Mountain Academy Martial Arts

Melissa Barrow

// October 7th, 2009 // Comments Off // Instructors

Objective

Without being challenged, we cannot grow and every day studying or teaching martial arts is a challenge, therefore, we continue to grow.

History

• 2002: Began the study of Tae Kwon Do / Tang Soo Do under Master John W. Rankin and Master Doug O’Hara at the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts in Lakewood
• 2005: Began teaching at the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts
• 2005: Awarded the rank of 1st degree black belt by Master John Rankin and the Moo Duk Kwon Association
• 2008: Studied jujitsu and mixed martial arts
• 2010: Awarded the rank of 2nd degree black belt by Grand Master John Rankin and the Moo Duk Kwon Association

Credo

What would you attempt if you did not fear failing?

Dan Barrow

// October 7th, 2009 // Comments Off // Instructors

Objective

My inspiration in Martial Arts is to grow with my students and pass on my knowledge. I will best serve by continuing to learn and improve technique, theory and practice.

History

• 2002: Began the study of Tae Kwon Do / Tang Soo Do under Master John W. Rankin and Master Doug O’Hara at the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts in Lakewood
• 2005: Began teaching at the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts
• 2005: Awarded the rank of 1st degree black belt by Master John Rankin and the Moo Duk Kwon Association
• 2007: Began teaching Self Defense courses at office
• 2008: Began studying jujitsu, mixed martial arts, kung fu
• 2009: Awarded the rand of 2nd degree black belt by Master John Rankin and the Moo Duk Kwon Association

Credo

“If you think a thing is impossible, you’ll make it impossible.” – Bruce Lee

Thesis

1st Degree -

2nd Degree – The Quintessential Introspective

Bert Hargrave

// October 7th, 2009 // Comments Off // Instructors

Objective

My objective in practicing the martial arts is to exceed my perceived limitations, continue to learn and improve, and to share my experience with others.

History

• 1987-88: studied Jujitsu in Katy, Texas
• 1997: began the study of Tae Kwon Do under Master John Rankin and Mr. Doug O’Hara at the Mountain Academy in Lakewood
• 1999: began teaching weekly at the Mountain Academy
• 2000: awarded the rank of 1st degree black belt by Master John Rankin, Mr. Doug O’Hara and the Moo Duk Kwon Association

Credo

I believe that Tae Kwon Do is not a practice in violence, but a way to discipline the mind and body so that we can control violence, and not let it control us.

“Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” –Rolo May

Thesis

1st Degree – Growing up Black Belt in America

2nd Degree – Everything I Need to Know I Learned While Being Kicked in the Face

Master O’Hara

// October 7th, 2009 // Comments Off // Instructors

Objective

My goal in martial arts is to improve my martial arts skills and knowledge while helping others to improve themselves as well.

Summary of qualifications

• 1983-1984 studied at various schools in a search for the right combination of teacher and skill level
• 1984 began my studies at the mountain academy of martial arts under master John W. Rankin
• 1992 received the rank of 1st degree black belt under master john w. Rankin and the moo duk kwon association. 1990-1992 active in the Colorado State University karate club while also studying in Evergreen as time permitted
• 1992-1995 instructor for Master Rankin ,teaching youth classes ages 7 thru 12 and adult classes of all ages
• 1994-1997 active teaching self defense classes at various athletic clubs and recreation centers
• 1997 received the rank of 2nd degree black belt under Master John W. Rankin and the moo duk kwon association
• 1998 received the rank of 3rd degree black belt under Master John W. Rankin and the moo duk kwon association
• 2001 received the rank of 4th degree black belt under Master John W. Rankin and the moo duk kwon association
• 2003 received the rank of 5th degree black belt, master, under Master John W. Rankin and the moo duk kwon association
• 2010 received the rank of 6th degree black belt, under Master John W. Rankin and the moo duk kwon association

*For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in martial arts of all types. I bought my first martial arts book – “Junior Karate” in 1980. I studied this book and learned many basic techniques from it, while working out by myself, or with friends whenever possible. My zest for the martial arts has kept me working hard at improving myself and others even when financial circumstances prevented me from obtaining a formal education.

Grand Master Rankin

// October 7th, 2009 // Comments Off // Instructors, Master Rankin

Objective

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