A trained martial arts instructor and owner of Wellington’s Family Martial Arts School, Sean has been teaching a unique and more inclusive form of martial arts known as Kenpo, taking into account individuals’ needs, life goals, strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to starting his school, he has done other things like personal training and even spent one year as an extra in Lord of the Rings. But five years ago, he realised that martial arts could do so much more for people other than building strength or imparting self-defence skills. He found Kenpo to be life transforming.
Developed by Ed Parker from Hawaii, Kenpo is a more modernised form of martial arts, with practical and realistic features.
“Most traditional karate styles are like Dr Seuss; simple, limited in vocabulary and repetitive. There is a place for that when you are a novice but they never progress beyond it. Kenpo is like Shakespeare; there are many layers of movement and meaning covering all possibilities.”
Sean has seen hundreds of students who come through his school, deal with their personal life challenges using Kenpo, whether it is restoring self-confidence, overcoming certain fears or even preparing for a job interview.
One particular experience stands out for him. He tells how a mother brought her daughter to his school, desperate for help. Her daughter had gone through a traumatic experience and completely lost her spark. Within weeks at his school, he managed to help the daughter regain her confidence.
“Something magical happens when people come to learn and grow together. Strong bonds are formed. New-found empowerment is gained to overcome life issues.”
Sean is already working to further upgrade the programmes offered, train more instructors, introduce new reporting standards and scours the world for new ideas he can infuse in the school’s curriculum.
His greatest challenge though is within himself, to continuously live his life according to what he preaches.
www.familymartialarts.co.nz