Recognize these cuties and their gorgeous smiles? If you’ve been checking out
our KIA photo of the week, you will. They are Jenny and Ryan Vail, Jon and
Janice’s children. The family lives in Colorado and blessed us with a visit in
the Fall of 2008. The twins were the subject of our November 17 photo of the
week. Jon and Janice have both studied at the Karate Institute of America, and
would have continued, but destiny moved them to the Centennial State.
Hopefully, we’ll get to see them again in the near future.
Greg “Maddog” Bendel is the 14th Black Belt of the Kiado-Ryu (now 2nd Dan),
receiving his 1st Dan in December 1990. Greg works full-time as a consultant
for Hewlett-Packard, assisting customers to prepare for, manage, and survive
disasters. He serves the community in Orange County Sheriff’s Department
Search & Rescue Reserve Unit, serving as sergeant for the Command, Control &
Logistics Squad. Greg is also the very proud father of two beautiful sons,
Hunter and Marcus.
Pictured with Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Josh “Viper” Shamassian is Paul
“Tron” Daniels, the 34th Black Belt of the Karate Institute of America. Mr.
Daniels, who began his own physical fitness business, The Body Warehouse, and
who also trains both Tristan’s and Josh’s mothers, referred the boys to the
KIA. It was a pleasure to have Tron attend and participate in the boys’ purple
belt test. And, of course, there is that famous Mr. Daniels smile!
With new Kiado-Ryu Purple Belts, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet and Josh “Viper”
Shamassian, are their happy and proud families.
Behind Tristan (left) are his mother, Atousa; father, Ed (having fun) with
younger son, Aidan. Standing with Josh are his mother, Joann; father, Mike;
Aunt, Silva; and the beautiful young lady is Josh’s sister, Hannah.
It is parents and families such as these that have made the Karate Institute
of America a wonderful place. We are extremely blessed to have them as part of
our KIA family.
Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (left) and Josh “Viper” Shamassian (right) stand in
ready stances at the beginning of their purple belt test earlier this month.
These two young men are excellent students and did equally excellent jobs on
their exams. In the background, on the left, is Mr. Shamassian; and on the
right is Mr. Ligtvoet.
Congratulations to Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet (left) and Josh “Viper”
Shamassian (right), who each earned their purple belt rank following their
test on 6 April 2009. Raptor and Viper are two very tough and talented young
men. It is, indeed, a pleasure having them study at the Karate Institute of
America.
Great job, boys, and we look forward to continued great things from both of
you in the future!
