Grand Master Johnny Kuhl
  founded the "COMBAT KARATE"
 system in the early 1960's.
    He was born in Germany in 1935, but in 1956 lived in Canada.
After a tour in the United States Airforce
 he established himself at the renowned
 New York City Chinatown Dojo of Maestro Peter Urban.
Since that time COMBAT KARATE 
remains an integral part of the Urban's Fight Schools Network. 

Johnny Kuhl was the Chief Referee at major
Madison Square Garden Karate events in NYC.
His keen eye and astute fighting ability enabled
him to seperate the dedicated and disciplined martial artist
from the fancy and showy techniques that somtimes sway judges.
He was always in demand and sought after to referee local events. 

Massive size, sometimes signifying  slow moving action, belied Kuhl's cat like ability
to pounce on a foe. His quick temper matched his swift response to any challenge.
I remember one night when Kuhl backfisted a bully while holding his beer in the other hand
 and never  spilled  a drop.
That was the German in him.

His prodigious size intimidated all at their first meeting.
However, after you got to know the man, you found a generous heart filled with laughter.
His style of humor is what everyone who ever met him recalls fondly. 
You could tell a bad joke and he would find it funny. He could tell a bad joke and it would be funny.
You always felt safe and comfortable in his presence if you were a friend.
On the other side of that coin, he would dispatch a foe before you drew a breath.

After 30 years along side the Master  ( a little less than half his shortened lifetime ), I recall 
each block, kick and punch as if it were yesterday.
We started out as teacher - student, then business partners,
 and ended up as big brother - little brother.

Ten years before his death, Master Kuhl, in a ceremony during a promotion class,
announced his desire that his life long creation - "Combat Karate" was to be entrusted
to his number one, Ralph Viggiano after his demise.
Master Viggiano was presented with a diploma
to be enacted upon Kuhl's demise or as otherwise directed by Kuhl, 
establishing him as a 10 degree black belt.
This foresight allowed for a smooth transaction of leadership at the appropriate time.

As I was loyal to my Master in life, I will remain loyal to him in death.
He was an inspiration, a confidant, and a friend.
"Combat Karate" lives on through his students and, now my teachings.

Master Johnny Kuhl died on January 10, 2003


                                                                                 Ralph Viggiano, Hanshi

 

                                           




                                                                                
                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                         Here is Master Kuhl and Master Peter Urban 
                                                                                                                        with some of the top Sensei's in the early  days of karate.



                                                                  
                                                      Joe Lewis,   Chuck Norris,   Gerald Taylor
                                                                           Charlie Schroeder   &   Johnny Kuhl               
                                                                                                     The late 1960's?



                                      
                            No wonder Kuhl wanted to be a bodyguard.
                  Marla Maples and Laytoya Jackson are in safe hands.

                                              Johnny Kuhl's  "Combat Karate" 1967.     
                                                                   Now this is a magazine worth having.



                                                             This article appeared in  US Magazine  1980.
     Johnny Kuhl's body guard service with Farrah Fawcett as his client. Very HOT at the time!


                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                              Johnny Kuhl got all the beautiful woman. Now who is this one? 


                  Viggiano, Licht and another doll with Johnny Kuhl. 1996


                                                                                                                                             
                                          Stop it already.  Johnny Kuhl, another cutie,  with Shawn Halon and Ralph Viggiano. 1983
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
   

                       
                 Master 's Ralph Viggiano, Leon Wallace, & Johnny Kuhl      
                                                            Senior black belt Saul Licht in blue shirt.


                                           Johnny Kuhl & Aaron Banks way back when?          

                   Grand Master Johnny Kuhl passed away January 10, 2003. 


                                             This plaque is to be erected on solid rock under a mighty oak tree
                                                                            in the hills where he once rode his horse.