Special Black Belt Certificate Presentation

Joe Farr earned his Black Belt under Grandmaster Crandall in 2002 but soon after had to stop training due to lower back problems. As a Black Belt in American Eagle Style, he has stayed loyal and in contact with our school. In that period of time, Joe experienced a terrible bout of cancer and he underwent major

treatment including over a year of heavy chemotherapy. He battled these challenges until he created a life for himself and became again an active member of his family.

As if this was not enough challenges in life, Joe recently delt with a house fire that destroyed all of his personal belongings including his home display of his martial arts memories including his framed rank certificate, pictures, and all of his earned belts.

Grandmaster Crandall heard news of the home fire and made arrangements to replace Joe’s martial arts black belt certificate and belts.

On February 2 nd , 2023, Grandmaster Crandall presented Joe Farr with a framed replacement of his certificate, and Headmaster Stalloch presented Joe with a display case of all the belts he had earned.

This was an emotional moment for Joe’s family, particularly his daughters and granddaughter who had arranged the surprise meeting with Grandmaster Crandall at the school. Grandmaster Crandall noted that Joe was, is, and always will be an impressive Black Belt who has the rare ability to keep moving forward with an amazingly positive attitude no matter what challenges lie before him on his life’s path.