Pictured with Bob are, from left to right: (front row) Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, Mike “Shooter” Benedict, and Adam “Frog” Mahan; (middle row) Clark “Flash” Hyman, Greg “Maddog” Bendel, Richard “Whitefire” King, Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane, and Chris “Growler” Grau; (back row) Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, Jeff “Boa” Norman, Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord, and James “Psycho” Griffin.

A group of Karate Institute of America Black Belts and students come together to celebrate and support Bob “Trucker” MacFarlane (wearing the white gi top and black T-shirt) in his fight against prostate cancer. Bob is very open about this disease and desires to educate others about it. His advice is for all males over forty to get a full prostate checkup, not merely a PSA screening. While Bob’s PSA was fine, it was the full examination that discovered his condition.

Jake “Achilles” Dale poses proudly with his family after earning his orange belt from the Karate Institute of America. Annette “Warrior” Dale, a KIA Green Belt, is accompanied by her husband, Mark, and daughter, Sofia “Cannon” Dale.

It’s great to hear from former students. Pictured here in his rock climbing attire is Todd Alston, also known as “Thunderpunch,” for his incredible punching power.

Todd studied at the Karate Institute of America back in the 1980s. As well as being a great human being, he was also a tournament fighting champion and a dominant member of the KIA’s Demonstration Team. As one can imagine, Thunderpunch was also a stellar inspiration to the other students.

Jake “Achilles” Dale poses in preparation for his orange belt test on February 20. Jake is the son of KIA green belt Annette “Warrior” Dale and her husband, Mark. Achilles looks like a true karate kid, eh? A lot of talent in this young man, and so well-mannered, too!

Brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and purple belt Adam “Frog” Mahan pose after a sparring session. Raptor, the dinosaur, and Frog, the amphibian, are excellent martial arts students and devoted members of the Karate Institute of America. We’re honored they are a part of our Kiado-Ryu family and look forward to their continued excellence.

Rising to multiple levels of KIA martial art skill and training is exemplary. It takes enormous work, dedication, and perseverance to continue beyond the initial level of being a KIA Black Belt. Pictured are three of the Karate Institute of America’s post-first degree Black Belts. From left to right are, third dan Black Belts Chris “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and second dan Black Belt Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord.