On Saturday, January 20th, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the American Martial Arts held its annual Adult Seminar Day at its main location in New Hartford, New York. Grandmaster Crandall who was assisted by certified black belt instructors from across New York State taught the full-day event. The adult seminar provided American Martial Arts Institute students of all ranks that were over the age of nineteen with a variety of learning experiences that are not offered in normal classes. Fourteen students from both full-time locations, New Hartford and Albany, participated in the seminar.

The seminar began with a short stretching session led by Mrs. Freleigh, a Chief Instructor. After a series of push-ups, stretching exercises, and sit-ups, the participants were warmed and mentally prepared for an exciting day of physical and mental activities. Stretching was followed by single, double, and triple punches from a horse stance.
Grandmaster Crandall divided the adults into different groups based on their ranks. Two instructors worked with each group, and for the next hour the students were taught the rest of their newest kata, received individual attention, and benefited from detailed instruction regarding their highest form. The students also had the opportunity to write down notes in an informational packet that had been provided. The packet also contained sections for more information regarding extension tools (sometimes referred to as weapons), self-defense postures, training rules and philosophy, meditation, and more.

While the different groups practiced their katas, Grandmaster Crandall sat down with small groups and went over questions from previous written exams for the brown belt and black belt tests. In the American Martial Arts Institute, brown belt and black belt candidates are expected to demonstrate more than just the physical skills of American Eagle Style, they are expected to be knowledgeable about their school and posses a greater understanding of the mental aspects of the martial arts, including its philosophy. Grandmaster Crandall rotated the groups so that everyone had a chance to work directly with him on this aspect, including lower ranks that may not be brown belt or black belt candidates for several more ranks.

Front Row (left to right): Bob Peterson, Loretta Collins, David Faulkner, James Fryer, William Walker, Anthony Campanaro. Second Row: Eric Druther, Amanda Peterson, Jason Nickel, John Freleigh, Carl Boykin, Ed Wojdyla, Judy Merren. Back Row: Mark Spiridigloizzi, Miss Crandall, Mr. E. Stalloch, Grandmaster Crandall, Mrs. Freleigh, Ms. Austin, Mr. Hillicoss.

Following this wealth of information and kata practice, the entire group sat down with Grandmaster Crandall to learn more about some of the school’s traditions, training rules, and applications of martial arts training for their daily lives. One of the topics discussed was the value of martial arts training despite the fact that most people will never be faced with a physical fight. Also discussed were the value of time, etiquette, and the traditional origin of the rank of black belt. Many of the participants took notes to help remind them of some of the details of the topics that were covered. Most of this information is never covered in regular classes; therefore, the participants were eager to learn everything they could, knowing that it could be years before they heard this information again.
The group then took a short recess for lunch, which gave the students a chance to discuss what they had learned with one another and some of the instructors. Some of students practiced katas during the break.

The afternoon session began with training in extension tools. Again, Grandmaster Crandall divided the participants into groups, but this time his group discussed some of the history of the American Martial Arts Institute. Dr. Chuff taught part of the traditional kama kata Kanegawa-no-Nichougama, while Mrs. Freleigh instructed student in the execution of the single-tonfa kata Yom-Chi. Then the groups rotated so everyone could experience both extension tools. Following this session, Miss Colasurdo, a Senior Instructor, taught the Summer Storm Bo Kata, while Mr. E. Stalloch, also a Senior Instructor, taught the Natural Walk Cane Kata. Again, the groups rotated so that everyone could have the opportunity to train with each extension tool.

From the fun of training with kamas, tonfas, bos, and canes, the students paired up with a partner to learn about the three postures of self-defense. After explanations, demonstrations, and examples by Grandmaster Crandall, the students tried their own techniques, and the instructors pointed out which techniques would be effective, what could use improvement, and how to move from one technique to another.
The self-defense practice then moved to another area not typically covered in regular classes, self-defense from a chair. Grandmaster Crandall discussed the primary concepts from this position and demonstrated a few techniques that could be used to neutralize an attack effectively. The students had a lot of fun practicing some of the techniques covered, and many were surprised at the wide variety of self-defense options that were available while seated.



As four o’clock drew near, Grandmaster Crandall sat the group down for one last time and discussed a few more of the concepts of traditional martial arts training. A group picture was taken of all the students who come for the day.

The American Martial Arts Institute is a traditional school, and it follows the tradition of spending time at each rank for personal growth and development of skills. While students may not test simply because they have achieved a minimum length of time, students who are ready after this period has passed are eligible to be tested and promoted. Because of the wealth of knowledge covered and the amount of time-spent training, this seminar was equivalent to one-month of training experience, and all participants received one-month off of their minimum required timeline.

At the end of the day the students drove home, but the bonds of school camaraderie, the excitement, the fun, and the knowledge are already being shared with their friends, family, and fellow students. Each year’s seminar is different, and the students are already looking forward to participating in next year’s adult seminar day.