Press Releases

Results for black belt testing in Utica on September 24, 2005:

1st Degree Junior Rank Black Belt

Chris Eaton

2nd Degree Black Belt

Mr. Paul Lilley

4th Degree Black Belt

Mr. Tim Cumings
Mr. Eric Stalloch

5th Degree Black Belt

Mrs. Cheryl Freleigh

Left to Right: Chris Eaton, Mrs. Cheryl Freleigh, Mr. Eric Stalloch, Mr. Tim Cumings, and Mr.Paul Lilley.

On Saturday, September 24, 2005, five individuals tested and earned black belt ranks. Chris Eaton tested for the rank of first-degree junior rank black belt, Mr. Paul Lilley tested for second degree, Mr. Tim Cumings and Mr. Eric Stalloch tested for fourth degree, and Mrs. Cheryl Freleigh tested for fifth degree.

The rank of first-degree black belt, whether in Japan, Korea, China, or the United States, is recognized as one of the most prestigious ranks in the martial arts. There are 10 levels of black belt in many styles, including American Eagle Style, but first Dan or first-degree black belt is the milestone of achievement for the normal marital arts practitioner. In the American Martial Arts Institute the average time to earn this rank is five and one half to seven years.
The testing lasted four hours and required the candidates to demonstrate a wide variety of physical skills and knowledge. Some of the areas demonstrated at this testing included punches, kicks, basic forms, self-defense against empty-handed attackers, self-defense against knives and guns, takedowns, sparring against one, two and three opponents simultaneously, oral questions and answers and the demonstration of empty-handed katas.

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 individual testing for fifth degree was also required to demonstrate self-defense from the ground and seated positions, up to 29 empty-handed katas, including American, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese forms, up to three separate extension tools, and a written examination that was largely essay and concept based.

Each candidate completed an intensive written examination that lasted one-hour. The judging panel headed by Grand Master Crandall was made up of seven titled black belt instructors.

CONGRATUALATIONS 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.