Self Defence & Freestyle Martial Arts in Christchurch

Shizoku Martial Arts is a self-defence focused martial arts school in Christchurch, New Zealand, dedicated to helping people of all ages develop confidence, resilience, and practical life skills through martial arts training.

The word “Shizoku” means family, and that philosophy shapes everything we do. Our dojo is built around the idea that every student deserves support, encouragement, and the opportunity to grow.

Our mission is simple:

Educate. Inspire. Empower.

Our Approach to Martial Arts

Shizoku Martial Arts teaches a modern freestyle martial arts system that combines practical self-defence concepts with traditional martial arts foundations.

While self-defence is an important part of what we teach, Shizoku Martial Arts places a strong emphasis on personal development and life skills.

Students develop skills such as:

confidence and self-belief
focus and discipline
resilience when facing challenges
leadership and responsibility
respect for others and themselves

For many students, these lessons become just as valuable as the martial arts techniques they learn.

This approach allows us to focus on techniques that are practical, effective, and adaptable to real-world situations while still respecting the discipline and traditions of martial arts.

What makes Shizoku Martial Arts different?

At Shizoku Martial Arts we combine practical self defence training, structured martial arts progression, and life skill education to create a complete personal development system for students of all ages.

Self defence first
Life skills development
Leadership training
Progressive martial arts curriculum
Supportive dojo culture

Our teaching philosophy is guided by three core values that influence every class we run:

Education. Inspiration. Empowerment.

These values shape how we coach, how we support our students, and how we build our community.

Why Martial Arts Is One of the Best Activities for Kids & Adults

Education – Learning With Purpose

At Shizoku Martial Arts, training goes far beyond learning kicks and punches. Our programmes are designed to help students develop both technical martial arts skill and important life skills.

Students learn:
practical self-defence
focus and discipline
resilience under pressure
problem solving and decision making
respect for others and themselves

Our instructors continually study and apply modern best practices in both martial arts instruction and child development, ensuring that students learn in a structured, supportive environment.

Inspiration – Building Confidence and Belief

Confidence does not appear overnight — it grows through challenge, effort, and achievement.

Our classes are designed to encourage students to push past their comfort zones while feeling supported by instructors and teammates.

Students are inspired to:
set meaningful goals
overcome obstacles
take pride in their progress
develop a strong mindset

Over time, many students discover that the confidence they gain in training carries into other parts of their lives, including school, friendships, and personal challenges.

Empowerment – Developing Future Leaders

One of the defining features of Shizoku Martial Arts is our Leadership Programme.

This programme gives students the opportunity to grow beyond being participants in class and begin developing the skills needed to become positive role models within the dojo.

Students learn how to:
support and mentor younger students
demonstrate leadership through example
communicate clearly and respectfully
take responsibility for their own development

Our leadership pathway also supports the growth of our Certified Martial Arts Instructors, ensuring that students are guided by mentors who understand both martial arts and effective teaching methods.

A Community Focused on Growth

Shizoku Martial Arts is more than just a place to train. It is a community where students are encouraged to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Through structured martial arts training, leadership opportunities, and a strong culture of support, students learn lessons that extend far beyond the dojo floor.

For many families in Christchurch, Shizoku Martial Arts becomes a place where children develop confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that will serve them for life.

Experienced Martial Arts Instruction

Shizoku Martial Arts is led by Sensei Chris, who has over 20 years of martial arts training and experience teaching children and adults. The instructional team focuses on modern teaching methods and structured martial arts progression to help every student develop confidence, skill and resilience.

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Frequent Questions we are asked…

Why Parents Choose Shizoku Martial Arts

Then list:

Life Skills Programme
Leadership Development
Self-Defence Focus
Age-Specific Teaching
Supportive Dojo Culture

What age can children start martial arts at Shizoku Martial Arts?

Children can begin martial arts training at Shizoku Martial Arts from around 3 years old through our Little Ninjas programme. As children grow, they progress through age-appropriate classes designed to develop coordination, focus, confidence, and foundational martial arts skills in a fun and structured environment.

Is martial arts safe for children?

Yes. Safety is a top priority at Shizoku Martial Arts. Classes are carefully structured and supervised by trained instructors who understand how to teach children effectively. Students learn control, awareness, and respect for their training partners while developing confidence and physical skills in a supportive environment.

Does martial arts help with confidence and discipline?

Martial arts is one of the most effective activities for developing confidence, focus, and discipline in children. Through regular training, goal setting, and encouragement from instructors, students learn to overcome challenges and take pride in their achievements. These lessons often carry over into school, friendships, and everyday life.

What makes Shizoku Martial Arts different from other martial arts schools?

Shizoku Martial Arts focuses on Education, Inspiration, and Empowerment. Our programmes combine practical self-defence training with life skill development, helping students grow not only as martial artists but also as confident and capable individuals. Our Leadership Programme also gives students opportunities to develop responsibility and support others within the dojo.

Can beginners start martial arts with no experience?

Absolutely. Most students who join Shizoku Martial Arts start with no previous martial arts experience. Our beginner classes are designed to introduce students to fundamental movements, self-defence skills, and training etiquette in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Where are Shizoku Martial Arts classes located?

Shizoku Martial Arts offers classes in Christchurch and Woodend, New Zealand, providing martial arts programmes for children, teenagers, and adults focused on self-defence, confidence building, and personal development.

What martial arts styles influence Shizoku Martial Arts?

We are always considering innovative techniques and proven tactics. What we teach is influenced by:

Kempo
Okinawan Karate
Krav Maga
Silat
Kali / Arnis
Muay thai Kickboxing

What does Shizoku mean?

The word Shizoku comes from the Japanese warrior class, formerly called samurai. It represents a group of people like minded in cause that stand by each other. Much like a family.

What does the patch mean?

Our patch also has special meaning. The Phoenix represents the uniqueness of Shizoku and symbolises the Strength and Power that this system has and it is a system reborn from many influences.The Phoenix symbolises rebirth and an unforgettable icon of power, strength and renewal. It is one of the four celestial animals that form Yin and Yang bringing balance, duality, assertion and action. It provides strength and resilience. All key facets in your training.

The Japanese kanji between the wings of the Phoenix represents two words. “Senshi Shizoku”. Literal translation is “Warrior Family” representing that we are all part of a family now of warriors in life.

We hope you enjoy your training and we are privileged to be part of your martial arts journey.