautiful young lady is Josh’s sister, Hannah. It is parents and families such as these that have made the Karate Institute of America a wonderful place.

Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (left) and Josh “Viper” Shamassian (right) stand in ready stances at the beginning of their purple belt test earlier this month. These two young men are excellent students and did equally excellent jobs on their exams. In the background, on the left, is Mr. Shamassian; and on the right is Mr. Ligtvoet. Great to have fatherly support!