9th Dan – Pin # 6971

As with many Tang Soo Do pioneers, Grandmaster Johnson’s training began while serving overseas in the military. For Master Johnson, that was 1963. After returning to the U.S. he became captain of Chuck Norris’ highly successful competition team. His personal record stands at only one loss in nearly 200 contests.

It was his extensive ring experience as both a competitor and referee that led him in 1968 to create the penalty point system that is still in use today in tournaments. In those days, fierce sparring with heavy contact led to many injuries in the ring. His new point system was extremely effective in reducing those injuries and making the sport safer for all competitors. For his contributions to the sport, he was twice given the Golden Fist award as the best referee in the U.S..

Adding to his many accomplishments, Grandmaster Johnson has also worked as stunt coordinator and fight scene choreographer for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Karate Kid, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Batman and Robin, and Mortal Kombat.

In 1993 he was inducted into the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) Hall of Fame.

In 1995 was honored by Black Belt Magazine as Instructor of the Year.

Grandmaster Johnson is a 9th Dan and currently heads the National Tang Soo Do Congress.