The 1984 hit “The Karate Kid” was identified for making a resurgence of recognition in karate within the United States. Karate and martial arts typically had been additionally a significant component contributing to the film’s success behind the scenes, as Robert Mark Kamen, the person who wrote all three “Karate Kid movies,” was impressed to write down the semi-autobiographical screenplay based mostly on his personal youth studying martial arts.
In addition, with the intention to keep authenticity, there have been a number of well-trained martial artists each behind and in entrance of the cameras throughout manufacturing of the unique movie. One such individual was movie’s martial arts choreographer, Pat E. Johnson, who really educated with iconic martial arts determine Chuck Norris as a younger man.
Here’s what you have to know:
Johnson Was a Black Belt In Norris’ Tang Soo Do
Pat E. Johnson was not solely the martial arts choreographer for all three “Karate Kid” movies, but additionally portrayed the referee on the iconic All Valley Karate Tournament on the finish of the unique movie. According to USA Dojo,Johnson was a well-trained martial artist who began trainingin the standard Korean martial artwork of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwanat the age of 24 in 1963, whereas stationed in South Korea as a member of the U.S. Army. There, he earned his black belt in a bit over a 12 months.
After returning to the States in 1968, Johnson met soon-to-be legendary actor and martial artist Chuck Norris in California, the place he continued his Tang Soo Do coaching with Norris as his sensei. Norris, who was a 12 months youthful than Johnson, was additionally a black belt in Tang Soo Do, and certainly even based his personal model of the Korean martial artwork, calledAmerican Tang Soo Do, in 1966.
From 1968 to 1973, Johnson was captain of Norris’ undefeated black belt competitors crew, which received 33 consecutive nationwide and worldwide titles. By 1971, Johnson had cemented his standing as one in all America’s foremost black belts. That 12 months, he grew to become the National Tang Soo Do Champion.
Two years later,Norris based the National Tang Soo Do Congress (NTC), and named Johnson as govt vp and chief of instruction of the establishment. In 1979, Norris disbanded the NTC and fashioned the United Fighting Arts Federation, and as soon as once more named Johnson as govt vp.
By the time “The Karate Kid Part II” was launched, nevertheless, Johnson had a falling out with Norris. In 1986 – the identical 12 months he was promoted to a ninth-degree black belt – Johnson left the United Fighting Arts Federation attributable to a “philosophical distinction” with Norris, and subsequently reformed the NTC.
Johnson Was Also a Noted Referee and Sensei
Johnson was a talented referee in actual life too. Per USA Dojo, Johnson received the distinguished Golden Fist Award in each 1975 and ’76, recognizing him for his excellent work as a sparring referee.
Johnson was not solely a black belt and a referee, but additionally a sensei in his personal proper, together with to a number of well-known names. According to a biographyof actor Steve McQueen, his son, actor Chad McQueen, who performed Cobra Kai bully Dutch in “The Karate Kid,” was a scholar of Johnson’s.
In addition,Bob Barker, host of “The Price Is Right,” revealed in a 2012 interview with theVegetarian Timesthat he studied karate underneath each Johnson and Norris. According to Grunge, the 98-year-old former recreation show host, who practiced the martial arts into his 70s, can also be a black belt.
All three “Karate Kid” movies – in addition to all 4 seasons of “Cobra Kai” – shall be accessible to stream on Netflix as of December 31, 2021. Season 5 of the show will probably be launched in late 2022 or 2023.
