Learning to solve problems

People often think that learning Martial Arts is all about the physical, kicking, punching, throwing, getting kicked, punched and thrown…

Or, they go to another end of the scale and think that there’s some mystical deep, arcane knowledge which can be learned – some kind of Jedi stuff.

Not true.

There’s a thing called Occam’s Razor. It’s a philosophical concept that says (in simple terms) “the easiest explanation is often the right one”. Martial Arts fits into that. It’s about finding the simplest solution to a given problem.

Sometimes the solution needs to be kicked, punched or thrown. Sometimes it needs a clear head to see the answer that’s right in front of you.

Having something that keeps your “monkey mind” busy allows the deeper part of the mind to speak up and you’ll often see the answer clear as day.

There’s nothing arcane or deep about that – it just makes sense.

2024 Students

As part of our changes in 2024, we require all students returning to 2024 classes to complete a student details form.

This form is not a full membership form – all students will also be required to complete a full membership form. This simple form is to collect contact details for notifications.

If you’re unsure if you need to complete this form, talk to an Instructor for more details.

20 years of Ryukenkan in Tauranga

Ryukenkan Instructors in 2018

In 1995, Marty Rickard returned to Tauranga and brought with him the first Ryukyu Kempo classes.

Initially teaching from an old Navy building on the waterfront, the classes changed and grew over the years.

In 2024, Marty established the most authentic lineage of Ryukyu Kempo taught in the Southern Hemisphere and founded Ryukenkan Dojo.

Teaching Ryukyu Kempo sourced directly from senior students of the founder, Taika Seiyu Oyata, Tauranga became the home of Ryukyu Kempo expertise in New Zealand.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Ryukenkan Dojo and authentic Ryukyu Kempo. The art has been shared in many parts of New Zealand and overseas.

For more information, book your trial class below

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BOOK YOUR FIRST CLASS TODAY

Why book one class, when we’ll give you 10 for free?

It’s hard to decide if a martial arts class really fits you if you only have one or two classes before you have to pay.
We believe you need time to get to know people and decide if the class fits. We believe this so strongly, that we offer all new students 10 free classes (across 5 weeks) before they have to spend a cent, or make any commitment.