Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido Successor
Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall
Kyoshi Testing May 20, 2016
Although much of his physical testing took place on May 20, Renshi Morris had 30 days to complete the written examination and demonstrate much of what was required. On the day of May 20 he was expected to perform most of the physical requirements which included all female and male katas up to and including Kyoshi rank level. The three new katas demonstrated for Kyoshi included Tameshi-giri-ni with the cut, Runing-n-gu-no-kougeki, and Ushiro-kara-mamoru. As well as all eight traditional Batto-do katas from Ippon-Me, through Happon-Me.
Within Iaido, he had to perform the proper opening and closing Reiho and well as the four Muto Dori techniques and all of the Kumi Tachi techniques and within Batto he had to perform all five Hatto/Nou-Tou. The ability to take apart and reassemble your sword and knowing the names of each piece in English and Japanese is also a requirement. These skills are enhanced by the solid grasp of the history and traditions passed down by the late Headmaster Tsuneyoshi Matsuno along with familiarity in Kanji and old Calligraphy.
This became a testing of even greater historical significance when Headmaster Clifford C. Crandall Jr. not only presented the new Kyoshi with his certificate of rank, but also designated him as his successor in the 300 year old style. Below is a picture of the two certificates, one all in Japanese and one in English, as was done by Headmaster Matsuno for Headmaster Crandall's Kyoshi status in June of 1997. Headmaster Crandall's Hanshi status and identification as successor was also written out in Japanese and English by Headmaster Matsuno in June of 2004.
Kyoshi Nathan Morris has truly demonstrated the Bushido way and confirms for those studying this style a rich and long future.
