WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE is, arguably, the greatest writer in history. He is certainly the greatest playwright the world has ever known. Who is there who has never heard of the Great Bard, read one of his plays, his poems, his sonnets or recited one of his quotations?
But what in the world has Shakespeare got to do with Martial Arts, you might ask? After all, he was a writer, not a fighter.
This is HUGE! On Thursday, 14 December 2023, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet became only the 3ʳᵈ individual in Kiado-Ryu history to earn a MASTER BLACK BELT ranking! He is preceded by Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (1ˢᵗ) and Christopher “Growler” Grau (2ⁿᵈ). So … a well deserved CONGRATULATIONS, RAPTOR!
The KIA officially began its life on 31 August 1979 and now, 44 years and over 3,300 students later, Raptor has risen to a “Master” ranking. This esteemed position is noted by a long red stripe on one’s black belt. Stop and think for a moment how difficult it is to achieve a 5ᵗʰ Degree Black Belt Master rank. It is not only challenging, it is extremely difficult … and demanding.
Thursday, 30 November 2023, was another auspicious day for Shaw “Wind” Shahriari as he easily passed his Green Belt test (with a little stress). Congratulations, young man!
A fruitful—and joyous—accomplishment. “Great job, Wind!”
Adding to the auspicious occasion was the presence of Kiado-Ryu Green Belt Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet—a once precocious young lad who has blossomed into a giant young man, now 17 years of age and a Senior in High School. Smasher will be testing for First Brown Belt soon.
KNOCKOUT! It’s the primary goal and success of any fighter—a trophy for the victor’s wall.
Knockouts don’t generally occur by luck. They are more often the result of design and opportunity. This KIA feature addresses the “Anatomy of a Knockout” when Allanna Jones was kayoed by Holly Holm.
ATTAINS 2ᴺᴰ DEGREE BROWN BELT
It was Wednesday, 25 October 2023, that a major accomplishment occurred at the Karate Institute of America. Guy McDonald, aka “Skull,” achieved his 2ⁿᵈ Degree Brown Belt ranking. This was a big deal, bigger than most Kiado-Ryu belt acknowledgements. It was also unique—a inspirational feat never before occurring in KIA history. Skull should be extremely proud of his accomplishment, as well as his entire family. CONGRATULATIONS, GUY!
In an ever-growing and hostile environment due to a law and order breakdown, millions of Americans are exercising their 2nd Amendment right to carry a firearm for their personal protection. Different states have different laws regarding carrying a firearm. In California, the legal right to do so falls into a category identified as “CCW” or “Concealed Carry Weapon.”
One of the businesses offering CCW services and firearm training in Orange County is EliteCCW located at 18183 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708. Although many firearm services exist in SoCal, EliteCCW is unique in multiple ways.