Nathan J. Johnson

Nathan Johnson is a martial arts instructor, researcher and author; he is notable for his controversial theories on the origins of Karate and Kung Fu.

Life

Nathan Johnson was born and continues to live in the south of England.

Research

Johnson has researched the use of traditional kata and forms, contending that many of those central to the practice of Karate and Kung Fu are not for empty-hand fighting, as is commonly believed.

Published Works

Johnson is the author of nine published books. In 1994 Zen Shaolin Karate was published, which outlined his initial research into the Naihanchi kata, arguing for and showing its use as a grappling rather than a striking form. The 2000 book Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate furthered this work and delved into the philosophical background of the oriental martial arts, with particular attention to the apparent Buddhist and non-violent origins of the fighting arts.

In The Great Karate Myth the information on Naihanchi and Sanchin was updated, contending that Sanchin was created as a weapons form (using sai) and only a weapons form. A DVD enclosed with the book demonstrated Johnson's research conclusions clearly.

Ko-do Ryu

Johnson is the most senior instructor of the Ko-do Ryu Karate Renmei, which promotes original use of the traditional Okinawan kata. Regular classes are held in England and continental Europe.

References

See Also:

The Great Karate Myth (The Wykeham Press: 2006)