About Us

NICE TO MEET YOU👋

I'm Sensei Shane!

With over two decades of experience working with children as a martial arts instructor, I have dedicated my life to empowering tamariki through martial arts and education. As a father of five and a grandfather too, I understand the profound responsibility we have in shaping the next generation. My journey in martial arts began because I was bullied as a child. I lacked confidence and I lacked support. I lacked knowledge of what to do, who to go to, and how to make a change.

Together with my wife, Tessa, we’ve dedicated years to nurturing confidence, kindness, and courage in children through marital arts, community programmes, educational resources, our innovative “Sensei Shane Says…” children's book series, and our engaging parent and primary school programmes. We provide calm guidance to help both parents and children navigate challenges—whether it’s standing up to bullies, managing emotions, or practicing good manners. Tessa brings warmth, creativity, and relatable parenting insights that resonate deeply with mums, dads, and whānau. By combining practical tips, interactive teaching, and a genuine passion for raising respectful, resilient young people, we’ve created a ripple effect of positive change. Our work has touched hundreds of families, building stronger bonds at home, fostering safer schools, and reinforcing a caring, capable community.

Currently working in these great schools!

"The Empowering Tamariki Programme with Sensei Shane has been running at St Joseph’s School Waitara for over a year now, and we’ve seen a clear, positive impact on student behaviour and wellbeing. Since introducing the programme, incidents of bullying have reduced, and our wellbeing data shows significant improvements in how our tamariki manage themselves and relate to others. We’ve found it to be a highly effective, values-based programme, and we fully recommend it to other primary schools looking to strengthen positive behaviour and support student wellbeing."

- Rachel Gibbons | Principal

St Joseph School Waitara

"Puketapu School has had the privilege of having the Empowering Tamariki Programme in our school over the last year and the results are amazing!

Our tamariki love working with the team, they relate to them, they reach them and they make learning about how we treat each other authentic.

Student relationships, friendships and the way our tamariki support each other is improving. Our school leaders working on the programme are more confident in themselves and their abilities.

There is flexibility in the programme to meet our tamariki's needs so we get a tailored programme for them that they love attending!"

- Katherine Pascoe | Principal

Puketapu School, Bell Block

"The Empowering Tamariki Programme has been an invaluable asset to our school for the past two years. Initially introduced to address and reduce playground behaviour incidents across the school, it has far exceeded our expectations. The programme has successfully provided our staff, teachers, students, and wider community with a common language, fostering a more cohesive and understanding environment. We've seen a profoundly positive impact on our students, who are now equipped with diverse strategies for being a good friend and navigating tricky situations where unkindness arises. The inherent physicality and fun embedded in each lesson truly uplift our students; their excitement to participate is always palpable. As Hauora is a huge focus across our school, the Empowering Tamariki Programme aligns perfectly with our holistic approach to well-being. We are committed to continuing this programme for as long as our community and students benefit from its empowering lessons."

- Natalie Looney | Tumuaki (Principal)

BEd (Teaching), Post Grad. Diploma (Physical Education), Master of Contemporary Education.

Hurangi School, New Plymouth

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