Press Releases

Joseph Iannone------First Degree (Junior Rank)
Cherie Mullen------ First Degree
Dr. Brett Jessee------Fourth Degree

Twice a year black belt instructors and staff, and adult black belt and brown belt students, come from across the country to recognize the accomplishments of those who have tested for new black belt ranks during the past six months. This gathering of instructors, staff, and students has become a tradition of the American Martial Arts Institute. Those who have passed their black belt testing receive their certificate at this time.

In the American Martial Arts Institute, a student who passes their test receives their new black belt or red tip, indicating their new level of black belt, immediately after the testing. The titled instructors, and everyone that was a part of their testing, including spectators, hold a small ceremony. This ceremony is a proud moment for those who have earned a promotion, but the special time of sharing their accomplishments with all the other black belts, friends and family takes place at the ceremonial breakfast. Everyone is in uniform and enjoys the time together in a friendly and light atmosphere, which is based on the success and achievement of those being honored. It is also a time of camaraderie and picture taking.

The breakfast began with a moment of silent remembrance of past instructors and students that are no longer present. Grand Master Crandall then took a moment to reflect on the pride he and all the instructors had regarding the new first-degree black belts: Jopseh Iannone and Cherie Mullen. Grand Master Crandall spoke about responsibility that comes with being a black belt, which earns the traditional respect attached with being a black belt. The years it takes for each individual to achieve this knowledge may vary, but to test and earn the rank of first degree black belt means that each individual has arrived at the same place. An equality of skill, technique, patience, concern, and respect for themselves and others that is shared by all who achieve the rank of black belt in the American Martial Arts Institute. Each of the new first degrees came from very different backgrounds in life, but both traveled the road to black belt.

First degree is not an ending; it is the beginning. The difficulty the individual faces as he or she continues the road of being a black belt student of the arts lies in the ability to put into practice, as a part of their character and philosophy, that which they have learned. As they approach the demanding levels of second, third, fourth degree, their ability to stimulate growth in their school and to promote their art, which allows others to practice and enjoy similar physical and mental rewards of the path which they have walked, becomes important. It is the traditional ideal of “completing the circle.” Grand Master Crandall shared his admiration for the new forth-degree black belt being recognized, Dr. Brett Jessee. Grand Master Crandall pointed out that Dr. Jessee faced the challenge of being in another state, away from a weekly schedule at the training hall. Despite these challenges, Dr. Jessee made the commitment to himself and the style to travel back to New York State to train.

There was great food and plenty of it. This was the first time the semi-annual Black Belt Ceremonial Breakfast was held at the Club Monarch in Yorkville. In the main conference room everyone enjoyed a filling meal from the buffet. It was a very enjoyable way to begin the day. Following the breakfast, instructors and staff from the three locations, Utica, Albany, and Rochester, and from out of state, met for a staff meeting to discuss teaching the style and special programs to maintain the high standards of the American Martial Arts Institute.