Instructors

Our Instructors

Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors are all volunteers. We do this because we are passionate about Martial Arts and we enjoy helping people of all ages, shapes and sizes to develop themselves in the physical, mental and spiritual ways of Kobudo weapons.

Pictured; Sensei Thanasi, Sensei Chris (back row) Sensei Raymond, Sensei Barry (back row) and Head Sensei Allan

Head Sensei Allan Youl

Head instructor and KKA Karate Founder.

3^rd Degree Black belt in Shotokan Karate (S.I.A.)

1^st Degree Black belt in Kobudo (RKKNZ)

1^st Degree Black belt in Zendo kai Karate.

1^st Degree Black belt in Gokanryu Karate.

Allan began his Karate training at the age of 8 and has studied many different martial arts over the years including Kempo, Kobudo and Ninjitsu.

Sensei Barry Foster

Weapons instructor.

2^nd Degree Black belt in Shotokan Karate (S.I.A.)

1^st Degree Black belt in Kobudo (RKKNZ)

1^st Degree Black belt in Shotokan Karate (Shindo, Aus.)

Barry’s vast Martial Arts training began over 30 years ago and also includes Judo, Aikido, Aki ju-jitsu and Kobudo. Serving years in the Military, Police and Security forces, Barry has extensive experience in Unarmed Combat, Restraint and Control and Self Defense techniques.

Sensei Chris van Reenen

Instructor.

2^nd Degree Black belt in Shotokan Karate (SIA)

1^st Degree Black belt in Kobudo weapons. (RKKNZ)

Chris started training in Shotokan karate and Aikido at the age of 10 in South Africa. During this time, he competed in a number of national competitions where he earned his regional and national colors in South Africa.

Affiliation

Ryukyu Kobudo Kyokai (RKKNZ)

Sensei Thanasi Balophas

KKA Karate Academy is affiliated with Ryukyu Kobudo Kyokai New Zealand (RKKNZ) which is part of the Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Hozon Budo Kyokai in Okinawa.

Our Senior grades train under Sensei Thanasi Balophas (6th Dan).

Dan gradings are conducted by Peter Turner Kyoshi (8th Dan)