Grandmaster William A. Rankin

Grandmaster William Rankin began training in the martial arts in South Vietnam as a member of the United States Army in 1967 with Groups of the Republic of South Korea Army Corps. Joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and in 1975, was fortunate to be assigned military duty in Okinawa. During this period, he was introduced to Supreme Master Yuichi Kuda of the Shorin-ryu Kobukan Karate System. Master Kuda was a great man and a great teacher. He received his Black Belt on March 3, 1977. In 1996, Grandmaster Rankin was promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt with the Title of "Hanshi" and with the blessing of Master Kuda, was allowed to separate from the Kobukan family to form Uchuno Shorin-ryu. This system becomes the 5th major Shorn-ryu family in the world. On March 1, 1999, the American Okinawan Karate-do Kobujitsu Association promoted Grandmaster Rankin to 10th Degree Black Belt.

Throughout his years of training, He have been awarded 1st Degree Black Belts in Shito-ryu, Jujitsu, Aikido, Kenpo, Kempo, Escrima, Iaido, Judo, Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do. He have also trained in numerous other styles as well, such as Hand to Hand Combat, Jungle Warfare and Kung fu. However, his true love is for Shorin-ryu.

Some other significant accomplishments: 1998 World Karate Union, Hall of Fame Inductee as, and "Grand Master of the Year." 1988 World Karate Grand Champion. Began training several police officers in Maryland and included Swat Teams from North Dakota, California, New Mexico, Texas and Florida.

Grandmaster Rankin has competed all over the United States as well as in Asia. He have placed in first and second place in numerous of tournament competition, but his greatest win was in the World Karate Championships where he took 1st place in forms and Specialty and received the Grand Champion Trophy in the same field.

Grandmaster Rankin was inducted into the World Head of Family Sokeship Council 2000 International Martial Artist Hall of Fame "Founder's Award". 1998 World Karate Union Hall of Fame Inductee as Grand Master of the Year. 1988 World Karate Grand Champion. Grandmaster William Rankin is the Founder and President of the United States Martial Artist Association based in Maryland.