Who's Who in Tang Soo Do

 


Master Howard Jackson
1951 - 2006
7th Dan
Pin # 14416


 

 

Born in Detroit, Michigan and the the oldest of four children, Howard Jackson's early life was a difficult one. Losing both his parents at an early age and then seeing his two brothers die violent and tragic deaths, it was up to him and his sister to survive the hardships together.

In 1967, at age 16, he began studying Kung Fu. However, he was looking for a martial art that would work better for him. That turning point came when he saw a demonstration of Tang Soo Do that led to his meeting Harold Williams. He trained with Master Williams until his 1st degree Black Belt. In 1970 he tested before Grandmaster Hwang Kee, along with Chuck Norris who was testing for 4th Dan.

After joining the Marine Corps, Master Jackson discovered tournament competition and entered the Four Seasons Karate Championships in California. Although he was disqualified for excessive contact, he did catch the eye of Chuck Norris and Bob Wall and was invited to the Chuck Norris Karate Studios in Torrance, California. While there he trained with Master Norris as well as some of the top fighters at the time including Bob Wall, John Natividad, Darnell Garcia, Bob Burbidge, Aaron Norris and Pat Johnson.

In 1972-73 he was ranked in the top 10 fighters in the U.S. He earned the nickname "California Flash" for his speed and ability to quickly close the distance on his opponents. By 1978 he was ranked 8th in the country.

He was the only two-time Grand Champion of the Battle of Atlanta, and in 1973 was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as "Fighter of the Year." In 1974 he was voted as the Black Belt and Professional Karate Magazines #1 fighter in the U.S.

In addition to martial arts, Master Jackson also boxed and was ranked # 6 by the World Boxing Association (WBA). He was the only champion in history to hold world titles in semi-contact, full contact, kickboxing and boxing.

In 2002 Master Jackson earned his 7th Dan in Chun Kuk Do, the Chuck Norris System.

Master Jackson also has film and TV credits to his name, appearing in Chuck Norris' Delta Force 1 & 2, Braddock: Missing in Action, Rocky 2 and an episode of Walker Texas Rangers.

Master Jackson passed away March 7, 2006. He was 55. More information can be found at www.howardjackson.net.
 

Magazine Credits

Videos

 

 

Home | Schools | Organizations | Events Calendar | Reference | Articles | Gallery | Who's Who
 News Archive 
| Anniversaries | Products | Testimonials | Miscellaneous | About Us | Contact Us | Submit Info

© 2007 Copyright Tang Soo Do World.  All Rights Reserved