Rick Johnson Bio
Rick Johnson is Chief Instructor at Kokomo Academy of Martial Arts. He has a most distinguished career in the martial arts, dating from his early training in Matsamura Shorin Ryu karate at the James Kennedy Karate Club in 1967. (Kennedy Sensei was the fifth recipient of the Trias International Award.)
After training with Kennedy Sensei, Mr Johnson trained with Victor Hughes.
Returning again to Indiana, Mr. Johnson trained in Matsamura with Chief Instructor Raymond Murphy of American Karate Institute, receiving Sandan in Matsamura. He also was training with the late Phil Wade Kyoshi and his wife Master Judy Wade at Fire Dragon's Martial Arts.
An interest in the styles of Shotokan and Kenjitsu developed, and he sought out training with Master Joe "Tokyo Joe" Williams, with whom he still trains.
In 1997, Mr. Johnson received the rank of Godan in Matsamura by the Directors of the International American Butokukai Federation, and holds the rank of Sandan in the American electic fighting system, American Budokan. He presently studies the art of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu under the instruction of Raymond Meeks Sensei, Godan.
On March 5th, 2000, Mr. Johnson was awarded the culminant degree of 8th Dan by Grandmaster Dr. Jim Thomas and the Board of Directors of the Midwest Martial Arts Alliance, United States Karate Society, and All-American Karate Do Union.
Johnson Kyoshi's career highlights include:
1972-70, Trained in Shuba Kan karate with Victor Hughes Kyoshi and Lee Edwards Hanshi. 1976-79 Black Dragon Kung Fu /Karate Academy and with Agor Sensei in Kajukenbo karate.
Trained briefly at R.L.Duke Tirschel dojo in Redondo Beach, California.
1973-74, Founder: Bayview Naval Karate Club. The Number 1 ranked team on the housing circuit.
Owner: Somerset Karate Club, Somerset, IN. (Known as DOC's)
Traveled the U.S. competing.
1994, 95,96,97 Ohio AAU State Champion Masters' Division.
1999-2000, Indiana AAU State Champion Masters' Division.
Runner-up in five International Competitions,(Honorable mentions).
First Place in six International Tournaments.
Medalist in seven World Championships
World Professional Karate Championships, bronze medal 2000; silver medal, 2001; gold medal 2002 & 2003.
International American Butokuaki gold medal.
Team U.S.A., seven year alumni.
Battle of Gatlinburg, gold medal 2003.
World Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Golden Life Achievement, 1999.
World Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Continuing in Excellence Award, 2000.
Midwest Martial Arts Alliance Hall of Fame, Fighter of the Year, 2000.
Action Martial Arts Magazine (first) Hall of Fame, Spirit of Excellence in Teaching, 1999. And, Continuing in Excellence, 2000.
USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Master of the Year-Shorin Ryu, 2002.
Director of the Year, American Butokukai Federation 2001 and 2002.
2004 World Professional Karate Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award.
Elected to Board of Directors' of the International American Butokukai Federation, 2000.
Elected to Board of Directors' of the World Professional Karate Council,?. USNKF offical
