The rank of black belt is recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious accomplishments an individual can attain.  While not every style of martial arts uses a belt ranking system, and while not every style uses the same ranks, most people recognize two ranks: white belt and black belt.  In most styles, including American Eagle Style, white belt signifies a beginner.  Explaining the significance of a black belt is more complicated because the requirements for the rank of black belt can vary widely from style-to-style.  In addition, many styles have as many as ten levels of black belt.

            In the American Martial Arts Institute there are ten levels of black belt, and it takes an average of five and one-half to seven years before an individual may test for the first level of black belt, also called first degree or first Dan.  The test for first degree is rigorous, challenging the individual to demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and skills pertaining to American Eagle Style.  American Eagle Style is a traditional martial arts style founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr.  At the core of the style are katas, techiniques, and a traditional martial arts philosophy that draw upon a martial arts heritage rooted in styles from the United States, Korea, Japan, and China.  A black belt testing in the American Martial Arts Institute is more than a demonstration of an American Eagle Stylist’s knowledge, skills, and attitude; it is an opportunity for that individual to learn and grow.  While black belt testings are closed to the public, they are not secretive, and students who test for black belt freely share their experience with friends and family.

            In the American Martial Arts Institute, first-degree blacks may test for either junior rank or adult rank.  Students who are under the age of sixteen tests for junior rank black belt.  Students who are between the ages of sixteen and eighteen may test for either adult rank or junior rank status based upon their maturity, physical development, and attitude.  Eighteen year olds test for adult status, only.  After the rank of first degree, students may only test for adult status, and a first-degree junior rank may test for adult status when they are over the age of sixteen and they meet the requirements for the adult rank.  Junior rank black belts wear a black belt with a white strip through the length of the center of the belt.  Adult rank black belts wear a solid black belt.  And adult rank black belts who fall between the ages of sixteen and eighteen wear a solid black belt with white tips to denote their age. 

Candidates demonstrated an enoromous range of skills and knowledge.  Areas tested included: punches, kicks, basic forms, empty-hand self-defense, self-defense against knives and guns, takedowns, sparring (including multiple opponents), ippon kumites, defensive hanza techniques, come-along techniques, tumbling floor exercises, extension tool katas (up to three different katas for fifth degrees), verbal history of an extension tool, board breaking, and most prominently, the execution of up to 14 traditional empty-hand katas for first-degrees (and 25 for third-degrees).

The individual who is testing for second degree or higher has demonstrated that they can physically learn moves and understand the concepts of what the school, style and philosophy is by the fact that they earned their first degree. The difficulty as the individual continues the road of being a black belt student of the arts is 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 their general promotion of their art which in turn will allow others to practice and enjoy the physical and mental rewards of the path which they have walked. The minimum time requirement between black belt ranks varies, but can be 2 to 5 years depending on the rank.

The individuals testing for fifth degree were also required to demonstrate self-defense from the a seated position, head control self-defense techniques, advanced open hand techniques, up to 36 empty-handed katas, including American, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese forms, up to three separate extension tools, and a written examination that was largely essay and concept based.

With all of this in mind, we are pleased to announce that on January 30th four individuals tested for junior rank black belt, one individual tested for adult rank black belt, and one individual tested for thrid degree black belt. The two individuals who tested for adult ranks at the junior rank testing did so with approval by Grandmaster Crandall due to professional and educational commitments. The junior rank tested lasted for 4 1/2 hours and the judging panel was made up of seven black belt instructors comprised of titled instructors and sixth degree black belts. The adult rank testing was held on January 31st. At this testing, three individuals tested for adult first degree black belt and three individuals tested for fifth-degree black belt. The adult rank testing lasted 5 1/2 hours. The judging panel was made up of nine black belt instructors comprised of titled instructors and sixth degree black belts. Both testings were led by Grandmaster Crandall

Having successfully competed these testings, the following individuals were promoted by Grandmaster Crandall:

First Degree Black Belt (Junior Rank) Awarded to:

Left to Right: Aidan Uvanni, Josef Byrne,Philip Spiridigliozzi, and Courtney Morton

First Degree Black Belt (Adult Rank) Awarded to:

Left to Right: Sabrina Kowalski, James Fryer, Michael O'Toole, and Loretta Collins

Third Degree Black Belt Awarded to:

Mary-Margaret Krukonis

Fifth Degree Black Belt Awarded to:

Left to Right: Dean Johnson, Eric Stalloch, and Steve Riley

These individuals received their belts on the night of their testing, but they will receive their certificates of rank at a formal recognition on April 18th at the Ceremonial Black Belt Breakfast.  Congratulations to these students and their instructors.