School Black Belt Testing April 21, 2001 After years of preparation and dedication, five individuals tested and earned their new rank. Three advanced to 1st Degree Black Belt in the American Eagle Style of martial arts. Dan Boak is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Zachary Keep is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Nicole Stanulevich is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Two dedicated individuals tested for the high rank of Fifth Degree. Linda Moller is now a 5th Degree Black Belt Pauline Walker is now a 5th Degree Black Belt Left to right front row: new first degrees Zachary Keep, Nicole Stanulevich and Dan Boak. Left to right back row: new fifth degrees Pauline Walker and Linda Moller. The rank of first degree black belt in the martial arts, whether it be in Japan, Korea, China or the United States, is recognized as one of the most prestigious ranks 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 seven 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 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 sometimes three opponents simultaneously, breaking wood, oral questions and answers and, most importantly, the demonstration of up to 16 different katas or forms. The test for the above-mentioned people started at 12:30 p.m. and was over at 5:00 p.m. The judging panel was made up of eight titled Black Belt Instructors. This group was headed up by Grand Master Clifford C. Crandall. Keeping alive the importance of each black belt rank and the complexity of each level the American Martial Arts Institute holds to the old guidelines of a minimum of two years but normally more as a guide for the time needed between each rank of black belt. This time is looked at as an opportunity to grow mentally and emotionally. The individual who is testing for second degree or higher has demonstrated that they can physically learn moves and understand the concepts of what the school, style and philosophy is by the fact that they earned their first degree. The difficulty as the individual continues the road of being a black belt student of the arts is in the ability to put into practice as a part of their character and philosophy that which they have learned. As they approach the demanding levels of fifth, sixth, seventh degree, their ability to stimulate growth in their school and their general promotion of their art which in turn will allow others to practice and enjoy the physical and mental rewards of the path which they have walked. The individuals testing for fifth degree were required to demonstrate three weapons forms and up to thirty-one additional black belt katas from traditional Korean, Japanese and Chinese styles as well as their American style. This was combined with all other traditional parts of the normal testing, including the written exam with a large segment of this being essay. CONGRATULATIONS to all of the individuals who tested and to their instructors in the achievement of these very prestigious ranks. All testings are posted at all training locations as well as on our school web site.