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On August 19th, the American Martial Arts Institute performed a demonstration for the Youth Summit at the Radison in Utica, New York. The Youth Summit was a gathering of hundreds of youth and adults that had come together to discuss issues concerning young adults. Grand Master Crandall brought eight junior rank students to demonstrate traditional katas and self-defense escape techniques. They were Nichole Stanulevich, Christine Longo, Ian Ramsey, Joseph Iannone, Jeremy Cellini, Stephanie Chard, Chris Eaton, and Sabrina Kowalski. Mr. Eric Stalloch was also there to assist Grand Master Crandall. In his presentation, Grand Master Crandall stressed that martial artists are non-violent people who train in the martial arts to strengthen their minds and bring balance to their lives. Martial artists do not seek violence or look for ways to hurt people. Grand Master Crandall explained the traditional martial arts philosophy of the circle; your actions will eventually come back to you.

After Grand Master Crandall’s opening remarks, traditional katas were performed by Joseph Iannone
(Chulgi 1), Ian Ramsey (Old Koryo), Christine Longo (New Koryo), and Nicole Stanulevich (Ba Sai Dai). Nichole Stanulevich and Ian Ramsey both executed breaks through two boards. To introduce the self-defense segment, Grand Master Crandall demonstrated some of the variety of options in response to a grab, using Mr. Eric Stalloch as a partner. The students then paired up to demonstrate escape techniques, and then four volunteers were brought up from the audience to learn how to do some of those same techniques.

The demonstration ended with a sort question and answer period where Grand Master Crandall again stressed that the mind is the most important and strongest part of the body, and that reading is the best exercise for strengthening the mind. The demonstration for fun and educational for all.