Why sotai?

A person in a martial arts uniform tying their belt, with smoke or mist surrounding them, in black and white.
Man practicing boxing with a punching bag in a gym or training room, wearing boxing gloves and a white t-shirt.
Two martial artists in white gi uniforms holding a certificate, one male with glasses and one female with short hair, in a dojo.
A woman in workout attire wrapping her hands with black hand wraps

“I believe we begin Sotai for one or two simple reasons, like…
self defense, fitness and spiritual growth:

Then something unexpected soon changes within.

As training continues, students experience real internal change.
Confidence grows. Discipline sharpens. Self-belief strengthens.

Sotai Kempo quickly becomes more than training…
it becomes a way of life, a vehicle for self-discovery and transformation.

From the first contact, the dojo offers a friendly, accepting safe, secure, and focused environment.


Students train hard alongside others who share the same passion, forming strong bonds through shared effort and overcomeing challenges together.

Through the study of Sotai Kempo, the door to deeper understanding and personal growth opens.

At its core is the Sotai BuZen principle:
“Live life half for yourself and half for others.”
This is where self defense gets real with hard training to earn your skills and knowledge.

This balance is what sustains training for a lifetime.”
- Ogg Sensei


A Pathway to Manhood:

Sotai Kempo provides young men with a long-term, structured path to discover what manhood truly means.

Manhood is not something you often get a chance to talk about with a good role model.
It is usually something we struggle to figure out and put into practice.

Where else can a young man regularly train along side strong role models, be held accountable, and openly explore what it means to be a man without ego, excuses, or shortcuts?

A fully developed man is:

  • Pragmatic - capable, practical, and competent

  • Emotionally stable - self-aware, controlled, and balanced

  • Intellectually sound - realistic, honest, reliable, and guided by strong values

  • Respectful and honorable - disciplined, considerate, selfless, and capable of leadership

  • Spiritually aware - grounded in a chosen path

  • Financially responsible - independent, disciplined, and wise

Sotai Kempo is a long-term vehicle for developing these qualities while studying practical, realistic self-defense.

Progress requires regular self-evaluation, clear goals, and commitment over time.
Only through consistent effort does potential become reality.

Two people practicing martial arts in a dojo, one in a white uniform with an orange belt, performing a punch, the other in the background in a white uniform.
Woman practicing boxing in a gym, wearing boxing gloves, in front of a punching bag and mirror.
A snow-capped mountain with its reflection in a calm lake, surrounded by dark hills under a clear blue sky.

join us today and learn the sotai way!

Watch a short clip of our Sotai Kempo Beginners

Scenic view of a traditional Japanese castle on a hilltop, surrounded by trees and a stone wall, with a boat carrying passengers on a body of water in the foreground.
Black and white photo of seven martial artists in traditional uniforms, some holding wooden boards, posed in a dojo.

After more than 44 years of training and instructing, 
I believe the greatest proof of Sotai Kempo’s value comes from the students themselves.


Reading essays written by beginners describing the impact training had on their confidence, direction, and quality of life has been deeply moving.


Sotai Kempo offers far more than the shallow image often portrayed.
It provides direction, purpose, and a path worth walking for a lifetime. — Sensei

  • 190 Glamorgan Drive, Torbay, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand.
    Down the long Drive. Property on the left.

    See the map on the right.

  • Children under age 12 Free

    12 Lesson try out course $240

    30 Lesson Beginner course $600

    See “Fees/Packages” page for more information and weekly lesson rate.

    The cost is very low to make five days a week affordable at $20 per lesson. Compared to gym classes which are typically $35 - $40 per hour and personal trainers at $70 plus.

  • Plenty of street parking available on Langham & Weatherly.
    Avoid either Bus stop directly out side our place.

    Convenient bus stops: both directions outside our property on Glamorgan.

    Bus Routes 861 and 878 at the Gate.

  • Expect a warm friendly welcome, to be treated with respect, and shown what to do.

    Expect to have fun.

  • When you arrive, step inside and remove shoes. Sensei will greet you and show you what to do.

    Best if you arrive 10 minutes early to the first class. Sensei will lead you throughout the classes, as you start to learn techniques from the syllabus.

  • The more consistently you train, the faster you will progress.

    To see steady and noticeable improvement, a minimum of two training sessions per week is recommended. This allows you skills, fitness and understanding to develop consistently.

    Training three times per week is ideal for most students, while many choose to train five times per week to maximize their progress.

    Consistency is key. Regular training build skill, confidence and long term results.

  • For the “Beginners Introduction Course” a uniform is not required. wear something loose and comfortable.

    Training is usually done bare foot. Upon successfully completing your first greading and being awarded your Yellow belt, you will want a uniform.

    What else do I need to bring to my first class?

    • A water bottle.

    • A Positive, “ Ill give it a go” attitude.

    • An open mind

    • Also, feel free to bring a friend (or two), or a parent, them may also wish to join in. The more the merrier.

  • Currently classes at “Hombu Dojo” are limited to 25 students per class.

    As demand grows, halls will be hired where classes will get up to 120 students or more.

    Each class is 1 hour.

  • With the four different styles practiced at Sotai martial arts school, (Sotai Kempo, Sotai Boxing, Sotai MMA, Sotai Kickboxing), There are a wide variety of people with different goals and objectives that they want to achieve.

    Those wanting to challenge & pit themselves against others amidst the glamour and recognition of sporting competition usually do either the long established sport of boxing or ever popular MMA.

    Women who prefer to train without the presence of men, uniforms, grading and formality of Japanese martial arts just wanting an interesting challenging sport choose Kickboxing.

    Lastly those wanting to embark on the lifelong journey of a full on martial art choose Sotai Kempo. see www.Sotaikempo.nz for more information.

FAQs

Beach with clear turquoise water and white sand
 

Join Sotai

Join Sotai