On Tuesday March 21, 2006, Grand Master Crandall, Master Hillicoss, and five instructors from the American Martial Arts Institute had the opportunity to work with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Air Force ROTC (Detachment 550) cadets. The objective of the program was to give the cadets personal self-defense skills and information.

Grand Master Crandall started the two- hour session by presenting information to the cadets regarding the historical background and purpose of the martial arts, and he compared it to their own training and the role they would eventually be serving as part of the United States Armed Forces. He reinforced the importance of discipline and the leadership skills they were developing. He also stressed the advantages that training would give them later in their lives, and also expressed an appreciation for the vital role the Armed Forces play in maintaining the many freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy in the United States.

After that introduction, it was time to get down to some physical training! Master Hillicoss led the group through stretching, punches, and center and side kicks. The cadets demonstrated their enthusiasm and enjoyed the workout. From there, they paired up and Grand Master Crandall worked with them on self-defense skills, first against basic grabs, punches, and kicks, and then against more advanced attacks including a rear bear hug. Defending against an attacker armed with a handgun was also covered. Although many of the cadets were unfamiliar with these techniques, they picked them up very quickly, and the room was filled with the sounds of blocks, counters, and take downs.

The two hours passed quickly and it was time for the cadets to move on to their academic classes. Grand Master Crandall closed out the program by presenting the commanding officer, Colonel Thomas Bell, with a copy of the Learn TAKE DOWNS Plus Counters Against a KNIFE and GUN DVD. It was a real pleasure to work with such a disciplined, focused group of men and women, and an informative morning for all involved.

Left to Right: Master Allen Hillicoss, Grand Master Clifford C. Crandall Jr., Colonel Thomas D. Bell, and Captain Peter Hughes.