A Special Honor for Senator Raymond A. Meier Honorary Black Belt Senator Meier receiving his Certificate from Grand Master Crandall. The third time that the American Martial Arts Institute has ever presented the certificate of Honorary Black Belt took place September 17 at the State Office Building in Utica, New York. The recipient was Senator Raymond A. Meier of the 47th District. There are many aspects to the martial arts. The more of these that are developed, the more a person becomes a true martial artist. Some of these are of the physical nature involving hand and foot techniques, body flow, muscle power, intensity, and muscle harmony. There is also the mental area which deals with the subconscious and conscious thought, focus, and clarity of purpose and direction to mention a few. The area of spirit, involves commitment, enthusiasm, calmness, love and appreciation for life and nature. The social aspects of the martial arts is often forgotten and incorporates awareness of others, their importance, how one uses position or power to benefit the community, and people in general. Senator Ray Meier has demonstrated the martial arts spirit and social awareness of a true martial artist by his actions as a Senator in New York State. His position of power has enhanced his awareness of social needs. He is one of the people of the community and by not forgetting that is aware of the community and State needs. The power of a kick or the power of a punch is in the martial artist's mental focus for direction and purpose. As Senator Meier moves his hand his technique does not break a board but rather moves a pen. For any action to be powerful and productive it takes the spirit of a martial artist both mentally and physically, as would breaking a board. His actions break the circle of joblessness, economic stagnation, or social apathy regarding our community, state or nation. Grand Master Crandall stated that Senator Meier has the beliefs of a traditional martial arts black belt and the courage to act uppon those beliefs. He is deserving of our recognition and this martial arts title. His support for martial arts international relations such as the "American-Japanese Good Will Tour 2002" as well as many other ventures over the years has shown his willingness to take time and act on each level of community action presented to him. He demonstrates many of the aspects of the martial arts in a way that identifies him with the martial arts spirit of a black belt. As such, on September 17, 2002 Senator Raymond A. Meier was certified as an Honorary Black Belt by the American Martial Arts Institute (American Eagle Style) by Grand Master Clifford C. Crandall Jr. [Home] [Programs] [Our History] [Locations] [School Instructors] [School Textbook] [Superkicks Kids!] [China Trip] [Russia Trip] [Demo Team] [Tonfa Master Enterprises]