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AMERICAN TOUR 2024
AMERICAN EAGLE MARTIAL ARTS AMBASSADORS AND THE FIRST FULLY DOCUMENTED AMERICAN STYLE TO PERFORM AT MOUNT RUSHMORE
On July 6, 2024, Grandmaster Crandall led the American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassadors, 21 American Eagle Style adult black belts (instructors and students), to perform at Mount Rushmore in the Amphitheater, which seats 7,500.
This page includes information, photos, and videos from the performance, the groups training, and some of the national parks the ambassadors toured and trained at.
The American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassadors above the Amphitheater at Mount Rushmore before the performance on July 6, 2024. Grandmaster Crandall is in the center (5th from the right). Black uniform tops are black belt instructors and white uniform tops are adult black belt students in American Eagle Style.
PAGE DIRECTORY
PAGE SECTIONS
Click on the following page sections to jump to that part of this webpage.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Click on the following links to see TV, Radio, and Newspaper coverage of the performance.
KOTA News Network: RAPID CITY, S.D.
Coverage from South Dakota
Full Online Newspaper Article
Keeler in the Morning (Youtube Video)
Radio interview before we embarked
ABOUT GRANDMASTER CRANDALL
AND THE AMERICAN EAGLE MARTIAL ARTS AMBASSADORS
We brought over 1,000 performance brochures with us that were handed out everywhere we went and at the performance. This is the introduction about Grandmaster Crandall who coached the ambassadors, teaching them all of the katas, self-defense, and skills that were performed.
This Independence Day weekend, we reflect on our nation’s history and its future, and we are filled with pride. The strength of so many other countries’ cultures and knowledge can be seen in the achievement and accomplishment of this great country of ours. American Martial Arts is one area of our culture that has had a long history of involvement with diverse styles from nations around the globe. Today, the American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassadors demonstrate how the United States has preserved the traditions of the martial arts from Japan, China, and Korea, but continued its growth through American Styles that will be learned by future generations. The leader of this team, Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., is no stranger to representing our nation and traditional martial arts. In 1994, he coached and led the first American Team, called the China • America International Martial Arts Team, to perform in China by government invitation with letters of introduction and support from President Clinton, Vice President Gore, senators, and congressmen from across our great country. He led the first American Team to perform in free Russia in 1996. He has led similar teams to Australia, Italy, Japan, and others. He was recognized by Action Marital Arts Magazine as the Grassroots Ambassador for the marital arts globally. While many books on martial arts exist, Grandmaster Crandall was the first to author an instructional textbook for an American Martial Art Style. He’s traveled to 22 countries, covering martial arts for 11 years as host of the Martial Arts Today TV Show. Today, he continues to teach traditional martial arts to men, women, and children at his school, the American Martial Arts Institute in Central New York.
ABOUT THE AMBASSADORS
The Ambassadors were all adult black belts in the American Martial Arts Institute, training under Grandmaster Crandall. These 21 men and women ranged from 18 to 77 years of age, from 1st Degree Black Belt through 9th Degree Black Belt. It included instructors (wearing black uniform tops) and students (wearing white uniform tops). All ambassdors represented the American Eagle Style of martial arts, which is the first fully documented American martial art style. The style is documented in the 410 page American Eagle Style Instructional Textbook, American Eagle Style Self-Defense, Volume 1 DVD, and other publications by Grandmaster Crandall. It has been demonstrated in more than 22 countries to date.
A HISTORIC PERFORMANCE
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2024 - MOUNT RUSHMORE
“Because of our freedom, we were able to go around the world performing this style, and now we finally performed it for the citizens of our country that it was founded in. I never felt such a swell of pride and honor to be on that stage and interact with people from around the world, sharing this form of martial arts with the world.
I chose this tour to showcase America to my team. There are members of this group who have seen places throughout the world and now they got to see parts of this great country.
It is only fitting that our country’s national parks be at the center of the journey.”
-Grandmaster Crandall
THE PERFORMANCE
An Old Fashioned Martial Arts Performance
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An introduction of our group - we have been identified as the "American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassadors"
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Group performance of the kata Old Koryo
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Self Defense including Standing Waza Ichi, Ni, and San, and SD 1-SD 2
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Kata performances - Group 1
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Group participation of 24 moving techniques.
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Combination Drills.
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Kata performances Group 2
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Self-defense including Standing Waza Yon, Go, and Roku, and SD 3 - SD 4
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Closing by Grandmaster Crandall
INTRODUCTION
Grandmaster Crandall designed the Mount Rushmore performance to be an old-fashioned, traditional martial arts exhibition. Many modern demonstrations include board breaking, weapons such as swords, bo, or kama, and mediation displays such as laying on a bed of nails. While these aspects are entertaining, and the American Martial Arts Institute occasionally holds demonstrations of this type, this performance was different. Its focus was the American Eagle Style, particularly katas from Japan, Korea, China, and America. The stage of the amphitheater was concrete without mats to break the falls during the self-defense demonstrations, such as SD-1.
