Red Top Day: Go-Karting
Red Top Fun Day: Go-Karting with Pole Position Racing
On Sunday, February 7th, 2016, Grandmaster Crandall and Master Stalloch brought four American Eagle Style black belts to experience Go-Karting with Pole Position Racing at Destiny USA in Syracuse, New York. In the American Martial Arts Institute, black belts who are under the age of 18 may request in writing to be accepted into the junior rank class assistant program, often called the Red Top program. This leadership program is documented, in part, in the book Leadership Piece by Piece. The program endeavors to heighten the knowledge of our Red Tops with short trips that provide unique experiences.
These excursions expand the Red Tops socially and bring them together through shared experiences. For example, in the past we have taken Red Tops on introductory PADI scuba diving experiences, which were completely paid for by our school. In return, we received more knowledgeable and excited Red Top participants for our school as a whole. We have also brought the Red Tops skiing and snowboarding at one of our local ski resorts. This also brought them closer to each other and to the school. The day was fun and filled with learning and camaraderie, resulting in more knowledgeable and enthusiastic Red Tops. It also stimulated a lot of talk among the lower ranks who expressed the desire to be Red Tops and be able to participate in these non-martial arts activities. These are just two of the many opportunities we have provided for the Red Tops.
Former Red Tops, who are now over the age of 18 and therefore can no longer be in the Red Top program, but who are still active in the school were also invited to attend. Many are out of the area attending college and were unable to make the trip. The four current red tops who participated were Aidan Uvanni, Timothy Ha, Matthew Strachen, and TJ Labayewski. Grandmaster Crandall and Master Stalloch took care of the expenses so that all of the Red Tops could get three races of 15 laps on the indoor track, part of the Gran Prix Experience. Also, helping for the day were Master Morris, Master Chuff, Master Freleigh, Master Moller, and instructors Mrs. G. Stalloch, Mrs. Crandall, Miss Crandall, and Mr. Cumings. Each year, Grandmaster Crandall and Master Stalloch arrange for at least one special opportunity to help the Red Tops in this leadership program experience new activities that help to make them more well-rounded individuals.
Everyone met at the school in the morning, and the Red Tops rode with an instructor who drove.
Everyone ate lunch at a iHop at the mall, and shared food, time, and good conversation.
A good time was had by all, and we are looking forward to our next Red Top Fun Day. Some topics being looked into for the future include horseback riding, white water rafting, and others.
To learn more about the Red Top Leadership Program read the book Leadership Piece by Piece or see your instructor.
