SENSEI RAY IRVING Sensei Ray Irving is Chief Instructor/ owner of Counties Shotokan Karate Association, holds an 8th Dan Black Belt and has over 40 years of experience. The very first Dojo (training hall) was opened in 1992 in Pukekohe, with a second Dojo being opened in 1996 in Waiuku. In subsequent years many other Dojo have been establised in the North Island: Maraetai, Waihi, Whenuakite (Coromandel), Rotorua (affilliated). South Island: Hokitika and Alexandra. Australia: McKay, Queensland (affilliated) Sensei Ray was inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2009 and the following year, inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He is also affiliated to the IKF (International Karate Federation). Before starting his own Association and wishing to further his knowledge, Sensei Ray actively sort out and began training under Sensei Ray Dalke in the U.S.A. This lead to many training sessions with Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei who was a former student of Master Gichin Funakoshi. (Sensei Dalke is a former student of Hidetaka Nishiyama) Sensei Ray Irving has also trained with Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa and Sensei Peter Brockers (Germany). He continues to travel to the U.S.A each year to train with Sensei Ray Dalke. The "Family Tree" of Counties Shotokan can be traced back to Master Gichin Funakoshi who taught Hidetaka Nishiyama, who taught Sensei Ray Dalke, who taught our founder, Sensei Ray Irving.

KARATE CLASSES Counties Shotokan teaches Karate and self defense to all ages from 5 years old to the over 60's. For children 5 to 7 yrs old there are FOUNDATION CLASSES. You will find information about these in the Menu. For older people wishing to start Karate for the first time, there is a Veteran's class on Friday mornings from 10am to 11am. In this class the training is at your own pace and within your physical capabilities. Sensei Ray conducts specialized SQUAD classes for students wishing to improve fitness, stamina and Kumite (fighting) for Tournaments. Weapons classes are conducted on Saturday mornings for all ranks and ages. When a student begins their Karate training, they will be taught basic techniques consisting of punches, kicks, blocks and stances. They will learn a very basic KATA (form or pattern) that will teach them how to move while executing some of the basic techniques they are learning. As a student progresses through the grades the basics and Kata will become more technical and complex, eventually leading them to the Black Belt levels. Once the student is proficient enough and has completed the required amount of training classes, they may be eligable to test for either Junior Black Belt (Shodan Ho) 15 years and under or full first degree Black Belt (Shodan) 16 years and over. Counties Shotokan holds two (2) Tournaments per year and students are encouraged to compete as this will help towards future gradings. CLASS BEHAVIOUR All students, regardless of age or rank are instructed in DOJO ETIQUITTE, from the moment they enter the Dojo until the time they leave. They are taught how to be respectful not only of their SENSEI (teacher) but also other Black Belts and higher ranks (SENPAI) than themselves. This respect is maintained through all ranks. No bullying or bad behaviour is tolerated. The Karate uniform or Gi (DOGI) is white and must be clean and pressed. Hands and feet should be clean. Shoes are left outside the Dojo in a neat and tidy manner. This will helps the student to respect the training area and to respect themselves. The Karate Oath or DOJO KUN is taught and recited in English and Japanese, with an explanation of what each line means so younger ones can understand what they are saying. DOJO KUN Seek Perfection of Character - Look to improve yourself in all things (applies to Karate and daily life) Be the best person you can be. Be Sincere - Be truthful to yourself, be honest in your training, do not cheat yourself or others. Endeavour - Try hard, never give up, keep going no matter how hard things get. Observe Proper Etiquitte - This refers to class behaviour, showing good manners inside and outside the Dojo, respect. Refrain from Violent Behaviour - Do not go looking for a fight!! Try to stay away from trouble if you can. Do not use Karate to attack or seek revenge. All classes are conducted with safety in mind, however, accidents can and do happen. A bop on the nose or a firm tap on the tummy is all part of what Karate is. We DO NOT teach FULL CONTACT!! There is equipment such as punch/kick pads that are designed for this purpose so the student can understand and feel the potential of the techniques they are learning. We would invite you to come and watch any of our classes before you start your training to see if Karate is right for you.