Sensei Johnson
Shari Rodgers
Kyoshi means “teacher” or “master” and recently the Quail Creek Karate group had the honor to learn from Michael Johnson Sensei who is a Hachidan (eighth dan) with over 50 years of karate experience.
Johnson Sensei was introduced to karate while in the military and, when discharged, he began formal training under Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei. He is a certified instructor, examiner and judge. He has taught at dojos in San Francisco, Redwood City, Sacramento and Napa, California has offered seminars in Ariz., Nev., Alaska, and Canada. He is a founding member and the President of ASAI and the author of “The Heart of Understanding: Karate and Kokoro.”
Johnson Sensei shared his extensive knowledge of martial arts techniques and philosophy. Those attending gained valuable insights into self-defense, personal development and enhanced skills. He created a supportive environment that fostered respect, camaraderie, and improved each participant’s abilities.
This was an amazing opportunity for our Quail Creek karate folks to learn from a master who has dedicated his life to the art. Participants were Stan Herurm Sensei who is the Karate teacher at Quail Creek, John Evans, Shari Rodgers, Linda Bleish, Ken Kelly, Larry Rowan, Sue Allen, and Steve Huerta.
Some thoughts from those who participated!
S. Huerta—”Just a beginner in the journey to learn karate, I found Sensei Johnson’s historical anecdotes to be very educational. It was especially enlightening to hear that karate is designed as a self-defense system.”
L. Rowen—”Sensei Johnson was very open to questions and would go out of his way to explain so you would understand. He provided a lot of information about the origins of karate and how it developed into today’s martial art.”
Karate is much more than a martial art as it builds character and aids in mastering life’s challenges. It is rooted in tradition but relevant to present-day living. Karate improves your balance, develops a stronger mind and body and increases self-confidence. Most importantly, it is fun!
Interested in trying karate to see if it’s for you! You can! Classes are held at the Anza Gym four times a week: Mondays at 4 p.m., Tuesdays at 2 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. Stop by and let’s chat about trying out a class for free. You bring the will and we will show you the way!