BLACK BELT TESTING
April 27, 2002

After years of preparation and dedication, eleven individuals tested and earned their new rank in the American Eagle Style of martial arts. Four of these students advanced to 1st Degree Black Belt and they are:

Susan Dougherty is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Joe Farr is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Cindy Prentice is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Wally Ramsey is now a 1st Degree Black Belt

Left to Right: Wally Ramsey, Joe Farr, Cindy Prentice and Susan Dougherty.

Two dedicated individuals tested for the rank of Third Degree.
Eric Stalloch is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt

Two dedicated individual tested for the rank of Fourth Degree.

Cheryl Freleigh is now a 4th Degree Black Belt

Jeff Machold is now a 4th Degree Black Belt

Three dedicated individuals tested for the rank of Fifth Degree.

Nicholas Chuff is now a 5th Degree Black Belt

Daryl Eastwood is now a 5th Degree Black Belt

David Phillips is now a 5th Degree Black Belt

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 and one-half to seven years. Some schools surround this testing with secrecy and fear. Rather than a test of skill and ability. 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 five and a half hours. The judging panel was made up of seven 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 third degree and fourth 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.
The individuals testing for fifth degree were required to demonstrate three weapons forms and up to thirty-one 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 testing, including the written exam with a large segment of which was concept oriented answers in essay form.

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.