Reflections of a Grandmaster

By Amanda R. Crandall and Clifford C. Crandall, Jr.

Grandmaster Crandall told me that at age 76 he doesn’t feel old enough or wise enough to have a compilation of his life stories published. “I don’t feel worthy. I think I need to be at least 80 or something.”

This book isn’t meant to capture all of Grandmaster Crandall’s philosophies and insights. It is meant to share a little of his history, his personality, and his morals. In deciding what to include in this book I spoke with many of my fellow instructors, all students of Grandmaster Crandall, most of whom have known him for years longer than I. I had to pick from a compilation of stories he has shared with us, that have broadened our perceptions in some way, turned over a stone in our consciousness to unearth new understanding, and touched our lives with “ah-ha!” moments. I think his words, humility, wonder for life, and perceptiveness into humankind, are exactly why this book needed to be written.

Ichi Go Ichi E – “One Lifetime, One Meeting”. These are stories for today, for next year, for 20 years from now, but each time will be a new perspective of the composition of Grandmaster Crandall’s spirit.

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Chapters

• Failing a Color Belt Testing. 21

• Lifeguard Training. 27

• Self-Defense Seminar in Jamaica. 33

• China*America Trip. 39

• The Realities of Sparring. 47

• Parachute Failure. 55

• Make A Wish. 63

• Bullies. 69

• Headmaster Matsuno. 73

• Deer Hunting. 83

• NYC Marathon. 87

• What is the Value of a Trophy?. 93

• Tree Hugging 101

• Pin Setter 113

• Master Toguchi 119

• NYC Train Station. 129

• Cold Water 135

• Running Away. 139

• Sunburn. 147

• A Natural Death. 153

• But Wait, There’s More! 165

• Instructional Resources. 167