Extension Tool Competition 2021

October 9, 2021

"The martial arts is a road traveled by an individual who is developing and shaping themselves into the most they can be, and yet, without an instructor and a school, that individual is stagnant and denied the ability to see the road and know the choices that lie before them at each intersection.”

-Grandmaster Clifford Crandall Jr.

There are moments and events that define the future of nations, governments, agencies, and people. Such events happen on large scales and small scales. We had one of these events which will define our school, students, and future instructors as a group this past weekend, our annual extension tool competition.

While it is important for the style to be passed from one generation to the next without change, that does not mean the school lacks growth. In fact, the school is a living structure, one which the Grandmaster meticulously guides and administrates. The eye of the eagle in our school logo is a yin-yang, and this is significant. One of the reasons for this is as a reminder that traditional martial arts possesses many concepts that exist in a duality (two opposite yet complimentary states), which are in constant motion. Among these are the individual and the school. Our students and instructors recognize that their own individual efforts are only one part of the road and that involvement in the school outside of attending weekly classes is essential for the growth of the individual within the Art and for the school as a whole.

Comradery is built through shared experiences. Whether leading by example through actively participating or as a student coming to support and watch their fellow students, this event has become essential for our school.

Extension tools are a traditional part or our school, and they include the bo, sword, kama, tonfa, sai, escrima, cane, eku, half-moon staff, and naginata. Beyond their historical significance, they hold many benefits for the practitioner and they are required for: Students testing for First Rank Brown ( required to do 15 moves correctly of an extension tool kata of their choosing) and for students testing for First Degree Black Belt (required to demonstrate a weapons kata in its entirety correctly). The extension tools are documented in a DVD produced by school and more information can be found in our school textbook.

This year's competition included divisions for yellow-green-blue (ages 6-12), purple and brown (ages 6-12), brown belts (ages 6-12), black belts (17 and under), yellow-green-blue (ages 13 and older), purple and brown (13 and older), black belts (ages 18 and older), and instructors divisions.

Our instructors seldom get to demonstrate our commitment and loyalty to the school which we have participated in for so many years. At this year's competition, we got to show who we are and the strength the school has given us for all to see. In performing, we shaped ourselves and at the same time set an example for our students to see and follow. It was a lot of fun for both the students and instructors alike.

This year's competition also included a demonstration by our superkick students (Ages 3-5) and a double-cane kata by Headmaster Stalloch.

Next year's extension tool competition will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Mark the date! See you there!

DIVISIONS

Yellow-Green-Blue (Ages 6-12)

PICTURE COMING SOON...

First Place: Tayla Sebastian

Second Place: Jocelyn MacDowell

Green-Blue-Purple (Ages 13+)

First Place: Audra Williams

Second Place: Kevin Grant

Purple-Brown (Ages 6-12)

First Place: AJ Case

Second Place: Isabella Salatino

Brown (Ages 13+)

First Place: Caden Salsberg

Second Place: Shana King

Black Belts (Ages 17 and under)

First Place: Neil Grant

Second Place: Caitlin Mazzotta

Black Belts (Ages 18+)

First Place: Ryan Byrne

Second Place: Ryan Payne

Instructors' Division (49 and under)

First Place:

Second Place:

Instructors' Division (50 and older) First Place: Nathan Morris

Second Place: Lynn Jessee

THIS YEAR'S REGISTERED COMPETITORS

Yellow/Green/Blue Belts: Ages 6-12 · Ethan Fanelli · Mitchell Torre · Robert Conti · Tayla Sebastian · Drake Sebastian · Jocelyn McDowell · Baylee Bolton · Elijah Case

Purple/Brown Belts: Ages 6-12 · Lillianna Van Etten · Jay Sanson · Isabella Salatino · Jenna Smith · AJ Case · Christopher Case

White/Yellow Belts: Ages 13+ NONE

Green/Blue/Purple Belts: Ages 13+ · Audra Williams · Kevin Grant · Lucretia Burmaster · Marlena Vennette · Craig Budoff · Hassan Bryant Brown Belts: Ages 13+ · Ed Salsberg · Erica Miscione · Caden Salsberg · Shana King · Sarah Nellis · James Cacciatore · Matthew Dibble

Black Belts: Ages 17 and below · Anthony Rocco · Neil Grant · Joseph (Joey) DeTraglia · Mia King · Zachary Slade · Caitlin Mazzotta

Black Belts: Ages 18+ · Adam Ellis · Joe DeTraglia · Ryan Byrne · Jason Nellis · Ryan Payne · Matthew Michaels

Instructors’ Division 50 and Older

· Mary-Margaret Krukonis · Linda Moller · Peter Hotvedt · Nicholas Chuff · Cheryl Freleigh · Lynn Jessee · Nathan Morris · David Faulkner · John Freleigh · Mark Spiridigloizzi · Tim Stalloch · Bill Walker · Bret Jessee · Arturo Santiago · Paul Lilley · Dean Johnson · Maria Quintal