KIADO - RYU

"Kiado-Ryu" is the trademarked name of that martial art style exclusive to the Karate Institute of America. "Kiado-Ryu" means, "family of the KIA way" (Karate Institute of America). Founded in South Orange County in 1979 by Richard King, the "Kiado-Ryu" system of martial arts expresses itself as a complete martial art system focusing on fighting (freeform, street and tournament), forms (kata), self-defense technique, weapons training, extemporaneous combat and character development. Its regimen is intended to be challenging as well as complete, testing the individual to his or her most distant limits physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

The roots of the "Kiado-Ryu" system rest in the ancient Chinese style of Kenpo karate. Mr. King's formal martial arts background was in the Tracy and Parker systems. After receiving his first degree black belt in kenpo, Mr. King founded the Karate Institute of America and began developing his own unique style. That style has come to be known as "Kiado-Ryu".

By January of 1999, only fifty-eight people have achieved the coveted rank of Black Belt in the Kiado-Ryu system since its inception in 1979. Generally, the path to becoming a Kiado-Ryu Black Belt consumes a minimum of five to six years for an average adult; seven to eight years for a junior. The standards of the Kiado-Ryu system are exemplary, arduous and difficult, demanding a high level of desire, persistence, determination, dedication, concentration, commitment, courage and skill. Those who make it to the Black Belt level are truly rare, composing only two percent of all students. In other words, only two people in one hundred who study Kiado-Ryu karate will make it to the coveted rank of First Dan.