Being an AMK Black Belt is not an easy task. Considering that the AMK has been around since 1972, one would believe that the AMK has produced hundreds of Black Belts over the years. In fact, it has been quite the opposite. What most "onlookers" do not seem to understand about our AMK Black Belts is that their Black Belts are holistic in nature. Even though the majority of our certified Black Belts are in Taekwondo, we do not consider that we are a Taekwondo school. It is not even in the name of our school. The best description that can be given is that we are certified in Taekwondo, but do other martial arts as well. Each martial art is taught fully and completely and our Black Belts all have that training history.

The AMK held it's very first Black Belt testing on December 14, 1991. Master Amsell, noted that students that were already Red/Black as well as a students who was a Red Belt. To support his decision, he spoke in depth with Grandmaster Yun on who he felt was ready for Black Belt. Together, they concluded that four students would be allowed to test for Black Belt. Those four candidates were Marcus A. Krieter (1st Kub, Red/Black +3), Nila Welker (1st Kub, Red/Black +3),  Joseph Ok (2nd Kub, Red +2), and Lisa S. Amsell (1st Kub, Red/Black +3). Before testing, each student was required to turn in a thesis paper. The four candidates were successfully promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt. For the next year, all Black Belts were required to test in every quarter testing as part of their probationary period. The probationary period was a way to see how the Black Belts attitude and training held up. If the probationary period was satisfied, the Black Belts could then apply for Kukkiwon (International) Certification from Korea.

Since then several others have been promoted to Black Belt, but promotion to Black Belt is not a simple feat because of the dedication involved. The AMK structures their system to expect more dedication and commitment from higher ranks, especially Black Belts. The AMK does not believe that a Black Belt is a person who is capable of learning all the required techniques. More importantly, the AMK looks for Black Belts that are heavily involved and are readily available for assistance to the lower ranks.
 

The AMK is very fortunate today to have some of the most dedicated martial artists to be their instructors. The road to Black Belt is not an easy one, but those that make it there realize something very important...there is much more to be learned.