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.