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Grand Master Crandall is inducted into the World Hall of Fame
Action Martial Arts Magazine Creates the first International Hall of Fame
(left) President of Action Martial Arts Magazine Master Alan Goldberg presenting the Hall of Fame
Cup to (right) Grand Master Clifford C. Crandall Jr.
Our school was truly honored by having two of our top instructors
recognized in the Spirit Awards level of this new Hall of Fame. Seen in this picture Master Jill
Crandall in the category "Outstanding Contributions in the Martial Arts by a Master" spirit award
and Master Allen Hillicoss in the category "Martial Arts Dedication by a Master" spirit award.
The first inductions into this World Hall of Fame took place at the Tropicana Casino and Resort
in Atlantic City, NJ on January 20, 2001. Occasionally an event occurs that is historic. Even
better, a historic event that involves martial arts, and this was one of those events.
The event had been two years in the making and was a
sold out banquet with martial artists from twelve other countries being inducted. As of November 10, 2000
all 1,300 seats for the dinner and banquet had been sold and during November, December and January over
1,000 people had to be turned away for lack of room. This was the first induction into the Hall of
Fame and the second tier called the Spirit Award was to have the most inductees. Each year following
twelve to twenty people will be considered for the honor. But being the first, an effort to include as
many living greats as possible was made. President of Action Martial Arts Magazine and Chairman
of the nomination committee Master Alan Goldberg was committed to this being as real and great as
any world hall of fame such as the baseball hall of fame or the boxing or soccer hall of fame.
A 3,000 square foot building is being built in Symera, Georgia, roughly 20 miles outside of Atlanta
to house the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Some of the noted martial artists that were recognized for their years of training and
involvement in the martial arts were:
(Left) In the category of "Outstanding Contributions to the Martial
Arts through the Motion Picture Industry Comedian Joe Piscapo with (right) Grand Master Crandall.
(Left) In the category of "Outstanding Contributions to the
Martial Arts through the Motion Picture Industry" Master Cynthia Rothrock with (right) Grand Master
Crandall.
(Left) In the category of "Outstanding Contributions to the
Martial Arts through the T.V. industry actor Phil Morris (right) Grand Master Crandall.
Others such as"Outstanding Contribution
to the Martial Arts thru the Motion Picture Industry" Director Issac Florintine.
"Platinum Pioneer" Grand Master Gary Alexander and Grand Master
Michael De Pasquale Sr.
"Golden Pioneer" Grand Master Jason Lau. "U.S.A. Grand Master of the
Year" Grand Master Jonathan Stewart.
"European Grand Master of the Year" Grand Master Jurg Ziegler.
"Canadian Grand Master of the Year" Grand Master Pan Qing Fu.
With the list going on and on. This was noted by four international martial arts
magazines that attended to be the biggest event of its kind.
With 18 great seminars all day Saturday everyone was active watching
or participating.
This event included a trading card signing by martial artists, over eighteen instructional
free seminars all day Saturday and the Banquet which started at 7:00 p.m. and
concluded at 12:30 a.m. Because there were only 34 seats available for the American Martial
Arts Institute, participants were limited to Black and Brown Belts along with a guest.
Some of our attendees you will see in the following pictures. Over 400 pictures were
taken by our school participants at the seminars and the great banquet. Many are on
display at the three main locations. A few are here for you to see.
Some of the Instructors, students, family and friends from the
American Martial Arts Institute enjoying the excitement of the eventing banquet.
 
Talking, and sharing the moment. Master Hillicoss talking with
brown belt first rank Nicole Stanulevich and Master Jill Crandall with spirit award inductee Sensei
Larry Eklund.
With top entertainment from the United States and Europe.
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More people, more fun.
The American Martial Arts Institute group gathered together in
the lobby at 1:00 a.m. after the Banquet for this picture and many other special pictures to
remember this exciting evening.
Grand Master Crandall (right) Master Jill Crandall (center) Master
Allen Hillicoss (left).
This was an historic event for the martial arts and for the
American Martial Arts Institute.
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