Over the last fifty six years I have had the honor to meet, teach and learn from thousands of students, it has been my life’s passion. Its time, at seventy five years old my body has told me that Tai Kwon Do has met its end for me. I leave the Mountain Academy in capable hands with Master Bishop, Master O’Hara, Master Rich and Master Beasley, they will carry on the Mountain Academy traditions and be valuable assets to anyone now teaching.

I would be remiss if I didn’t honor my past instructors, Gwen, Tai Kwon Do, Master Foster Tai Kwon Do, Mr. Garbatz, Go Shin, Master Kim, Grand Master Suh, Hapkido, E I Do, Ms. Green, Tai Chi, Thank You.

From Mississippi to Alabama back to Mississippi to Wisconsin, to Colorado, Evergreen, Idledale, Kittridge, back to Evergreen then to Lakewood, its been a wonderful journey in Martial Arts.

I feel like I should mention a number of students/instructors that have made my journey that more enjoyable. Master Norborne Turner, my very first student who stayed in touch all these years. Bert, Alex, Jason and Julianna who had the patience and skills to teach the kinder kicks. Feagans, Rich, Beasley, O’Hara, Bishop, Blum, Melissa, Dan, Colsons, Miller, Hargrave, and the Schwettman’s that have so generously carried on the Mountain Academy schools. Smallwood, Bishop, O’Hara, Schaub and others that stepped in when I was working out of town. So many have kept the Mountain Academy traditions alive. Thank you.

A special thank you to Mrs. Rankin and my family for their never ending support throughout my Martial Arts career.

I haven’t left Martial Arts entirely as I am now teaching Tai Chi, it’s much easier on me and gives me the opportunity to still be involved with the Arts.

I want to give a special thanks to all the instructors throughout the years that have honored me and the Mountain Academy with excellence.

So for now, all the best to all of the past and present students.

Yours in Martial Arts,

Grand Master Rankin