Instructors - Tim Heyworth

My introduction to formal martial arts was a year of ninjitsu in 1985.

I began training in Goju Ryu karate under Sensei John Boniface at the Christchurch Polytechnic during the early 90's after my interest was sparked by then Goju Ryu Ni Dan Kim Kennelly whom I knew at that time. This gave me a good grounding in aspects of karate, jujitsu and judo techniques. I received a tough introduction to the world of martial arts through the disciplined and very physical tuition approach of the Moir brothers at that time (my elbows didn't stop bleeding for a year due to elbow body drags up and down the dojo floor 5 times a week!).

In 1992 I moved to the YMCA dojo under Sensei Pat McGregor and integrated into his style of Goju-kai karate. During the next year or two I competed in Southern series tournaments and placed in the kata divisions as both yellow and blue belt.

In the mid 90's I took a couple of years away from karate and cross-trained in kick boxing with a 4th Dan instructor via 1 on 1 private tuition for 18 months which included a training camp on a marae in Kaikoura. I trained for many months with the Zen Do Kai crew from Chriton Cobbers Dojo and also participated in the jujitsu classes run there. This was invaluable in broadening my understanding and appreciation of the martial arts as a whole.

In 1996 I returned to full time training with Sensei Pat McGregor and worked toward my Shodan (1st degree black belt) which I achieved in 1999.

I became actively involved in refereeing tournaments from 1998 onwards and have refereed in 3 NZ nationals, the World Super Games, the NZ Open, Harbour City Open, Australasian University games, several invitational tournaments for visiting teams and virtually every Southern Series and Canterbury Westland competition held since 1998 to present.

I achieved my Ni Dan (2nd degree black belt) in 2003.

Currently I actively participate in most gradings held through the club, and have filled in as relief karate teacher at several schools as required.