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.

Kiado-Ryu fighters pose for a group photo on January 22, 2013. From left to right are, Grandmaster Richard Andrew King, 3rd Dan black belts Chris “Growler” Grau and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, 2nd Dan black belt Dr. Tim “Odin” McCord, 1st degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet, and purple belt Adam “Frog” Mahan.

As a follow up to our recent photo of the week, we present this article by Kiado-Ryu Grandmaster Richard Andrew King, originally written in 2007.

Being aware of your surroundings is one of the first lines of self-defense. Yet, many women go through their days not really paying attention to who’s watching them. Remember, this is a predatory world, and although most people are decent there are those who are not, who have nefarious agendas of molestation, kidnapping, rape and more. Being responsible for one’s safety means surveying your environment to assess any potential threats.

Who’s lurking behind trees, bushes, walls, or structures in your life? The Phantom Ninja poses behind this tree to remind you to always be alert to who’s watching you when you’re out and about. Being aware is your first defense against attack and can save your life.

For those of you who have purchased canes from the Karate Institute of America, I would like to offer you a FREE group cane class, if you’re interested, on Saturday, January 26, at 10:00 AM at a park in Laguna Hills. If you have never purchased a cane from me but have your own cane, the fee is $20/person. There are two canes still available from the last order. These can be purchased for $50 each. If you have a friend who would like to take the class, they are welcome, pending the above requirements.

Adam “Frog” Mahan stands next to Mr. King, joined by the reviewing panel of Karate Institute of America martial artists, after being awarded his purple belt in the Kiado-Ryu martial arts system. Flanking Mr. King and Adam are #rd Dan black belts Chris “Growler” Grau, on the left, and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, on the right. Rounding out the panel is first degree brown belt Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet.