Grandmaster Herb Johnson

Grandmaster Herb Johnson (10th Degree Black Belt) International Style Head for Shorei Goju Ryu Karate Masters Ranking in Okinawan Weaponry 3 Time USKA World Champion AKA Hall of Fame Member Trias International Hall of Fame Member AKA Coach of the Year 2 Times USKA Instructor of the Year Award Star of Film “Pushed Too Far 1988 Battle of Atlanta Centurion Club PKC “Man of the Decade” Award 2000 Trainer of 35 World Champions Trainer of 84 National Champions Trainer of 230 State Champions PKC Elite Herb Johnson, 66, passed at home on Friday, November 20th, 2015. He was the husband of Renee Johnson. They shared 34 years of marriage together. He was the father to Thomas Lane and Brandi Chittum. Herb Johnson was born in Kentucky on March 25th, 1949 to Truman and Flora Johnson. He is predeceased by his parents, Truman and Flora Johnson and sister, Carol Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Renee Johnson; son, Thomas Lane; daughter, Brandi Chittum; grand-daughter, Avery Chittum and three brothers, Roger Johnson Sr., Ron Johnson, and Don Johnson. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Herb Johnson began his Martial Arts training career as a high school wrestler. After high school, Mr. Johnson went to Ball State University, where he met Bill Wallace. This is where Mr. Johnson was introduced to Shorin Ryu Karate. After Mr. Wallace left Indiana, Mr. Johnson trained with Glenn Keeney in Goju Ryu Karate. In 1973, Bill Wallace returned to Indiana and opened Olympic Karate Studio of Indianapolis which was owned by Ken Knudson of Chicago. In 1974, Bill Wallace left to begin training with Elvis Presley and Mr. Johnson took over for Bill Wallace and began working for Ken Knudson. In 1977, Herb Johnson purchased the Olympic Karate Studio of Indianapolis. Soon after, Herb Johnson began training with Robert Trias and was later named Style Head of Shorei Goju Ryu in 1979. Herb Johnson had a tremendous amount of love and joy for his family and karate students. He enjoyed taking rides on his Harley Davidson and was an avid bass fisherman. He enjoyed hunting with his father, uncle and brothers when he was younger. He enjoyed dates with his wife Renee at the home Colts games. Herb loved spending time with his family including taking his grand-daughter on four wheeler rides through the woods. A gathering of friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Greenfield Church of God, 1561 E. Main St. in Greenfield, for those who wish to convey their condolences. A Celebration of Herb’s Life will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Anyone who has been influenced or touched by Herb Johnson is welcome to join us and share their favorite memory with us. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated, which will go towards a foundation of the family's choosing.