Appalachian Trail Inspiration

As Grandmaster of the American Martial Arts Institute, I am very proud of the individual achievements of its many certified black belts instructors. Although they are all exceptional, some do stand out above the rest. This is one of those exceptional achievements. Mr. Steve Riley, one of our black belt instructors and known by hikers as

“Splinter”, began in early spring 2021 to hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish.

Steve is a Sixth Dan Black Belt who has proven himself as an achiever from the day he started training in the martial arts 32 years ago. When he is in the training hall teaching, our students can feel his enthusiasm and excitement for everything he does. This venture has taken Steve and his friend Jim Reese, who goes by the handle “Turtle

Power,” on 102 days of hiking and over 1,100 trail miles as of July 12th .

All of us here at the school are inspired and are growing through your achievement. You and Jim are pioneering an old trail, and in doing so inspiring our students with a “Yes it can be done” attitude. Our Ki is with you both.

Grandmaster Crandall