Nathan J. Johnson
Encyclopedia
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.
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.
Johnson's research has evolved over the years and this evolution can be categorized into three periods "Chan Tao Wing Chun
", "Zen Shorin Do Karate
" and "Kodo Ryu Karate
".
Chan Tao Wing Chun
During this period Johnson focused on the applications of the Wing Chun
forms with respect to the idea that both the forms and their applications were an extension of Buddhism
. Tim Crook, an ex-student of Johnson during this period, states in and that his self published book, "The Buddhist Way of Wing Chun" (1998) would not have been possible without Johnson and his Chan Tao group. This combined with the fact that Johnson holds a 4th degree black sash in Wing Chun and that Zen Shaolin
Karate was published in 1994 suggests the existence of the Chan Tao group sometime prior to 1994.
Zen Shorin Do Karate
During this period Johnson focused on the applications of three karate forms Sanchin
, Tensho
and Naihanchi
once again with respect to the idea that both the forms and their applications were an extension of Buddhism
. In 1994 he published "Zen Shaolin
Karate" explaining Sanchin
(modified Uechi Ryu
version) as a pushing hands kata and Naihanchi
(modified Shōrin-ryū
version) as a double hand grappling kata. In 2000 he published "Barefoot Zen" explaining Sanchin (modified Goju Ryu
version) as a double hand grip escape kata, Tensho (modified Goju Ryu
version) as a single hand grip escape kata and Naihanchi
(modified Shōrin-ryū
version) once again as a double hand grappling kata (applications differed slightly from those in Zen Shaolin Karate).
Kodo Ryu Karate
During this period Johnson re-examines the application of Sanchin (Uechi Ryu version) and examines the applications of two more Uechi Ryu
kata Seisan
and Sanseirui
; however at this point he appears to abandon the idea of kata being an extension of Buddhism
and instead adopts the idea that kata show methods of both armed and unarmed civil arrest. In 2006 he published "The Great Karate Myth" in which he re-iterates the applications presented in Barefoot Zen as well as asserting that the Uechi Ryu
kata Sanchin
, Seisan
and Sanseirui
are sai
forms done without the sai
. A few applications are shown but nowhere near as much detail as his previous books.
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.
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
and Kung Fu.
Life
Nathan Johnson was born and continues to live in the south of England. He was also an accomplished scholar at Augsburg College in MN.Research
Johnson has researched the use of traditional kataKata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
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.
Johnson's research has evolved over the years and this evolution can be categorized into three periods "Chan Tao Wing Chun
Wing Chun
Wing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
", "Zen Shorin Do Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
" and "Kodo Ryu Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
".
Chan Tao Wing Chun
Wing Chun
Wing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
During this period Johnson focused on the applications of the Wing Chun
Wing Chun
Wing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
forms with respect to the idea that both the forms and their applications were an extension of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
. Tim Crook, an ex-student of Johnson during this period, states in and that his self published book, "The Buddhist Way of Wing Chun" (1998) would not have been possible without Johnson and his Chan Tao group. This combined with the fact that Johnson holds a 4th degree black sash in Wing Chun and that Zen Shaolin
Shaolin kung fu
Shaolin Kung Fu refers to a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery.Of the multitude styles of kung fu and wushu, only some are actually related to Shaolin...
Karate was published in 1994 suggests the existence of the Chan Tao group sometime prior to 1994.
Zen Shorin Do Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
During this period Johnson focused on the applications of three karate forms Sanchin
Sanchin
is a kata of Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of several styles, the most well-known being the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu styles of Karate as well as the Chinese martial arts of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Pangai-noon and the Tiger-Crane Combination style associated...
, Tensho
Tensho
was a after Genki and before Bunroku. This period spanned the years from July 1573 through December 1592. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* 1573 : The new era name was created to mark a number of regional wars...
and Naihanchi
Naihanchi
is a karate Kata, performed in straddle stance . It translates to 'internal divided conflict'. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. In Shorin-Ryu and Matsubayashi-Ryu Naihanchi Shodan is the first Ni Kyu although it is taught to Yon Kyu occasionally before Evaluations for...
once again with respect to the idea that both the forms and their applications were an extension of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
. In 1994 he published "Zen Shaolin
Shaolin kung fu
Shaolin Kung Fu refers to a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery.Of the multitude styles of kung fu and wushu, only some are actually related to Shaolin...
Karate" explaining Sanchin
Sanchin
is a kata of Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of several styles, the most well-known being the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu styles of Karate as well as the Chinese martial arts of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Pangai-noon and the Tiger-Crane Combination style associated...
