AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE CALL US AT: 315-768-1859
The American Martial Arts Institute and the American Eagle Style of empty-hand martial arts were founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall Jr. American Eagle Style is a traditional "empty-hand" or "open-handed" martial art, which means that its physical skills rely on using all parts of the body as tools for self-defense (hands, feet, arms, legs, elbows, knees, head, et cetera). The style is based on Grandmaster Crandall's extensive martial arts training (over 45 years). American Eagle Style is a well-rounded style founded on a heritage of four national and international influences: 40% American, 35% Korean, 15% Japanese, and 10% Chinese. The American Martial Arts Institute strives to offer the martial arts in a variety of programs for men and women of all ages that will arm their minds with knowledge, their bodies with skills, and excite their emotions. This is for the purpose of improving their belief in themselves, their successes in work or school, and their own personal commitments to friends and family. All classes are taught by certified, adult black belt instructors.
Who may join / attend Adult Classes?
American Eagle Style's adult classes are structured for students ages 13 and older. Following the traditional philosophy of the martial arts, teenagers are treated as the young adults; they are expected to develop and demonstrate the accountability, responsibility, and respect of adults.
Separate classes exist for students under 13 years old. Students who are under 13 years old, and who have earned their first colored belt, may request permission from their instructor to attend adult classes. However, these students are expected to function in the adult classes at the adult pace, since this class is structured for adults.
Who may join / attend Childrens Classes?
American Eagle Style's children's classes are structured for students 6 to 12 years of age. Grandmaster Crandall's background includes years as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal, and superintendent of schools in New York State. Based on his strong belief in a sound educational approach to the teaching of American Eagle Style, children 6 to 12 years old have their own class time that takes into consideration the unique educational needs of this age group. However, students are taught American Eagle Style, responsible for the same requirements, knowledge, and traditional martial arts attitude of adults. Separate classes exist for students over 13 years old.
Students who are under 13 years old, and who have earned their first colored belt, may request permission from their instructor to attend adult classes. However, these students are expected to function in the adult classes at the adult pace, since this class is structured for adults.
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What does it cost to join?Membership Registration Fees vary based on your program, and we offer family discounts. Our classes for ages 6-12, teenagers, or adults of all ages: 1. 6-month membership = $480 total ($80 per month). 2. While you can pay in full if you wish, we offer automatic payment plans. You pay $80 for the first month and receive a FREE uniform to get started. Then you will set up a recurring payment of $80 per month for the next 5 months. 3. At the end of the membership, you are under no further obligation. If you are going to continue, you re-register with an instructor. 4. See our schedule Discounts: 25% off for each additional family members (spouses or children). For Example: 2 members in the family would be $140 per month ($80 for the first member and $60 for the second member). 3 members in the family would be $200 per month ($80 + $60 + $60). Our class for 3-5 year olds (Superkick Program) 1. This program runs in seasonal sessions, approximately 12 weeks in length) 2. This program must be paid for in full. 3. The total cost for the entire session is $165, and your receive a FREE uniform and FREE 122-page instructional workbook about the program. 4. Class size is limited. After the first full week of the session, it new students are not accepted until the next session. Discounts: 25% off additional family members. For Example: 2 students in Superkick = $288.75 total ($165 first student + 123.75 second) We also apply this discount if you have an older student enrolled. For instance, an 8 year old and a 5 year old; the 8 year old would pay $80 per month (see above, regular classes), but the 5 year old would get the 25% discount and pay $123.75 in full for the session. American Eagle Cane Style 1. This program's registration is the same as for our regular adult classes (See above) For example: 6-month membership at $80 per month. Open System (Non-ranking program) 1. 6-month membership = $330 total 2. You may pay in full if you wish but we offer a monthly payment plan of $55 per month. College Membership 1. Are you a full-time student enrolled in college? Then we offer a 50% discount on a 6-month membership. That's $240 or $40 per month. This allows you to attend unlimited classes. 2. For our current students who attend college at a distance that does not allow them to make classes weekly, you may wish to attend when home between semesters, during the summer, while on break, or during a weekend visit home. You can register for the entire year (August to August) for $200 total paid in full. Contact us to learn more. What if I enroll my family in multiple styles or programs? The regular 25% discount applies for families. For example, One spouse is in our adult classes and the other spouse is in our cane classes. The first pays $80 per month and the other pays $60 per month as the second in the family. Contact us for your specific situation. Still didn't answer your question? = Contact Us Today! 315.768.1859 | contact@amai-eaglestyle.com | 8382 Seneca Turnpike: New Hartford, NY
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What do you mean by "Traditional" martial arts?"Download our PDF: Five Things to Look for in a Traditional Martial Art School This document provided bullet points for what to look for and why it matters. A traditional school has made a contribution to the history of the martial arts, has a strong educational system and methods, has a hierarchical structure, has an underpinning philosophy, and often seeks to develop the mind as much as the body, with the benefits applied to all areas of life. It can develop the idea of respect, a sense of consequence, a sense of personal responsibility, and a sense of connection to the self through an instructor-student mentorship. In physical terms, it will often involve stances, punches, kicks, basic forms, kata (forms), self-defense, sparring, and a variety of other areas. While these can differ from school-to-school, traditional schools differ from sport schools, which often center on one-on-one competition and involve defeating a competitor by points, submission, or knockout. MMA is a professional sport and its athletes are paid to compete. If these areas interest you, you may want to seek them out from a reputable school with qualified coaches who are fully insured. NOTE: traditional schools may allow for some competition for their students, but it is far from their main focus In a traditional school it is common to see the following: Ranks are earned and each rank strives for constant improvement (training is not for entertainment). Except for level of intensity, children are taught essentially the same as adults. Instructors continue to train and progress in the Art under an instructor. Everyone starts as a White Belt. Some schools will recognize a level of rank from another school, but it is not common for the traditionalist. In fact, most traditionalists WANT to be a white belt and to progress from “the bottom,” therefore developing a strong foundation. Standards must be met. Rank grading varies widely among schools, but traditional schools establish rigorous standards and enforce them consistently. There are many other features, but the above are quite common We encourage you to come watch a class! Contact Us to speak with an instructor.
