As I begin my 42nd year teaching, I think back 41 years ago and my first school in Axis, Alabama. Seven students, very hot and muggy, and very excited to be able to pass on the beauty and power of Martial Arts. Jump forward to 2011, still excited about Martial Arts and am very proud of the progress and innovation that has taken place here at MAMA. 2012 promises to be one of the best yet.
Our instructor’s class continues to be a success, thanks to the Black and Red belts that continue to attend. I have seen a significant improvement throughout the Academy because of the class.
Thank you for the challenge and support you have given that class.
The Kinder Kids class has done very well, thanks to Mr. Colson, and his assistants, it has continued to grow and has become an important part of the Mountain Academy portfolio.
We are excited about the opening of a new branch of the Academy. Thanks to Mr. Colson with help from Master’s O’Hara and Bishop it promises to be a great addition to the Mountain Academy system of schools. The school will service the Highland’s Ranch area and has given us a new home for the instructors, and weapons classes. It begins its life in January 2012.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrow continue to hold the Lakewood classes together, without them MAMA wouldn’t be where it is today.
Mr. Beasley and Ms. Rich continue to do well with the Mountain branches of the Academy, what a valuable asset they have become.
Thanks to Mrs. Barrow for keeping up with the Mountain Academy web site, it continues to grow and expand. It has become a valuable stop for information concerning Martial Arts, not only for our students but we get visits from all over the world.
New students continue to join our martial Arts family and former students have come home to MAMA as well. We have sent students off to college, we welcomed back old friends, we made new friends. Our family is a living, breathing pool of energy and excitement.
2011 has seen a number of promotions. Three Black Belts to 2nd degree, Mr.Colson, Mr. Blum and Ms. Theriot and we have a new black belt, Mr. O’Leary. Congratulations to all of them as they continue their journey in Martial Arts.
It is my hope that we continue to look forward and share ideas in 2012. It is an exciting time in the life of the Academy and I am glad to be a part of it.
I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and together we can all look forward to a Happy New Year.
Yours in Martial Arts,
Grandmaster Rankin