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Grandmaster Pat Johnson
1939 - 2023
9th Dan
Pin # 6971
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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
sadly passed away on November 5, 2023.
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