1st Dan “American Tang Soo Do” style, and 3rd Dan “Kung Fu San Soo” style
One of coolest cats in town, Ralph Johnson, is also one of the original members of the music group “Earth Wind & Fire” for 50 years! And when he wasn’t touring, he volunteered his time teaching his much in demand and popular seminars in self-defense at Zacharatos Karate around 2003.
He is an amazing example of how one can achieve so much in the martial arts, even with the most demanding work schedule, by making a commitment and sticking to it, and he does so with great enthusiasm. Time seems to stand still for him, just go see him perform in concert and you’ll see what I mean. September 2019, the city of LA declared September 21st ‘Earth Wind & Fire’ day!
Ralph Johnson , also known as “Sergeant Johnson” and “Slick”, received his blackbelt in “Tang soo do” style karate from Master Zacharatos over 20 years ago. He continued to train at “Zacharatos Karate” for many years, as did his teenage sons. A Zacharatos Blackbelt, he trained during his busy touring schedule, so no excuses! Later, he began training in a second style of martial arts, “Kung fu san soo” and achieved his third degree blackbelt in that style.
His son Mark Anthony Johnson, went on to receive his 2nd degree blackbelt from Master Zacharatos, and was one of our teaching assistants for a time, making them our first, second generation blackbelts!
Today EWF still tours and performs with the same energy as decades earlier! It’s a special treat for our daughter, 2nd degree blackbelt, Nico Sapphire Zacharatos (and musician), to mutually share her music with Ralph Johnson, and we all got to see him perform as his guest during EWF residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas in 2023. We remain great friends to this day with the Johnson family.
Most recently in May of 2026, Ralph Johnson released his memoir “Rhythm & Fire” an uplifting and inspiring journey. Showing his great work ethic, how family is the priority, and how life doesn’t move in a straight line, you’ll have many ups and downs along the way, and you have to cope with the unexpected sudden downs to be ready and prepared when opportunity comes around again, teaching you to never give up or quit. Something our family and most people can relate too. It’s also an exciting inside view into the music business and performing. Can be purchased where ever books are sold.
Sports, martial arts, and music, can truly bring people of all ages and backgrounds together!
A treat to see EWF live especially as their guest! Pictured here the Zacharatos Family with Susie and Ralph Johnson Opening Night at the Venetian October 2023
