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!
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia blasts Mr. King in the face during the sparring portion
of her second degree brown belt test on March 10, 2009, at the Karate
Institute of America in Lake Forest, CA, as her sister and mother look on.
Sheel’s ferocious intensity is well known to all who work with her and, were
it ever to come down to choosing sides, you’d definitely want her on your
side! Any time Ceo can hit a target, or a person—especially her instructor—she
lights up like a Roman candle in the dark of night.
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia composes herself prior to performing a kata on her second
degree brown belt test at the Karate Institute of America on March 10, 2009.
Looking on in the background are, from left to right, Black Belts Mike
“Shooter” Benedict and Kim “Cultivator” Thomas, and green belt Annette
“Warrior” Dale.
Sheel “Ceo” Chitalia blasts Kim “Cultivator” Thomas with a roundhouse kick
during the sparring portion of her second degree brown belt test on March 10,
2009. Sheel has exceptional kicks, which she showcases during her kata
performances.
Kim is always the gracious one when it comes to taking a beating!
