JOHN WORLEY
10th Degree Grand MasterCo-Founder of National Karate
Mr. Worley started his teaching career in 1970 when he and his family moved from Texas to join the Jhoon Rhee Institute in Washington, D.C. Mr. Worley furthered his training under Grand Master Jhoon Rhee who, in 1958, introduced the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do to America.
The Early Days - Texas (1967 - 1970)
Mr. Worley started his teaching career in 1970 when he and his family left Texas to join the Jhoon Rhee Institute in Washington, D.C. Mr. Worley furthered his training under Grand Master Jhoon Rhee who, in 1958, introduced the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do to America. Mr. Worley spent three years under Mr. Rhee’s tutelage and in 1973, Mr. Worley was selected “Instructor of the Year” among all black belts in the Jhoon Rhee Institute system. Also in 1973, Mr. Worley relocated to the Twin Cities and opened his first martial arts school in Minnesota. From 1967 until his retirement from competition in 1976, Mr. Worley was an outstanding martial arts tournament participant and was ranked among the Midwest’s top fighters by “Official Karate Magazine.”
In 1976, Mr. Worley and his teammates, Pat Worley, Gordon Franks and Gary Hestilow made history when they performed a team musical form, “Beethoven” at the Battle of Atlanta, becoming the first group to demonstrate a form as a team and accompanied by music
Legion of Honor
At the completion of his competitive career, Mr. Worley turned his full energy to training students and black belts and the National Karate organization has produced many nationally recognized martial arts athletes. In 1980, Mr. Worley was honored by Official Karate Magazine by being named the “Legion of Honor” as one of North America’s leading martial arts instructors. From 1983 until 1989, Mr. Worley appeared on ESPN as the expert commentator on Karate and Kickboxing telecasts.
In April of 2014, in a ceremony attended by hundreds of students, black belt holders, and friends, John Worley and Larry Carnahan were promoted to the rank of tenth degree black belt, Grand Master, by American martial arts pioneer J. Pat Burleson. Tenth degree is the highest rank attainable and marks the final milestone in lives dedicated to the practice, teaching and promotion of the martial arts in Minnesota. In the same year, Mr Worley and his brother Pat were inducted into the “Masters Hall of Fame” in a ceremony held in Ft. Worth, Texas and attended by hundreds of martial arts leaders.
Mr. Worley and Master Instructor Larry Carnahan conduct the National Karate Schools black belt promotions and, along with other NK directors, develop curriculum and determine rank standards for National Karate. In addition, John Worley and partners Larry Carnahan and Bill Dunkley, own and operate JLB Productions, a promotions company which produces National Karate events and the Diamond National Karate Championships, America’s premier martial arts tournament. Mr. Worley and his wife, Patty, make their home in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Legacy & Philosophy
“Teaching martial arts is a passion. Helping students go from neophyte to accomplished martial artist is truly a labor of love. While there is certainly physical improvement and growth, the student’s confidence that is developing every month is even more gratifying to instructors.”
After 50 years, we have grandfathers who were our students decades ago bringing in their children and even grandchildren, because of what National Karate’s martial art training did for them.
Martial art is based on the concepts of honor, respect, humility, and perseverance. My life’s mission of helping others reach their maximum human potential, both physically and mentally, is a life worth living
The Worley Family Legacy
Patty Worley
Patty Worley has been the foundation of everything the family has built. From the early days in Texas to Washington D.C. to Minnesota, she provided financial stability while supporting the pursuit of martial arts dreams. She managed accounting, oversaw cash flow, and raised three children, all while contributing to the growth of National Karate
Their Children
- Darbi – Earned first degree black belt in 1987
- John Jr. – Trained despite physical challenges
- Kelly – 8th degree black belt, Master Instructor, school owner with wife Jamey (5th degree)
Grandchildren: Devon, Rhett (instructor), and Cassidy continue the family tradition
Today, National Karate operates over 20 schools with thousands of students, carrying forward the legacy that began in a small Texas gym over 50 years ago.