Instructors
The JKS North Shore Karate Instructors want to make sure our students strive to be the best they can be.
We run our Karate Dojo having:
- Respect for one another
- A fun factor involved
- A family environment
- Hard focused training sessions
- A safe environment to train
- A friendly and open Dojo
- Equality in all things without prejudice
Click on the name to read biography
About Sensei Sean
Sensei Sean’s journey in martial arts began with a lifelong passion that led him to take up karate training later in life. His dedication and perseverance have shaped him into an accomplished martial artist and an inspiring instructor.
Karate Milestones
Shodan (1st Dan): After five years of intensive training, Sensei Sean earned his first black belt (Shodan) in November 2005. This marked the beginning of his karate journey.
Transition to JKS: In 2007, Sensei Sean took on the challenge of transitioning from his original karate style to the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS). On March 20, 2009, he achieved the prestigious JKS Shodan status under the guidance of Sensei Lee, earning black belts in two distinct karate styles.
Ni-Dan (2nd Dan): On March 26, 2010, Sensei Sean attained his 2nd Dan, tested by Shihan Lee (8th Dan).
San-Dan (3rd Dan): In December 2013, Sensei Sean achieved his 3rd Dan under the examination of Kagawa Masao Shuseki Shihan (9th Dan).
Yon-Dan (4th Dan): In October 2017, he earned his 4th Dan under Kagawa Masao Shuseki Shihan (9th Dan).
Go-Dan (5th Dan): Sensei Sean reached the level of 5th Dan in November 2021, again under the examination of Kagawa Masao Shuseki Shihan (9th Dan).
Philosophy
Sensei Sean believes that achieving 1st Dan is just the beginning of a lifelong karate journey. He encourages his students to approach every training session with the goal of refining their technique, speed, and knowledge.
International Training and Expertise
Each year, Sensei Sean travels to the JKS Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan, to train with esteemed instructors like Kagawa Shihan, Yamaguchi Shihan, and Kanyama Shihan. During these intensive four-day sessions, he gathers valuable insights and techniques, which he brings back to New Zealand to share with his students.
Certifications and Achievements
Regional Karate New Zealand Referee qualification
International JKS certifications:
A: Instructor
B: Referee
B: Examiner
2024 Achievement: Sensei Sean won a silver medal for Kumite at the 6th JKS International World Cup in Tokyo.
Sensei Sean’s commitment to excellence and his passion for karate inspire his students to strive for their best, making him a respected figure in the martial arts community
Meet Sensei Kenny: A Journey of Dedication and Achievement in Karate
Sensei Kenny’s passion for Karate ignited when he was just 8 years old. His commitment and skill were evident early on, and by the age of 23, in 2004, he achieved his Yondan (4th Dan) under the examination of the WKF Shotokan - Ho Chi Minh City Association. That same year, Sensei Kenny trained in Kata and Kumite with the renowned Sensei Shiina and earned the prestigious National Referee Level B qualification in the Kata category. From 2002 to 2011, he served as the head instructor of a local Karate club, where his students earned numerous accolades in regional competitions.
After a 10-year hiatus, Sensei Kenny returned to Karate inspired by his children’s enthusiasm to follow in his footsteps. In mid-2021, he and his family joined JKS Takapuna, reigniting his dedication to the art.
In June 2022, Sensei Kenny ratified his Yondan under the esteemed JKS grading panel. His competitive achievements include a Bronze medal in the Male Senior Kata division at the 2021 NZ National Cup and a Silver medal in the same division in 2022, where he also placed 4th in the Male Open Kata division.
In November 2022, Sensei Kenny achieved both Examiner D and Instructor D certifications at the National Dan grading. The following year, in November 2023, he attended the JKS International Seminar in Tokyo, where he successfully earned his 5th Dan under the guidance of Shihan Kagawa and Shihan Norman Robinson.
Sensei Kenny’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to Karate, both as a practitioner and an instructor, inspiring his students and family to pursue excellence in the martial arts.
Sensei Kenny: Inspiring the Next Generation at JKS Orewa and Beyond
Sensei Kenny now plays an integral role at the JKS Orewa Karate Club, working alongside Sensei Sean to nurture and grow the club’s community. He leads the JKS Orewa Little Tigers Program, sharing his passion and expertise with young Karateka and instilling in them the foundational skills and discipline of Karate.
