When Israr first stepped onto the dojo floor at the age of 8, he embarked on a journey that would shape his life. Today, he stands as a testament to dedication and perseverance, a 2nd Dan Black Belt at LBKI Karate, already working towards his 3rd Dan.
Israr’s commitment extends beyond his training. He now teaches classes, guiding younger students and helping them achieve their own martial arts goals. His days are a unique blend of intellectual pursuits and physical discipline: by day, he focuses on his Engineering studies, and by night, he dedicates himself to the art of karate, both learning and imparting his knowledge.
Israr isn’t alone in his inspiring journey. LBKI is proud to foster a community where many young practitioners follow a similar path. Zaki, Saadia, Rayhaan, James, Tarik, and many more are emerging as future leaders and instructors, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and mentorship that defines LBKI. Their stories underscore the profound impact that martial arts can have, shaping not just skilled athletes but also confident and disciplined individuals ready to contribute to their community.
Across the City of Sails, people of all ages and abilities are stepping onto the mat and finding strength, confidence, and clarity that carry beyond the training room.
Here’s how self-defence classes Auckland make a difference:
You’ll Feel Safe and Confident
The world can feel unpredictable.
Sometimes, it can lead to downright dangerous situations.
But that doesn’t mean you hide, isolate yourself, or live in fear!
Our self-defence classes in Auckland will give you the tools to stay safe physically and mentally. Whether you’re walking home at night or taking public transport alone, you learn to read situations, trust your instincts, and act fast if something feels off.
Thanks to scenario-based training, you’re prepared for anything—even attackers you don’t see coming. You learn how to strike back, break free from grabs, and block sudden attacks. So instead of hoping you’ll be safe, you make sure of it. You walk through the world with confidence because you know you can handle yourself.
You’ll Build Strength
You don’t need to slog it out at the gym to stay healthy.
Good self-defence classes in Auckland do more than teach you how to fend off an attacker; they deliver a full-body workout. With their focus on punching, kicking, blocking, and grappling, this type of training engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, toning the body, improving muscle mass and strength, and building endurance over time.
You’ll Strengthen Your Heart
In New Zealand, one in 20 adults has been diagnosed with heart disease.
And the global numbers are just as alarming.
But you don’t need to hop on a treadmill to be proactive with your heart health!
Just a few classes in self-defence can lower your blood pressure—and that benefit can last for over an hour after the workout! As the heart, like any other muscle, becomes stronger with aerobic exercises, it also becomes more efficient at pumping blood, which helps lower your risk of heart disease and boosts overall cardiovascular health.
You’ll Increase Flexibility
Flexibility starts to decline in your 30s—long before you notice it. By the time you do, you’re dealing with tight hips, a sore back, neck pain, and poor, slouched posture.
The good news is, self-defence training can help you stretch your body.
High kicks, quick turns, and dodges push your muscles and joints through a full range of motion. Add in regular stretching, and you’re not just becoming more flexible; you’re also reducing your risk of injuries and waking up stiff and sore. This makes everyday moments—such as lifting groceries, climbing stairs, and getting up from the floor—easy.
You’ll Lose Weight
Many people join self-defence classes to feel safer but end up losing weight.
There are a few reasons why.
First off, the training is intense and fast-paced—think of it as a form of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). That kind of exercise can burn 25–30% more calories than steady-state cardio and weight training in the same amount of time. Second, it revs up your metabolism, so you keep burning calories even after you’ve stopped moving.
You’ll Sleep Better
Nearly one-third of the population does not get enough sleep—and the effects add up fast. It drains your focus, weakens your immune system, and leaves you irritable.
Self-defence helps break that cycle.
The physical intensity leaves your body tired—not exhausted. Meanwhile, focus and discipline calm a racing, anxious mind, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. You wake up feeling sharp as a tack, and your body gets the recovery time it needs to repair muscle and tissue injuries that may have occurred while you were awake.
You’ll Burn Off Tension
Do you wake up already tired? You’re not alone.
Between deadlines, working long hours, information overload, strained relationships, and financial stress, most of us have forgotten what it even feels like to be calm.
That’s where self-defence training comes in.
From zanshin (a state of relaxed alertness) and deep breathing techniques to powerful strikes executed with an explosive kihap, every part of the practice helps release tension and frustration. And as the rigorous activity also triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, you’ll walk home in a better mood and state of mind.
You’ll React to Stimuli Faster
You don’t practice a self-defence technique once and master it.
You repeat it relentlessly—until it becomes second nature.
That repetition builds muscle memory, so when something happens, your body moves before your brain has time to overthink. In real-world situations, that split-second response is not just valuable in a self-defence scenario, when you’re trying to read your opponent’s movements to anticipate attacks. It can help you slam the brakes when a child runs into the street or swerve in time to avoid a car drifting into your lane.
You’ll Train Your Mind to Be Better
Self-defence isn’t passive. It requires intense focus, concentration, and active listening skills to follow instructions precisely, pay attention to nonverbal cues, learn new techniques, and execute them with precision. Over time, it enhances your ability to concentrate, process complex information efficiently, and stay mentally alert.
In a world where attention spans are shrinking and distractions abound, this mental discipline may help you navigate high-pressure situations with a clear head.
Take Control of Your Life. Start With Just One Class.
Still on the fence about joining a self-defence class in Auckland?
Consider this: it isn’t only about learning to fight—to throw a punch or deliver a kick so powerful you render your opponent unconscious. It’s about building confidence that carries into tough conversations at your workplace, developing the strength to stay calm during conflicts, setting clear boundaries when something feels off, and moving through your everyday life without chronic aches dragging you down.
If that’s the kind of strength you’re looking for, contact us to book a trial session today and train under certified black belt instructors who have dedicated years to the craft.
