Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts International

Warriors Wisdom Course - Last one for 2026.
Ideal for anyone looking to make meaningful life changes through the skills learned in the course.
Register with your Instructor or email:[email protected]

KATA TOURNAMENT WORKSHOP

Empty-Hand Kata Training • Grading and Tournament Preparation
Open to students of all ranks who want to strengthen their Kata, sharpen technique, and prepare for future opportunities.

SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER • 10AM – 1PM • $30 TRAINING FEE

DATE Saturday 19th September
TIME 10am - 1pm
VENUE Jack Mclean Community Center
Rolleston Street, Thames
TRAINING FEE $30

Join Thames Dojo for a focused Empty-Hand Kata workshop designed to develop strong basics, improve kata performance, and build confidence for grading and future tournament opportunities.
Hanshi has connected with Karate NZ to create a pathway for interested students to prepare for possible Karate NZ competition events.

Workshop focus
Individual Kata
Kihon basics • Correct technique • Posture and Centering • Form and Extension • Breathwork • Speed, Timing, and Rhythm

Team Kata and Bunkai
Synchronisation and Timing • Bunkai interpretation • Sequencing and Breakdown • Format, Presentation, and Performance Confidence

NOTE: Participants must at least know Taikyoku Shodan Kata

Bring your Uniforms and may be a short break so bring a snack and water bottle.

REGISTER NOW WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Hosted by: Thames Dojo

Godan Grading 2026
Sam Taaka (Hamilton) 5th Degree Black Belt – Godan
Title: Shihan
Sam Taaka joined KRMA in 2007 as a little 7yr old and has been an amazing student who progressed into an awesome Instructor over the next 19 years. So, this grading was proof of the quality and standards that Renshi knows are expected of all Kiaido Ryu High Ranks.
This grading is short but very intense showing self-defence from the eight angles of attack. Supported by her husband Taylor as the Uke all these skills were executed to a very high standard.
From the first application against her attacker, through to the last Sam performed her self-defence skills with total focus and precision.
The dedication she’s shown through so many years has been an inspiration for all KRMA students and Instructors. We are so proud to have witnessed this grading and with no hesitation Sam has come through to the Rank of Godan and the Title of Shihan. There are only a few students who live the martial way, you are a fine example of this throughout all your achievements. We’re all very proud of you, Congratulations from Hanshi, Kyoshi and I’m sure from all KRMA students

Sandan Grading June 2026
Danny Grey (Bethlehem) 3rd Degree Black Belt – Sandan
Title: Sensei
Danny has been training and assisting with teaching in his Dojo of Bethlehem through the years and giving back to the system as this is a prerequisite for grading. This grading requirement also included attending training days and chanting a grading to name a few of the KRMA standards that showed Danny’s high eligibility to sit this grading.
From the start of the grading there was never any doubt that Dai Sempai Danny Grey had put in the time perfecting the grading requirements. Both in Weaponry – Sai and Empty hand Kata’s. With the empty-hand delta group it was obvious a huge effort and amount of time, thought, and creativity had been applied making this part of the grading quite an entertaining display for spectators and the grading panel. Also shown was the feeling of how lethal these techniques can be when applied in Self Defence.
Danny’s Personal Kata was interesting and very original as he displayed his favourite techniques throughout with great Uke’s making the performance go smoothly.
There was no question that you take your role within Kiaido Ryu seriously, as you also keep ‘Paying it Forward with your excellent teaching and high standards. So congratulations Danny on achieving your Sandan -3rd Degree Black Belt along with the Title of Sensei; so well deserved.

Nidan Grading June 2026
Dwane Stewart, Luke Jellett, (Bethlehem) Regan Hasse (Taupo) – 2nd degree Black Belt – Nidan Title: Dai Sempai

These students started with a great display of their weapons ability and carried on to an awesome physical and mental grading.
By round 25 they were ready for a break then finished the last 5 rounds with the strength and control they displayed all the way through the previous rounds of sparring.
Well done and congratulations for achieving your 2nd degree Black Belt (Nidan) and the Title of Dai Sempai.

Tommy Napier (Bethlehem) 1st Degree Black Belt – Shodan
Title: Sempai

Black Belt grading in Bethlehem -June.
Tommy showed a great attitude and focus as he demonstrated his knowledge of grading requirements. Completing a grading like this on your own takes a lot of nervous energy and he channelled it right into his grading. Tommy’s display of Sticks and Bo were well thought out, sharp and controlled. Congratulations on achieving your 1st degree Black Belt (Shodan) and the Title of Sempai

June Gradings 2026
Congratulations to all students who graded in June. It takes a huge commitment of time and energy to train and be ready to grade. Your Instructors will be so proud of you all and you are totally deserving of your nice new Belts. Its wonderful to see all the students bonding together to get through these days and creating new friendships with like minded people. Always and amazing gathering.

Wow! what a great turn out today.
Thank you all for taking time to get to this special training day.
Instructors were very busy with all Ranks getting specific training preparation for grading. 2 weeks to go and all looking sharp. Keep up the good work and catch you on 27th June.

KRMA PARTY
Fab night, dinner, dancing & a celebration of gradings on June 27: $105pp
Order tickets by May 31st from Instructors

Hey! want to really sharpen your skills, then get to
All Ranks Training on 13th June
register with your Instructor now