Black Belt Testing Results - American Eagle Cane Style

3 STUDENTS EARN BLACK BELT RANKS

The martial arts has grown tremendously in the United States. In the 1950s and 60s Americans became increasingly aware of the martial arts (primarily judo and karate) as it entered public consciousness through movies and televisions series. Today, you would be hard pressed to sit down at a dinner table and not find someone who either has a black belt or knows someone who does. Belt ranks serve as visual identification of achievement within a martial art school or style; they can indicate levels of skill, knowledge and commitment. The belt itself is not what is most relevant, but for many they are significant milestones in their personal martial arts journey, and black belt is truly a notable accomplishment.

The American Martial Arts Institute is home to four distinct martial arts styles, each with their own heads, instructors, and students. The head and founder of the American Martial Arts Institute is Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. He is also one of the founders of the American Eagle Cane Style (with Masters Lynn Jessee and Eric Stalloch). The Headmaster of the American Eagle Cane Style is Headmaster Stalloch.

Headmaster Stalloch is pleased to announce that three dedicated students have earned black belt ranks in the American Eagle Cane Style.

On Monday, October 17, 2022 the American Eagle Cane Style held a 4-hour black belt testing. A total of three students tested before Headmaster Stalloch and Grandmaster Crandall.

Black belt is a prestigious rank, one recognized around the world. In the American Eagle Cane 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 Eagle Cane Style, this is Headmaster Stalloch. 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.

Two students tested for 1st Degree black belt and one student tested for 2nd Degree Black Belt. ;All of the students had to complete a rigorous written exam testing their knowledge of our style and school. All candidates had to know and be able to perform the five Reflection katas, Natural Walk, Basic Cane Kata, and Anvil. In addition the candidate for 2nd Dan had to demonstrate the kata Autumn Wind, Reflection 1 from a Wheelchair, Reflection 1 with the use of one arm (with and without a guard hand), and be able to explain the practical applications against attackes for Autumn Wind. In addition to the katas candidates had to perform punches, kicks, 12 striking angles, 8 double handed striking angles, guard hand techniques, 22 basic form, swing strikes, figure eights, cane flipping technqiues, overhead twirls, and more. The style also has 75 CTs (CT's are "Cane Techniques", prearranged self defense techniques against punches, kicks, sticks, grabs, knife attacks, grabbed canes, and attacks from a seat position). The candidates must be able to demonstrate these for both their right and left hands equally. The candidates hand to demonstrate a large number of these techniques with and without partners. This was followed by general self defense with a series of attackers forming a continous line attacking the candidate in spontaneous attacks. This required the defender to respond to each scenario (without using one the 75 CTs).

The candidate for 2nd Dan also had to demonstrate techniques for a variety of sceanios including being grabbed while blind folded, various knife attacks, and defense from a wheelchair.

Candidates also had to be knowledgeable about some of our school's publications including: American Eagle Cane Style Textbook, American Martial Arts Institute Guidebook and others. Students were asked a series of verbal questions by the judging panel.

In the American Eagle Cane Style, you cannot teach unless you are a first degre black belt or higher and an adult 18 years of age or older. Therefore, once an adult has earned 1st Dan they may choose the path of teaching the style and perpetuating for others. This is done by submitting a letter to Headmaster Stalloch requesting to be accepted into our instructor training program (first as an instructor's assistant then later as a fully certified instructor). Fully certified American Eagle Cane Style instructors do not train in regular classes, and wear a black uniform top. Students wear white tops. The candidate for 2nd Dan is also an instructor in the American Eagle Cane Style.

Candidates for first degree black belt are scored out of 100 points, and must receive a minimum of 80% to pass. At the end of the evening, the two first degree candidates had passed and were presented their belts.

However, the 2nd Degree Testing occurs in the three parts, and this portion was only one of the parts. In order to qualify to test the candidate needed to plan, organize, promote, and teach a public cane seminar which is evaluated by Headmaster Stalloch and Grandmaster Crandall. This requirement took place during the summer.

On Tuesday, October 25, the 2nd Dan candidate completed the final part of their testing, demonstrating additional skills before Headmaster Stalloch and Grandmaster Crandall for two hours. This included more katas, the demonstration of advanced teachniques, and more self defense techniques and concepts. They were also asked a series of verbal questions pertaining to the school and style, its philosophy, and other crucial concepts for the rank of 2nd Dan.

These black belt ranks will be recognized in April 2023 at our Ceremonial Black Belt Brunch where they will receive their certificates of rank.

Congratulations to

1st Degree Black Belt

Edna Rodriguez-Plate and Peter Hotvedt