Business Details
Traditional Martial Arts Training for All Ages
Founded by Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., the American Martial Arts Institute has dedicated over five decades to teaching traditional martial arts to students of all ages. Our certified black belt instructors offer three distinct stylesEmpty Hand, Samurai Sword, and Traditional Caneemphasizing discipline, physical fitness, and self-defense. With a 6,400-square-foot facility in New Hartford, NY, we provide a structured, family-friendly environment where students develop accountability, respect, and technical proficiency.Our curriculum caters to children as young as three, teenagers, and adults, with flexible class schedules and family discounts. Recognized as the oldest fully-documented American martial arts style, we combine historical authenticity with modern teaching methods to empower students through tradition and excellence.
Services
Empty Hand Style
Samurai Sword Training
Traditional Cane Classes
Kendo Sparring
Children's Martial Arts
Highlights and features
- We offer over 55 years of combined experience in traditional martial arts instruction.
- All classes are taught by certified adult black belt instructors.
- Our 6,400-square-foot facility includes professional equipment and dedicated training spaces.
- Family discounts available for multiple students in the same household.
- We provide a welcoming environment that promotes camaraderie and personal achievement.
What people say
Very professional
Loves it
Recommend them
Like family
Excellent instructors
Services
Empty Hand Style
This traditional martial art uses all body parts for self-defense, including hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Designed for ages five and up, it improves balance, flexibility, and stress management while teaching katas, sparring, and self-defense techniques in a structured environment.
Samurai Sword
Our 300-year-old iaido style teaches sword techniques using traditional samurai swords. Focused on Bushido principles, this adult program develops mental discipline through physical practice, including forms, strikes, and meditative movements while wearing authentic armor and equipment.
Traditional Cane
This unique style teaches practical self-defense using walking canes and everyday items like umbrellas. Designed for adults, it combines traditional martial arts principles with modern applications, emphasizing technique over strength in a safe, controlled training environment.
Kendo Sparring
Americanized kendo classes use shinai (bamboo swords) and bogu (armor) for sparring and drills. Participants learn blocking techniques, competitive shiai matches, and partner exercises while developing physical coordination and mental focus in a dynamic group setting.
Children's Classes
Structured programs for ages three to twelve include Superkick (ages 3-5) and Kids' Classes (ages 6-12). Certified instructors teach fundamental martial arts skills, character development, and physical fitness through age-appropriate activities that build confidence and discipline.
People
Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr.
Founder & Head Instructor
With over 55 years of martial arts experience, Grandmaster Crandall established this traditional style and school. He holds a 10th Degree Black Belt and oversees curriculum development and instructor certification.
Master Eric Stalloch
Headmaster & Successor
Certified as 10th Dan in American Eagle Cane Style, Master Stalloch assists Grandmaster Crandall in administrative duties and represents the school's future leadership. He has trained under Crandall for decades.
Master Nathan Morris
Senior Instructor
An 8th Degree Black Belt with extensive teaching experience, Master Morris leads advanced classes and helps develop new curriculum elements while mentoring junior instructors in the American Eagle Style.
Instructor Sabrina Crandall
Certified Instructor
A 6th Degree Black Belt and certified American Eagle Style instructor, Sabrina teaches regular classes and contributes artistic elements to the school's children's book series about martial arts adventures.
Instructor Bret Jessee
Remote Instructor
A 6th Degree Black Belt who teaches when available at the main location, Instructor Jessee maintains active participation in the school despite geographic distance from the primary training facility.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer?
We teach three traditional styles: Empty Hand (open-handed techniques), Samurai Sword (iaido with authentic swords), and Traditional Cane (using walking canes for self-defense).
What age groups do you accept?
Our programs cater to ages 3 and up, with specific classes for Superkick (3-5), children (6-12), teens, and adults. No prior experience is required.
Are instructors certified?
All classes are taught by certified adult black belt instructors, with ranks from 3rd to 10th Degree. Instructors undergo annual certification to maintain teaching standards.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a two-week trial with uniform rental included. During this period, prospective students experience multiple classes to determine if our program suits their needs.
What facilities do you have?
Our 6,400-square-foot training hall features three large studios, viewing areas, changing rooms, and professional equipment in a clean, educational environment designed specifically for martial arts training.
Can I visit the school?
We welcome visitors to book a tour and observe classes. Contact us directly to schedule a visit and see our facilities in action with current students training.
Reviews (4)
Kevin Grant
Sep 04, 2021
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I joined the American Martial Arts Institute in my 50s, ready for a change and a challenge. It is an excellent martial arts school in which people from all walks of life learn and develop with a strong sense of shared purpose. The teaching by all instructors, at all levels, is carefully coordinated and very effective. In addition to training, one learns about the culture of the martial arts and the international traditions that shape this style. It is a whole educationbody and mind. As the parent of a teenager who has spent ten years at the school, Ill add that this is a great place for children
Adam Ellis
Sep 02, 2021
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As both a parent and student, I have seen the positive effects this school has had on our entire family. My daughters have become more physically fit, more confident and even more personally responsible. I personally have grown in many areas as well. As someone in their mid to late 40s I was hesitant to start training but the program this school has developed allows me to progress to levels of skill I originally thought to be out of reach. Joining this school stands to be one of the best decisions I have made both personally and as a father.
Judy Faulkner
Sep 02, 2021
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I highly recommend the American Martial Arts Institute as an excellent school. They offer classes to students starting at age 3 in the Super Kick Program right up through adults, even senior citizens! I started training in the Empty Hand Style in 2010 at the age of 66 and later enrolled in the Cane Style. My training with the American Martial Arts Institute has definitely helped me maintain both physical and mental fitness.
Allison Ellis
Sep 01, 2021
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As a student of the school, I have had the distinct pleasure of not only understanding how to develop my physical skills in martial arts, but in addition I feel I have developed a greater sense of character and confidence. It should also be mentioned that the knowledge supplied from the books and DVDs also help to develop a greater sense of the philosophy surrounding the school, as well as the special subjects of many of the books themselves. As a college student living on a campus alone, I personally find that the book "Women's Self Defense in a Changing World" is very valuable to understand not