The videos of the performance on this webpage are short segments highlighting parts of the one-hour performance.
OLD KORYO
Koryo, meaning Korea, is a well-known Taekwondo kata. Some schools refer to Koryo as New Koryo or Koryo 2 because it replaced an older form by the same name. Few schools still teach the original Koryo, which American Eagle Style refers to as Old Koryo.
This kata was taught to Grandmaster Crandall by the late Master Kum Chun Kim when he trained in Mudo Kwan.
SDs and Standing Waza
SDs The SD techniques were developed by Grandmaster Crandall for the American Eagle Style. SD is short for Self-Defense, but the techniques encompass a broader concept. They are designed to have multiple blocks, counters, or control stages in a continuous pattern of flow that can function on multiple levels. They are functional in their entire execution; however, individual segments of each can be identified and separated as a standalone response, which can also be rearranged or expanded upon. They challenge the student to develop the free flow of the mind and body necessary for effective self-defense.
Standing Waza Waza is Japanese for technique, and many Japanese styles incorporate Seiza Waza, which are techniques done from a kneeling seated position on tatami (woven reed mat floors). Because of mobility challenges due to ankle, knee, hip, and back issues that can occur as a result of aging, some martial artists have difficulty performing them. Standing Waza build upon the traditional foundation of the seiza waza techniques, but are performed while standing. The techniques were developed by Grandmaster Crandall based on the seiza waza. Keeping with traditional Japanese terminology, the six standing waza are counted in Japanese as Ichi (1), Ni (2), San (3), and so forth.
KATA GROUP 1
Kata are a predetermined pattern of movements utilized by many martial art styles. Known in Japanese as kata, in Korean as hyung or poomse, and in Chinese as kuen. In the United States the basic term “forms” is used.
Another aspect of forms is the fact that they are a series of movements that must be done the same way by each individual each time the form is done. They are based on a series of motions that are executed in the effort to fight off imaginary opponents.
American Eagle Style has more than 54 traditional kata and not all of the kata for this style were performed at Mount Rushmore, but below are some that were represented.
These forms are all documented in the American Eagle Style Instructional Textbook.
Simplicity - Mark Sanson
Bassai Sho - Mary Margaret Krukonis
Pyongwon - Ryan Payne
Arena - Mark Sanson
Heian 4 - Mary Margaret Krukonis
Open Hand - Linda Möller
Gekisai - Steve Riley
Bassai Dai- Bret Jessee
Natural Walk - Tim Cumings
New Koryo - Erica Miscione
Tekki 1 - Joey DeTraglia
Briar Patch - Maria Quintal
Tekki 2 - Erica Miscione
TaeBaek - Joe DeTraglia
Eye of the Eagle - Zachary Slade
MOVING TECHNIQUES
Moving Techniques are upper body movements commonly done in forms (kata) or sparring combined with stances that move the practioner through the training space. American Eagle Style involves nearly 100 identified moving techniques. It allows for repetition to improve skill in an individual technique, which is then used as a building block for more advanced skills.
COMBINATION
DRILL SETS
Combination Drill Sets are a repeatable sequence of techniques which move the practitioner forward in a straight-line pattern. The series of moves can involve upper and lower body techniques which may be executed to the front, back, or sides of the overall direction of travel, but ultimately result in ending farther forward and in line with the starting point. The combination drill sets challenge power, flow, balance, and unity between mind and body during their execution. The combination drill sets are identified by the letters A, B, C, D, and so forth.
KATA GROUP 2
During this performance you have seen American, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean forms. Each has a rich heritage. Traditionally, a Chinese style is 50/50 upper and lower body techniques with an emphasis on flow. Japanese styles are 75% upper body and 25% lower body technique distribution, while Korean styles are 75% lower body and 25% upper body techniques. By doing all of these forms together, American Eagle Stylists develop a great deal of balance between power and flow. They become well-rounded in technique variety while maintaining strong fundamentals.
