From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.

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!

What student of the Karate Institute of America does not recognize this quote from the ancient Chinese warlord Sun Tzu?

War is a grave concern of the state; it must be thoroughly studied.

This statement underscores the critical importance of not just studying martial arts but studying it thoroughly.

As KIA students also know, and as The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master teaches, “Martial arts is life.” Therefore, the admonition of Sun Tzu that “War … must be thoroughly studied” applies to everything we do in life if we want to succeed. Being mediocre, doing things haphazardly, not paying attention to details, not being serious about succeeding, etc., will not guarantee success. Whatever it is we choose to do, if we wish to succeed, we must not simply study it; we must study it thoroughly.

Ciaran, aka “Lightning,” moves from the Acquisition stage of his Karate Institute of America education to the Integration process—doing the practice. In the left photo he works his hand-checking skills with an overhand hook. He must be having fun if the smile on his face is any indication.

In the right photo, Lightning practices his knee strike. Notice his concentration in both pics. Given his parental heritage, Ciaran has the potential of being a great athlete. His mother and father were both athletic standouts—his mom in soccer; his dad in ice-hockey.

Well, the circles and cycles of life keep circling ‘round. With Mr. King are his two grandsons: Ciaran, aka “Lightning,” (the elder, now 5) and Rory, aka “Thunder,” (the younger, age 1). They are the progeny of Whitefire’s younger daughter, Chandra, and her husband, Dan.

Photo #1: Lightning gets instruction in hand checking as Thunder sits and takes notes.

Photo #2: Lightning is put to the test with Thunder on deck, standing and ready to mix it up.