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How old is your school? / How long have you been in the community?Grandmaster Crandall has been teaching martial arts right here in Central New York for more than 50 years (you can learn more about him here). In 1996, he founded the American Martial Arts Institute. Many of our students are the children or grandchildren of students he first began teaching in the early 1970s. Many of our instructors have been training under him for more than 30 years. We own our full-time training hall, ensuring that we will around for many years to come. Traditional martial art schools are focused on the consistency and longevity of their style. It may surprise you that most traditional schools are not concerned with having a large number of students, rather ensuring that their students are a “good fit” for their school. You should ask questions, but don’t be surprised when they ask you a few in return. The point is, traditional schools are “in it for the long haul;” they have a history and lineage, and they seek to be around for another 50 – 100 years (at least)! Grandmaster Crandall has designated his successor to the school and style as Headmaster Eric Stalloch, who has been training under Grandmaster Crandall since 1989. Headmaster Stalloch is the individual who will one day lead the school for the next generation. We encouage to come visit our school to speak with our instructors, watch a class, and see our training facility.
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What are your school's kata (forms)?Kata is a Japanese term which literally means model or pattern. While this is a complex topic, essentially kata are a series of moves done the same each time which fight off multiple imaginary attackers. They combine the elements of stances, blocks and strikes with the concepts of power, flow, and timing. They challenge the student's mental focus and awareness, balance, endurance, and more. Kata go by other names such as Forms, Poomse, Hyung, and many others. As an American style with its roots and influences in traditional Korean, Japanese, American, and Chinese formats, our school performs kata from all four of these countries. Colored Belts in our style first learn the 8 Pal-Gwe and Kicho (traditional Korean forms from Mudokwan). Higher ranks learn forms originating in Japan, America, and China. Below is a list of kata taught in the Empty Hand style, American Eagle Style. Different forms are taught in the other styles offered by our school such as Iaido, Cane, and Kendo. See those sections of our website for more information. All of the kata listed below are documented in the American Eagle Style Instructional Textbook, 3rd edition, and many are also found on DVD at our main location. These serve as reference materials for our instructors and students to maintain the consistency of the style. American Eagle Style Forms Basic Kata 1, 2, and 3 (Kicho) Pal-Gwe 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Chulgi 1, 2, 3 Old Koryo New Koryo Eye of the Eagle Heian 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Geum Gang Chip-Su Taebaek Bassai Dai Chip Jang American Eagle Pyongwon Long Hand Aoyangi (male and female versions) Continuity 2 Hookiyu Sil Lum Simplicity Hansoo Bassai Sho Cheongwon Gekisai Hwarang Hyung So San Hyung Se Jong Hyung Arena Open Hand Tong Il Hyung Guantlet Wind Unity Resonance Trilogy Extension Tool Forms ("Weapons") Tonfa: Yom Chi, Swirling Dragon Bo: Basic Bo Kata, Summer Storm, Sushi no Kon Sho Sai: Silver Claw, Tsukenshitaku no Sai Kama: Kanegawa no nichigama Sword: Dragon's Tooth (traditional iaido kata are taught in our Iaido classes...see that section of our site for those forms) Escrima: Dragon Wings Cane: Natural Walk, Autumn Wind (traditional cane kata are taught in our cane classes...see that section of our site for those forms) Naginata: Omou Eku: Kihon no Kata Shinai: Falcon Stoop (done by Americanize Eagle Kendo style classes) Historically taught by this school: Manriki (general flow, no formal form) This extension tool may not be currently offered.
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How do beginners learn? (I'm new to the martial arts)When you join, you will receive your uniform and your white belt. The white belt means that you are a beginner in our style and school. We have multiple, certified, adult, black belt instructors who teach each class. Every instructor works with every student. Grandmaster Crandall, Headmaster Stalloch, and our Master Instructors also work with all levels of students including the white belts. You will also be assigned under a specific instructor and this person will be come your mentor. As a beginner you will be shown the fundamentals in a small group setting with other beginners by an instructor. You will also participate with the entire class to be able to benefit from watching the more experienced students. Instructors do not touch the students; instead, they teach through modeling, body language, verbal explanation, and partnering you with more experienced students. The best way for you to see how our beginners are taught is to come watch a class and speak with an instructor.