If Kim “Cultivator” Thomas didn’t scare anybody with those eyes of his, that knife with its curved beak certainly would. And notice that huge right hand holding the knife! One of Cultivator’s trademarks are his enormously strong mitts, developed over many decades during his career as a landscape architect. This shot was taken during his second dan Black Belt test, in which he performed an open blade knife kata—the use of a real blade being a KIA requirement—as well as two other weapon sets: short stick—his favorite—and nunchaku. Cultivator, a nickname originating from his profession, is obviously quite competent with his hands in more ways than one!

Mike “Shooter” Benedict, a Black Belt panel member, presents his gift of a 2nd Dan Black Belt tab to the newest Kiado-Ryu second dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas. Shooter’s idea of presenting a striped tab to recognize black and brown belt degrees is an innovative concept worthy of merit.

Congratulations to Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, who achieved his Kiado-Ryu 2nd Dan Black Belt on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Cultivator gave excellent performances with three weapons: nunchaku, stick, and knife. He also scored highly in his 360 extemporaneous attack drill. Kim’s skill as a Black Belt is commendable, but his immense character and ever-positive personality set him apart. All of us at the KIA are grateful that Kim Thomas is part of the Karate Institute of America, and we look forward to his attainment of 3rd Dan.

Just before leaving home and beginning her collegiate career at the University of California, Berkeley, Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia delivers a crushing right palm to Bob’s face—per his request—before she, in return, gives him a departing thank-you kiss for all the abuse, pain, and crushing karate blows she delivered to him in the last four years. Frankly, Sheel and Bob have had a special relationship. Whenever Ceo would do “Bobwork,” her eyes, face and smile would light up like a Fourth of July fireworks display. No one in the history of the KIA has ever loved striking a dummy more than this beautiful Indian-American tigress. So, look out world, Ms. Chitalia is knockin’ at your door!

The beautiful and lovely Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia poses with Mr. King after her last lesson before going off to college. Sheel will begin her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley. This young woman is a tribute to humanity. At the KIA we all know how tough and intense she is; a veritable lioness when it comes to fighting and self-defense. We all know, too, what an extraordinary young woman she is—bright, charming, intelligent, respectful, humble, and oh, did we say intense? We wish Sheel the very best in her collegiate career and look for her to continue doing great things with her life.

Just outside Boston is one of the most famous structures of American History, the Longfellow House. It not only served as the private residence of the renowned American poet and educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, but it was also the tactical residence of General George Washington during the initial stages of the Revolutionary War. It’s an amazing historical monument in Cambridge and definitely a stopping place for tourists.