American Martial Arts Institute

School Black Belt Testing
September 5, and September 24, 2001

Joe Wereszynski, because he was leaving to study in France for the next year was tested the evening of Sepember 5 and left for France on September 6, 2001.

Joe Wereszynski at the conclusion of his testing His testing as was the testing on September 24, was a demanding and long challenge pushing each person to their limits. After years of preparation and dedication, four individuals tested and earned their new rank. One advanced to 1st Degree Black Belt in the American Eagle Style of martial arts.

Shannon Markey is now a 1st Degree Black Belt

Two dedicated individuals tested for the rank of Second Degree.
Joe Weresynski is now a 2th Degree Black Belt An-Chi Tsou is now a 2th Degree Black Belt

One dedicated individual tested for the rank of Third Degree. Timothy Cumings

Left to Right: Shannon Markey, An-Chi Tsou and Timothy Cumings

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 lasted for three and a half hours. The judging panel was made up of nine 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 second, third, fourth 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 second and third degree were required to demonstrate additional weapons forms and up to sixteen 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.