American Martial Arts Institute

"The Semi-Annual Black Belt Ceremonial Breakfast"
Saturday, May 4, 2002

Recognizing New Black Belts and New Black Belt Ranks for:

Amanda Fiore---December 1st, 2001----Second Degree
James Howard---December 1st, 2001----Fourth Degree

Susan Dougherty---April 27, 2002----First Degree
Joe Farr---April 27, 2002----First Degree
Cindy Prentice---April 27, 2002----First Degree
Wally Ramsey---April 27, 2002----First Degree
Terry Hommel---April 27, 2002----Third Degree
Eric Stalloch---April 27, 2002----Third Degree

Cheryl Freleigh---April 27, 2002----Fourth Degree
Jeff Machold---April 27, 2002----Fourth Degree

Nicholas Chuff---April 27, 2002----Fifth Degree
Daryl Eastwood---April 27, 2002----Fifth Degree
David Phillips---April 27, 2002----Fifth Degree

This gathering of instructors and staff plus an invitation to brown belts over the age of 18 has been a custom of the American Martial Arts Institute for eight years. It is here that the certificates of the 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. There is 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 left of head table with opening remarks.

Grand Master Crandall took a moment to reflect on the growth of the school and the excitment that he and all of the instructors felt about the new first degree black belts. He 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 earn the rank of first degree black belt is for each student to arrive at the same place. Each new black belt acquiring the physical skill, techniques, patience, concern for one's fellow students and respect for themselves and others that marks a traditional black belt.

Left to Right:Grand Master Crandall, Master Jill Crandall, Wayne Handy and Joe Farr receiving his certificate.

Left to Right:Grand Master Crandall, Master Jill Crandall, Wayne Handy and Wally Ramsey receiving his certificate.

Left to Right: Grand Master Crandall handing Cindy Prentice her certificate and her Senior Instructor Ann Colasurdo.

Left to Right: Grand Master Crandall, In Spirit (Susan Dougherty was taking her SAT's that morning) and her instructor Sharon Keep.

Then Grand Master Crandall turned his attention to the achievements of the new third, four and fifth degrees. There importance as leaders, teachers and examples to other students. Then began the presentation of certificates.

Amanda Fiore with her 2nd Degree certificate.

Left to Right: Jeff Machold 4th Degree, Cheryl Freleigh 4th Degree, James Howard 4th Degree, Eric Stalloch 3rd Degree and Terry Hommel 3rd Degree.

Left to Right: Daryl Eastwood 5th Degree, David Phillips 5th Degree and Nicholas Chuff who was unable to attend also became a 5th Degree.
As always there was great food and plenty of it. The Radisson in downtown Utica is were this ceremonial breakfast is held in the main conference room. A thanks goes out to the professionals at the Radisson and a big CONGRATULATIONSto all of the individuals who have earned new ranks as black belts in the American Martial Arts Institute, American Eagle Style.