The rank of black belt is recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious accomplishments an individual can attain.  While not every style of martial arts uses a belt ranking system, and while not every style uses the same ranks, most people recognize two ranks: white belt and black belt.  In most styles, including American Eagle Style, white belt signifies a beginner.  Explaining the significance of a black belt is more complicated because the requirements for the rank of black belt can vary widely from style-to-style.  In addition, many styles have as many as ten levels of black belt.

            In the American Martial Arts Institute there are ten levels of black belt, and it takes an average of five and one-half to seven years before an individual may test for the first level of black belt, also called first degree or first Dan.  The test for first degree is rigorous, challenging the individual to demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and skills pertaining to American Eagle Style.  American Eagle Style is a traditional martial arts style founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr.  At the core of the style are katas, techiniques, and a traditional martial arts philosophy that draw upon a martial arts heritage rooted in styles from the United States, Korea, Japan, and China.  A black belt testing in the American Martial Arts Institute is more than a demonstration of an American Eagle Stylist’s knowledge, skills, and attitude; it is an opportunity for that individual to learn and grow.  While black belt testings are closed to the public, they are not secretive, and students who test for black belt freely share their experience with friends and family.

            In the American Martial Arts Institute, first-degree blacks may test for either junior rank or adult rank.  Students who are under the age of sixteen tests for junior rank black belt.  Students who are between the ages of sixteen and eighteen may test for either adult rank or junior rank status based upon their maturity, physical development, and attitude.  Eighteen year olds test for adult status, only.  After the rank of first degree, students may only test for adult status, and a first-degree junior rank may test for adult status when they are over the age of sixteen and they meet the requirements for the adult rank.  Junior rank black belts wear a black belt with a white strip through the length of the center of the belt.  Adult rank black belts wear a solid black belt.  And adult rank black belts who fall between the ages of sixteen and eighteen wear a solid black belt with white tips to denote their age.  After the rank of first-degree, adult rank black belts may request in writing to be considered for the instructor’s program.  If accepted into this program, Grandmaster Crandall trains them in how to teach the style.  These individuals wear a black uniform top; whereas, students wear a white top.  After months of completing the apprenticeship program, the new staff member may be certified as an instructor and they wear a blue instructor’s patch.  These distinctions are significant because the ability to demonstrate a style does not necessarily mean that an individual can teach the style.

            Those who test for second, third, fourth-degree, etc…, spend two or more years between ranks, allowing the individual, whether a student or instructor, the time crucial to personal growth and development that is central to American Eagle Style’s traditional philosophy.

            With all of this in mind, we are pleased to announce that on September 28th three individuals tested for junior rank black belt, and on September 29th two individuals tested for adult first degree black belt, one individual tested for second-dgreee, one individual for third-degree, one individual for fourth-degree, and one individual for fifth-degree black belt.  The judging panel was made up of eleven black belt instructors. It was led by Grandmaster Crandall and was comprised of the titled instructors and many fifth degree judges.  The junior rank testing was three and one-half hours long and the adult rank was five and one-half hours long.  Both testings began with extensive written exams, the exam for fifth degree being largely essay based.  Candidates demonstrated an enoromous range of skills and knowledge.  Areas tested included: punches, kicks, basic forms, empty-hand self-defense, self-defense against knives and guns, takedowns, sparring (including multiple opponents), ippon kumites, defensive hanza techniques, come-along techniques, tumbling floor exercises, extension tool katas (up to three different katas for fifth degrees), verbal history of an extension tool, board breaking, and most prominently, the execution of up to 14 traditional empty-hand katas for first degrees and up to 31 empty-hand katas for fifth degrees (from American, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean origins).

Having successfully competed these testings, the following individuals were promoted by Grandmaster Crandall:

First Degree Black Belt (Junior Rank) Awarded to:


Sabrina Kowalski (left),
Brian Hamlin (middle), and
Joshua Farr (right)

First Degree Black Belt (Adult Rank) Awarded to:

   
Matt Hillman (left) and Carli Spiridigliozzi (right)

Second, Third, and Fourth Degree Awarded to:

Mr. Don Brown: Fourth Degree, (left)
Mr. Robert Pagano, Third Degree (middle), and
Mr. Richard Hillicoss, Second Degree (right)

Fifth Degree Awarded to:

Mr. Arturo Santiago, Fifth Degree

These individuals received their belts or belt tips on the night of their testing, but they will receive their certificates of rank at a formal recognition on October 6th at the Ceremonial Black Belt Breakfast.  Congratulations to these students and their instructors.