Zennin Martial Arts

About Zennin

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Zennin Martial Arts is a freestyle martial art system with its basis in Okinawan Goju Karate. Zennin Martial Arts is committed to promoting the value and learning of martial arts to improve the health and well being of it’s members to benefit broad communities throughout New Zealand.

Zennin translates as ‘good people’, relating to the fraternity of positive martial arts instructors and students. Zennin Martial Arts is actively supported by internationally and nationally renowned martial artists who are committed to the ongoing development of the organisation and its members.

Levin

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The Zennin Levin club started in 2024 when Sensei Carol moved from Wellington to Levin. Carol leads Blue Dragon Dojos and has taught martial arts since 2007.

We teach teenagers and adults in a family friendly club. We keep training varied, active, practical and fun.

Lower Hutt

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Zennin Lower Hutt focuses on Karate training, Monday and Thursday nights at Gracefield Primary School Hall. Our experienced instructors provide a safe and friendly training environment to learn practical self-defence skills, for students aged 6 and up, with all levels of fitness and ability.

Our Badge

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The Zennin logo features two dragons facing each other from opposing sides. They symbolise awareness - of self, of others, and of the environment.

Their opposing positions represent balance and perspective, reminding us to stay alert, adaptable, and centred at all times.

Our History

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Zennin Martial Arts was formed in 2016 through the incorporation of a group of martial arts clubs formerly training under Zen Do Kai, to establish and deliver a more focussed and practical self defence system, based on Goju Ryu kata and combat applications, enhanced by the real world experience of Zennin’s senior instructors.

Zennin Martial Arts continues to maintain a focussed and practical self defence philosophy throughout the Karate and Thai syllabus.

Rotorua

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Zennin Rotorua is a small home based, one on one or family training groups focusing on Karate training, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6PM. Zennin Martial Arts will promote the value and learning martial arts to improve health and wellbeing of its members to benefit broad communities throughout New Zealand.

Tawa

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At Zen Martial Arts, everyone starts as a beginner and becomes part of a family. We train in a mix of martial arts and Muay Thai, combining self-defence techniques with dynamic striking. Classes are welcoming, challenging, and designed to help you build confidence, discipline, and resilience—in and out of the dojo. Train with purpose. Fight with heart.

Tokoroa

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Kirikawa Martial Arts is based in Tokoroa.

The name ‘Kirikawa’ derives from the Tūhoe people and hapū (sub tribe) Ngāti Koura who stated the following in regards to a request to join in battle against an apposing tribe. ‘Ko Ngāti Koura tēnei, he kirikawa ki te rākau.’ ‘I am Ngāti Koura, we are apposed to those who take up arms against us.’ The martials arts applications we teach supports effective practical self defence.

Upper Hutt

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Four Dragons Mixed Martial Arts is a true mixed martial arts club in the full meaning of the phrase.

We teach self-defence through multiple martial arts disciplines in a synergised combination of traditional Karate & Muay Thai with a sprinkling of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. We help people of all ages build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills through martial arts training.

Zennin Juniors

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Zennin Martial Arts offers a dynamic and rewarding way for children to develop strong character, practical safety skills, and physical fitness within a positive and structured environment.

Zennin Karate

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Zennin translates as ‘good people’, relating to the fraternity of positive martial arts instructors and students. The Zennin logo features two dragons facing each other from opposite sides representing awareness.

Zennin Muay Thai

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At Zennin Martial Arts, we believe that Muay Thai is for everyone. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the very first time, looking to improve your fitness and self-confidence, or preparing for competition, our training environment is designed to support your journey.