STUDENT JOURNEYS

I first came across Karate 33 years ago under Sensei Daniel. During all these years I have come to find Kachi Do Karate very rewarding, it has kept me active, disciplined and has provided me with encouragement when I needed it. I have attended regular weekly classes which I really enjoy, there is also a great social interaction. I also enjoy training under Sensei Mel. After 33 years I'm like part of the furniture. I will continue for many more years as it benefits me both physically and mentally. I am currently 68 years old and I'm amazed that I'm also doing weapons training. Kachi do karate brought out my potential.

My two children have been training at Kachi Do Karate for several years and absolutely love it. The instructors are fantastic—professional, supportive, and genuinely care about their students. They make everyone feel like part of the family. Since joining, my kids have developed greater discipline, confidence, and respect, while also enjoying their training every week. I highly recommend Kachi Do Karate to any parent looking for a positive and supportive environment for their children to learn martial arts and build valuable life skills.

My daughter Bridie began her karate journey with Kachi Do Karate in 2022 when she was in kindergarten. In just a few years she has grown from a shy white belt to a confident purple belt, and the transformation has been incredible to watch. Earlier this year, Bridie went through a stage where she felt unsure about continuing. What made all the difference was the genuine care and encouragement from Sensei Daniel and Sensei Mel, who reached out because they saw real potential in her. As a parent, hearing that meant so much. Their belief in her gave her the confidence to return — and she hasn’t looked back. Since then, Bridie has rediscovered her love for karate and is working hard toward her red belt. She has been trained and supported by Senseis Daniel, Mel, Cameron, Mat and others, each bringing their own strengths, patience and deep knowledge to the dojo. The classes are a wonderful mix of students, from white belt to black belt and ages ranging from 7 to 70. It creates a unique environment where everyone learns from one another. The training itself is varied and engaging — blocks, punches, kicks, sparring, kata, and even some fun games that keep the kids excited to come back. One of the things we love most is how the higher-grade belts support the younger and lower‑grade students. There’s a real sense of community, encouragement and shared growth. We admire the senseis for their dedication and the opportunities they are opening up for Bridie. Kachi Do Karate is more than just a martial arts school — it’s a place where children and adults alike learn resilience, build confidence, and feel supported every step of the way. We are very grateful for the positive impact it has had on Bridie and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next.

I was quite unfit, when I started my karate journey in my 40s. Seeing my three children train inspired me to join. Fast forward a decade later, training at Kachi Do Karate has become an essential part of my life. What I value most is the warm family-like atmosphere, where I train with very dedicated and passionate karate instructors.

Our son has been training at this dojo since December 2021, and the positive impact on his development has been profound. Sensei and his team run an exceptional program rooted in true discipline and authentic martial arts principles. What sets this dojo apart is the integrity of their progression system. Promotions are genuinely earned, not given; students are only invited to grade when they have put in the effort and consistently demonstrate they have met key requirements. This approach teaches you the true value of hard work and merit which is not something you come across often these days. Beyond the excellent training, the dojo is supported by a close-knit welcoming community and provides training for various weapon techniques. They do a fantastic job of accommodating everyone—regardless of age, level of experience, or physical ability—ensuring every student can train safely and excel at their own pace.

Karate has played a significant role in James's personal growth and development. Since beginning his karate journey, he has shown increased confidence, maturity, and self discipline. The training has taught him the value of respect, perseverance, and commitment, helping him to approach challenges with a positive attitude and determination. James has developed strong focus and resilience, learning that progress comes through consistent effort and hard work. Karate has also improved his physical fitness and coordination while providing him with a supportive environment to build friendships and leadership skills. As a parent, I am proud of the positive influence karate has had on James and the way it continues to shape his character both in the dojo and in everyday life.