Grand Master Crandall has become the first American to earn instructor 2nd-dan rank in one of Japan's oldest Samurai sword styles in the world called Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno. He has received this rank from the head of the style and school, Master Instructor Tsuneyoshi Matsuno, who lives in Kobe, Japan. The certificates are so seldom presented that each is individually written in calligraphy with the International Martial Arts Japanese Association seal on it.

Master Matsuno explained that this was earned based on the combined physical skill and philosophy of thought regarding the Samurai way demonstrated by Grand Master Crandall. In true Iaido the method by which an individual arrives at an answer and the level of answer that individual arrives at are critical to the understanding of the sword and its place in life of that individual.

The American Martial Arts Institute is the only school in the United States presently athorized to teach Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno. This martial arts school of thought is offered separate from the American Eagle Style. This separation allows students to train in just Iaido classes. The one to two classes a month with this style plus the emphasis on the mind and philosophy has interested individuals who neither had the time or the interest in the more physical offerings of the martial arts in our country. Although some younger students have been allowed to stay in the classes, new students need to be 16 years of age. The classes are taught by Grand Master Crandall with the assistance of Mr. David Phillips and Mr. Nathan Morris. With over 25 active students in this program, it can easily be said that the tradition and way of the Samurai is present and growing strong in America.