School Black Belt Testing December 9, 2000 After years of preparation and dedication, eight individuals tested and earned their new rank. One advanced to 1st Degree Black Belt in the American Eagle Style of martial Arts. Christine Carpenter is now a 1st Degree Black Belt David Bedell is now a 2nd Degree Black Belt Steve Riley is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt Dean Johnson is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt Arturo Santiago is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt Dan Henderson is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt Ann Colasurdo is now a 4th Degree Black Belt Nathan Morris is now a 4th Degree Black Belt Left to right front row: new first degree Christine Carpenter and second degree David Bedell. Left to right second row: new third degrees Arturo Santiago, Dan Henderson, Dean Johnson and Steve Riley. Left to right back row: fourth degree Nathan Morris and Ann Colasurdo. The rank of first degree black belt in the martial arts, whether it be in Japan, Korea, China or the United States, is recognized as one of the most prestigious ranks there is. Yes, there are 10 levels of black belt in many styles, but first degree or first level black belt is the milestone of achievement for the normal martial arts practitioner. In the American Martial Arts Institute the average time to earn this rank is five to seven years. Some schools surround this testing with secrecy and fear. Rather than a test of skill and ability, it becomes cultish with hazing. The American Martial Arts Institute sees this testing as a time of demonstrating knowledge learned and the opportunity to learn more. Students are allowed to talk about their testing and achievement. The areas tested are many and the areas emphasized do change with each testing as well as the 45 minute written exam. The test involves a demonstration of forms, kicks, sparring against one, then two and then three opponents simultaneously, breaking wood and, most importantly, the demonstration of up to 16 different katas or forms. The test for the above-mentioned people started at 12:30 p.m. and was over at 5:00 p.m. The judging panel was made up of seven titled Black Belt Instructors. This group was headed up by Grand Master Clifford C. Crandall. The individuals testing for second degree or higher were required to demonstrate two weapons forms plus an additional three advanced black belt katas for each black belt level they were moving up to. Those testing for second degree or higher sparred as many as four opponents at one time. CONGRATULATIONS to all of the individuals who tested and to their instructors in the achievement of these very prestigious ranks. All testings are posted at all training locations as well as on our school web site.