On Friday January 17th 2025, Alliance master and instructor Master Tammy Fairbanks undertook the exam for 5th Dan, which is the Kukkiwon 2nd degree Master. This is an honor and a privilege, as very few practitioners maintain the progress and dedication to achieve mastery in any system of martial arts.
The rank of 5th Dan Master is represents at least five years of years of study and dedication beyond the rank of 4th Dan Master, and when achieved confers a host of responsibilities and privileges upon the recipient. Master Tammy Fairbanks began training over thirty years ago and is one of the only blackbelts that has been with Alliance since it was founded. After a handful of years off to focus on motherhood during the 2000s, Master Tammy came back to train and teach with Alliance and has been active ever since, including a training trip in Korea in 2010, a lifetime Chang Moo Kwan membership in 2012 and her 4th Dan Master rank in December of 2019.
The exam was administered by 9th Dan Grandmaster Eric Greenquist as chief examiner, with 7th Dan Grandmaster Celeste Greenquist and 6th Dan Masters Ken Sorenson and Karen Ballentine as panel examiners. The exam was focused on precision and attention to detail, and included multiple patterns, hand to hand and weapon fighting techniques, board breaking, candle techniques and extra master level requirements including academic material.
Please join us in congratulating this outstanding master and instructor on this lifetime achievement; congratulations, Master Tammy Fairbanks, 5th Dan! 필승
