Name: Mike O’Hara
Rank: 3rd degree black belt NZFMA
Teaching rank: Sensei.
Age: 42
Martial arts Experience:
Started training in martial arts in 1970,doing several years of judo. Did a little karate (Shotokan) at high school, but got seriously involved when a Zen Do Kai opened nearby (Palmerston North) in 1985. Made sho-dan in 1987 and ni-dan in 1988.
Moved to NZFMA with Shihan Jeff.
Have trained extensively in Goju-Ryu and Tae Kwon Do and have dabbled with Aikido and Jujitsu.
Attitude:
Sports was a big deal for the family: all of us played something. I originally started karate for confidence and to build some better self-control. I have stayed active because it has become part of my life and the philosophy suits my way of thinking, but my reasons have changed over time and will probably change in the future. I have been lucky enough along the journey to meet some great people, within our style and outside. I have been teaching for more than a dozen years and have had a number of students make it through to sho-dan. Teaching has been a humbling/valuable/frustrating experience – depending on when you asked me!
Outside karate: is there one? I am currently a manager at ACC and like movies, listening to music and good wine and food. My partner Evelyn and I live in Plimmerton with one cat.