Extension Tool Competition 2022

October 8, 2022

"The martial arts is a road traveled by an individual who is developing and shaping themselves into the most they can be, and yet, without an instructor and a school, that individual is stagnant and denied the ability to see the road and know the choices that lie before them at each intersection.”

-Grandmaster Clifford Crandall Jr.

There are moments and events that define the future of nations, governments, agencies, and people. Such events happen on large scales and small scales. We had one of these events which will define our school, students, and future instructors as a group this past weekend, our annual extension tool competition. This school-wide event had 53 competitors this year from American Eagle Style, Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido, American Eagle Cane Style, and Americanized Eagle Kendo.

While it is important for the style to be passed from one generation to the next without change, that does not mean the school lacks growth. In fact, the school is a living structure, one which the Grandmaster meticulously guides and administrates. The eye of the eagle in our school logo is a yin-yang, and this is significant. One of the reasons for this is as a reminder that traditional martial arts possesses many concepts that exist in a duality (two opposite yet complimentary states), which are in constant motion. Among these are the individual and the school. Our students and instructors recognize that their own individual efforts are only one part of the road and that involvement in the school outside of attending weekly classes is essential for the growth of the individual within the Art and for the school as a whole.

Comradery is built through shared experiences. Whether leading by example through actively participating or as a student coming to support and watch their fellow students, this event has become essential for our school.

Extension tools are a traditional part or our school, and they include the bo, sword, kama, tonfa, sai, escrima, cane, eku, half-moon staff, and naginata. Beyond their historical significance, they hold many benefits for the practitioner and they are required for: Students testing for First Rank Brown ( required to do 15 moves correctly of an extension tool kata of their choosing) and for students testing for First Degree Black Belt (required to demonstrate a weapons kata in its entirety correctly). The extension tools are documented in a DVD produced by school and more information can be found in our school textbook.

This year's competition included divisions for yellow-green-blue (ages 6-12), purple and brown (ages 6-12), brown belts (ages 6-12), black belts (17 and under), yellow-green-blue (ages 13 and older), purple and brown (13 and older), black belts (ages 18 and older), open style (beginner and intermediate), open style (advanced), and instructors divisions.

Our instructors seldom get to demonstrate our commitment and loyalty to the school which we have participated in for so many years. At this year's competition, we got to show who we are and the strength the school has given us for all to see. In performing, we shaped ourselves and at the same time set an example for our students to see and follow. It was a lot of fun for both the students and instructors alike.

Instructors in American Eagle Style wear black uniform tops with a blue instructors patch. They must be re-certified annually to teach. To be in instructor in American Eagle Style, you must first have earned a black belt in the style, having started as a white belt, be an adult who is 18 years or older, and request in writing to Grandmaster Crandall to be considered to become an instructor. If accepted, the student is presented with their black top. They then undergo a 10 week to four-month training program to gain the fundamental skills to teach in our school.

Grandmaster Crandall is pleased to announce that Instructor Edna Rodriguez has been awarded instructor status and was presented with her instructor's patch at this year's competition. Congratulations to Instructor Rodriguez and her instructor Sensei Lilley. If you are interested in becoming an instructor, speak with Grandmaster Crandall.

Next year's extension tool competition will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Mark the date! See you there!

DIVISIONS

Yellow-Green-Blue (Ages 6-12)

First Place: Jaden Silva

Second Place: Josie Bauer

Purple-Brown (Ages 6-12)

First Place: Ethan Fanelli

Second Place: :Lilli Van Etten

White-Yellow (Ages 13+)

First Place: Joseph Schmidt

Brown (Ages 13+)

First Place: Briar Hanna

Second Place: Kevin Grant

Black Belts (Ages 17 and under)

NO GROUP PICTURE AVAILABLE

First Place: Caitlin Mazzotta

Second Place: Caden Salsberg

Other competitors: Matthew Dibble and Camilla Rodriguez-Plate

Black Belts (Ages 18+)

First Place: Ryan Byrne

Second Place: Zachary Slade

Instructors' Division

First Place: Instructor Edna Rodriguez-Plate

Second Place: Instructor Maria Quintal

Open -Style Weapons Division (Beginner - Intermediate)

First Place: Matthew Strachen

Second Place: Bret Jessee

Open -Style Weapons Division (Advanced)

First Place: Sabrina Crandall

Second Place: Linda Moller

THIS YEAR'S COMPETITOR LIST

Yellow/Green/Blue: Ages 6-12 · Mae Roginski · Baylee Bolton · Jacob Nguyen · Jayden Silva · James Shelley · Jenna Nguyen · Madelyn Raspante · Josie Bauer · Eleanor Roginski Purple/Brown Belts: Ages 6-12 · Anna Ellis · James Sanson · Tess Kloidt-Gilligan · Mara Dibble · Lilli VanEtten · Ethan Fanelli White/Yellow Belts: Ages 13+ · Joseph Schmidt Brown Belts: Ages 13+ · Jenna Smith · Briar Hanna · Kevin Grant Black Belts: Ages 17 and below · Caden Salsberg · Camila Rodriguez-Plate · Matt Dibble · Caitlyn Mazzotta Black Belts: Ages 18+ · Chad Handy · Allision Ellis · Neil Grant · Erica Miscione · Zachary Slade · Vincent Siegfried · Ed Salsberg · Ryan Byrne · Matt Michaels · Joe DeTraglia · Isaiah Handy · Ryan Payne · Joey DeTraglia Instructors’ Division

· Adam Ellis · Steve Riley · Dean Johnson · Victor Chambers · Edna Rodriguez · Maria Quintal · Kyleigh Hoyle

Open Style Weapon’s Division = BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE

· Bret Jessee (cane)

· Matthew Strachen (iaido)

Open Style Weapon’s Division = ADVANCED

· Lucretia Burmaster (cane)

· Amanda Crandall (iaido)

· Kay Silvestri (Cane)

· Sabrina Crandall

· Cheryl Freleigh (iaido)

· Tim Cumings (cane)

· Linda Moller (kendo)