AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE Current Students Call: 315-768-1859
WHAT IS AMERICAN EAGLE STYLE?
There are different types of martials arts such as taekwondo, judo, tai chi, and others. Our main type or “style” is called American Eagle Style.
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American Eagle Style is an empty-hand martial art format founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall Jr. A traditional "empty-hand" or "open-handed" style means that its physical skills rely on using all parts of the body as tools for self-defense (hands, feet, arms, legs, elbows, knees, head, et cetera).
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The style is based on Grandmaster Crandall's extensive martial arts training (over 50 years), and is documented in a 410-page textbook and instructional videos, which assist the instructors in maintaining the style’s consistency and quality.
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American Eagle Style is a well-rounded style based on a heritage of four national and international influences: 40% American, 35% Korean, 15% Japanese, and 10% Chinese. For more information about Grandmaster Crandall’s background click here.
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All classes are taught by certified, adult black belt instructors. Classes are structured and include punches, kicks, basic forms (blocks and strikes), and kata. This is followed by a topic of the week which may include self-defense, bag work, sparring (for colored belts), and a large variety of other skills. With each class taught by multiple instructors, beginners receive extra attention. The style trains the whole person, mind and body, in a clean, professional training hall.
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See if our school is a good fit for you or your family with our trial, or contact us for a free personal tour.
Who may join / attend Adult Classes?
While martial arts are beneficial for children and we have many young students, they train in separate classes. Why? Because martial arts were original intended and developed for adults. The self-defense skills and concepts are for mature men and women who seeking to develop themselves, mentally and physically.
With this in mind, American Eagle Style's adult classes are structured for students ages 13 and older, with many women and men in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and older. Every class is taught by multiple, adult, black belt instructors. All instructors started as white belts in our school. This means they know what it was like to be a beginner, and as your mentor, they take your physical, mental, and emotion characteristics into consideration. Extra time is spent with beginners.
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​Separate classes exist for students who are 3-5 or 6-12 years of age.
Who may join / attend Childrens Classes?
Our children's classes are structured for students 6 to 12 years of age. Grandmaster Crandall's background as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal, and superintendent of schools in New York State. And, Headmaster Stalloch has over 26 years as a high school teacher. Based on this strong belief in a sound educational approach to the teaching, children 6 to 12 years old have their own class time that takes into consideration the unique educational needs of this age group.
Classes are exciting, but structured for learning, with classes taught by multiple, adult, black belt instructors. Extra time is taken with beginners. Each class includes stretching, kicks, basic forms, and more. Each week includes a special topic such as self-defense, basic tumbling, obstacle courses, and more. Classes can help to improve fitness, focus, confidence, and small and large muscle motor coordination.
Separate classes exist for students over 13 years old and for 3–5-year-olds
What is the Superkick Program?
The American Martial Arts Institute’s Superkick class designed to meet the developmental needs of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children. This class is intended to improve the child’s social skills, listening skills, and motor skills. They will learn to work in a group, follow instructions, and become more aware of their surroundings.
These skills will better prepare the child for the public education system and enable them to perform basic martial arts techniques. The martial arts techniques are a secondary goal of the program.
The primary goal is the child’s overall development, coordination, and safety.
Students also learn about important safety topics such stranger awareness, what to do when lost, how to find "helpers" such as firefighters and police officers, and more.
Who teaches the Superkick Class?
All Superkick classes are taught by certified adult black belt instructors. The program was developed by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., a retired Superintendent of Schools. He was also a high school principal, elementary school principal, and teacher until he retired to teach martial arts full-time. The program is overseen by Headmaster Eric Stalloch, a 9th Degree Black Belt, who has been a high school teacher for over 26 years. Together they bring a strong educational approach to the class.
When are the classes?
The classes run in scheduled 6-week sessions, and meet on scheduled Saturdays from 10:15-11 am. Contact us for the next available session. Class sizes will not exceed 16 students, and the child must be fully registered within the first week of the current session to participate.
While the Superkick class runs in 6-week sessions, our other classes for ages 6-12, teens, and adults run year-round with open enrollment.
What do the children wear?
The first time a child is enrolled in the Superkick program, he or she is given a free uniform with a white belt. Students wear a white t-shirt beneath the uniform. No other special clothing or equipment is required.
Other educational resources used in this program include the Tiger Lily and Julia Adventure Series, a children's book series authored and illustrated by two of our instructors, and the American Martial Arts Institute Guidebook.
Do the children test for ranks in the Superkick program?
There are three levels of recognition for this age group. Beginners wear white belts. The next level involves a testing and is called Superkick Plus. Superkick Plus students are wear a special patch on their uniform and allowed to learn additional techniques. If the student is Superkick Plus and 5 years old, they may test for an Orange Belt. This allows them to learn even more techniques.
Non Ranking Program
Train in our regular Adult Empty Hand Style classes without pursuing a belt rank. The Open System is designed for men and women 40 years of age or older who are interested in training in traditional martial arts but not interested in progressing through the ranking system. Some of the benefits of this program include consistent weekly workouts, year-round self-defense training, increased balance and flexibility, improved circulation and strength, personal enjoyment, and more. It is perfect for the adult who is looking to be more active.
How Does the Open System Differ from the Ranking System?
There are no belt ranks in the Open System. Instead, students wear a blue belt with a white stripe, indicating they are in this program.
There are no testings in the Open System. Instead, students are evaluated while participating in class over a period of time, and then are requested to set aside some time to demonstrate their progress. This evaluation is less formal and one-on-one. The levels of progress are indicated by tips on the belt as follows: yellow, green, blue, purple, brown (1, 2, or 3) and black. Each level opens up new information to learn.
There is no sparring in the Open System. Instead, circular self-defense is practiced.
Can I Earn Rank?
Yes. If you decide, you may choose to register as a full-time student in the American Eagle Style of martial arts and test for belt ranks. You may receive credit toward your time spent training in the Open System toward testing for your first belt ranks. Speak with an instructor for more information.
