In the past century the martial arts has had a growing affect on cultures around the world. It offers individuals increased self-confidence, self-defense skills, relaxation, and can improve one’s focus. The number of martial arts schools is now beyond counting, as is the number of businesses directly or indirectly affected by this growth. The martial arts is seen everywhere, whether through movies, books or magazines, or personal training.

As the martial arts has grown and matured it has become an occupation of professionals with true leaders and pioneers. With this, recognition and standards have become a part of the martial arts history.

The largest and most prestigious martial arts hall of fame began in 2000 by Master Alan Goldberg, and is held annually at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Master Goldberg’s dream was to recognize the greats of this profession as sports such as baseball, golf, boxing and the world Olympics do. As a result the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame and Spirit Awards was started. Individuals have been inducted from all over the world, representing martial arts in Spain, England, Canada, Russia, India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. This event has been recognized as one of the largest affairs held in Atlantic City’s history. Some of the elite that have been inducted and members of the board of directors include Joe Piscopo, Stephen Hayes, Cynthia Rothrock, Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Don Wilson, Mikeal White, Clifford Crandall, Chuck Zito, Frank Shamrock, Mark Shuey, Bob Wall, James Lew, and Phil Morris.

Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., was one of those inducted at the first Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Fame banquet, and has since become a member of the induction panel for this international event.

Through the support and efforts of Master Alan Goldberg, Grandmaster Crandall traveled to Florida for the special purpose of recognizing a new inductee. Grandmaster Raymond P. Arndt of Port St. Lucie, Florida is the Grandmaster and founder of the American Kang Duk Won Association, and he was inducted as a Platinum Pioneer in recognition of his over 50 years of martial arts leadership and dedication. His founding of the American Kang Duk Won Association allowed him to pass the knowledge he obtained through his studies and personal experiences in Europe, Asia, and the United States on to his students and the martial arts community as a whole. Grandmaster Arndt was selected based on his world involvement in the martial arts as a fighter, a formist, and most of all a teacher of the skills and philosophy of the martial arts.

Grandmaster Arndt’s certificate and trophy of induction was presented to him by Grandmaster Clifford Crandall on April 29, 2007 at a special ceremony held at the American Kang Duk Won’s Karate Camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Many of Grandmaster Arndt’s black belts were present for the induction ceremony, including his two master instructors, Master Chris Cicio and Master Dan Borger. Master Dan Borger has been identified as Grandmaster Raymond Arndt’s successor and is certified to teach instructors the American Kang Duk Won’s style in Grandmaster Arndt’s absence.

Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Fame was designed to recognize the elite of the martial arts profession, and Grandmaster Arndt’s willingness to pass on the knowledge and philosophy of the martial arts has established him as a true visionary of the arts.

Grandmaster Arndt's successor, Master Dan Borger, introducing Grandmaster Crandall to the parents and students at the American Kang Duk Won's Karate Camp.

On behalf of Master Alan Goldberg, President of Action Martial Arts Magazine, Grandmaster Crandall presents Grandmaster Arndt with his induction certificate and trophy.

Grandmaster Arndt's acceptance speech and words of encouragement for those students present to remember that the mind is the most important part of our body.

Left to Right: Master Chris Cicio, Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., Grandmaster Raymond Arndt, and Master Dan Borger.

Instructors and students of the American Kang Duk Won's Karate Camp with guests Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., and his daughter, third degree black belt, Ms. Nicole Crandall.

For more information about Grandmaster Arndt, visit the Guest Masters section of this website.