Long Hand - Alivia Franz
Hookiyu - Cheryl Freleigh
American Eagle - Edna Rodriguez-Plate
Autumn Wind - Lynn Jessee
Hansoo - Sabrina Crandall
Reflection 5 - Edna Rodriguez-Plate
Se Jong Hyung - Lynn Jessee
Cheon Kwon - Sabrina Crandall
Aoyanagi (male) - Nicholas Chuff
Tong Il Hyung - Eric Stalloch
So San Hyung - Amanda Crandall
Continuity 2 - Gisella Stalloch
Anvil - Eric Stalloch
Sil Lum - Amanda Crandall
Hwa Rang Hyung - Gisella Stalloch
SDs and Standing Waza
and Closing
The SDs and Standing Waza escalate in skill level for both partners. SD-3 highlights the dynamic kicking skills of American Eagle Style while SD-4 can be performed empty-handed, with a magazine, or a cane. Standing Waza 4-6 are focused more on upper body control of the attacker.
A group photo was taken after the one-hour performance on the main stage. Grandmaster Crandall in the center (5th from the right, back row). Black uniform tops are instructors and white uniform tops are adult students.
TOURING AND TRAINING
NATIONAL PARKS, STAR GAZING, WHITE WATER RAFTING, RODEOS AND MORE
Commencing on Independence Day, July 4, 2024, the American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassadors traveled to Rapid City, South Dakota starting with a bus ride at 2 am EST to Albany, NY, and two flights which put them at their hotel at 4 pm CST. Rapid City has the moniker "City of Presidents" and the "Gateway to the Black Hills". It served as the group’s gateway and home base for the first three days of excursions.
After arriving at the hotel, the team immediately went to a nearby park to train for the upcoming performance. Grandmaster Crandall arranged for a private bus agency to shuttle the group to Mount Rushmore to see the amphitheater, tour the park, and for the Fourth of July lighting display. On the way, we had the chance to travel Iron Mountain Road through the Black Hills National Forest and see Needle Point. This first day resulted in 24 hours without rest for the ambassadors, as we handed out brochures, stickers, and buttons for the performance.
As you scroll through the photos on this page, keep your eyes open for Washi (Japanese for Eagle), our mascot who has accompanied us on early trips.
Taken at Needle Point...next stop, Mount Rushmore!
On Day 2, July 5th, the group ventured to Badlands National Park which offers unique landscapes of jutting stone in vibrant colors. Many had the opportunity to practice forms in the Badlands between stops. The tour also included time at Wall Drug. In the evening the ambassadors had Dinner at Minervas Restaurant where they saw a presentation by a Lakota Sioux tribe member. This included an invitation to participate in a traditional powwow, and to speak with the tribe members after the presentation about their culture.
Before the day got underway, Grandmaster Crandall, Headmaster Stalloch, Master Chuff, Master Crandall, and Instructor Rodriguez-Plate took a taxi at 6:30 am to the Kota TV studios for a live interview and performance on the morning news. Watch the segment and read the article by click here.
Training on Old Koryo with Grandmaster Crandall in the Badlands of South Dakota on one of our tour stops. The performance is tomorrow! Street clothes, uneven ground, high altitude, and the previous day with 24-hours without sleep...what to do? Train!
On Day 3, July 6th, the ambassadors traveled by bus to Custer State Park to see a herd of over 1,000 roaming bison. From there they traveled to the largest memorial that is still in process, Crazy Horse Memorial. Mid-afternoon the Ambassadors were taken to Mount Rushmore where they changed into their uniforms on the bus. They then moved throughout the park, speaking with people and passing out the performance programs. They regrouped thirty minutes prior to the performance at the stage for individual and group pictures at 4:30 pm. At 5 pm they fell in and the performance lasted until 6 o'clock. After the performance they spent another half-hour talking with spectators and Mount Rushmore guests about the martial arts and American involvement in the martial arts globally. Still in uniform, the Ambassadors boarded a bus, and on the way back to the hotel had the opportunity to stop at a huge woodcarving display. This gave everyone an opportunity to come down from the excitement and relax and appreciate the achievement they had just completed. For more about the performance, see the section above.
On Day 4, July 7th, the AMAI Team said goodbye to Rapid City as their home base and went to Sheridan, Wyoming by bus. Along the way the group stopped at Tatanka for a presentation called "Story of the Bison" and some hiking. Later the group visited Deadwood, which is a restored old Western town with recreations of the original architecture. This included seeing the grave sites of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok at Mount Moriah Cemetery.
On Day 5, July 8, the group traveled from Sheridan to Cody, Wyoming through the Bighorn mountains and the Great Sioux Nation, stopping at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Some members of the group went white water rafting while others went to Heart Mountain.
In the evening some of the group went to a rodeo. Grandmaster Crandall taught the kata Jitae (meaning Earth) to those who went whitewater rafting with him. This is one of the katas that Grandmaster Crandall knows but rarely teaches (it is not a required kata in American Eagle Style).
