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Rick J. Johnson of Johnson’s Black Belt Academy in Warren was recently promoted to 10th Degree (Dan) Black Belt after 55-plus years of study and training. This is the highest rank that can be attained in the martial arts. In addition, Master Johnson was appointed Kobudo (martial arts weaponry) advisor. This rank promotion was made by Grandmaster Stephen Capela Jr., 10th Dan, in July 2023 along with the promotion of Master Gary Hicks and Scott Mullins to 10th (Dan) Degree. The instructor lineage of this system for this promotion begins with Grandmaster Jerry Durant (1921-1991) who reengineered the system learned from his father to what it is today; and then to Grandmaster Stephen Capela Jr. (current head of the Goshin Jutsu System), who popularized the system through its fighting style on the tournament floor and never losing a match. Johnson gives credit to Grandmaster Capela’s students Master James Fife (USMC Recon) and Master Gary Hicks for their “relentless and unforgiving harsh training to bring me to a higher standard.”