Action Martial Arts Magazine’s International Hall of Fame is one of the most respected in the world. This invitation only event recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of martial artists from around the world, and inductees go through a rigorous selection process. The American Martial Arts Institute is pleased to announce that Master Hillicoss was selected as “Master of the Year” and inducted into the hall of fame on January 15, 2005. This prestigious award is only given to one person each year, and a panel of high-level martial artists from different schools and styles each considered and several nominees before choosing Master Hillicoss.



The Hall of Fame was held at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 14th and 15th. The two-day event featured a Trade Show and Expo in the afternoon on Friday and Saturday, with the induction banquet Saturday evening.

The induction banquet was held in a massive ballroom filled with tables, a stage, and awards. Over 1,300 martial artists from across the United States and around the world represented their schools and styles by attending. Celebrity guest martial artists included Stephen Hayes, “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, Cynthia Rothrock, Frank Shamrock, and many others, but most of the recognition went to the traditional martial arts practitioners. The American Martial Arts Institute filled four tables with instructors, adult black belts, and their guests. The group had traveled from all three training locations and out of state to accompany Grand Master Crandall to be present as Master Hillicoss received his award. It was a memorable evening with a good time had by all.

The trade show that lead up to the induction ceremony also gave the American Martial Arts Institute an opportunity to interact with other martial artists and even demonstrate. The trade show filled a large conference room with dozens of exhibits and hundreds of martial artists. The booths ranged from celebrity autograph signings, martial arts supplies and books, a new martial arts television channel, and martial arts schools. With so many choices, it was difficult to see it all.

Two large rooms were set aside for seminars featuring a wide variety of topics. Some areas of interest included a Shaolin monk’s defensive techniques seminar, “Superfoot” Bill Wallace’s stretching seminar, and Master Mark Shuey’s cane seminar. At the Canemaster’s seminar Master Shuey learned that Mrs. Lynn Jessee had recently tested for fifth degree black belt executing his cane kata, Old Man with a Cane. Master Shuey was pleased and asked Mrs. Jessee to demonstrate the kata for the entire seminar. With less than five minutes to prepare, Mrs. Jessee performed the kata for Grand Master Crandall, Master Shuey, and several onlookers from other styles. The kata was spectacular and it drew a large applause. It was a proud moment for the American Martial Arts Institute to have one of its instructors demonstrate a high level of skill and positive attitude for the rest of the world.

Many martial arts schools isolate themselves from the world. Styles sometimes guard their art and are careful not to share their knowledge with others. To do so opens a school up to criticism. It puts that school on the worldstage where anyone can scrutinize it. The American Martial Arts Institute has never isolated itself, rather it has actively sought to go out into the world. Whether in Japan, Russia, China, or the several other countries where our style has been demonstrated, the school has sought to exchange ideas. Master Hillicoss’s induction as Master of the Year is a clear demonstration of the American Martial Art’s Institute’s strengths, of American Eagle Style’s acceptance in the world, of Grand Master Crandall’s leadership, and Master Hillicoss’s contribution’s to the school and the world of martial arts.

Master Hillicoss’s induction was a proud moment for the American Martial Arts Institute, and it was also a fun-filled weekend for everyone who attended. Congratulations to Master Hillicoss for his recognition as Master of the Year.