Black Belt Belt Testings
September 18, 1999
After years of preparation and dedication, three individuals tested and earned their new rank as a 1st Degree Black Belt while five others tested at the same time and demonstrated the knowledge and skill to become 2nd Degrees and three others demonstrated the knowledge for 3rd Degree in the American Eagle Style of martial arts.

Junior Rank

Tim Quigley = 1st Degree Black Belt


left: Tim Quigley center: Linda Austin right: James Colasurdo are now new black belts in our school

Adult Rank

Linda Austin = 1st Degree Black Belt
James Colasurdo = 1st Degree Black Belt

Patrick McNeil = 2nd Degree Black Belt
Kevin Marshall = 2nd Degree Black Belt
Mark Sanson = 2nd Degree Black Belt
Mark Huth = 2nd Degree Black Belt
Don Brown = 2nd Degree Black Belt

Cheryl Freleigh = 3rd Degree Black Belt
Bret Jessee = 3rd Degree Black Belt
Linda Knauber = 3rd Degree Black Belt

The rank of black belt in the martial arts, whether it be in Japan, Korea, China or the United States, is the most prestigious rank there is. Yes, there are 10 levels of black belt in many styles, but first degree or first level black belt is the milestone of achievement for the normal martial arts practitioner. In the American Martial Arts Institute the average time to earn this rank is five to six years. Some schools surround this testing with secrecy and fear. Rather than a test of skill and ability, it becomes cultish with hazing. The American Martial Arts Institute sees this testing as a time of demonstrating knowledge learned and the opportunity to learn more. Students are allowed to talk about their testing and the achievement. The areas tested are many and the areas emphasized do change with each testing as well as the 45 minute written exam. The test involves a demonstration of forms, kicks, sparring against one, then two and then three opponents simultaneously,breaking wood and, most importantly, the demonstration of up to 16 different katas or forms. The test for the above-mentioned people started at 1:00 p.m. and was over at 7:00 p.m. The judging panel was made up of seven titled Black Belt Instructors. This group is headed by Grand Master Clifford Crandall Jr.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of these martial artists. All testings are posted at all three locations, Yorkville, Albany and Farmington as well as on our web sit.