Business Details
Trusted Martial Arts Training for All Ages in New Hartford, NY
Founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall Jr., the American Martial Arts Institute has dedicated decades to preserving traditional martial arts through structured, age-specific instruction. Our certified black belt instructors teach three distinct stylesEmpty Hand, Samurai Sword, and Traditional Caneto students aged 3 and older, emphasizing discipline, self-defense, and physical fitness. With a 6,400-square-foot facility featuring professional training equipment and a lineage tracing back over 300 years in iaido, we provide a family-oriented environment where students of all ages develop accountability, respect, and technical proficiency.Our curriculum integrates stretching, forms, sparring, and self-defense techniques while maintaining the philosophical principles of Bushido. As the oldest fully documented American martial arts style, we combine historical authenticity with modern teaching methods to serve both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Services
Empty Hand Martial Arts
Samurai Sword Training
Traditional Cane Classes
Kendo Sparring
Children's Martial Arts
Highlights and features
- We offer 3 traditional martial arts styles with certified black belt instructors
- Our founder Grandmaster Crandall holds a 10th Degree Black Belt certification
- 6,400 sq ft facility includes professional training equipment and viewing areas
- Family discounts available for multi-child enrollments
- We provide free trial classes with uniform loaner program
What people say
Professional instructors
Family-oriented atmosphere
Qualified black belts
Structured curriculum
Great for all ages
Services
Empty Hand Martial Arts
Traditional empty-hand martial arts instruction for ages 5 and up develops balance, flexibility, and self-defense skills. Classes include stretching, punches, kicks, forms, sparring, and bagwork. Our system emphasizes using all body parts for defense while maintaining traditional martial arts principles.
Samurai Sword Training
Centuries-old iaido instruction using samurai swords focuses on Bushido principles. Seventh-generation Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall style teaches precise sword techniques for mental discipline and physical development. Classes available for ages 18+ with proper safety equipment.
Traditional Cane Classes
Walking cane martial arts instruction combines traditional techniques with practical self-defense applications. Students learn blocks, strikes, and forms adaptable to everyday items like umbrellas. Designed for ages 18+ seeking non-traditional self-defense methods.
Kendo Sparring
Americanized kendo training uses shinai (bamboo swords) and bogu (armor) for safe sparring practice. Classes focus on strikes, blocks, and partner drills while maintaining competitive shiai (sparring) formats. Requires protective gear for participants aged 18+.
Children's Martial Arts
Age-specific martial arts instruction for children aged 3-12 develops discipline, coordination, and confidence. Superkick classes (ages 3-5) and Kids' Classes (ages 6-12) use modified techniques to match developmental needs while teaching traditional martial arts fundamentals in a structured environment.
People
Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall Jr.
Founder
10th Degree Black Belt and founder of American Eagle Style with over 55 years of martial arts experience. Former New York State educator who developed age-specific curriculum. Directs school operations and instructor certification.
Master Eric Stalloch
Headmaster
Designated successor to Grandmaster Crandall with 10th Dan certification in American Eagle Cane Style. Oversees administrative operations and maintains technical standards across all martial arts disciplines taught at the institute.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer three traditional styles: Empty Hand (open-handed techniques), Samurai Sword (iaido with live blades), and Traditional Cane. We also provide kendo sparring with protective gear.
Are instructors certified?
All classes are taught by certified adult black belt instructors. Our staff includes 7th-10th degree black belts with decades of teaching experience in American Eagle Style.
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students starting at age 3 through our Superkick program. Children's classes run until age 12, with teen/adult programs for ages 13+.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes with loaner uniforms. This allows prospective students to experience our training environment before committing to membership.
What facilities do you have?
Our 6,400 sq ft training hall features three large practice rooms, viewing areas, changing facilities, and professional martial arts equipment in a clean educational environment.
How are instructors trained?
Instructors complete a six-month internship after earning black belt. They receive annual certification in American Eagle Style and participate in monthly training sessions to maintain technical proficiency.