Pat E. Johnson, Karate Kid referee and 9th degree American Tang Soo Do black belt, dies at age 84
Pat E. Johnson, who was most well-known for his role as the referee in the All-Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament in the iconic 1980’s film Karate Kid, has died.
Johnson died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home at age 84 according to reports.
Johnson’s niece, Colleen Mary Johnson Summerville, shared the sad news on her Facebook page, which reads as follows:
“It is with a sad heart I’m sharing my dear Uncle Pat has passed this Sunday morning. He was good to me since I was a little girl, and he loved my Father Lloyd (his brother) dearly. Because of him, I have the most amazing woman in my life, my Aunt Sue, and I’m forever grateful. Pat Johnson will always be legendary to many, including our family. Rest in peace Uncle Pat, you have fought the good fight… ❤️”
He was known to have choreographed the iconic fight scenes in Karate Kid, and taught actor Ralph Macchio the now famous crane kick.
Johnson participated in all of The Karate Kid sequels, but he never worked on Cobra Kai.
He was a 9th degree black belt in American Tang Soo Do and was the president of the National Tang Soo Do Congress, which was originally created by Chuck Norris in 1973.
Johnson was born in Niagara Falls, New York in 1939. He was introduced to karate while serving as a U.S. Army chaplain in Korea in 1963. He first learned Tang Soo Do, an ancient form of karate, and earned his black belt in a span of only 13 months.
