Archive for Instructors

Dominick Blum

// March 19th, 2012 // No Comments » // Instructors

There is nothing more profound than watching someone being transformed through martial arts. Since my early days in college, I have had a passion for teaching Tae Kwon Do. I strive every day to increase my knowledge and understanding of the martial arts, while continually altering and improving my techniques. My goal is to help others discover what a positive impact martial arts can have on their lives.

History:

1985:  Studied Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi at the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts

1988 – 1991:  Taught Tae Kwon Do at Fort Lewis College in Durango CO. Studied in Arnis and trained for full contact Kick Boxing.

1991:  Awarded 1st Degree Black Belt under Master John W Rankin and the Mo Duk Kwon Association.

1991 – 1995:  Studied in ITF Tae Kwon Do, Held several self defense seminars.

1998 – 2005:  Studied Kung Fu, studied and taught ATA Tae Kwon Do

2006 – 2007:  Studied Aikido

2011:  Returned to Mountain Academy of Martial Arts and was awarded 2nd Degree Black Belt from Grand Master John W Rankin and the Mo Duk Kwon Association.

2012:  Opened Mountain Academy of Martial Arts Denver

Jody Nelson

// May 2nd, 2011 // No Comments » // Instructors

I have been doing Tae kwon Do for almost 8 years now with the Gilpin/Clear Creek Academy of Martial Arts and Mountain Academy of Martial Arts. I also try to make it to Master Bishop’s Adaptive fighting class when time allows me to. I am still a student so sometimes life gets a little (a lot) busy. I have studied from Imy Rich, Tom Feagans, Bruce Bishop, and Jim Beasley up in the Idaho Spring School.

On Saturdays I go to the Lakewood classes and learn from everyone. Grand Master Rankin, the Masters, Black Belts, and all of the students there have taught me something. I have learned a lot.

A little bit about me

I can be shy and quite some times, once I get to know someone I am a lot more talkative. I was awarded two awards from the Clear Creek Sheriff’s Department. One was for selflessly putting myself in danger during a many building fire. The other one was the Lyle Wohler’s Crime stopper citizen of the year. I want to be a photographer or a detective when I grow up.

My favorite three things in Tae Kwon Do are sparring, self defense, and teaching. Other things I like to do and are interested in outside of Tae Kwon Do are fly fishing, photography, chess, sketching, hiking, and reading. Some of my favorite books are Leo The Late Bloomer, Riddle In The Mountain, The Alchemist, and Silence Of The Lambs.

My Favorite Quotes:

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times”. – Bruce Lee

He Who Knows Others Is Wise. He Who Knows Himself Is Enlightened.” – Tao Te Ching

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” - Chinese Proverb

The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth.’” -Dan Rather

“The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” – Author Unknown

No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.” – William Blake

If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. i’ll always be with you.” – Winnie the Pooh quote

Do something. It may be wrong, but do something.” – Unknown

Jason Colson

// March 15th, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Instructors

Jason Colson

I began learning Tae Kwon Do at 8 years old in Kittredge, Colorado.  I continued when the school moved to the two proceeding locations in Evergreen where I achieved my black belt April 15, 1989, at the age of 13.  As a black belt, I helped teach the Kicks for Kids class after school.  After about a year, I stopped.

As an adult, I sought out and restarted learning Tae Kwon Do from Grand Master Rankin.  Ultimately, my 3 year old son Ronan and my wife started as well.

I study various other martial arts now as well including Tai Chi.  Martial arts values and philosophy were instilled in me at a young age.  I hope to do the same for my family and students.

Thank you very much Master Rankin.

6+6=50

// November 8th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Blackbelt, Instructors, Master Rankin

It was my pleasure to award two 6th degree Black Belt certificates over the past two weekends. One to Master Bruce Bishop and the other to Master Doug O’Hara. They have, combined, over 50 years of Martial Arts Experience. I am very proud of both of these men as they continue to show us all what a true Martial Artist is and stands for. Please join me in congratulating them as they continue their journey of excellence in Martial Arts.

Grandmaster John Rankin

Masters Bishop And Ohara 6th Degree Rank

Protected: Kinder Kicks

// June 7th, 2010 // Enter your password to view comments. // Blackbelt, Instructors

This post is intended for our school's black belts only and therefor is password protected. Please contact us if you are a black belt but do not have the password.

Miranda Theriot

// May 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Instructors

Miranda Theriot

Congratulations Grand Master Rankin

// April 15th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Instructors, Master Rankin

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to our esteemed Grand Master Rankin on being awarded the rank of 8th degree and therein being promoted in title from Master to Grand Master by the Moo Duk Kwon Association of Seoul Korea.