Meet the Team
Meet
Our Instructors
INSTRUCTORS
Shihan Garry
Chief Instructor
Sensei Jake
Instructor
Sensei Scott
Instructor
Sensei Brett
Instructor
“I owe my life to the values and ideals martial arts holds. With this belief I look to teach and instil them to the next generation. I want to give everyone that walks into my dojo the opportunity to feel they can improve and belong, whether they are young or old or have some unfortunate medical condition. I feel that everybody should feel the true passion and heart martial arts offers”.
Shihan Garry
Founder of GMMA
Head of Style
Garry has over 50 years of Martial Art Experience, starting at a young age, in what was then known as Bob Jones Karate and is now formally known as Zen do Kai. Garry has used the building blocks of this style to help him achieve and progress as a martial artist.
Garry trained further in the traditional art of Go-ju kai style karate and was graded in the art of Japanese Iado (Sword Weaponry) and traditional Ju-Jitsu. Having the 50 years of experience, knowledge and dedication of karate, Iado, Boxing, Kickboxing and Japanese wooden weaponry (Hanbo, Bo Staff and nunchuck), Garry formed what is now known as Gisborne Mixed Martial Arts. A blended style of which incorporates many key elements and disciplines from across different styles. Garry feels this gives all training students, the opportunity to understand and relate to all aspects of martial arts holistically.
Garry is a full-time baker by day and has been able to utilise a lifetime of skills to hone his abilities. Through his journey in martial arts, Garry has been able to pass on his acquired knowledge to countless numbers of students within the Gisborne community and nurture club culture and friendships.
Garry was born with an unfortunate restriction of his eye sight, which led to the wearing of glasses throughout his childhood and sadly bullying too. This meant that Garry was unable to play ball sports or any sports of that nature. When Garry came across a TV series called “Samurai” in the early 1960’s, it brought the inspiration of pursuing karate for improvement. From his first class as a young boy, Garry felt honoured to be a part of something finally that gave him the confidence he never had before. This is why now well into his 60’s, Garry’s passion allows all new students the opportunity they deserve to feel inspired to improve and grow.
Sensei Jake
5th Dan
Senior Instructor
Jake started young, some would say he was born into martial arts, learning and developing his skills under the leadership of Shihan, Garry. Jake has 23years experience and is well versed in the traditional applications and teachings of Ju-Jitsu techniques, Self-defence through Karate and strong techniques of Kickboxing and Boxing.
Jake is a qualified cabinet maker by day. He has been able to apply his leadership skills and knowledge of proper technique, like strong stances, in this working role.
“This club is home, and everyone here feels like family. I have been able to develop not only as a martial artist but have also been able to use the techniques and moral values this great club has shown me over the years. It has allowed me to grow as a person through the ideals of Self- confidence, and to feel respected amongst my peers and the community, with new friendships being made over time.”
Sensei Jake
5th Dan
Senior Instructor
Jake started young, some would say he was born into martial arts, learning and developing his skills under the leadership of Shihan, Garry. Jake has 23years experience and is well versed in the traditional applications and teachings of Ju-Jitsu techniques, Self-defence through Karate and strong techniques of Kickboxing and Boxing.
Jake is a qualified cabinet maker by day. He has been able to apply his leadership skills and knowledge of proper technique, like strong stances, in this working role.
“This club is home, and everyone here feels like family. I have been able to develop not only as a martial artist but have also been able to use the techniques and moral values this great club has shown me over the years. It has allowed me to grow as a person through the ideals of Self- confidence, and to feel respected amongst my peers and the community, with new friendships being made over time.”
Sensei Scott
4th Dan
Scott trained in different style of Martial arts as a child, before halting. As his adult life changed, so too did his mindset. In 2010, Scott brought his two sons into training, and witnessed the enjoyment of what great things martial arts has the potential to teach everyone. This triggered the restart of his martial art journey. Scotty set out a goal to learn the GMMA syllabus of martial arts and also undertake the personal challenge of reaching the Black Belt ranking. Through the support of his family and GMMA, he achieved this in 2014. Scotty is now a key member and instructor of this great club. The knowledge and disciplines that Scott gained, are now incorporated into the cardio classes and junior classes that he teaches, helping to grow further he next generation of young sensei.
Scotty is an Electrician by trade. He has been able to transfer his skills of learning complex sparring combinations and self-defence techniques into his ability to work with complex electrical circuits. He also uses his strengths of instructing to help teach the next generation of electricians.
Sensei Brett
2nd Dan
With 25 years’ experience, Brett has the role of instructing the beginner and junior classes. Brett originally started martial arts training in his early teens and continued on and off throughout his 20’s. Training in Zen Do Kai and then Ky Shindo Kai, a traditionally based Okinawan karate. Brett enlisted in the Army when he was 15yr old, a career which spanned 11 years. After leaving the Army, Brett and his wife started a family and a 4×4 mechanic business. Unfortunately, Brett suffered a painful back injury, which limited his options in what training he thought he could participate in.
In 2015, Brett wanted to introduce his young boys to start training in Martial Arts. This led him to researching and going to every club within Gisborne to find a club that he was happy to send his boys to. Something kept bringing Brett back to GMMA, he said it was, “The kindness and friendship.” After months of sitting and watching his boys train, it got the better of Brett, and he acted and started training himself again.
“This club has given me more than I could ever have imagined. It has not only allowed me to achieve black belt, to be fitter, healthier and have the opportunity to train with my kid; but it has also made me re-evaluate a lot of things in my life, by teaching and passing on all that I have been taught and learnt and hopefully to a standard this club deserves. To me, martial arts and especially wearing this black belt to me, is all about giving back.”
Sensei Brett
2nd Dan
With 25 years’ experience, Brett has the role of instructing the beginner and junior classes. Brett originally started martial arts training in his early teens and continued on and off throughout his 20’s. Training in Zen Do Kai and then Ky Shindo Kai, a traditionally based Okinawan karate. Brett enlisted in the Army when he was 15yr old, a career which spanned 11 years. After leaving the Army, Brett and his wife started a family and a 4×4 mechanic business. Unfortunately, Brett suffered a painful back injury, which limited his options in what training he thought he could participate in.
In 2015, Brett wanted to introduce his young boys to start training in Martial Arts. This led him to researching and going to every club within Gisborne to find a club that he was happy to send his boys to. Something kept bringing Brett back to GMMA, he said it was, “The kindness and friendship.” After months of sitting and watching his boys train, it got the better of Brett, and he acted and started training himself again.
“This club has given me more than I could ever have imagined. It has not only allowed me to achieve black belt, to be fitter, healthier and have the opportunity to train with my kid; but it has also made me re-evaluate a lot of things in my life, by teaching and passing on all that I have been taught and learnt and hopefully to a standard this club deserves. To me, martial arts and especially wearing this black belt to me, is all about giving back.”
