It is a real pleasure to introduce you to our class instructors and technical committee. All Kennedy’s Instructors have a minimum of 8 years training and in most cases 14 + years.
They are well schooled in all aspects of the martial arts and are up to date with first aid procedures and age-appropriate drills and skills to help with your own/and or your child’s personal development.
We also have regular training camps, attend seminars and have regular meetings to ensure you receive the highest level of tuition with a focus on “Easy to Learn” effective self defence and safe fun training practices.
Ryan Austin (3rd Degree Black belt)
Ryan has been training with Kennedy's FMA since its doors first opened over 14 years ago. Previous to this he had trained in wrestling, boxing and Okinawan Goju ryu before deciding to join Zen do Kai where he meet Sensei Johnny Kennedy. Ryan has his own school where he focuses on strong, hard training sessions with a passion in the thai boxing arena. Over the years he has trained many successful fighters and has travelled to thailand and around the world to improve his martial arts skills.
Ben Lamb (Probationary 3rd Degree Black belt)
Ben has Been with Kennedy's FMA since it first opened its doors in 1994. With a passion for BJJ and Arnis (Stick fighting) Ben's classes are always full of different and exciting things to do. He also has a indepth background in the medical industry which helps our students to learn accurate information about the human body its functions and it anatomical weaknesses which helps us find the most effective techniques to use in any situation.
Brad Collier (2nd Degree Black belt)
Brad has been with Kennedy's FMA for over 10 years. A very talented instructor Brad teaches both the Adults and Junior classes at the Christchurch training centre. He also has a keen interest in the competition arena and has won several tournaments in both WKF and WTF style competitions.
Amanda van Vliet (2nd Degree Black belt)
Amanda started training at the start of 2001 after enrolling her two children into karate for Self-defence. From an early stage in Amanda’s training you could see a burning desire to give it all. Totally committed to training, her many hours of hard work, both in and outside the club has seen her excel in the art. Following in the tradition of many of the other Black belts, Amanda also has a passion in the competition arena and has won many regional and national tournaments throughout the years. After seeing the benefits that karate has done for herself and her family, Amanda opened the first sister training centre in her home area of Rakaia. Since this time she has built up a strong club with fantastic family values.
Nadia van Vliet (Probationary 2nd Degree Black belt)
Nadia has been with Kennedys FMA since 2001. Over the years she has grown from strength to strength in all aspects of her martial arts training and has won many competitions throughout New Zealand and Austraila. Studing to be a school teacher Nadia has had a very good way with the kids and comes up with fun and challenging new drills to keep them on there toes.
Master Lee with Johnny Kennedy
Originally from China, then migrated to New Zealand. Master Lee has been an important asset to the Kennedys FMA team. A figure of little words Master Lee has played a major role in both the junior and senior classes giving them hours of ground and pound pleasure. His ability to take huge amounts of punishment time after time makes him one of our most valuable training tools at our centre.
Black Belt List
5th Dan - Johnny Kennedy
3rd Dan - Ryan Austin
3rd Dan (Prob) - Ben Lamb
2nd Dan - Brad Collier
2nd Dan - Amanda van Vliet
2nd Dan (Prob) - Nadia van Vliet
1st Dan - Damian McKay
1st Dan - Kyle Tiweka
1st Dan - Sacha Milne
1st Dan - Leona Anderson
1st Dan - Fontaine Joyce
1st Dan - Craig Swaney
1st Dan - Michael David
1st Dan - Doug Mcleod
1st Dan - Hailey Beevor
1st Dan - William Little