A Message From Master Hillicoss

As one door closes another one opens...

It goes without saying that the last class of the American Martial Arts Institute’s Albany location was a bittersweet experience for the students, instructors and myself. There was much sadness realizing that it was the end of a home where countless wonderful memories were experienced. Memories of students and instructors, their beginnings, their struggles, their growth and their successes will always dwell in a special place in my heart. On the other hand I have learned that wherever the school would be located that, due to the dedicated and enthusiastic group instructors, the school and students will flourish.

This is a lesson that I learned from Grandmaster Crandall 10 years ago when he too had to close the Catskill location. It was a difficult decision for him to leave behind a group of students that would never be able to make the commute from Catskill to Albany. But he saw it necessary in order to plant the new seed in Albany, which did indeed grow into an amazing location that made it possible to be a positive impact on the lives of hundreds and possibly thousands of people.

I would like to take this time to thank all the students and instructors for making the last class such a memorable event. All the kind words, the tributes, the warmth and the tears will be lifelong reminders of the extraordinary people that have touched my life as I have touched theirs. The events of that evening signified that it could never be said that, “Master Hillicoss did not look out for the best interest of the students or the school”. You all made it apparent that you know me for who I am and what I have accomplished.

And finally I would like to thank all the instructors that have done so much for the Albany location. They have given their time, their energy and their support in the highest degree. Their dedication, commitment and loyalty to the martial arts and the Albany location goes beyond what anyone could ever ask for. It has been a pleasure and an honor to have worked and trained with a group of individuals of this caliber.

Best of Life Always,
Master Allen Hillicoss

THE LAST CLASS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009 was the last class of AMAI’s full time location in Albany. The class was very positive, energized and upbeat as students trained for the last time in the location that had been their home for the last ten years.









In many ways it was a normal night of training, as students practiced punches, kicks, basic forms, katas, and self-defense... but at the same time everyone worked a little bit harder, with the bittersweet awareness that it was a special time.












The end of class was a truly emotional experience for everyone, as the students and instructors took a moment to thank Master Allen Hillicoss for all of his postive spirit and hard work.

Mrs. Waldron first presented a plaque in recognition of 30 years of contributing to the lives of countless martial arts students.



Next, retired schoolteacher, Gail Curry read a poem she had written especially for Master Hillicoss and this important evening.

Then Miss Möller presented Master Hillicoss with a very special white belt, significant for several reasons. White belts signify new beginnings, and tonight was definitely that for him. But even more important were all the signatures on the belt. A parent suggested that all the current students and instructors could sign a belt and in the weeks leading up to the last class this was done so that the belt could be given to Master Hillicoss as a surprise gift - a very special memory of the last days of the school.



Finally, Master Hillicoss was given a scrapbook containing photos from throughout his career in the martial arts and personal messages from students and instructors. The scrapbook was presented and organized by Dr. Howard.



And then... it was time. The class bowed out, ending the last class at the Albany AMAI full-time location. Students and instructors lingered for some time afterwards to share cake, memories, and well-wishes, and a few last pictures were taken before everyone went their separate ways and the lights went out on 10 years of teaching and training in Albany.

THE PLAQUE

WITH DEEP APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE

Presented to
MASTER
ALLEN D. HILLICOSS

THANK-YOU FOR:

Giving of yourself, your dedication and
commitment to the growth, betterment,
and development of the students, fellow
instructors, and the school

All the lives you have touched with your
caring and devotion in the Martial Arts
for the past thirty years

WE HONORS YOU ON THIS 28th DAY
OF AUGUST 2009

THE INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS OF
THE AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE

THE POEM
by Gail Curry

MASTER HILLICOSS
　
Many years ago, Columbia-Greene was the start...
Of a thirty year journey to which you gave your whole heart.
After all this time, your journey’s really just begun.
For now is the time for you to have fun.
So much of your life has been dedicated to this school.
Even in times of strife, you’ve maintained your cool!
Teaching the students katas, self defense, punches, and such...
Your caring and guidance has meant so much!
Every move that you taught the students to do
Was such a positive reflection on you.
Remember the trips to Russia, Australia, Italy, and Japan?
For those of us that accompanied you, you sure were “THE MAN”!!
　
Having you as our master instructor has really been neat.
Your dedication and commitment, no one could beat!
If we had many hours reviewing all the forms that you taught...
Basic, weapon, floor exercises, and sparring were sometimes battles well fought!!
Leading the classes night after night,
Who would have believed that the end was in sight.
Leaving the school has been a hard decision on your part,
Because for thirty years the martial arts have been a part of your heart.
Instilling a sense of pride in your students and teachers,
Was just another one of your outstanding features.
Caring, sharing, helping all in your own special way,
You made our lives better each and every day.
Over the years our respect for you has grown,
Because of the knowledge and commitment you have shown.
So even though our school will no longer be here,
In our hearts and minds, you will always be near.
Sincere good wishes to you. Enjoy your free time at last!!
We‘ll always remember the good times of the past!!
　
THANK YOU MASTER HILLICOSS

THE WHITE BELT

THE SCRAPBOOK

Below is a small sample of the many photos in the scrapbook - pictures from the Kang Duk Won days all the way through the final weeks of the Albany AMAI full-time location.