Sean Hayden Shihan

With 36 years experience as an international competitor and teacher of martial arts, kickboxing, boxing and personal fitness, Sean is one of the most experienced teachers in New Zealand.

While studying for a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, Sean established his sporting career captaining the New Zealand Universities Karate Team, achieving sporting Blues for three consecutive years and being awarded Sportsman of the Year and a place in the University’s Hall of Fame.

7th Dan Black Belt, Sean captained the New Zealand Karate Team from 1990 to 1994, during which time he won 17 National titles, 3 Oceania titles and silver medal at the IOGKF World Karate Championships. In 1991 he also won the Waikato Light-Heavy Weight Boxing title.

After moving to London to train and compete in Europe, he won both the England and Great Britain Karate Championships and was selected for the England Kickboxing Team, winning the bronze medal at the 1997 World Kickboxing Association (WKA) World Championships, and Bronze Medal at the European Championships the following year.

Alongside his sporting achievements, Sean studied anatomy and physiology through the University of Otago New Zealand and qualified in fitness and group exercise, strength coaching and sports nutrition. A professional fitness consultant, presenter and personal trainer Sean has been coaching individuals and groups for 29 years. He is a qualified ring-side judge for the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association and World Muay Thai Council and was chief technical consultant on the Les Mills International Body Combat program.

Sean Hayden Kyoshi is a personal student of the Okinawakan in Okinawa, Japan under the leadership of Kiichi Nakamoto Hanshi, 10th Dan Goju Ryu and 10th Dan Ufuchiku=Den Kobujitsu. He travels every year to learn from his Sensei in Okinawa.