The American Martial Arts Institute's second annual extension tool competition was held at the Albany location on Saturday, April 26th, 2008. As a traditional school, the American Martial Arts Institute rarely participates in tournaments and competitions. The weapons competition was started as an opportunity for the students of American Eagle Style to demonstrate their skills while experiencing the unique type of nervousness and pressure that comes with competition. The overall goal of the event was to promote school comraderie while having fun. The American Martial Arts Institute currently offers nine extension tools for its students: the tonfa, bo, sai, kama, sword, escrima, naginata, half-moon staff, and cane. Training with these tools has a definite benefit for the student's empty-hand skills. They promote strength, power, focus, and mental discipline as the student learns to control an extension of their body in the form of the traditional weapon. This year's competition was open to all students who were over the age of thirteen, or a purple belt, brown belt, or black belt of any age. The divisions were created according only to rank: white belt division, yellow and green belt division, blue and purple belt divison, brown belt division, and black belt division.

The event was organized and hosted by Master Allen Hillicoss. Grandmaster Crandall, the head of the American Martial Arts Institute, was present to oversee the day's event and to hand out the awards. The students were judged by a panel of fifth degree black belt instructors led by Master Hillicoss. The judges included: Master Hillicoss, Ms. Moller, Mrs. Freleigh, Dr. Howard, Miss Colasurdo, Mrs. Jessee, and Mr. Santiago.

Many other black belt instructors also made time to attend the competition and helped with activities such as totalling the judges scores and assisting. These black belts included Mr. E. Stalloch, Mr. Johnson, Mr. T. Stalloch, Mrs. G. Stalloch, Mrs. M. Stalloch, Mr. Pagano, Mr. Colasurdo, Ms. Austin, and Miss Catera.

Every participant of the competition was recongnized by Grandmaster Crandall and received a certificate of participation for their willingness to challenge themselves in both the training of an extension tool and competing before a panel of judges. It was evident that the students enjoyed themselves and experienced growth in their training. The students who participated this year included: Kyle Tomisman, Sabrina Kowalski, Alvero Salinero, Abby Salinero, Michael O'Toole, Loretta Collins, James Fryer, John Freleigh, Eric Dratler, Jacob Ruderman, Katie Osterdahl, Alex Catera, Morgan Weber, Kyle Mizgala, Susanthri Perera, Jill Craw, and Bernice Kochan.

The results of the divisions were:

Yellow-Green Belt Division:
1st Place: Susanthri Perera
2nd Place: Jill Craw

Blue-Purple Belt Division:
1st Place: Bernice Kochan
2nd Place: Alex Catera

Brown Belt Division:
1st Place: Jim Fryer
2nd Place: Katie Osterdahl

Black Belt Division:
1st Place: Kyle Tomisman
2nd Place: Sabrina Kowalski