Welcome to our news and archives. Please note that all test results are posted for the current year, but may not appear in the archives. Full records are kept at our main office. In addition, photographs and news releases prior to 1997 are kept in our school library at our main location dating back to the 1960s.

Special Iaido Class - Philosophy, Terminology, Concepts, and More

On Friday, January 26, Headmaster Crandall taught a special class for the iaido students focused on general philosophy, Japanese terminology and concepts that often appear on status rating exams (testings).

In Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall iaido/batto there are three grades or status for students: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. There are also titles that denote levels of experience or responsibility including Tashi, Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. Students can spend years, even decades at a level without a formal change in status. However, when the Headmaster/Hanshi believes a student is ready, they are evaluated in a formal testing. This involves both a physcial examination of skills but also an evaluation of their knowledge through written and oral questions.

This special class touched on many of the areas needed up through the status of Tashi. This includes the eyes of the samurai (Bushi no Me), Kanji (Japanese Calligraphy / Pictographic representations) for many concepts such as Do, Samurai, Hei Jo Shin, Ki Ha Ku, and many others, parts of the sword in Japanese, style history, philosophical concepts, class commands, and much more.

Some of this is documented in the style's textbook and DVDs; however, the majority of these concepts, especially their details and nuance, are taught directly by the Headmaster. It was an exciting and informative class for all who could attend.