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JUNIOR RANK BLACK BELT TESTING
September 13, 2002
After years of preparation and dedication, two individuals tested and earned their new rank in
the American Eagle Style of martial arts. These students advanced to 1st Degree Black Belt and they are:
Nick Fabbio is now a 1st Degree Junior Black Belt
Christine Longo is now a 1st Degree Junior Black Belt
Left to Right: Christin Longo and Nick Fabbio.
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 opponents simultaneously, 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 six titled Black Belt Instructors. This group was headed up by Grand Master Clifford C. Crandall.
Grand Master Crandall and the instructors of the American Martial Arts Institute realizing that a ten or
eleven-year-old boy or girl has not acquied a maturity level, nor have they developed physically to be expected
to succeed into the traditional adult black belt ranks. A testing has been designed that will allow young
students, ages 15 and under, to reach the level of black belt at an age where it is understood that their
physical joints, bones, muscle strength, and mental attitude is not that of an adult. For the safety of our students,
and at the same time with the desire to recognize them for their achievement, the Junior Rank Black Belt testing was
established.
Junior Rank Black Belts students who turn 16 will at that point be considered to demonstrate the areas of a black
belt testing which have been identified for adult black belts. This demonstration of skill can take place anytime
between their 16th and 18th birthdays. Until they comlete these portions of the adult black belt testing, they will
continue to wear a black belt with a white stripe through the center. There is not additional testing fee for this part
of their adult black belt testing. We feel that their attitudes and maturity should have an affect on how they express
themselves in their essay.
CONGRATULATIONS to
these two 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.
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