American Martial Arts Institute

Results for the adult rank black belt testings held on
June 16th at the main Utica location.

After years of preparation and dedication, three individuals tested and earned their new rank in the American Eagle Style of martial arts.

Adult Rank Black Belt

Amanda Peterson-----1st Dan

Mr. Paul Lilley-----3rd Dan

Mr. Mark Sanson-----4th Dan

Black belt testings in the American Martial Arts Institute are a time for demonstrating knowledge learned and an opportunity to learn more. 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 ten levels of black belt in many styles, including American Eagle Style, but first dan 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.

Black belt testings in the American Martial Arts Institute evaluate the knowledge and skills of each individual candidate. Students are allowed to talk about their testing and achievement. Numerous areas are tested, and the areas emphasized and written examination change with each testing.

The testing lasted three and one-half hours and required the candidates to demonstrate punches, kicks, extension tools, basic forms, self-defense against empty-handed attackers, knives, and guns, takedowns, bagwork, board breaking, tumbling, ippon kumites, defensive hanza technqiues, sparring against one, two and three opponents simultaneously, oral questions and answers and, most importantly, the demonstration of up to 16 different katas or forms. Each candidate completed an intensive written examination that lasted 45 minutes. The judging panel was made up of four titled Black Belt instructors and four fifth dan instructors. This group was headed by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr.

Keeping alive the importance of each black belt rank and the complexity of each level, the American Martial Arts Institute maintains the old guidelines of a minimum of two years between each black belt ranks, but this is used as more of a guide and may be longer to allow the student an opportunity to grow mentally and emotionally. The individual who is testing for second degree or higher has demonstrated that they can physically learn techniques and that they understand the concepts of what the school, style and philosophy are 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.

The individuals testing for third degree and fourth degree were required to demonstrate additional weapons forms and up to sixteen additional black belt katas from traditional Korean, Japanese, and Chinese styles as well as their American style.

Congratulations to these individuals and their instructors.


	*Press Releases*

	Black Belt Testing June 16th, 2007

		Results for the adult rank black belt testings held on June 16th at the main Utica location. After years of preparation and dedication, three individuals tested and earned their new rank in the American Eagle Style of martial arts. Adult Rank Black Belt Amanda Peterson-----1st Dan Mr. Paul Lilley-----3rd Dan Mr. Mark Sanson-----4th Dan Black belt testings in the American Martial Arts Institute are a time for demonstrating knowledge learned and an opportunity to learn more. 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 ten levels of black belt in many styles, including American Eagle Style, but first dan 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. Black belt testings in the American Martial Arts Institute evaluate the knowledge and skills of each individual candidate. Students are allowed to talk about their testing and achievement. Numerous areas are tested, and the areas emphasized and written examination change with each testing. The testing lasted three and one-half hours and required the candidates to demonstrate punches, kicks, extension tools, basic forms, self-defense against empty-handed attackers, knives, and guns, takedowns, bagwork, board breaking, tumbling, ippon kumites, defensive hanza technqiues, sparring against one, two and three opponents simultaneously, oral questions and answers and, most importantly, the demonstration of up to 16 different katas or forms. Each candidate completed an intensive written examination that lasted 45 minutes. The judging panel was made up of four titled Black Belt instructors and four fifth dan instructors. This group was headed by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. Keeping alive the importance of each black belt rank and the complexity of each level, the American Martial Arts Institute maintains the old guidelines of a minimum of two years between each black belt ranks, but this is used as more of a guide and may be longer to allow the student an opportunity to grow mentally and emotionally. The individual who is testing for second degree or higher has demonstrated that they can physically learn techniques and that they understand the concepts of what the school, style and philosophy are 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. The individuals testing for third degree and fourth degree were required to demonstrate additional weapons forms and up to sixteen additional black belt katas from traditional Korean, Japanese, and Chinese styles as well as their American style. Congratulations to these individuals and their instructors. These individuals will receive their certificates at the next Ceremonial Black Belt Breakfast. www.amai-eaglestyle.com

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