AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE CALL US AT: 315-768-1859
AMERICANIZED EAGLE KENDO
WELCOME TO “KENDO FOR FUN”
Kendo is a very active yet ceremonial martial art, rooted deeply in the traditional training with the katana and the Bushido lifestyle. This kendo school exists out of my genuine appreciation for kendo, which has been nurtured through years of involvement with some of the most traditional and quality kendo instructors and agencies. Kyoshi Chuff, my top student, shares this love for kendo and understands what it offers to its practitioners. Together, we have observed that some of our practitioners face challenges, such as lower back pain or serious knee issues. These challenges can render certain aspects of traditional, formal kendo virtually impossible, such as the sonkyo position and the proper execution of fumi-komi-ashi. To address these needs, we have developed a unique style known as Americanized Eagle Kendo, promoted as “Kendo for Fun.” In this format, certain aspects of traditional kendo have been adapted or substituted to accommodate enthusiastic participants facing these physical challenges. Despite these changes, our underlying philosophy remains deeply rooted in tradition, with a demanding and honorable code of duty and respect that we uphold in every training session.
OUR ‘CENTER’ OR PHILOSOPHY
Understanding the philosophy of kendo and our style of kendo can give you, the student, a strong foundation for your involvement. But actually practicing the center or heart of the philosophy allows your training to become part of your life. This brings forth the questions: What is the Center? What do we strive for in the fewest terms and the most fundamental concepts? The Center of our kendo style is to better ourselves in every way, from our smallest acts to our largest commitments. On the back wall of our training hall is a picture of Hanshi Crandall and Kyoshi Chuff, which is to remind us of who made our style possible. Above that picture in the same frame is the calligraphy which states our Center. In effect, it states why we train. The calligraphy states that we are in a daily challenge to “Cultivate Oneself.” To use kendo and its mental and physical demands to shape ourselves.
Obtaining the 4th edition copy of “Kendo for Fun,” the Americanized Eagle Kendo Instructional Textbook, will help you understand and prepare for training in this martial arts style. The Eagle Eye Newsletter will help keep you, the active participant, informed on class times and dates, as well as the topics being covered.
​
INSTRUCTORS
Grandmaster Clifford Crandall, Jr. is the 10th degree and founder of American Eagle Style and the American Martial Arts Institute; the Headmaster of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido/Batto-do style and school; and a 9th degree and co-founder of the American Eagle Cane Style.
With his over 28 years of kendo training and experience, he is the Hanshi or Headmaster of this Kendo style. He has promoted the rich heritage that Kendo offers through videos, books, and his TV show over the past 25 years.
Master Nicholas Chuff is one of Grandmaster Crandall’s top students and is a 7th degree black belt and Master Instructor in American Eagle Style with over 30 years of martial arts experience. Kyoshi Chuff was one of Headmaster Crandall’s early Kendo students. His passion and enthusiasm for this art sparked Headmaster Crandall to document his knowledge of Kendo, resulting in the two men making possible this instructional Kendo textbook for this style’s students.