Day 6, July 9th, consisted of viewing Old Faithful and other well-known national treasures and beautiful wildlife at Yellowstone National Park, ending the evening in Jackson, Wyoming. This included viewing Old Faithful and doing the three mile walk to see many other geysers, hot springs, and natural sites. In the evening, some of the group members went star gazing by private vans.
The final adventure of the trip on Day 7, July 10th was at Grand Teton National Park, home of iconic craggy snowcapped mountains and landscapes of wildlife. In the afternoon, another hour and a half to two hours was spent training in a park on the instructional side of SD 3 and SD 4, which will be presented to brown belts and black belts in American Eagle Style once we return home. Grandmaster Crandall also led the group through Old Koryo and others techniques. The evening included shopping in Jackson Hole and dinner at an outdoor Cowboy Dinner Show with horse drawn carriages.
Grandmaster Crandall led an afternoon of training in the park.
Here is part of Old Koryo being practiced while wearing our
official American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassador T-Shirts.
On Day 8, July 11, the group began the long journey home by two plane flights and bus ride back to the training hall.
No trip is without its challenges, and when we arrived at the Albany airport we discovered that our bus had not been dispatched, and the ambassadors had to wait an extra hour outside the airport until 1 am before the arriving at the training hall at 2:30 am.
Throughout the duration of the trip the AMAI students and instructors took time to train together, covering topics such as self-defense, traditional katas from Japan, China, and Korea, as well as the philosophies of the Bushido.
We trained in the airport, parks, hotel lobbies, and parking lots.
A SPECIAL THANK-YOU
TO OUR SENSEI AND COACH: GRANDMASTER CRANDALL
AND TO OUR TRIP ORGANIZER: MASTER AMANDA CRANDALL
The gift of a person's time is priceless. Thank you to Grandmaster Crandall who had the vision and leadership to elevate our school trip to a historic milestone in our school's history. Once a school trip touring the national parks had been decided upon, Grandmaster Crandall capitalized on the opportunity and organized the performance at Mount Rushmore and trained the American Eagle Martial Arts Ambassadors. This involved securing the proper federal permits, arranging for independent insurance for the performance, the hiring of park rangers for the event, arranging private transportation, and much more.
Once the performance was approved, he designed the structure of the performance, including the development of SD-3, SD-4, and the combination drill sets A, B, C, and D. He chose the katas that his students were to perform, and he chose the 24 moving techniques for the group. He organized several three-hour long training sessions for the Ambassadors, and he met with many of them for hours at a time privately and in small groups for the months leading up to the performance.
He taught every one of his students every kata, technique, and drill sets performed, and he was demanding in his standard for excellence in every single student. One aspect of a leader is that they will take a group someplace (physically, mentally, and emotionally) where they would not have gone alone.
During the trip, he continued to teach and train every one of his students (it is important to note for those familiar with the American Eagle Style, that the black tops are instructors but they are first and foremost students of Grandmaster Crandall). As challenges arose during the tour, he led us through them.
On the final day of the tour, Headmaster Stalloch presented Grandmaster Crandall with a small token of appreciation from all the Ambassadors and their guests (family members of the Ambassadors). This included a small glass display, customed made with the American Tour 2024 logo and an inscription, a card signed by all of the Ambassadors, and gift cards for restaurants and movie theaters with the hope that he may finally be able to take some time for himself, after giving some much to all of us. Thank you, Sensei.
Master Amanda Crandall. The tour aspect of this school trip was initiated and organized by Master Amanda Crandall. She sought permission from Grandmaster Crandall to research possible destinations and to eventually organize the tour. She spent countless hours as the liaison with the travel agency and various destinations, many of which were organized separately from the travel agency. These included stargazing, white water rafting, a private shuttle to needle point and to Mount Rushmore on a day separate from the performance to experience the park and the night lighting ceremony on the 4th of July. She organized the flights and other details. We will never know how many hours she dedicated to making the trip possible.
On the last day of the tour, Headmaster Stalloch presented a small token of appreciation from the Ambassadors to Master Crandall. It was a custom engraved desk clock with the school's logo, American Tour 2024 logo, and an inscription. We hope that every time she looks at it she is reminded, not only of the time she spent to bring the tour to fruition, but also of the time we got to share training together as a school and sharing the American Eagle Style with our country through this trip and the performance. Thank you.
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
SOME PHOTOS OF TRAINING FOR THE PERFORMANCE, PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS,
AND OTHER MOMENTS FROM THE AMERICAN TOUR 2024
PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS TAKEN AS PART OF INTERVIEWS FOR NEWS MEDIA
BEFORE AND AFTER THE PERFORMANCE ON JULY 6TH, 2024
