We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brian Johnson. Check out our conversation below.
Brian, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Well for me that is an easy question. My training brings me joy. I was seriously hurt a few years ago and shattered my leg. I was told that I might not walk again. If I did I would need a cane for the rest of my life. I decided that wasn’t going to be the end of my story and started working as hard as I can on rehab and walking. Insurance even stopped paying for my rehab and I had to finish doing it on my own. So the fact that I can walk onto the mat again and teach and train means a lot to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I teach a traditional Japanese martial art called Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. It is made up of 9 traditional martial arts but is taught as one complete system. Three of these arts were used by samurai, three were used by ninja, and three were used by both. It incorporates strikes, pressure points, joint locks, throws, submission holds, and traditional Japanese weapons.
As I said before there are nine different schools that make up the Bujinkan. The main difference in the three was time. Throughout time tactics changed as did weapons and armor. That is the main difference the the schools as they all have the same basic foundations.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
That is an interesting question. I grew up on a farm in west Tennessee. As I grew older I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. A friend of mine was training in taekwondo so I tried it out. I guess you could say I always liked to fight so at first I really enjoyed training there. After a few years I had reached second degree black belt but I had grown bored. It seemed it was all the same another kata and another tournament to fight in. So I started looking for something else. It just happened to be the place I was meant for.
It’s funny how something that seems insignificant at the time can change the path of your life. I tried a free class at ninjutsu martial arts dojo. The experience was eye opening. All of my belt ranks, all of my training, and trophies meant nothing in there. Sensei Geary was much smaller and older than me yet I couldn’t do anything to slow him down. He easily stopped any of my attacks and slammed me into the floor and pinned me. I was giving him my all but he was just having fun. As soon as class was over I signed up. That was thirty years ago.
I guess it seemed that life had a path for me after all I just hadn’t found it until then. Since then I have traveled around the country and the the world to further my training and have enjoyed every moment of it.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Well as I already mentioned a few years ago I injured myself quite badly. I fell from a ladder and completely shattered everything below my right knee. I laid in the hospital for a week so the swelling could go down enough that they could get the skin back together. I had two doctors tell me my training was over my life would be different from now on. I might not walk again and if I did I would have to use a cane for the rest of my life.
The first surgery was plates and screws to put me back together again.
The second one was to get my knee to loosen back up from all the scar tissue. I was in a wheelchair for a long time.
After a few months I could start putting weight on it again. So one day after my physical therapy I decided i didn’t want to live the rest of my life walking with a cane. So I stood up grabbed my walker and headed out of my driveway. I would walk to exhaustion and come back. So that’s what I did for the next eight months. Then one day the insurance decided I had enough therapy even though I was still not ready. So I finished my rehab myself. I was determined to heal and get my life back. Today I walk without a cane I’m back at work. I’m training again and I am going back to Japan next spring to train in hombu dojo.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes it is. I have no time for frauds in life. Sometimes you can spot them quite easily other times it might take awhile for someone to show you who they really are. I can honestly say what you see with me is what you get. I have no interest in changing facades so that I can fit in with certain groups. Many people that do this are lying to themselves by thinking these groups are their friends but they don’t even know you. They know the false version of yourself you showed them. If you have to change who you are to fit in with everyone in the room then your standing in the wrong room.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I definitely want to travel more. I would like to see other parts of the world and other cultures. There is more to life than getting up and going to work everyday. Italy and Germany are on my bucket list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Westtennesseebujinkan.weebly.com
- Instagram: West Tn Bujinkan
- Facebook: West Tennessee Bujinkan
