Ceremonial Black Belt Luncheon

On Saturday, April 27, the American Martial Arts Institute held its semi-annual Ceremonial Black Belt Luncheon, where it recognized students who earned new ranks of black belt during the past six months. While students who have passed their testings receive their black belts following the exam, they do not immediately receive their certificates certifying them at their rank. Instead, these are presented at a special ceremony twice each year. This April 58 instructors and students from across New York State, New Hampshire and Canada attended to recognize those being honored. Grandmaster Crandall began the event by speaking about traditional martial arts concepts including "Ichi Go Ichi E" and its relevance. This was followed by recognizing students from the American Eagle Style on their rank promotions. For junior rank black belt: Henry Daley, Anthony Rocco III, and Neil Grant. For adult rank black belt: Ryan Byrne and Edna Rodriguez-Plate. Master Lynn Jessee was presented with her certificate certifying her as a 7th Degree Black Belt in American Eagle Style, and as a Master in the Style. This was followed by recognizing 3 individuals who had acheived 1st Degree Black Belt in the American Eagle Cane Style: Roseanne Musar, Marilyn Stalloch, and Timothy Cumings. The next luncheon will be in September 2019.

Prior the luncheon, the black belt staff and instructors ("black tops") attended a three hour staff meeting. These are held twice a year and are a critical part of their re-certification process. Those adult black belts interested in applying to be in the instructors program should speak with their instructor for more information.