On January 10, 2007, Grandmaster Mark R. Shuey, Sr. presented two seminars in Central New York for the American Martial Arts Institute under the direction of Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. Grandmaster Shuey is known internationally as "The Cane Master," is the founder of Cane Masters International Association (CMIA), and founder and Grandmaster of the American Cane System style of martial arts.

Prior to the seminar Grandmaster Shuey and Grandmaster Crandall both participated in Action Martial Arts Magazine’s International Hall of Fame Induction in Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 6th. The Hall of Fame drew over 1,500 martial artists together from around the world for an exciting weekend of seminars, demonstrations, and recognition. Grandmaster Crandall and Grandmaster Shuey were inducted in 2000, and both have shared their knowledge, skills, and excitement from their martial arts schools.

Participants of the First Seminar:


(Left to Right) Front Row: Robert Peterson, Christie Catera, Amanda Peterson, Katie Osterdahl, Judy Merren, John Tsou, Mark Spiridigliozzi, Patty Service, Matt Hillman, An-Li Tsou. Second Row: Miss Krukonis, Mrs. Waldron, Miss Crandall, Miss Möller, Dr. Chuff, Mr. Phillips, Mrs. G. Stalloch, Mrs. Freleigh, Ms. Austin, Mrs. M. Stalloch, Mr. T. Stalloch. Back Row: Mr. E. Stalloch, Mrs. Jessee, Mr. R. Hillicoss, Mr. Brown, Mr. Sanson, Grandmaster Shuey, Grandmaster Crandall, Master Hillicoss, Dr. Howard, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Cumings, Mr. Fiore, Mr. Santiago.

The two seminars were presented exclusively for the American Martial Arts Institute, and over 30 instructors and students from across New York State and New Hampshire filled the gymnasium at the Mohawk YMCA that was reserved for the event.

The first seminar focused on self-defense and was open to adult students of any rank and brown and black belts of any age. After introductions by Grandmaster Crandall, Grandmaster Shuey, spoke about the cane and gave an overview of the seminar. Then the participants spread out and formed a ring around the circumference of the gymnasium and practiced a series of swings, strikes, flips, and twirls. Ranks ranged from white belt through sixth dan black belt, but Grandmaster Shuey spent time with everyone, sharing his knowledge and skill. The seminar then moved into self-defense against common attacks. Grandmaster Shuey stressed the importance of awareness, avoidance, and verbal responses before responding physically. He also stressed that the cane is a medical device designed to improve quality of life, whether it is for added stability, exercise, or to escape dangerous situations. Mr. Joseph Fiore, an American Martial Arts Institute instructor, was Grandmaster Shuey's partner for demonstrations. Techniques learned included a variety of defenses against punchs.

Grandmaster Shuey taught these same techniques earlier in the day when he was filmed for upcoming episodes of the Safety and Awareness Today Show, hosted by GM Crandall. The program airs throughout Central New York on ABC, myTV, and Fox and features segments for children, teenagers, women, adults, and senior citizens.

At the conclusion of the first seminar Grandmaster Crandall presented Grandmaster Shuey with a rice-paper certificate with the American Martial Arts Institute's school seal, his signature, and his chops officially recognizing Mark R. Shuey, Sr. as Grandmaster and founder of the American Cane System, the first American style of martial arts training exclusively with the cane. It was an important moment because Grandmaster status can only be bestowed meaningfully by a Grandmaster from one school recognizing another individual as Grandmaster, someone who possess the level of philosophical understanding, physical skill, and contribution to the history of the martial arts (or by succession from the Grandmaster to his highest ranking student designated as the successor for the style).

After the seminar, a group picture was taken to commemorate the event.

The second seminar was for black belts, and it featured teaching the Natural Walk Cane Kata. This is an American Eagle Style kata which Grandmaster Crandall taught to Grandmaster Shuey during their exchange of knowledge prior to the seminar. Grandmaster Shuey taught the participants the first part of the American Martial Arts Institute’s school cane kata, while Senior Instructor Eric Stalloch, a student of Grandmaster Crandall, taught the rest of the kata.

Participants in the Second Seminar:

(From Left to Right) Front Row: Miss Crandall, Mr. Colasurdo, John Tsou, Mark Spiridigliozzi, Christie Catera, Eric DelMedico, An-Li Tsou, Mr. Morris, Mrs. G. Stalloch. Second Row: Mr. Brown, Miss Krukonis, Mrs. Waldron, Miss Möller, Dr. Chuff, Mr. Phillips, Mrs. Freleigh, Ms. Austin, Mrs. M. Stalloch, Mr. Fiore. Back Row: Mr. Santiago, Mr. Sanson, Mr. R. Hillicoss, Mrs. Jessee, Grandmaster Shuey, Grandmaster Crandall, Master Hillicoss, Mr. E. Stalloch, Dr. Howard, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Cumings, Mr. T. Stalloch

Grandmaster Shuey concluded the second seminar with a 20-minute instructional workout using the cane and resistance bands featured in his exercise program. It was a fun and physically demanding workout. After the second seminar, a group photograph was taken to commemorate the event.

As the seminar ended, and the participants head home to their communities, it was clear that they were excited, and already they are sharing their knowledge, excitement, and experiences with their families, friends, and communities.