Our Story

Ten years ago, when their middle children joined Scouts, Senpai Angela and Senpai Kerry found themselves walking a similar path. Both were raising wonderfully neurospicey kids—bright, passionate, unique young people who were too often misunderstood and bullied in the traditional school environment. Supporting their children created an instant bond, and from that shared experience grew a strong and lasting friendship.

Angela’s Martial Arts Journey

Long before the dojo existed, Angela had carved her own path through the martial arts world. She earned Shodan in both Kempo Bushido Ryu and later Seikukan, and as a young adult competed through Karate New Zealand, collecting medals and trophies along the way.
With firsthand knowledge of how empowering karate could be, she suggested training to help their children build confidence and resilience.

Training Together

Angela and Kerry joined a local Kyokushin dojo, stepping onto the mats together for the first time. Side by side, they trained hard, supported one another, and found strength in the shared journey. They competed in kumite and kata, proudly earning medals and trophies as their skills deepened. Through dedication, perseverance, and friendship, they each achieved their Nidan rank.

The Birth of the Dojo

In time, Angela felt called to create something more—a dojo built on compassion, inclusiveness, and true Kyokushin spirit. Encouraged by her son Oliver, she took the bold step of opening her own dojo in sunny Hawke’s Bay. Oliver was there from day one, helping set up the space and shaping the club’s early foundations before heading off to university.

Two other key people, Simone and Connall, joined at the very beginning as well. Coming from another dojo, they brought their loyalty, dedication, and belief in the vision. From the start, they have been pillars of the club—steady, supportive, and essential to the heart of the dojo.

Kerry later joined Angela in leading the dojo forward, helping to build the warm, positive training environment they had always hoped to create.

Our Philosophy

Together, they built a dojo where everyone can train without barriers—especially neurospicey individuals and people with physical challenges who may not have felt welcome elsewhere.
A place where compassion and courage walk hand in hand.
A place where each student is seen, supported, and celebrated.
A place rooted deeply in Kyokushin: spirit, perseverance, and respect.

This is a proud, empowering, female-led dojo where people of all ages, bodies, and minds can find their strength—and a sense of belonging.

Angela and Kerry are honoured to be affiliated with Mas Oyama Kyokushin New Zealand, their wider Kyokushin family.

Our Mission

• Teach Kyokushin with heart.

• Build confidence through genuine connection.

• Create a home on the mats where everyone belongs.

Osu!