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Award winning for Child development, Customer Service and Martial Arts instruction. Featured on TVNZ One news for Self Defence instruction. You are in good hands at SMA.
Great school - the kids love training here.
Danny Beckett
Such a wonderful place/experience for the kids to learn. Sense Chris exuding the patience and focus that he instills int he pupils. Love it
Alisdair Webb
Absolutley amazing karate class, Chris is a great teacher, thank you !
Nicola Glassey
Chris and his team provides quality training to the candidates. It's definitely helping my wee one to focus more and to build up strong determination .Thanks Chris.
Kochurani Kurian
Joining SMA was the best decision we have made for my sons confidence, fitness and discipline. They have fantastic role models and offer an all round positive, encouraging, professional environment. Also the youth leader program is great opportunity for kids to help other members of the club. If your thinking about karate for your son or daughter I would highly recommend SMA.
Rachel Williams
Sensei Chris is so patient with my 5 year old's understandable inability to focus for the duration of his class. His firm but kind redirection has yielded results already and I'm happy to say that my grandson can't wait for his karate classes each week. Thank you sensei.
bernie beer
Well done sensei Chris looks like things are looking and going well for u and your class.
Grant Kennewell
Lovei t! Our 5 year old absolutely loves coming along here... it has helped his confidence with meeting new friends... and of course his goal to become a ninja when he grows up! 🥷
We have been very impressed with Chris and how he runs the classes... definitely would recommend.
We have been very impressed with Chris and how he runs the classes... definitely would recommend.
Kelly Watson
My son just started classes in North Canterbury and already I have seen quite the difference in his overall attitude. He focuses and really enjoys learning skills. His fitness level has increased and he is learning quality aspects of teamwork. The instructors are very patient and they make it fun. My son has a smile on his face the whole time. Thank you so much!
Richard Bath
Great martial arts school! Chris works well with all ages and has a vast knowledge of the martial arts industry. I would highly recommend his school.
Helen Oakes
What a great place to learn Shizoku. Sensei Chris has a wealth of knowledge and experience. His passion to share these shines through in his teaching. Fully recommend to any children or adults who want to learn some great techniques and to have fun doing it while building self confidence and belief.
Richard Anthony Cameron
Love love love this dojo! Could not have picked a better dojo to join ?? Sensei is awesome, down to earth and loves what he does. Very attentive and helpful to all students. Thanks for letting this crazy in your gym ? OSU!
Annie Faith Mahe
Very good team here! Highly recommend. My son and daughter thoroughly enjoy learning with the coaches there and look forward to it every week.
Victoria Simmons
I toke my son to the opening night because he wanted to try it out because some of his friends were doing karate. He loves it and after watching him and how the classes were structure I have now join up and after my first class we both can't wait to go back.
Jahmi Sheehan
This is more than just turning up to a Karate class and leaving. The kids and parents know there is an endless amount of support with the on-line tutorials, the excellent Goals programme and the encouraging rewards system whereby they can earn badges for going the extra mile. Their Motto says it all. You can see the children respect Sensei and Sensei respects them. We LOVE it!
roydon turner
Thank you sensei Chris and his team for these amazing classes! Not only they teach self defence, but also good communication, kindness, good manners and important life values. My son absolutely loves his classes and I can't speak highly enough of them. Thank you.
Petra Najman Skodova
Pretty stoked at how well our 8yo boy has taken to SMA and how committed he is to putting in effort and developing. Very different dojo environment from what I went through at a young age - our son is doing well within a friendly and welcoming environment, that is pushing these kids gently to keep getting better.
Vito
Just a great place and great people
Ethan Cameron
Karate has been amazing for my daughter and Sensei Chris has such an amazing way with dealing with all of the children. My daughter loves coming twice a week
Chantelle Carpenter
My son has been attending since March 2021 and I can honestly say it's been the best thing for him. He thoroughly enjoys every minute and can't wait for the next session. Sensei Chris and the team are wonderful teachers and I would recommend them to anyone thinking of joining.
Alfie Pat
Excellent Martial Arts Club. Great Tutor/Mentoring and professionally run. Would definitely recommend to Children/Parents and Residents in the Eastern Suburbs area.
Barry Jaundrell
Very patient and understanding, tough but fair . My daughter has learnt a lot and her confidence has grown. Highly recommended.
Terrianne Koia
Absolutely no words to describe how awesome the classes are. My son loves going to the karate classes and look forward to each class. It has made him focussed and more disciplined. I would recommend it to anyone with confidence. Jesney
jesnyjohny
Found this was a family friendly place to take your children to learn knew skills, build confidence, and get fit, make friends,and learning ways to defend themselves, The Teacher is understanding of all the children and there needs and still pushes them to be there best. I'm so happy we joined our son, he was so shy couldn't talk to anyone but in a short time he talks to all the children and can't wait for Wednesday to learn you skills and enjoy being push to his limits he walks out of every class excited for next class. I highly recommend anyone to join all ages.
Teresa Wootton
Highly recommend the Shizoku Martial Arts club.Sensei Chris has a great way with kids and my son has found something he loves doing. He has thrived since starting karate. They offer a free trial class which is great for kids that are unsure on taking that first step. We love the life skills goals which kids can apply to all aspects of their life even outside of karate.
Janey
Sensei Chris and Sensei Mike have created a great school of learning that has made learning martial arts accessable to everyone regardless of age and ability
They have developed their own unique style of teaching that is very effective , they listen to the students feedback and adapt accordingly - and are hugly patient for those that take a little longer to pick things up
reccommend SHIZOKU for anyone who wants to learn martial arts
They have developed their own unique style of teaching that is very effective , they listen to the students feedback and adapt accordingly - and are hugly patient for those that take a little longer to pick things up
reccommend SHIZOKU for anyone who wants to learn martial arts
Clive Reed
We have been thoroughly been thrilled with Shizoku and Sensei Chris. The focus on discipline, self-defence and most importantly fun has positively impacted our son's behaviour at home, as well as at school. Sensei Chris is amazing and makes the class really fun. Highly recommended!
Roderick Petre
Hey Sensei,
I wanted to thank you for the life skills you give the kids, especially Jacob in your karate classes...
Today Jacob encountered his first bullying experience at school. He had several kids (smaller than him) around him that were slapping, punching and pushing him around because he told them he was going to tell the teacher after witnessing his friend being kicked by them.
Jacob remained calm, told me he stood in an 'osu stance', and pushed them away just enough to get away to a teacher. He didn't want to hurt them as he easily could have but did enough to protect himself.
I'm pretty confident that without his karate training, he wouldn't have had that self defense reaction and could have possibly been hurt but he's come away from it with a great deal of pride in his actions... Skills of which he got from your class ☺️☺️
I wanted to thank you for the life skills you give the kids, especially Jacob in your karate classes...
Today Jacob encountered his first bullying experience at school. He had several kids (smaller than him) around him that were slapping, punching and pushing him around because he told them he was going to tell the teacher after witnessing his friend being kicked by them.
Jacob remained calm, told me he stood in an 'osu stance', and pushed them away just enough to get away to a teacher. He didn't want to hurt them as he easily could have but did enough to protect himself.
I'm pretty confident that without his karate training, he wouldn't have had that self defense reaction and could have possibly been hurt but he's come away from it with a great deal of pride in his actions... Skills of which he got from your class ☺️☺️
Hayley Sutherland
Sensei Chris and the rest of the SMA team do a great job creating a professional and focused environment, while keeping the kids engaged and having heaps of fun. I love seeing my girls learning new techniques and improving their confidence at every class.
Emma Frost
I haven't done it but having trained under Chris in another style I know it will be great.
Doug Day
Awesome place to train, definitely recommended for easy to learn and seriously effective martial art skills!
Jake Askew
So glad we were recommended Shizoku Martial Arts for our daughter! Constantly impressed by your positivity, encouragement, and warmth with our children. Your no nonsense yet fun approach is the perfect balance. I love the family, community feel at SMA. Thank you for sharing your passion! Belinda Clark
School Self Defence On behalf of Chisnallwood Intermediate we would like to thank you for the work you have completed over the last two weeks. We have had over 300 girls through the course, and they have thoroughly enjoyed it, as well as learnt key skills. The girls were all engaged in their lessons, and came out of the hall beaming. The feedback I gathered from them was that the sessions were well organised, busy and fun.
