NZKKA

NZKKA was founded by Shane Rongonui, Jim Oakley and Grant Morrison.  All three started their martial arts training the early 1980’s in Kempo-Bushido-Ryu (KBR) under Robert Gemmell.  This was just after Mr Gemmell had returned from USA where he had trained with American Kenpo Senior Grand Master Ed Parker and received his 6th degree black belt in Mr Parker's IKKA system.  Whilst Mr Gemmell did not actually teach the full IKKA system as expected, he did introduce parts of the self defence syllabus into KBR.  It is here that all three students first experienced Kenpo Karate (the spelling with a 'n' rather than 'm' usually refers to the American Kenpo style).

In 1995 (and coincidently within a matter of months of each other) all left KBR.  At the time all three were ranked either 3rd or 4th degree black belts and were Snr Instructors at HQ.  It was not until all three got together six months later that they found out that they had all left for similar reasons.  The school had shifted away from it's strong karate roots and was now focussing more and more on kung-fu and tai chi.  All three preferred to learn more of the self defence syllabus they had been exposed to, so together they began training together under the tuteluge of Grand Master Larry Tatum (Mr Tatum had been one of Ed Parker's top students). 

Under a new lease of life, the NZKKA was formed and started classes in March 1997.  At the time we were the first club in NZ teaching the full American Kenpo syllabus. 

Unfortunately, in 1998 Jim Oakley resigned from teaching the art but still practises daily while now living in Brisbane, Australia.  Following the introduction of the Junior Kenpo syllabus, Shane and Grant travelled to Los Angeles in 2000 to train directly with Mr Tatum and came home focussed on spreading Kenpo to anyone willing to learn.

NZKKA has continued to grow each year.  We have around 200 current members from ages 5yrs to 65yrs.