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Nathan J. Johnson
Born1958
Hampshire, England
Occupation(s)Martial arts instructor, researcher, author, podcaster
Known forTheories on karate kata origins, Ko-do Ryu Karate Renmei
Notable workZen Shaolin Karate, The Great Karate Myth, The Enigma of Karate Kata

Nathan J. Johnson (born 1958) is a British martial arts instructor, researcher, author, and podcaster known for his controversial theories on the origins and applications of karate and kung fu formal choreographed solo sequences (kata or quan). Alongside his colleague Tom Maxwell, he is the most senior instructor of the Ko-do Ryu Karate Renmei and has spent over five decades exploring the historical and practical dimensions of these traditional martial arts forms. Johnson’s work challenges conventional interpretations of karate, proposing that many kata were not originally designed for kinetic unarmed combat but instead reflect influences from cultural Buddhism, grappling techniques, and ancient weapons-based systems. He has argued that the weapons-based origins of these techniques are "secreted" in traditional Southern Chinese kung fu forms and some Okinawan karate kata, hidden in plain sight.

Early Life

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Nathan J. Johnson was born in 1958 in Hampshire, England, where he continues to reside. His interest in martial arts began in his teens, around 1972. He spent seven years studying Buddhism in a contemporary monastery, an experience that significantly shaped his philosophical approach to martial arts, as reflected in his early works.[1]

Martial Arts Career

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Johnson’s initial black belts (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Dans) were awarded by the English Karate Governing Body, the European Karate Federation, and the World Karate Federation, with his 6th Dan later conferred internally within Ko-do Ryu Karate Renmei.[2] He taught professionally from 1986 to 2011 and now instructs selected students privately. His training spans multiple disciplines, including Chinese empty-hand arts, which he teaches alongside simple meditation techniques. Johnson has conducted seminars and lectures throughout Great Britain, the United States, and Europe, sharing his research with martial arts and non-martial arts practitioners worldwide.

Karate Lineage and Early Training

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Johnson’s karate lineage includes early influence from Mitsusuke Harada, a direct student of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate. Harada, who received his 5th Dan from Funakoshi in 1956 and established the Karate-do Shotokai (KDS) organization in the UK in 1965, taught Johnson the kata Tekki/Naihanchi Shodan when Johnson was 15, around 1973.[3] Although Harada did not award Johnson’s initial black belt (shodan), he significantly inspired him as a teenager, and they maintained contact until Harada’s death in 2021. Johnson’s black belts (2nd through 5th Dans) were awarded by the English Karate Governing Body, the European Karate Federation, and the World Karate Federation, with his 6th Dan conferred internally within Ko-do Ryu.[4]

While in the UK, Johnson observed Egami Shigeru, Harada’s senior in Japan and founder of the Shotokai, introduce radical changes to Shotokan stances and style, designating it as Shotokai. Finding these modifications unsafe for knee and ankle joints, Johnson discontinued formal Shotokan training and began studying Wing Chun, working part-time in a takeaway shop in exchange for lessons. In 1978, he formed a close friendship with F.C. "Rick" Woodhams, a 7th Dan chief instructor of the Bugei-Kan who trained in Okinawa and was graded under Higa Yuchoku, exchanging techniques and enthusiasm for several years. Around 1989, he associated with Steve Rowe, an international UK Wado Ryu sensei and long-term friend. In 1992, Johnson declined a 5th Dan offer from Mark Bishop, a Jundokan-trained Goju Ryu expert, historian, and author who reviewed Johnson’s work in West Sussex, UK. Johnson’s leadership of Ko-do Ryu Karate Renmei reflects a synthesis of Okinawan Shuri-te and Naha-te city kata like Sanchin and Naihanchin, suggesting influences from Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu and Uechi Ryu, evident in his publications.[5][6]

Connection to Ip Chun and Wing Chun Lineage

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Johnson began learning Wing Chun as a teenager, earning his fourth-degree black sash under Samuel Kwok after achieving his initial black sash under William Cheung via R.J. Gardiner in 1981. His training later included brief instruction from Wong Shun Leung (courtesy of Nino Bernardo), as well as sessions with Victor Kan, Simon Lau, and finally Ip Chun, the elder son of Ip Man, who opened Johnson’s Wing Chun school around 1986. His training with Ip Chun occurred during the 1980s.[7] Two instructors associated with Johnson, William Cheung and Wong Shun Leung, personally knew and trained Bruce Lee, enhancing the lineage’s historical significance. Ip Chun’s mentorship influenced Johnson’s interpretations of Wing Chun forms during his Chan Tao Wing Chun period (pre-1994), associating him with a prestigious Wing Chun heritage.[8]

Research and Theories

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Johnson’s research focuses on traditional kata, arguing their original purposes have been misunderstood. His work is categorized into three periods:

  1. Chan Tao Wing Chun Period (Pre-1994)

Influenced by his Wing Chun training, Johnson explored forms as extensions of Buddhist principles.

