On this Easter Sunday, my tribute to Jim Johnson.

Who was Jim Johnson?

Jim Johnson was born in 1926 and died in 2011. He was the founder of the North East Marine Karate Club in North Shields, England. I first met him in 2001, the day I first walked through the doors of the club and started my own Karate journey. For the next 10 years, he would inspire me to better myself, every single day.

Jim Johnson was my Sensei. my hero, a father figure, and my friend. I had the honour of being the last of the many Shodans (1st Dan Black Belt) he trained, and to carry the coffin on his final journey. Throughout that time he only ever wanted one thing in return: Effort.

Jim Johnson was a respected member of the local community and one of the greatest Karateka this county has ever seen. He gave his time and his vast experience for free.

Jim Johnson was a physical specimen of brutal power, frightening speed, and perfect technique, still training well into his 80s, with a desire to pass down his knowledge and finally make sense of the world.

Jim Johnson gave me the strength and confidence to face life’s challenges. To feel part of something. To always question and apply learning. To push through exhaustion.

Jim Johnson opened my world to a new way of thinking and awareness. The calm, inner peace of Japanese Martial arts philosophy. Pride, humbleness, endeavour, self-respect, and respect for others.

Jim Johnson gave me the knowledge and the tools to face up to life’s challenges and his passing left a massive hole. Something I’ve never fully recovered from. Life without Jim, and later without Karate became harder, small problems seemed larger. I’m lacking the vitality and strength I once had. Jim built my body and mind to the point I felt I could take on the world.

I’m ashamed.

I’m ashamed this article has been sitting in draft mode for years now.

I’m ashamed that all of those things that used to mean the world to me: My tobi (Belt), my gi (Karate Suit) and my license are all stuffed in a cupboard somewhere, forgotten about.

I’m ashamed that, apart from some false starts, I never got back into Karate like I did when Jim was alive.

I’m ashamed I let everyone in the club down, they helped me out just as much as Jim did.

I’m ashamed if I let Jim down.

But I’m glad I finally wrote this. Maybe that’s a start.

RIP Jim Johnson N.E.M.K.C. and Happy Easter everyone.