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 watchfull 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 Andrew initially obtained his Shodan in Goju Ryu karate-do with the I.K.G.A in 1984 - 35 years ago. His passion for karate was re-ignited when his son and daughter showed an interest. He joined JKS in 2018, and has successfully re-tested for his Shodan belt in Ireland in 2019, under the watchful eye of Shihan Kagawa.
In 2019 Andrew competed in, and achieved a silver in kumite at the New Zealand championships.
He also represented New Zealand at the 5th JKS World Cup in Ireland in 2019, and achieved a bronze medal in Kumite.
Late in 2019, he competed in the JKA National Competition and won the Kumite, and came 3rd in the Senior Kata division.
In 2020 Sensei Andrew received his Nidan from the JKS New Zealand Shihankai at the JKS National Championships 2020 In Christchurch.
Sensei Andrew became the JKS New Zealand 2020 Men's Open and Men's Senior Kumite and Kata Champion
In Novemeber 2022 Sensei Andrew received his Sandan from the JKS New Zealand Shihankai at the JKS National Grading
Sensei Gilvan is from Brazil, and has been practicing Karate since he was 12 years old. He has trained in other styles of Karate up to Black Belt level before coming to New Zealand.
Passionate about the Budo of Karate, he enjoys both the dojo training and competitions.
He was graded to Shodan by Shihan Kagawa, head of the Japan Karate Shoto Federation, in 2019.
In 2020 Sensei Gilvan achieved Nidan status at the JKS NZ championship 2020 under the examination of the JKS Shihankai
Sensei Gilvan became the Open Kata champion and second in Senior Men's Kumite at the JKS NZ 2020 Championships in Christchurch
In 2022 Sensei Gilvan has become a regional judge for Karate New Zealand
In Novemeber 2022 Sensei Gilvan received his Sandan from the JKS New Zealand Shihankai at the JKS National Grading
Sensei Stuart (Stu) started out his Karate journey as a way to get fitter and stronger back in 2011.
He initially trained in the Goju-Ryu style of Karate getting to 1st Kyu Brown Belt before transferring to JKS in 2017.
Moving from one style to another is always a challenge, but with the encouragement and support of Sensei Sean, Stuart quickly saw the benefits of Shotokan Karate with its broad range of techniques and applications, and was made welcome into the dojo family.
Having started when he was older, being patient with your body was something he quickly learnt, so if you are starting out Karate later in life, or re-starting it, give your body time to gain strength and flexibility. It will come, but over a longer period so don't be discouraged.
Stuart was graded to Shodan in 2019 under the watchful eyes of Sensei Cooper, Sensei Philip and Sensei Trevor from JKS NZ.
He graded to Nidan in March 2022 and the watchfull eye of the JKS Grading panel
