Black belt is a prestigious rank, one recognized around the world. In the American Eagle Style, there are ten degrees (levels, sometimes referred to as Dan) of black belt. Only one person may hold the rank of 10th degree black belt, the head of the school who determines its direction and certifies its instructors. The American Martial Arts Institute is under the direction of its founder, Grandmaster Crandall (10th degree). Similarly, only one individual may hold the rank of 9th degree black belt, the style's successor. Every other degree of black belt is earned through years of training and formal testings. In addition there are 8 gyups (belt ranks) that must be earned prior to testing for first degree black belt. All students begin as white belts and test for each rank, maturing in the style as they acquire knowledge, skills, and demonstrate proper martial arts attitude for the style's high standards and traditions.
The American Martial Arts Institute is a traditional school, one which follows the "old ways" of training. This means that the style's standards, knowledge, techniques, ettiquettes, philosophy, and processes are maintained consistently from generation-to-generation. Following this tradition, the rank of first degree black belt cannot be earned prior to a minimum of 5 1/2 years of training, and generally takes 6-8 years or more to earn. The rank of first degree is graded out of a score of 100 possible points, with a minimum of 75 points needed to pass, and the exam is rigorous.
The American Martial Arts Institute also recognizes that the rank of first degree black belt requires maturity: thought processes, actions, attitudes, accountability, and responsibilities that come, in part, from life experience. In addition, students below the age of 16 are still developing physically, and their musculature, joints, and body structure are not the same as an adult. Therefore, first degree black belt exists in two forms for American Eagle Style: Junior Rank Status and Adult Rank Status. While both are first degree black belts, their examinations differ based on the above considerations. Junior Rank Black Belts may test for Adult Rank Status when their instructor determines they are ready for the adult examination AND when they are 16 years of age and older. A junior rank black belt who is 15 years of age may test for adult rank status if they meet the requirments of a unique circumstance; that is, the student has served a minimun of one year as a red top (junior rank black belt class assistant) and, of course, that they are preapared for the adult rank.
American Eagle Style black belt candidates are expected to expand their knowledge of the American Eagle Style and wider martial arts history by forming a personal library of books, DVDs, articles, and other informational resouces which they regularly read or use for reference. These include their own copy of both American Martial Arts Institute publications and other authors. Some American Eagle Style rsources are required such as the school's instructional textbook, Be Safe Physically and Mentally with the Crandall System, American Eagle Style, Self Defense Volume 1 DVD, and others.
On Saturday,December 17th, five candidates tested before a panel of judges led by Grandmaster Crandall. The judging panel was comprised of two seventh degree black belt Master Instructors, four sixth degree instructors, and two 5th degree instructor. The testing lasted 5 1/2 hours, and the candidates demonstrated a wealth of knowledge and skills. Three individuals tested for 1st degree black belt (junior rank status), two tested for first degree black belt (adult rank status).
The first degree junior rank black belts must know 13 traditional katas (adult rank status must know 14, demonstrating Old Koryo). All candidates also demonstrated punches, kicks, basic forms, ippon kumites, defensive hanza escape techniques, floor exercises, takedowns, self-defense, defenses against guns and knives, sparring individual and multiple opponents, bag work, and other areas. First Degree adult status candidates also demonstrated a weapon's kata and a board break. All first degree candidates were also required to write a 500 word paper prior to the testing. All candidates took a one-hour written examination testing their knowledge of the school and style. Candidates do not demonstrate all of the knowledge they have acquired, but a cross-section from years of training. Each testing is different, but not secretive. Those who test are permitted to discuss their testing with others.
Grandmaster Crandall is pleased to announce the promotion of the following individuals who passed their black belt examinations:
1st Degree Black Belt, Junior Rank Status
Chathuranga Perera, Tyler Day, Timothy Ha
1st Degree Black Belt, Adult Rank Status
Susanthri Perera, Morgan Weber
Congratualtions to these students and their instructors. It was an impressive moment of growth for the school and style. These individuals will receive their certificates of rank at the next black belt ceremonial breakfast.
