New 5th Degree Black Belt Instructor Black belt is a prestigious rank, one recognized around the world. In the American Eagle Style, there are ten black belt ranks called degrees or Dan. Only the head of the school may hold the rank of 10th Dan, and this person determines its direction and certifies its instructors. For the American Martial Arts Institute, this is Grandmaster Crandall. Prior to earning 1st Degree black belt there are 8 gyups (belt ranks) that must first be e

Here is Shane Shaffer with Headmaster Crandall at the New Hartford training hall after Shane’s recent training session on his last visit from Montana. Many of our Iaido students live great distances from the school, but the teachings of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall allow these individuals to continue their training and benefit from the traditional teachings of the Bushi.

Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido/Batto Style Testing Results for June 9, 2021 Joseph DeTraglia completed an extensive testing in the traditional Iaido style of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido/Batto style of martial arts. In this traditional Iaido there are only three levels of training: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced status. Joseph’s completion of the Iaido katas, Batto katas, Muto Dori, Body Kamaes, Kumi Tachi, and verbal and written knowledge

Results for the testing held at the American Martial Arts Institute on June 16, 2021 The following students have tested for new rank: JUNIOR RANK Baylee Bolton is now an Orange Belt Michael Ngo is now an Orange Belt Jacob Nguyen is now an Orange Belt Colt Sebastian is now an Orange Belt Kya Sebastian is now an Orange Belt Christopher Case is now a Purple Belt ADULT RANK Kevin Grant is now a Purple Belt If your name appears on this list, see your instructor to receive your tes

Results for the testing held at the American Martial Arts Institute on June 11, 2021 JUNIOR RANK Anna Ellis is now a 3rd Rank Brown Belt Rebecca Daley ----- FAILED Isabella Salatino is now a 1st Rank Brown Belt ADULT RANK Briar Hanna is now a 1st Rank Brown Belt Edward Salsberg is now a 1st Rank Brown Belt If your name appears on this list, see your instructor to receive and review your test results. All testings are posted within two weeks of the test date at the main locat

Our Iaido students are very fortunate to be able to do traditional Batto as well as traditional Iaido. Thanks to Master Fumio Demura, who taught Headmaster Crandall the traditional path of Batto and True Understanding, which is incorporated into the classes each year starting in June. This allows them to practice Batto in June, July, August and September in preparation for the October Tai Kai. In the pictures the students are practicing Hatto/Nou-Tou (the drawing and reshe