This four photo sequence features some of Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet’s Orange
Belt test:
Instructions from Mr. King.
Bowing in with the Black Belts.
Looking determined and focused during his “burn.”
Fighting with fourth dan Black Belt, Kim “Cultivator” Thomas.
Aidan has come a long way since he began his Kiado-Ryu journey, growing from a
boy to a young man. We are extremely proud of what he has accomplished and how
he has matured. Ask him what “Your Life, Your Responsibility” means and he can
give you an excellent explanation. Why? Because he’s lived it through his
quest for Orange Belt, as all Karate Institute of America students themselves
learn.
It may seem inconceivable but there was a time before cell phones and
computers, a time when people were engaged in actively pursuing meaningful
goals and achievements.
This dual photo (courtesy of and copyright by Genny “Cougar” Edge) was such a
time. The year was 1986. The event—a group testing at the Karate Institute of
America. It seems like yesterday, but at the time of this publication that was
a mere 29 years ago!
Looking like the iconic true artiste, Dave “Rugman” Sampson allows us a look
into his everyday life as a custom carpet artisan and part owner of MH Custom
Carpets in Laguna Hills, CA.
Rugman is the forty-second Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America,
receiving his first dan rank on 24 February 1996. His elder son, Phillip, aka,
“Ringer,” is the thirty-third Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, receiving his First
dan ranking on 20 August 1994.
Thomas Lindsey, aka “Draco,” is truly the giant of the Karate Institute of
America. He hooked-up with Mr. King to say his farewell last week. He, his
wife Michele and family, will be leaving the West Coast to establish a new
life on the East Coast this month.
Draco is the 52nd Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu, earning his first dan ranking
on 13 December 1997. Although projecting a fearsome presence, Thomas is a
gentle giant. Never once in his entire martial arts journey to Black Belt did
he ever hurt anyone sparring. As a fighter, he had great control.
Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet, lookin’ pretty spiffy in his grey and red stripped
pants, prepares for his Orange Belt test as he plants one of his powerful
right punches squarely on Bob’s chin. Smasher, a very smart and talented young
man, has been working very hard lately, and we look forward to witnessing him
move to the next level very soon!
Although written for Vietnam era military service personnel at the time,
Don’t Forget the Heroes is a patriotic, passionate and moving tribute to all
American men and women who serve, are serving and will serve the “Flag of the
Free,” especially those who have paid, and will pay, the ultimate price in
defense of liberty.
Endorsed by General Norman Schwarzkopf and Ross Perot.
“Don’t Forget the Heroes” is a wonderful tribute to all of us who served in
Vietnam, both the living and the dead, and the families at home who also paid
a price for loving a service member.
