Grand Master Rankin


Master John RankinObjective

To share my knowledge of martial arts in both a traditional and convenient setting. Presently the chief instructor at the mountain academy of martial arts located in Lakewood, Colorado. I began my studies in martial arts while in the U.S. Navy-submarine service. Upon discharge in 1970, I continued my studies in Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do under Master Vern Voster, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Summary of qualifications

  • 1971 received 1st degree black belt in tae kwon do/tang soo do Established first martial arts school, Pascagoula, Mississippi
  • 1972-77 active on the southeast tournament circuit, winning several grand championships. Received 1st degree black belt in Hapkido, under master ye young kim
  • 1978 received 1st degree black belt in Go Shin Ru Karate, under mr. Steve gafbatz, 3rd degree black belt, in Wausau, Wisconsin
  • 1981 received 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, under Master Chul Woo Jung, Denver, Colorado
  • 1981 established the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts, Evergreen, Colorado
  • 1982 received 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, under Master Vern Foster, Gulfport, Mississippi
  • 1984 received 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, under Master Vern Foster, Gulfport, Mississippi
  • 1985 received 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido
  • 1985 received 1st degree black belt in Ei I Do
  • 1987 received 5th degree/master’s credentials in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, under Master Vern Foster and the governing board of the Moo Duk Kwan association, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • 1989 won grand championship at the 1989 southern nationals
  • 1991 received 6th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, from the governing board of the moo duk kwon association, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • 1992 helped one of my students establish a Tae Kwon Do program at the Clear Creek recreation center in Idaho Springs, Colorado
  • 1995 helped one of my students establish a Tae Kwon Do program at the Gilpin County recreation center
  • 1986-2003 received national recognition by being admitted to “who’s who in american martial arts”
  • 1981-1997 active in the Evergreen community at the local schools giving demonstrations and self defense classes.  Started a monthly women’s self defense class that continues today. Active with the fun over 50 organization in Evergreen. Was principle speaker at the 1994 and 1995 fun over 50 fair
  • 1996  helped open “the link” recreation center in Lakewood – Presently teaching at the center
  • 2003 received 7th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, from the governing board of the Moo Duk Kwon Association
  • 2010 received 8th degree black belt/Grand Master credentials in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do, from the governing board of the Moo Duk Kwon Association

You can learn more about Grand Master Rankin here in his 25 question interview.