The American Martial Arts Institute and the American Eagle Style of empty-hand martial arts were founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall Jr. American Eagle Style is a traditional "empty-hand" or "open-handed" martial art, which 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). The style is based on Grandmaster Crandall's extensive martial arts training (over 45 years). American Eagle Style is a well-rounded style founded on a heritage of four national and international influences: 40% American, 35% Korean, 15% Japanese, and 10% Chinese. The American Martial Arts Institute strives to offer the martial arts in a variety of programs for men and women of all ages that will arm their minds with knowledge, their bodies with skills, and excite their emotions. This is for the purpose of improving their belief in themselves, their successes in work or school, and their own personal commitments to friends and family. All classes are taught by certified, adult black belt instructors.
Who may join / attend Adult Classes?
American Eagle Style's adult classes are structured for students ages 13 and older. Following the traditional philosophy of the martial arts, teenagers are treated as the young adults; they are expected to develop and demonstrate the accountability, responsibility, and respect of adults.
Separate classes exist for students under 13 years old. Students who are under 13 years old, and who have earned their first colored belt, may request permission from their instructor to attend adult classes. However, these students are expected to function in the adult classes at the adult pace, since this class is structured for adults.
Who may join / attend Childrens Classes?
American Eagle Style's children's classes are structured for students 6 to 12 years of age. Grandmaster Crandall's background includes years as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal, and superintendent of schools in New York State. Based on his strong belief in a sound educational approach to the teaching of
American Eagle Style, children 6 to 12 years old have their own class time that takes into consideration the unique educational needs of this age group. However, students are taught American Eagle Style, responsible for the same requirements, knowledge, and traditional martial arts attitude of adults. Separate classes exist for students over 13 years old. Students who are under 13 years old, and who have earned their first colored belt, may request permission from their instructor to attend adult classes. However, these students are expected to function in the adult classes at the adult pace, since this class is structured for adults.
How long are classes?
Classes are 1-hour in length. Children ages 6-12 register for 2 classes per week as beginners (white-orange belts), either on Tuesdays/Thursdays or Monday/Wednesday. Once the student earns the rank of yellow belt, they may attend adults classes, too, with their instructor's permission. See an instructor for details.
Who teaches the classes?
All classes are taught by certified, adult black belt instructors. All of the instructors must be separately certified to teach and re-certifed annually. These professional men and women are not paid, rather their volunteer their time to "complete the circle" or give back to others what they have received from the school. As such, instructors train in classes separate from the other students.
Who will be my instructor?Every student of American Eagle Style is a student of Grandmaster Crandall. However, each new student is assigned to an instructor who "their instructor." This instructor is responsible to Grandmaster Crandall for your training and determines when you test for belt ranks. Likewise, you are "their student" are accountable to both them and Grandmaster Crandall. This gives you the important "student-teacher" relationship that is essential to your training, understanding of the style, and progression.
Your instructor teaches on a particular night; therefore, the night you sign up for will help to determine your instructor. You may attend class on any Adult Class night, however. Every instructor, including Grandmaster Crandall, will teach you, as well.
