Profile – Renshi Brenden Print
I started training at the age of 13 in the traditional style
of Kyokushinkai in the kids class under the instructions off Sensei Syd
Mepham. I stayed in that class for 6 or so months when it was decided that
although I was only 14 (but 6 foot tall) it would be more of a challenge for me
when it came to sparring to be in with the adults. I enjoyed that.
Later on, Sempai Brent Hall continued as the instructor and I
completed one junior grade and one senior grade in the style.
When the club ceased to exist I started training with the then
Sempai Mike O'Hara of Zen Do Kai in the Hokowhitu Dojo in Palmerston North .
I graded to black belt in 1988 after 5 years of training. I
obtained my Ni-dan rank at the end of 1990 under the banner of Zen Do Kai and
San-dan (3rd deg) at the beginning of 1995 with our system of N.Z.F.M.A.
I have always enjoyed learning what ever I could from the
higher ranks in the clubs and now that I've had my own dojo for 12 years I
learn as much from my students as I hope they learn from me.
I have cross trained with other stylists over the years and in
other sports. At the moment I am enjoying a lot of cycling.
My wife Janine helps out with the day to day running of the club and we have 2 children Natasha who is 5 and Jamie, who is 3.
I've been bought up on a dairy farm and currently living and
working the family farm.