(modified Uechi Ryu
Uechi Ryu
is a traditional style of Okinawan karate. The founder of Uechi Ryū was Kanbun Uechi , an Okinawan who went to Fuzhou in Fukien Province, China to study martial arts when he was 20 years old. Uechi-ryū means "Style of Uechi" or "School of Uechi"....
version) as a pushing hands kata and Naihanchi
Naihanchi
is a karate Kata, performed in straddle stance . It translates to 'internal divided conflict'. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. In Shorin-Ryu and Matsubayashi-Ryu Naihanchi Shodan is the first Ni Kyu although it is taught to Yon Kyu occasionally before Evaluations for...
(modified Shōrin-ryū
Shorin-Ryu
is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
version) as a double hand grappling kata. In 2000 he published "Barefoot Zen" explaining Sanchin (modified Goju Ryu
Goju Ryu
, is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Both principles, hard and soft, come from the famous martial arts book Bubishi , used by Okinawan masters during the 19th and 20th centuries...
version) as a double hand grip escape kata, Tensho (modified Goju Ryu
Goju Ryu
, is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Both principles, hard and soft, come from the famous martial arts book Bubishi , used by Okinawan masters during the 19th and 20th centuries...
version) as a single hand grip escape kata and Naihanchi
Naihanchi
is a karate Kata, performed in straddle stance . It translates to 'internal divided conflict'. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. In Shorin-Ryu and Matsubayashi-Ryu Naihanchi Shodan is the first Ni Kyu although it is taught to Yon Kyu occasionally before Evaluations for...
(modified Shōrin-ryū
Shorin-Ryu
is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
version) once again as a double hand grappling kata (applications differed slightly from those in Zen Shaolin Karate).
Kodo Ryu Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
During this period Johnson re-examines the application of Sanchin (Uechi Ryu version) and examines the applications of two more Uechi Ryu
Uechi Ryu
is a traditional style of Okinawan karate. The founder of Uechi Ryū was Kanbun Uechi , an Okinawan who went to Fuzhou in Fukien Province, China to study martial arts when he was 20 years old. Uechi-ryū means "Style of Uechi" or "School of Uechi"....
kata Seisan
Seisan
The karate kata Seisan literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', '13 Steps' or even '13 killing positions'. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis.Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread...
and Sanseirui
Sanseirui
Sanseirui is a karate kata of Southern Chinese origin. The name literally means thirty-six ....
; however at this point he appears to abandon the idea of kata being an extension of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
and instead adopts the idea that kata show methods of both armed and unarmed civil arrest. In 2006 he published "The Great Karate Myth" in which he re-iterates the applications presented in Barefoot Zen as well as asserting that the Uechi Ryu
Uechi Ryu
is a traditional style of Okinawan karate. The founder of Uechi Ryū was Kanbun Uechi , an Okinawan who went to Fuzhou in Fukien Province, China to study martial arts when he was 20 years old. Uechi-ryū means "Style of Uechi" or "School of Uechi"....
kata Sanchin
Sanchin
is a kata of Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of several styles, the most well-known being the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu styles of Karate as well as the Chinese martial arts of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Pangai-noon and the Tiger-Crane Combination style associated...
, Seisan
Seisan
The karate kata Seisan literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', '13 Steps' or even '13 killing positions'. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis.Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread...
and Sanseirui
Sanseirui
Sanseirui is a karate kata of Southern Chinese origin. The name literally means thirty-six ....
are sai
Sai (weapon)
The sai is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped metal truncheon, with two curved prongs called yoku projecting from the handle...
forms done without the sai
Sai (weapon)
The sai is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped metal truncheon, with two curved prongs called yoku projecting from the handle...
. A few applications are shown but nowhere near as much detail as his previous books.
Published works
Johnson is the author of nine published books. In 1994 Zen Shaolin Karate was published, which outlined his initial research into the NaihanchiNaihanchi
is a karate Kata, performed in straddle stance . It translates to 'internal divided conflict'. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. In Shorin-Ryu and Matsubayashi-Ryu Naihanchi Shodan is the first Ni Kyu although it is taught to Yon Kyu occasionally before Evaluations for...
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
Sanchin
is a kata of Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of several styles, the most well-known being the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu styles of Karate as well as the Chinese martial arts of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Pangai-noon and the Tiger-Crane Combination style associated...
was updated, contending that Sanchin was created as a weapons form (using sai
Sai
-Education:*self-accrediting institution, a three-letter acronym in use in higher education in Australia to describe universities and other SAIs-Fiction:*Fujiwara no Sai, a character in Hikaru no Go media*Sai , a character in Naruto media...
) and only a weapons form. A DVD enclosed with the book demonstrated Johnson's research conclusions clearly.