American Martial Arts Institute

Press Releases

Black Belt Testing

September 25, 2004

After years of preparation and dedication, eleven individuals tested for new rank in the American Eagle Style of martial arts. One student tested for Junior rank black belt level and the other ten for adult black belt status.

The rank of first degree black belt, whether it be in Japan, Korea, China or the United States, is recognized as one of the most prestigious ranks in the martial arts. Many styles have ten levels of black belt, 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, instead of 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. Each testing requires those testing to demonstrate a wide variety of skills along with a 45 minute written exam, and each testing is unique. This past testing lasted seven hours, requiring the candidates to demonstrate punches, several kicks, self-defense, forms, sparring against one, two, then three opponents simultaneously, and much more. The judging panel was made up of eight 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 second degree and third degree 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 a more intensive written exam.

One individual tested for Junior Rank Black Belt:

Eric DelMedico is now a Junior Rank Black Belt (1st Degree)

Eight individuals tested for 1st Degree Adult Rank Black Belt:

John Tsou is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
An-Ning Tsou is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
An-Li Tsou is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
John Ryan is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Ian Ramsey is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Richard Hillicoss is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Amy Rossman is now a 1st Degree Black Belt
Christopher Ostrander is now a 1st Degree Black Belt

Left to Right: Front Row: John Tsou, An-Ning Tsou, An-Li Tsou, Amy Rossman, John Ryan
Second Row: Ian Ramsey, Richard Hillicoss, Christopher Ostrander

One dedicated individual tested for the rank of Second Degree.
: Mrs. Gisella Stalloch is now a 2nd Degree Black Belt

One dedicated individual tested for the rank of Third Degree.

Mr. Joe Werezynski is now a Third Degree Black Belt

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.





			Press Releases
			Black Belt Testing September 25, 2004
			After years of preparation and dedication, eleven individuals tested for new rank in the American Eagle Style of martial arts. One student tested for Junior rank black belt level and the other ten for adult black belt status. The rank of first degree black belt, whether it be in Japan, Korea, China or the United States, is recognized as one of the most prestigious ranks in the martial arts. Many styles have ten levels of black belt, 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, instead of 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. Each testing requires those testing to demonstrate a wide variety of skills along with a 45 minute written exam, and each testing is unique. This past testing lasted seven hours, requiring the candidates to demonstrate punches, several kicks, self-defense, forms, sparring against one, two, then three opponents simultaneously, and much more. The judging panel was made up of eight 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 second degree and third degree 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 a more intensive written exam. One individual tested for Junior Rank Black Belt: Eric DelMedico is now a Junior Rank Black Belt (1st Degree) Eight individuals tested for 1st Degree Adult Rank Black Belt: John Tsou is now a 1st Degree Black Belt An-Ning Tsou is now a 1st Degree Black Belt An-Li Tsou is now a 1st Degree Black Belt John Ryan is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Ian Ramsey is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Richard Hillicoss is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Amy Rossman is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Christopher Ostrander is now a 1st Degree Black Belt Left to Right: Front Row: John Tsou, An-Ning Tsou, An-Li Tsou, Amy Rossman, John Ryan Second Row: Ian Ramsey, Richard Hillicoss, Christopher Ostrander One dedicated individual tested for the rank of Second Degree. Mrs. Gisella Stalloch is now a 2nd Degree Black Belt One dedicated individual tested for the rank of Third Degree. Mr. Joe Werezynski is now a Third Degree Black Belt 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.