MANSFIELD – Jason Farnsworth Kenpo Martial Arts instructor at Richland Academy of the Arts earned his 7th-degree black belt under the guidance of Joe Doyle and Grandmaster Huk Planas.
The promotion took place following an intensive seminar at Doyle’s studio in Mentor, where Planas has been teaching since 1999.
Doyle set out to cover the entire Kenpo curriculum one technique and form at a time — a challenge Planas once deemed impossible.
Through years of dedication and four annual seminars, the full self-defense curriculum was completed by 2006, leading to a second and now a third cycle. Doyle’s school remains the only one in the world to achieve this milestone.
On Saturday, after hours of training, Doyle stood before the group, reflecting on this journey.
Then, he called Jason Farnsworth and Al Babinec (of Strongsville) to the front, where Planas, now 78 and still traveling the world teaching Kenpo, recognized their dedication promoting them to 7th-degree black belt.
“In my lifetime, this was never a goal — never on my list of things to do. The responsibility, knowledge, and technical background that come with this are overwhelming,” Farnsworth said. “Honestly, I’m still processing it.
“My focus has always been, and always will be, on passing this knowledge down to the next generation—helping my students build confidence in themselves, master their skills, and ensure the legacy of Kenpo continues long after me.”
Richland Academy of the Arts
The Richland Academy of the Arts, founded in 1991, is located in the heart of Mansfield, on the corner of 4th Street and Walnut Street, beside the Carrousel.
Supported by the Ohio Arts Council and the Area Agency on Aging, RAA remains committed to providing high-quality arts education and creative programming for all ages.
To learn more about RAA or support the Empower the Arts Campaign — whether through donations or by spreading the word — visit richlandacademy.com.