Kendo Title Patches Presented

On Saturday, December 10, 2022, Grandmaster Crandall presented two dedicated students with title patches. Kyoshi Nicholas Chuff was presented with his Kyoshi patch (although he already possessed this title, and his certificate verifying this hangs on the wall in training room 3 at the American Martial Arts Institute). Sabrina Crandall was presented with her Tashi status patch. Congratulations to these two individuals.

The American Martial Arts Institute offers four styles of martial arts training:

1) American Eagle Style (empty hand),

2) Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido/Batto (sword),

3) American Eagle Cane Style (cane), and

4) Americanized Eagle Kendo (kendo).

There are three levels of participation in the Americanized Eagle Kendo Style. The Beginner student, the Advanced student, and the Title levels: of Tashi, Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi. The Beginner and Advanced student are not identified by belts, uniform colors, patches but by their skill and knowledge as demonstrated on the training hall floor. Shogo, Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi are identified by a patch on the right shoulder of the Keikogi. This is worn to assist beginners in knowing who they can go to for assistance and questions.

In this school each title is associated with the following meanings:

Tashi: This title indicates overall Kendo abilities including techniques and mentalities (attitudes) of a kendoist. In addition, this student has instructional abilities and an overall knowledge of Kendo that would help other students.

Renshi: These students have practiced and succeeded to show the principles of the sword and have good knowledge of Kendo and have the skills to teach this information to other students.

Kyoshi: These students have mastered the principles of the sword and have excellent knowledge of Kendo and the skills to teach a diversified group in a class setting.

Hanshi: (English equivalent: Headmaster) This is the highest title and position. This individual has mastered and completed the principles of the sword, has outstanding knowledge of Kendo and excellent instructional personality with traditional values and standards.