The "Semi-Annual Black Belt Ceremonial Breakfast" Saturday Morning, May 19, 2001 Recognizing New Black Belts and New Black Belt Ranks for: Christine Carpenter-----Dec. 9, 2000-----First Degree Dan Boak-------------April 21, 2001-----First Degree Nicole Stanulevich----April 21, 2001----First Degree Zachary Keep--------April 21, 2001-----First Degree David Bedell------Dec. 9, 2000------Second Degree Steve Riley-------Dec. 9, 2000-----Third Degree Dean Johnson------Dec. 9, 2000-----Third Degree Arturo Santiago----Dec. 9, 2000----Third Degree Dan Henderson------Dec. 9, 2000-----Third Degree Ann Colasurdo------Dec. 9, 2000----Fourth Degree Nathan Morris------Dec. 9, 2000----Fourth Degree Linda Moller-------April 21, 2001---Fifth Degree Pauline Walker-----April 21, 2001---Fifth Degree The room was filled with more than 60 Black Belts and guests. This gathering of all the instructors and staff plus an invitaion to the Brown Belts over the age of 18 has been a custom of the American Martial Arts Institute for seven years. It is here that the certificates of the last black belt testings 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 immediately 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. Grand Master Crandall (standing) with the ceremony's opening comments. Administrative title instructors at the head table included Master instructor Jill Crandall, Master Instructor Allen Hillicoss, Chief Instructor Wayne Handy, Chief Instructor Cheryl Freleigh, Chief Instructor Linda Moller, Senior Instructor Anne Petkovsek, Senior Instrutor Ann Colasurdo, Senior Instructor Jamie Howard. 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 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 of black belt in the American Martial Arts Institute. He also pointed out that earning a black belt does not necessarily make you one inside. A driver passes their driving test and receives their license but are they that day a good and well rounded driver? No, time and experience behind the wheel of a car and how they handle this responsibility of driving on the road in all conditions will determine what kind of driver they really are. So too with the rank of black belt. It is earned, achieved, but the level of the person as being a black belt is determined in the first year of wearing the rank. Their experiences, how they handle them, what they say and do in daily life after achieving the rank determines if they are true black belts and whether they will represent the finest qualities of what the martial arts stands for and represents in today's world. These four individuals have all the qualities to be outstanding black belts in a very fast and changing world. Here Grand Master Crandall is presenting the new first degrees with their certificate, right is their main instructor who shares in this exciting moment of achievement. Grand Master Crandall presenting certificate to Christine Carpenter with her instructor, Chief Instructor Wayne Handy Grand Master Crandall presenting certificate to Dan Boak with his instructor, Chief Instructor Cheryl Freleigh. Grand Master Crandall presenting certificate to Zachary Keep with his instructor, Mr. Nathan Morris. Grand Master Crandall presenting certificate to Nicole Stanulevich with her instructor, Mr. David Phillips. Great food and plenty of it. The Ramada Inn in New Hartford has hosted the semi-annual Ceremonial Breakfasts for the last four-and-a-half years.