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"The Semi-Annual Black Belt Ceremonial Breakfast"
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Recognizing New Black Belts and New Black Belt Ranks for:
Nick Fabbio---September 13, 2002----First Degree Junior Rank
Christine Longo---September 13, 2002----First Degree Junior Rank
Mary Margaret Krukonis---September 20, 2002----First Degree
Paul Lilley-------------September 20, 2002----First Degree
Gisella Stalloch--------September 20, 2002----First Degree
Judy Merren---September 20, 2002----Second 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 nine 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.
Pictures Soon
Grand Master Crandall took the time to express his excitement regarding the new era that had begun with
this breakfast. For this was the first ceremony recognizing the first Junior Rank Black Belts in the School. The Junior
rank testing is held on a different day than the adult testing and as seen on our web site, is different. Grand Master
Crandall discussed the schools clarity of vision regarding future junior rank black belts and its importance to the
school. With five new first degrees (two junior rank and three adult rank) it was easy to see that the school was truly
growing. And he pointed out with such positive individuals the school was growing in the right direction.
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. He also talked about 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.
Each new first degree is called up to receive their certificate and a white belt. They received their black
belt after they tested and now they receive a white belt to remind them never to forget what it was like to be a white
belt so that they can understand and help set an example for new students. Also the white belt represents that although
black belts now, they are in a new area, they are the white belts of the black belt ranks, that there is still
much to learn and achieve in the black belt ranks.
One person received their certificate for second degree. Grand Master Crandall pointed out the real importance of
this. He shared that there is a minimal of two years before testing for second degree and that people who achieve this
have demonstrated that they did not achieve their first degree as a trophy or task but rather as a road chosen for the
betterment of their lives. They have been black belts now long enough to truly understand the meaning and responsibility.
These people make a big impact on the longevity and strength of a school.
A special guest at this Ceremonial Breakfast was Master Mark Shuey Sr. known by many as the Cane Master. His presence
was in conjunction with the weekend seminar he was giving for the American Marial Arts Institute on the use of the Cane and
the benefits of Yoga.
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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.
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