It’s hard to believe but this photo was taken nearly a quarter of a century
ago. From our Karate Institute of America archives, courtesy of Jenny “Cougar”
Edge, and mugging for the camera during his Black Belt test, is Jeff
“Chainsaw” Kelly who went on to become the eighteenth Black Belt of the
Kiado-Ryu. His coronation ceremony was 23 November 1991.
Jeff transferred from another martial arts studio when it closed down. As is
the case with all transfers, he had to begin the KIA curriculum from the
beginning. This is not an easy task, but different studios teach different
curricula and that of the KIA is quite extensive, second to none. Every
student en route to a Black Belt, male or female, must learn basic,
intermediate and advanced degrees in fighting skills (competitive and street),
self-defense techniques, katas (choreographed forms routines), an assortment
of weapons katas and basic philosophic principles specific to our Kiado-Ryu
martial arts system.
Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States of America. His
quote on Persistence has been a mainstay of the Karate Institute of America
for decades. Its truth rings clear in every avenue of life. It’s a good one to
memorize.
American Rambo, His Valiant Wife, and Global Grins
What a wonderful and nostalgic reunion with Todd “American Rambo” Miller. Todd
studied at the Karate Institute of America in the early 1980s when he was
simultaneously studying at USC where he graduated cum laude from the Real
Estate Finance Program at the Marshall School of Business. He is now the owner
of
Western States Technologies in
Irvine, CA. Todd is also a Gold Medalist and National Champion in Adult/Senior
volleyball, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for the renowned
Semester at Sea collegiate program.
Zemia “Barracuda” Garrett strikes a forward stance and punch as she prepares
for her upcoming blue belt test (TBA). She is a determined young woman with a
“never-say-die” mindset. Barracuda is also becoming a very accomplished
Kiado-Ryu martial artist, brandishing excellent round house kicks and quick,
studied hand movements. Her fighting spirit is nothing to challenge unless you
want to find yourself looking up from a supine ground position, dazed,
wondering what just hit you and how you got there!
