On Friday, March 31st, 2006, Grand Master Crandall presented Richard Hillicoss with a black uniform top and accepted him into the staff of the American Martial Arts Institute. As a staff member, Mr.Hillicoss will begin to learn how to teach American Eagle Style. Mr. Hillicoss trains at the Albany location.

American Eagle Style is a traditional martial arts style with a rich heritage. The American Martial Arts Institute maintains the old traditions of this style and guards the prestigious rank of black belt with high standards. It takes many years for a student to progress through the ranks before they can achieve the rank of first degree black belt. As a black belt, the student is exposed to a whole new realm of knowledge and experiences. First degree black belt is not the end of their training, only a momentous step along the path of life-long learning. There are ten degrees of black belt in American Eagle Style.

One of the experiences many black belts desire is to complete the circle. This means that they give something back to their school and style so that others may benefit from it as they did. Adults, eighteen years or older, who have achieved the rank of black belt may one day become instructors and have students of their own.

Earning a black belt confirms a level of skill in the style, but it does not mean that the student has the ability to teach the style. In the American Martial Arts Institute an adult black belt student may request in writing to be accepted into the school’s staff and be trained in an apprenticeship program to learn how to be an instructor. Staff members wear a black uniform top and no longer train in regular classes. The apprenticeship can last from six months to a year before a staff member receives their instructor certification. Instructors wear an instructor’s patch with a blue background on their right sleeve and may have students of their own. Instructors must attend staff meeting throughout the year and are certified annually to teach.

Congratulations to Mr. Richard Hillicoss and his instructor.