JKS Instructors
Sensei Andrew Downey
Sandan
Sensei Andrew initially obtained his Shodan in Goju Ryu karate-do with the I.K.G.A in 1984 - 35 years ago. His passion for karate was re-ignited when his son and daughter showed an interest. He joined JKS in 2018, and has successfully re-tested for his Shodan belt in Ireland in 2019, under the watchful eye of Shihan Kagawa.
In 2019 Andrew competed in, and achieved a silver in kumite at the New Zealand championships.
He also represented New Zealand at the 5th JKS World Cup in Ireland in 2019, and achieved a bronze medal in Kumite.
Late in 2019, he competed in the JKA National Competition and won the Kumite, and came 3rd in the Senior Kata division.
In 2020 Sensei Andrew received his Nidan from the JKS New Zealand Shihankai at the JKS National Championships 2020 In Christchurch.
Sensei Andrew became the JKS New Zealand 2020 Men's Open and Men's Senior Kumite and Kata Champion
In Novemeber 2022 Sensei Andrew received his Sandan from the JKS New Zealand Shihankai at the JKS National Grading
Sensei Gilvan Lemos
Sandan
Sensei Gilvan is from Brazil, and has been practicing Karate since he was 12 years old. He has trained in other styles of Karate up to Black Belt level before coming to New Zealand.
Passionate about the Budo of Karate, he enjoys both the dojo training and competitions.
He was graded to Shodan by Shihan Kagawa, head of the Japan Karate Shoto Federation, in 2019.
In 2020 Sensei Gilvan achieved Nidan status at the JKS NZ championship 2020 under the examination of the JKS Shihankai
Sensei Gilvan became the Open Kata champion and second in Senior Men's Kumite at the JKS NZ 2020 Championships in Christchurch
In 2022 Sensei Gilvan has become a regional judge for Karate New Zealand
In Novemeber 2022 Sensei Gilvan received his Sandan from the JKS New Zealand Shihankai at the JKS National Grading
Sensei Stuart Farley
Sandan
Sensei Stuart (Stu) started out his Karate journey as a way to get fitter and stronger back in 2011.
He initially trained in the Goju-Ryu style of Karate getting to 1st Kyu Brown Belt before transferring to JKS in 2017.
Moving from one style to another is always a challenge, but with the encouragement and support of Sensei Sean, Stuart quickly saw the benefits of Shotokan Karate with its broad range of techniques and applications, and was made welcome into the dojo family.
Having started when he was older, being patient with your body was something he quickly learnt, so if you are starting out Karate later in life, or re-starting it, give your body time to gain strength and flexibility. It will come, but over a longer period so don't be discouraged.
Stuart was graded to Shodan in 2019 under the watchful eyes of Sensei Cooper, Sensei Philip and Sensei Trevor from JKS NZ.
He graded to Nidan in March 2022 and the watchfull eye of the JKS Grading panel.
He then graded to Sandan in November 2024 before the JKS New Zealand Grading panel.
