Black Belt Testing Results

2 STUDENTS EARN NEW RANK!

On Saturday, March 15, 2024, the American Martial Arts Institute held an adult rank black testing. The testing lasted a little more than 3 hours with the candiates testing before Grandmaster Crandall (10th Dan) and a panel of 8 Master Instructors (7th Dan) including Headmaster Stalloch (9th Dan) and additional 5th Dan instructors. Grandmaster Crandall is pleased to announce that both individuals have passed, and he presented them with their new ranks.

Black belt is a prestigious rank, one recognized around the world. In the American Eagle Style, there are ten black belt ranks called degrees or Dan. Only the head of the school may hold the rank of 10th Dan, and this person determines its direction and certifies its instructors. For the American Martial Arts Institute, this is Grandmaster Crandall. Prior to earning 1st Degree black belt there are 8 gyups (belt ranks) that must first be earned. All students begin as white belts and test for each rank, maturing in the style through its traditional process. On average, it can take a student 5 to 8 years to earn the rank for 1st Dan (although it can be longer), with the minimum length between each rank being 6 months. Once an individual has earned 1st Dan, the length time between ranks can vary from 2-4 years for each rank being very normal. Again, it can be longer.

The candidates for 2nd Dan had to demonstrate the katas: Heian 1, Chulgi 2, Chip Su, Geum Gang, and New Koryo. They also had to demonstrate traditional extension tool katas of their choice using the sword, naginata, escrima, eku, sai, cane, and others offered by our school. In addition to the katas candidates had to perform self defense against grabs, punches, kicks, knife attacks, gun attacks, and more. Other areas tested included seiza waza, standing waza, ippon kumites, hanza escape techniques, sparring, multiple partner sparring, basic forms, kicks, advanced techniques, takedowns, and more. There was also a 50 questions written exam, testing their knowledge of our school, style, and martial arts concepts.

Candidates also had to be knowledgeable about some of our school's publications including: American Eagle Style Textbook, American Eagle Style Self Defense Volume 1 DVD, Be Safe Mentally and Physically with the Crandall System, Leadership Piece by Piece, American Martial Arts Institute Guidebook, Moving Beyond Disabilities, Women's Self Defense in a Changing World, and others.

These students will receive their certificate of rank at our next ceremonial black belt luncheon in April 2024.

Congratulations to

2nd Degree Black Belt Shana King and Jason Nellis