Bob Johnson
Sandan
(3rd degree black belt)
Bob began training with USKL in 1992. He received his 3rd Degree Black Belt in December 2009. Bob has also trained in Kobudo (the art of traditional Okinawan weapons) with Sensei Aponte, Kyoshi Marquez and Shihan Nishiuchi and was awarded his 2nd Degree Black Belt in January 2008 by Sensei Aponte.
In an effort to further his training, Bob joined the Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International in July 2008 and began studying under Sensei Franco Sanguinetti. This organization is directly linked to the Matayoshi Kobudo headquarters in Okinawa, through the legendary Kodokan Dojo. In February 2011 Bob was awarded his Nidan with the MKKI. In October 2011 Bob traveled with Sanguinetti Sensei and other members of the Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International to Okinawa and was honored to train with Itokazu Seisho Sensei, Kancho (technical director) of Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan. During this trip Bob was fortunate to attend seminars in the empty hand arts of: Goju-Ryu with Yoshio Kuba Sensei; Konan-ryu Karate with Itokazu Seisho Sensei; and Shorin-ryu with Zenpo Shimabukuro Sensei.
Inspired by Sensei Aponte's diverse martial arts background, Bob has also trained in Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing and Escrima with Sensei James Doiron and has dabbled in Jiu Jitsu and Kendo.
Apart from his normal daily work schedule, Bob is an avid gardner and works with his lovely wife Leslie rescuing Boxers for the Boxer Rescue of Los Angeles. Bob also holds a Masters of Science in Interactive Telecommunications from the University of Redlands, and has created and maintained the USKL website since its inception in 2001.
Currently, Bob instructs the Tuesday night adult class at the dojo and the Saturday afternoon Kobudo class for the dojo.
