New 6th Dan

There are 10 degrees (Dan) of black belt in the American Martial Arts Institute, American Eagle Style. The rank of 10th Dan is held by one individual, the Grandmaster. The rank of 9th Dan may be held by one individual, the successor to the Grandmaster. For all other degrees, there may be several individuals and for each of these ranks there is are extensive tests that must be passed before the Grandmaster will promote the student into the new level. 7th degree black belts are also recognized for with the title of Master in the style, due to their responsibilities to the school, accountability to the Grandmaster, and their extensive knowledge and skills in the style. The rank of 1st degree takes a minimum of 5 and 1/2 years to achieve, and often takes longer. For each additional level of black belt there is a minimum of 2-3 years between ranks and often this can take longer.

At the level of 6th Dan, a major change occurs and the individual who attains this rank is now responsible for all students in the entire school and they are directly responsible to Grandmaster Crandall to fulfill these obligations. The testing for 6th dan takes up to 6 months to complete and includes an extensive, research based written exam that will be similar to a thesis in a Master's Degree at a University. In addition to this rigorous exam, the individual must demonstrate the katas Cheongwon, Heian 5, Gekisai, Bassai Sho, and Sip Jin, and 6 weapons (extension tools). This is on top of all the knowledge that was needed to reach 5th dan (35 black belt katas). Grandmaster Crandall also looks for a demonstration of self-defense skills, and many other areas.

After over 30 years of training, one dedicated individual has passed their testing and achieved the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt.

Grandmaster Crandall is pleased to announce that:

Mr. Mark Sanson has been promoted to 6th Dan.