Welcome to our news and archives. Please note that all test results are posted for the current year, but may not appear in the archives. Full records are kept at our main office. In addition, photographs and news releases prior to 1997 are kept in our school library at our main location dating back to the 1960s.

New Master Instructor, 7th Degree Black Belt Promotion

Instructor Steven Riley Earns the Rank of 7th Degree Black Belt and the status of Master Instructor

Master Steve Riley receiving his 7th Degree Black Belt Certificate at the Black Belt Ceremonial Luncheon on September 28th, 2024.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at our school’s semi-annual Black Belt Brunch, Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. presented Instructor Steven Riley with his 7th-Degree Black Belt certificate. Master Riley had been presented with his tip and Master Instructor patch on September 23, as he had successfully completed a year-long testing, met all the high standards and requirements, and earned the status of a Master Instructor in American Eagle Style.

In the American Eagle Style the title of Master is earned and added to the student's name at the rank of 7th-Degree Black Belt. This is not an administrative title. Unlike a chief or senior instructor, which is an appointed title denoting a level of responsibility within the school, the status of Master in the Style is earned and linked to the rank of 7th-Degree Black belt and comes with a permanent certificate signed by the Grandmaster. While the demands of earning this rank mean that it will only be earned by a select few, there is no limit to the number of individuals who may earn this prestigious distinction.

Master Riley is the ninth American Eagle Style student to successfully complete the requirements for 7th-degree and earn the status of Master. Master Riley has been training under Grandmaster Crandall since 1988. He is also a student in Americanized Eagle Kendo.

Congratulations to Master Steven Riley on his impressive achievement.