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.

Women's Self Defense Seminar

We live in a pretty safe community but crime can happen anywhere to anyone, we see it in the news everyday. That's why it's important to have a personal safety plan, one that incorporates avoidance, refusal, and physical responses if the need arises.

On Saturday, June 17, 23 women ages 16 through late 70s did just that by participating in a Women's Self Defense Seminar taught by Grandmaster Clifford Crandall and Headmaster Eric Stalloch at the American Martial Arts Institute in New Hartford. They were assited by tweleve additional black belt instructors.

The 90 minute seminar focused on awareness and prevention strategies including traits of criminal predators. Crime is rarely random, and better understanding criminal characteristics, tactics, and patterns can help you to recognize danger and put in place strategies to minimize risk. Time was taken to discuss common ploys. Other topics included awareness, boundaries, intuition, survival mindset, and ways to be safer in your daily routine.

Physical techniques covered included responses to escape throat grabs, double throat grabs, hair grabs, arm grabs, and more. The participants partnered with one another and were assisted by the instructors so that they left feeling more empowered and knowing that there are things they can do to escape.

The next Women's Self Defense Seminar will be held in November, but others may be available in the community soon, as other organizations have contacted us about presenting for their groups. If you are interested in hosting a seminar or participating in one you can contact us at 315.768.1859.