Shihan Fumio Demura is respected internationally for his skill and many contributions to the world of traditional martial arts. Recently, he invited Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. to bring a student to compete at the 8th Annual Batto-do/Iaido Championships, which were a part of the 38th Annual International Karate-do Championships, in Costa Mesa, California. Grandmaster Crandall is the founder and head of the American Martial Arts Institute which teaches two styles: American Eagle Style, and empty-hand martial art style formulated by Grandmaster Crandall based on his over 45 years of traditional martial arts training and certifications, and Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall, a 300-year old Iaido style. Grandmaster Crandall was made Headmaster of the Iaido style by his late Headmaster, Tsuneyoshi Matsuno. Headmaster Crandall accepted the invitation by Shihan Demura and brought one of his top students, Mr. Nathan Morris.

Mr. Morris is a sixth-degree black belt and instructor in American Eagle Style, but he is also a Tashi in Iaido, training in this art for over 14 years. Tashi refers to his status as an "expert student." Part of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido includes training in Batto, the art of cutting with sword. Tashi Morris represented the American Martial Arts Institute and Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall in two divisions, kata and cutting.

Mr. Morris placed 3rd in the kata division and 1st in the cutting division. Click here for the official results.

Congratulations to Mr. Morris and Headmaster Crandall.

More information, photographs, and media coverage will be posted here within the next two weeks. Check back soon. Last Updated: March 10, 2009.

ARTICLES
Click here to read the front page newspaper article about Mr. Morris and Headmaster Crandall.

VIDEO
Click here to see the News Channel 10 Interview with Mr. Morris and Headmaster Crandall.