In addition to his work with the Little Tigers, Sensei Kenny contributes to the coaching program for JKS Northshore’s elite athletes, helping to prepare them for high-level competitions and achieve their personal bests.
Sensei Kenny’s dedication to fostering excellence and his deep commitment to Karate make him an invaluable member of the JKS family, inspiring students of all ages and skill levels.
Sensei Nick started Karate in 1990 and trained on and off since then, primarily with JKS Shotokan.
With numerous old rugby injuries affecting his flexibility, he was ready to give up Karate in 2016. However, with Sensei Sean's unending encouragement, he got back into training in 2017, and with Sensei's guidance and whole hearted support, finally graded to Shodan in 2019.
Nick graded to Nidan in March 2022 under the watchful eye of the JKS grading panel
Nick graded to Sandan in December 2024 under the watchful eye of the JKS grading panel
Nick is proof that you don't need to be a gifted athlete to attain a Black Belt – just determination, quality instructors and lots of sweat. With that attitude anybody can do it – if they want it!
Sensei Claus - Nidan, JKS Instructor & Sports Chaplain
Sensei Claus began his karate journey in 2012 at the age of 52, inspired by his son’s interest in the martial arts. At the time, he had already dedicated over 40 years to powerlifting as a way to stay fit and strong.
Starting in the Goju-Ryu style, he trained up to 1st Kyu Brown Belt before transitioning to JKS Browns Bay in 2020. Since then, Claus has become a key part of our dojo and community.
He is an accomplished competitor, having earned multiple international and national medals. Highlights include:
- 2015 GKR World Cup (Liverpool) – Silver in Kata (55+)
- 2017 GKR World Cup (Brisbane) – Silver in Kata and Kumite (55+)
- 2025 World Masters Games (Taiwan) – Finalist, Top 10 in Kata (65+)
- Six-time New Zealand Nationals medallist
Sensei Claus achieved his Shodan (1st Dan) in 2023 and his Nidan (2nd Dan) in 2024, both awarded by the JKS New Zealand Shihankai. In 2025, he also received his Level D Examiner and Instructor qualification, enabling him to help guide the next generation of karate-ka.
In addition to his martial arts achievements, Claus serves as our Sports Chaplain. He’s always available for a chat — whether you need support, encouragement, or just someone to talk to.
Chris – Nidan Grade Karateka (JKS)
Chris originally stepped into the Dojo in 2016 when his son Jacob started training under Sensei Sean, shortly after he joined in and hasn’t looked back. Drawing from his engineering background and rugby league experience, he applies a structured, analytical mindset to understanding Karate.
Over the years, Chris has earned his Nidan (2nd Dan), become a WKF tournament referee, and assisted coaching both juniors and adults at the club. His passion for teaching shines especially in his time leading the Little Tigers program where he aims to cultivate focus, respect, and enthusiasm in young karateka.
With his second son joining the dojo, karate has become a meaningful family pursuit. For Chris, each role whether it is as a student, coach, referee or father is part of a larger journey: one of growth, legacy, and the belief that every technique is an opportunity to learn, share, and inspire.
Still actively competing, Chris continues to test himself on the national stage. He has previously earned first place in Open Kata and second place in Open Kumite at JKS national tournaments.
Looking ahead, Chris hopes to contribute even more to the growth of karate in his region, mentoring upcoming referees and coaches while staying rooted in the tradition that first ignited his passion. For him, karate isn't just a practice… it’s a lifelong path.
Jacob Baker – Nidan Grade Karateka (JKS)
Jacob began his karate journey at the JKS dojo in 2016 under Sensei Sean. Shortly after, his father Chris started training alongside him and since then they have both graded together shared many experiences. Through years of dedicated training, Jacob earned his Nidan (2nd Dan), standing as a role model to peers and junior karateka alike.
Jacob has achieved first place medals in both Kata and Kumite at JKS national tournaments, a remarkable testament to his drive and competitive spirit.
He has previously assisted with the Little Tigers junior classes demonstrating patience and understanding. Outside of his training he has contributed as a WKF referee and has also achieved his JKS instructors and examiner level D qualification.
For Jacob, karate has become more than a physical pursuit, it’s a lifelong path of self-improvement. As he continues to train, teach, and referee alongside family and teammates, he remains deeply committed to the values of JKS karate and all it embraces.
