The "Semi-Annual Black Belt Ceremonial Breakfast" Saturday Morning, October 7, 2000 Recognizing New Black Belts and New Ranks for: Chad Muller---First Degree Judy Merren---First Degree Robert Pagano---First Degree Travis Donley---Second Degree Brian Lindstrom---Second Degree Marilyn Stalloch---Second Degree This gathering of all the instructors on staff plus an invitation to the Brown Belts over the age of 18 has been a custom of the American Martial Arts Institute for six years. It is here that the certificates of the last black belt testing are formally presented. In the American Martial Arts Institute a student who passes their test receives their new black belt or red tip indicating their new level of black belt immediatly after the testing in a small ceremony with the titled instructors and everyone else that was a part of their testing present including spectators. But the special moment of picture taking and comradery with all the other black belts, friends and family takes place at the ceremonial breakfast. Everyone is in uniform and enjoying the time together in a friendly and light atmosphere which is based on the success and achievement of those being honored. This ceremonial breakfast was even more special with guest Grand Master Frank Dux and two of his top black belts sitting at the head table with Grand Master Crandall and the other titled instructors. With sixty-three people taking part, the room was filled and the spirits high. Grand Master Crandall took a moment to reflect on the pride he and all the instructors had regarding the new first degree black belts that were being honored. Grand Master Crandall talked of the responsibility that comes with being a black belt which in turn earns you the traditional respect that is attached to being a black belt. The American Martial Arts Institute with its American Eagle Style of martial arts offers a great deal of knowledge to individuals on their road to achieving black belt. The years it takes for each individual to achieve this knowledge may vary, but to test and achieve the rank of first degree black belt is for each individual to arrive at the same place. An equality of skill, technique, patience, concern for one's fellow students and respect for themselves and others is shared by all who achieve the rank in the American Martial Arts Institute. Grand Master Crandall pointed out that the future and success of the school and its tradition lays in the hands of the new first degrees that come up through its ranks. Then special time was taken to discuss the importance of second degree black belt and that these people have stayed with their training from first degree to second degree which has a minimal time of two years. These people have demonstrated that getting a black belt was not an end in itself but rather the begining of much more. Mrs. Judy Merren with her black belt certificate (center) (left) her instructor Mr. Wayne Handy and (right) Grand Master Crandall (Left) Mrs. Daryl Eastwood instructor with her students (right) Brian Lindstrom holding his new certificate for Second Degree Black Belt. Mr. Travis Donley receiving his certificate for Second Degree Black Belt. The instructor of the new first degree black belt is called up first to share in the moment with their student. It is realized that without this instructor giving freely of their time and insight the new first degree would not be there. As in any traditional skill or trade, the heritage of how to maintain its accuracy and its quality is dependent on the teacher, no true student of the martial arts walks the road to black belt on their own. (PICTURES COMING) Great food and plenty of it. The Ramada Inn in New Hartford has hosted the semi-annual Ceremonial Breakfasts for the last three-and-a-half years.