Ben McNabb
Assistant Principal, Chisnallwood Intermediate
My children have been attending SMA Karate for the past 2 years. We have been so impressed with how things are run, and the confidence, focus, discipline and skills that my children have developed since being there. Sensei Chris is a fantastic role model for the children and I love that he instills confidence and life skills as part of their karate journey. I highly recommend SMA karate for anyone looking to get their kids into martial arts.
Julia Liebenberger
This is an awesome family club that focuses on achieving Goals and respecting each other through Martial Arts. I recommend this club to anyone looking for a friendly club for either children, adults or both 😊
Simone Templeton
I have noticed an extra level of confidence and maturity in my son lately as a result of what he is learning. He is also loving practicing and mentoring others which helps cement his own learning and gives him opportunities to grow leadership skills and give back to others. Thank you to all the sensei and student instructors for all the guidance and work you all put in at the dojo.
Sonya Reading
Chris who runs the club is an amazing guy, he really cares about the children, kids and adults and really looks out for their welfare. Real sense of community friendly club in one of a kind totally unique.
DANNY : DE HEK
Sensei Chris and Paula have created an amazing club where kids not only learn great skills in self defence, they are encouraged to develop life skills in respect, leadership, commitment, hard work and have a greater self worth. I can’t believe the changes I’ve seen in my son who is a more confident, determined and respectful young man which has been further developed through the Leadership program he’s now in. The vibe of the club is welcoming, encouraging and run professionally, which shows by the number of new kids we see joining all the time. Thank you!!! Glen Counsell
Fantastic Women's self defence class. Recommend them to anyone wanting to learn some techniques to save themselves.
Tina Ledington
So much more than just another martial arts club. Life skills, personal accountability and community spirit run through the core of this program.Chris is a great leader doing great things.
Matt James
My 8 and 5 year old absolutely love karate with Chris and Co. They enjoy the physical aspect and the conversations about respect, responsibility etc. Have recommended it to lots of our friends
Claire Hannah
My daughter and I both go, and have done for several years. The staff are fantastic with kids and adults alike. It feels like a big family.
Mark Thompson
SMA Karate provides an outstanding service to our community. Sensei Chris and his instructors create a positive learning environment. It allows the individual to develop holistically (physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual). Students of all ages are challenged in a safe way that brings out the best in them. I highly recommend SMA Karate.
Paul Peawini
Real Estate Agent Defence I recently engaged Chris from Shizoku Martial Arts to assist with training the women in our company in self defense skills. The workshop was excellent and the feedback from my team has been extremely positive. Not only was it a great team building experience but each person who attended came away feeling more empowered and aware of how they can protect themselves should the need ever arise. A thoroughly worthwhile exercise as a company. Chris gave everyone a certificate at the end which was a great way to end the workshop. I highly recommend this workshop.
Rachael
Owner, Total Realty
A fantastic club with a focus on developing correct techniques traditional values and life skills. Chris is a very experienced and knowledgeable instructor who is great with the kids. I would highly recommend!
Hannah Jones
Fantastic Sensei! Teaches resilience, empowers children to reach life goals. Sensei Chris teaches so much more than just a martial art. Highly recommend.
Kendra Kundycki
Going to karate has had a massively positive impact on my 8 year old daughter and my 6 year old son. Sensei Chris focuses on key skills, like respect, that give the students self confidence and belief. My daughter has stood up to bullies based on the confidence that karate has given her.
Bex Roberts
My son has been doing karate at SMA for a couple of months now and absolutely loves it! He had never shown much interest in sports previously. It's been the best thing we've done for him. In a short time we've already noticed an increase in his confidence and he has learned so much. Sensei Chris is fantastic with children and the classes are fun. They have excellent communication and resources on their website for training etc. Also love how they teach the children valuable life lessons and self defense. Highly recommend!
Summer McClure
I have been attending for over 3 years and I’m still learning new skills and techniques. The club has a great atmosphere and is supportive of everyone and their development.
Karyn Boyle
This is a fantastic club! I love the values it teaches my boys and the confidence it give them too Priscilla Freeman-Beaton
Friendly, respectful and high quality classes. I can promote 100%.
Anneliese Paintin
This has been the most incredible experience my youngest son. Sensei Chris is extremely encouraging and determined to get the best out of the children that attend. It’s fun, disciplined and encouraging all at the same time. Will has thrived this past month. Thank you and your team.
