The American Martial Arts Institute recently held its annual adult seminar day on Saturday, January 19th.   This all-day event was held at the main training hall in New Hartford, New York, and offered its adult students a unique opportunity for personal growth and traditional martial arts training.  The seminar was taught by Grandmaster Crandall who was assisted by black belt instructors from across New York State.

The seminar participants were bowed in at 9:00 a.m. and began their day with a brief stretching session followed by punches.  The students performed a wide variety of punches from a horse stance such as high, low, middle, side, single, double, triple, and combinations.  This also included moving through the room with quarter-turns and half-turns, and forward, backward, side, and turning hops.

Following punches, the students separated into groups according to rank for more individualized attention, and instructors led each group through basic forms, focusing on an explanation of the techniques.

After an hour of physical workout, the group sat down with Grandmaster Crandall to discuss some advanced hand techniques, the difference between basic forms and techniques, and other topics not usually covered in regular classes.  The discussion involved some history relating to a few of Grandmaster Crandall’s instructors and the importance of using knowledge to make a positive difference.

This informational session was followed by learning and practicing the advanced hand techniques that had been discussed.  These included arc hand, tiger jaw, tiger mouth, and combinations from advanced black belt katas, to name a few.

The students then had a break for lunch.  While the students finished eating they had the unique opportunity to watch the instructors learn a new kata from Grandmaster Crandall.  Instructors do not train with students in regular classes; therefore, most students have never seen the instructors continue their own training.  It was a chance for the students to see that no matter what rank you hold, you are always a student of the martial arts and always learning.

After lunch the students were taught a new kata that was not required for their current rank.  Yellow belts and browns belts learned Old Koryo, a black belt kata, while black belts learned American Eagle, a third dan, black belt kata.

After this kata session, Grandmaster Crandall sat down with the brown belts, colored belts, and white belts and went over many of the questions from the written exams for brown and black belt.  While they discussed these questions and concepts, the instructors and black belt students fell into rows and practiced the kata American Eagle.

From the discussion of the written exams the students broke into two groups and trained in traditional extension tools (sometimes called weapons).  The first group learned part of the escrima kata Dragon Wings while the second group learned part of the cane kata Autum Wind.  The two groups then switched so that all students had a chance to practice with both extension tools.  Then two new groups were formed.  The first group learned part of the bo kata Summer Storm from while the second group learned part of the tonfa kata Yom Chi.  The two groups then switched again.

The hour of extension tool training went by quickly, and the students brought out the mats to learn and practice the defense hanza escape techniques.  Instructors worked with each pair of students for more individualized attention.

Although the seminar day at 4:00 p.m. with a group picture of all the students and instructors, it was clear from the enthusiasm of the students and instructors that the seminar had made a positive difference in the training and life of everyone who attended.  The next adult seminar will be held in January of 2009.

Back Row (left to right): Mr. Santiago, Mr. Sanson, Mr. E. Stalloch, Grandmaster Crandall,
Mr. Spiridigloizzi, Mr. Hillicoss Middle Row: Miss Colasurdo, Amanda Peterson, Loretta Collins,
Clifford Soults, Jill Craw, Mrs. M. Stalloch, Mr. T. Stalloch Front Row: Miss Austin, Katie Osterdahl, John Freleigh, Christie Catera, James Fryer, John Tsou, Mr. Colasurdo, Mrs. Freleigh, Mrs. G. Stalloch