SUZAKU KAN KARATE

“To have students foster the art of Karate-do through self-discipline, training with the unity of body and mind and nurturing the individuals’ creative efforts.”

Welcome to Suzaku Kan Karate

Suzaku Kan Karate is a full-time, purpose-built dojo located in Onehunga, Auckland. Our state-of-the-art facility is dedicated exclusively to Karate training, offering an immersive environment for students of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive. We are a family-run dojo that has been serving the Onehunga community for the last 15 years, building strong connections and nurturing students through the art of Karate.

We offer age-specific karate classes designed to match each stage of development:

Turtles Class (2–3 years)
Dragons Class (4–5 years)
Tigers Class (6–7 years)
Juniors (8 years and up)
Seniors (13 years and up)

Meet Our Chief Instructor – Tavita Lefale

Tavita-Sensei is the Chief Instructor of Suzaku Kan Karate New Zealand. He holds the rank of Yondan (4th Dan) and is a certified Shidoin and Kenshi. With over 20 years of experience in Karate-do, martial arts, and fitness, Tavita-Sensei has trained extensively in New Zealand, Australia under Shihan Stephen Kelly, and Japan under the esteemed Hanshi Ishitobi.

Hanshi Ishitobi is a highly respected master in Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate, holding the prestigious title of Hanshi. Hanshi Ishitobi is a highly respected figure in the global Shukokai community and holds the unique distinction of being the last private student of Tani Soke, the founder of Shukokai Karate - the style we practice at our dojo.

Our Karate Style – Shito-ryu Shukokai

Suzaku Kan Karate teaches Shito-ryu Shukokai, a globally recognised traditional karate style. Our curriculum emphasises technique, discipline, and self-defense, providing students with a strong foundation in traditional Karate values.

Affiliation & Competition

We are proud to be affiliated with the Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate Union Oceania, led by Shihan Stephen Kelly. We are also members of Karate New Zealand and Karate Auckland. Students regularly participate in local dojo competitions, national tournaments, and international championships in Japan and Australia.

A Community of Growth and Belonging

At Suzaku Kan, we empower students to reach their full potential while becoming part of a supportive dojo community. Families enjoy a welcoming and enriching environment, with events including:

Training trips to Australia and Japan
Sensei's Spaghetti Night
Dojo Pizza Nights
Karate Camp
End of Year Prizegiving

Try It Out – Two Free Trial Lessons!

Ready to begin your Karate journey? New students are invited to experience two free trial lessons—a perfect way to explore our dojo, meet the instructors, and see if Suzaku Kan Karate is the right fit for you or your child.

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"We chose Suzaku Kan Karate for our daughter as we thought it would help build her confidence, improve her coordination and help develop discipline. It was important to us that she learned ‘real’ karate that would be of real benefit to her in the future. Watching her progress through the grades and discover her passion for helping teach younger students over the past 5 years has been a great source of pride for us. Sensei Tavita is kind hearted, approachable and relates well to students of all ages and abilities. His proficiency in the art of karate and his passion for passing on his knowledge to his students is clearly evident. He has also developed a great team of Sensei and Senpai who are a testament to the dojo and Sensei Tavita’s teaching."

V. & K. Chua

“A great dojo with a very family oriented feel to it. It upholds all the traditional elements of karate-do & dojo etiquette, which was important to me when I migrated from another style. I enjoy training and the fact that we break down techniques and learn how to apply it in a self-defence situation effectively. My son has joined as well and senior belts keep training for the kids fun and interesting while still maintaining the discipline expected of karate. Highly recommended for the whole family!”

T. Kapp-Kailea

“Our son has been doing Karate at the Onehunga Dojo for nearly two years now and the only negative I have is that we didn’t enrol him sooner! The positive effects it has had on him are too numerous to mention. The disciplined and respectful culture that he has been exposed to has done him a world of good. All credit to Sensei Tavita, Sensei Steve and others for the professional and family friendly atmosphere they have created and would thoroughly recommend Suzaku Kan Karate Dojo, Onehunga to any parent who are thinking of enrolling their children”.

T. & D. Thomas-Stone

"My son started as a 5 year old standing at the back of the karate class in a gi too big for him, he is now a young man who has earned his black belt and a place at the head of the class (and a gi that fits). This has been a life shaping journey for him where he has learnt respect, discipline, perseverance and confidence and to be helpful to others. We love and respect the Suzaku Kan Sensei’s who work hard to try and make a difference in the children’s lives."

D. Gillard

"Thank you Tavita & Team for providing a professional level of Karate. Teaching my kids patience, determination, hard work, discipline, pushing to the limits when required whilst incorporating other activities (camp, parties) for socialising and fun. The instructors very well know when the kids find it difficult and they go the extra mile to motivate the students to ensure they don’t give up. Always striving to provide better service, whether it is WIFI or a desk for kids. My son utilised it to complete his high school homework while waiting for the class, amazing journey he had to achieve a Black Belt."

S. Nand

"My son and daughter have been attending Karate under Sensei Tavita for 4 years now. They have both thrived in the Dojo gaining confidence and discipline which has also had a positive impact on their school life. The Dojo is very family friendly, welcoming and all the instructors are very skilled. Sensei Tavita genuinely cares about his students progress in the Dojo and outside the Dojo. Involving our kids in Karate has been one of the best things we have done."