| Sensei Frank Johnson History |
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| Frank Johnson first developed an interest in martial arts and self defence while still at school. By the time he was 19 years old he was awarded his first Black belt in Karate. In 1977 he travelled to Japan to study at Tokyo university under the world's highest martial arts professor, Hironori Ohtsuka. While there, he also studied Aikido, Ju-Jitsu and weapons with professor Matokatsu Inoue, the top weapons instructor in Japan and was made a life member of the highest organisation in Japan, the Ryu-Kyu-Kubudo Hozon Shinkai. Inoue awarded Frank his 2nd Dan in weapons in 1979. In 1978, Ohtsuka awarded Frank his 2nd Dan in Wado Ryu Karate. Frank is one of only 14 men who are not Japanese to be honoured in this way. He fought for Britain in many championships, reaching the last eight in the 1977/78 all Japan. Before his return to England in 1979, Frank became the first European to be awarded a 2nd Dan Black belt in Japan in Karate and weapons. Since his return he has been awarded 3rd Dan by Tatsuo Suzuki, the senior instructor outside Japan. Since this article was published, Frank was awarded the rank of 4th Dan by Tatsuo Suzuki in November 1989. |
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