  1. Zen Shorin Do Karate Period (1994–2000)

He shifted focus to kata like Sanchin and Naihanchin, proposing they were designed for grappling and control, rooted in Buddhist philosophy. His books Zen Shaolin Karate (1994) and Barefoot Zen (2000) detail these ideas.[9]

  1. Kodo Ryu Karate Period (2006–Present)

Johnson suggested kata, such as Uechi Ryu’s Sanchin, originated as civil arrest methods, possibly linked to weapons like the sai. The Great Karate Myth (2006) and The Enigma of Karate Kata (2018) outline this theory, sparking debate over historical evidence.[10]

Podcasting

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Johnson co-hosts the podcast Great Karate Myths: Debunking the Legends, available on Spotify, produced by the Ko-do Ryu Classical Karate Association.[11] The series explores karate legends, challenging misconceptions and complementing his written work.

Published Works

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Johnson has authored or co-authored numerous books on martial arts, including the "Martial and Fighting Arts" series by Mason Crest:

  • Zen Shaolin Karate: The Complete Practice, Philosophy and History (1994) – Links karate kata to Zen and grappling.[12]
  • Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate (2000) – Explores Chinese origins of karate kata.[13]
  • Karate (Martial and Fighting Arts) (2002) – Practical guide to karate techniques and principles.[14]
  • Kung Fu (Martial and Fighting Arts) (2002) – Practical guide to kung fu techniques and history.[15]
  • Jujitsu (Martial and Fighting Arts) (2005, with Aidan Trimble) – Discusses jujitsu history and techniques.[16]
  • Martial Arts for the Mind (Martial and Fighting Arts) (2005) – Explores mental strength in martial arts.[17]
  • Martial Arts for Children (Martial and Fighting Arts) (2005, with Aidan Trimble) – Guide for kids on fitness and self-defense.[18]
  • The Great Karate Myth (2006) – Reinterprets kata as civil arrest techniques.[19]
  • The Enigma of Karate Kata (2018) – Examines kata as mnemonic devices for weapons or civil arrest.[20]

Other Notable Publications

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  • Galdrbok: Practical Heathen Runecraft, Shamanism and Magic (2005) – Co-authored with Robert J. Wallis, explores Heathen practices.[21]

Personal Life

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Johnson resides in Hampshire, England, and has worked as a teacher and project manager outside martial arts.

Legacy and Influence

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Johnson’s emphasis on kata’s practical applications has influenced practitioners beyond sport karate, bridging karate and kung fu traditions. His associations with Harada, Ip Chun, William Cheung (through R.J. Gardiner), and Wong Shun Leung connect him to historic lineages—Shotokan via Funakoshi and Wing Chun via Ip Man. His podcast and writings, including the Ko-do Ryu Totejutsu blog, extend his influence across martial arts and esoteric scholarship.[22]

Bibliography

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  • Zen Shaolin Karate (Tuttle Publishing, 1994)
  • Barefoot Zen (Red Wheel/Weiser, 2000)
  • Karate (Martial and Fighting Arts) (Mason Crest Publishers, 2002)
  • Kung Fu (Martial and Fighting Arts) (Mason Crest Publishers, 2002)
  • Galdrbok: Practical Heathen Runecraft, Shamanism and Magic (The Wykeham Press, 2005) – with Robert J. Wallis
  • Jujitsu (Martial and Fighting Arts) (Mason Crest Publishers, 2005) – with Aidan Trimble
  • Martial Arts for the Mind (Martial and Fighting Arts) (Mason Crest Publishers, 2005)
  • Martial Arts for Children (Martial and Fighting Arts) (Mason Crest Publishers, 2005) – with Aidan Trimble
  • The Great Karate Myth (The Wykeham Press, 2006)
  • The Enigma of Karate Kata (The Wykeham Press, 2018)

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ "Nathan J. Johnson - Goodreads". Goodreads.
  2. ^ "UK KDS Karate-do Shotokai". Karate-do Shotokai.
  3. ^ "Mitsusuke Harada". Wikipedia.
  4. ^ "UK KDS Karate-do Shotokai". Karate-do Shotokai.
  5. ^ "Zen Shaolin Karate". Amazon.
  6. ^ "The Great Karate Myth". Amazon.
  7. ^ "Le Wing Chun - Redéfini". Kodo Ryu.
  8. ^ "TJ Wing Chun History". TJ Wing Chun.
  9. ^ "Barefoot Zen". Amazon.
  10. ^ "Dances With Weapons - The Great Karate Myth". YouTube.
  11. ^ "Great Karate Myths: Debunking the Legends". Spotify.
  12. ^ "Zen Shaolin Karate". Amazon.
  13. ^ "Barefoot Zen". Amazon.
  14. ^ "Karate (Martial and Fighting Arts)". Amazon.
  15. ^ "Kung Fu (Martial and Fighting Arts)". Amazon.
  16. ^ "Jujitsu (Martial and Fighting Arts)". Amazon.
  17. ^ "Martial Arts for the Mind". Amazon.
  18. ^ "Martial Arts for Children". Amazon.
  19. ^ "The Great Karate Myth". Amazon.
  20. ^ "The Enigma of Karate Kata". Amazon.
  21. ^ "Galdrbok: Practical Heathen Runecraft, Shamanism and Magic". Amazon.
  22. ^ "The Secret of Wing Chun Part III". Ko-do Ryu Totejutsu Blog. June 2017.
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