Jodi Leigh Swart
A fantastic family friendly club! Sensei Chris not only teaches my son karate in a fun & exciting way but helps to instil positive life values he can use everyday at school & at home.My son was having so much fun going that I decided to join the adults classes too & I love it! It not only helps to keep me fit but teaches me great self defence techniques & helps me to feel strong & confident. The camaraderie with other students is awesome too!
Lisa Thompson
Really recommend Shizoku. My primary age daughters' behaviour and attitude has improved significantly and noticeably since joining. The coaches, and Sensei are really present and supportive and aside from the physical side of learning self defence and martial arts, the control and character/self esteem developments are really amazing.
Emmy Hiller
Cannot fault SMA karate. My 7 year old has grown in confidence and determination, she had found a new passion through coming here, from a child that wouldn't much leave my side, she loves coming to karate, her confidence has absolutely sky rocketed. Friendly and accommodating, great for discipline, sorts miss 7s attitude out really quick. She has a definite respect for her sensei. Thank you
Alannah Buckley
Every woman should do this course. You will leave with confidence, skills and strategies to use to stay safe should the unthinkable happen.The instructors are outstanding. You will be supported and respected. The serious matter of violence against women is so confronting yet they present the course in a way that empowers rather than terrifyies you It is a safe place to learn important life skills.
Mary Griffiths-Hurrell
Absolutely fantastic! Sensei Chris is amazing with my son, very supportive and welcoming; This guy is an awesome role model! I want to acknowledge his 2 assistants Ethan & Amelia who are also wonderful welcoming and supportive to all of the children in the class. The best part of learning Karate through Shizoku Martial Arts is he is also teaching the kids self defense and how to deal with Bullying situations - Life lessons!It is wonderful to sit and watch your child thrive and love the experience, to be part of a special group who are becoming so confident with themselves. Amazing website with online tutorials available 24/7 for some extra training at home. The best Martial Arts club in Christchurch.
Sarah R
An amazing experience my son has learned a lot in the last few weeks. His behaviour has got better and teaching great discipline. They have great leaders there who are very respectful to everyone.
Dale Daza
Whether you’re looking for fun while working out, burn energy and receive proper training for yourself and for your children… then this place is for you. Your kids aim for the best, receive rewards for behaviour in and out of class, work hard for your next colour belt as a goal. For adults, you learn what the kids learn but a bit more intense than they would receive it. You get the Jack of all trades in these classes. There’s more than you bargain for and for a reasonable and affordable price. Not a single regret joining this club. Come and join or try the free trial class first and see how you go.
annie mahe
Have been impressed by the welcome and kindness as a very new participant. Wonderful community is fostered as well as dedication and support from everyone.
Marcus Ingrid Daff
Self Defence Workshop Really enjoyed it. Was a great and enjoyable experience with my work colleagues. Would definitely like to do again over time as refreshers. So glad I attended. Thank you.
Anonymous
Awesome atmosphere. Sensei Chris sets the kids up to be challenged and have fun. They love going to karate and learn excellent self defense and life skills along the way. Highly recommend.
Bex Roberts
Amazing karate school, very professional with great online support also, great classes that keep the little one focus all the time , we are very happy we chose this school for our son and amaze by his progress.
Viviane Ferrari
Great place to train!
Jake Askew
Excellent Teacher! Well organized, knowledgeable and kind! Very reasonabke rates. Highly recommend.
Leah Paterson
Great club, very professional website with videos to assist practicing & strong focus on self defense & self discipline.
Demelza Pearey
As an adult it can be daunting to start a new activity, especially something physical. SMA pushes me, but in a positive way, and Sensei Chris is both extremely knowledgeable and approachable. My nephew was also part of the Youth programme for a while, and we saw some great changes in his confidence levels. I love that there is a Life Skills programme for the kids to learn valuable skills such as discipline and respect. Highly recommend for kids or adults!
Kate Nicholls
My Great grandson joined the beginners group about a month back now. Due to a very rough start in life he was very reserved and found it very difficult to communicate or talk with strangers but is now joining in and getting more confident every week .This is due to the welcome and the patience of the instructors .Thank you.
Brenda Woolley