Trainers: Muay Thai

Kru Shane Johnson

Introduction:

Kru Shane Johnson, one of the pioneering ring fighters of the esteemed Four Dragons Martial Arts in the world of Muay Thai.

With an impressive record of 13 fights over a span of five years, from 2009 to 2014, Shane’s journey in the ring allowed him to sharpen his skills through encounters with formidable opponents across New Zealand.

However, fate dealt him a challenging blow when he suffered a broken ankle in his last fight, prompting Shane to make a pivotal decision. Instead of allowing this setback to dampen his spirit, he chose to retire from the ring and redirect his passion towards teaching within the club.

Embracing his newfound role as a mentor, Shane became an invaluable asset to aspiring fighters, sharing his extensive knowledge and honed techniques. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, it was no surprise when he assumed the position of head coach in Muay Thai in 2022, taking the helm of the club’s training and guiding a new generation of fighters towards greatness.

But Shane’s dedication to the world of Muay Thai extends beyond the confines of his own club. In a testament to his expertise and commitment to fostering growth, he has recently taken on the responsibility of running the national Zennin Muay Thai gradings. With this role, he ensures that the standards of excellence are upheld, overseeing the evaluation process, and recognizing the progress of practitioners across the nation.

Kru Shane Johnson’s remarkable journey from a ring fighter to a respected coach and administrator exemplifies his unwavering dedication to the art of Muay Thai. His impact on the sport as both a teacher and a leader is a testament to his passion, skill, and enduring contribution to the growth and development of the martial arts community.

Other Interests

Cold beer on a hot day, popcorn and movies, fast cars and motorbikes. Watching any form of combat. Working out, cooking and eating good food and spending time with friends and family.

Training Strengths

Kru Shane has an excellent understanding of the technical aspects of Muay Thai. While competing he was an aggressive counter fighter with great kicks and knee strikes. Kru Shane creates a class structure that has something for all levels from beginner to fighter. Fighters under Kru Shane’s instruction have competed incredibly well proving the training techniques correct in the most difficult test Muay Thai provides, the ring.

How did you get into Martial Arts training?

I am a second-generation martial artist beginning training in my father’s Taekwondo club at the age of 7, stopping just short of achieving black belt. From then to this day martial arts have always been a constant passion. This led me to seek out a Muay Thai club at the age of 24, after attending a fight night and believing I could do better than some of the fighters I had just seen. 15 years after walking through Four Dragons doors I am now head Muay Thai coach teaching and taking a new generation of students and fighters through their martial arts journey.

Any advice for new students or anyone interested in joining?

“Discipline eats motivation for breakfast” – Mike Tyson

Everything is difficult in the beginning. Martial arts more so than anything else I have done. But what I have gained, achieved and learnt through martial arts has been of greater use to me than anything else I have learned in my life.

Teaching Philosophy:

Training is the purest example of “you can only get out what you put in” so I believe you should always train to the best of your ability to receive as much from it as you can.

Kru Ricky Kiernan  

Introduction:

I started with Four Dragons in 2017 dedicating myself to the Zennin Muay Thai style.

Other Interests

I am family orientated and kept busy with 3 daughters.
I enjoy being in nature and staying active, for physical health and mental health.
I enjoy watching Boxing and UFC and I am interested in motorsports.

Training Strengths

Relaxed, patient personality, wanting to see everyone achieve their inner best.

“We are all still learning”.

How did you get into Martial Arts training?

Having 3 daughters, I wanted to help them learn self-defense and build confidence.
A work colleague who trained at the Plimmerton Zennin Club suggested I put my daughters into 4Dragons Club, Upper Hutt.
My 2 older girls in Karate and my youngest into the Little Dragons class. They instantly enjoyed it.
Watching them grow, I also started noticing the Muay Thai class. After a couple of months, I decided I would give the Thai class a go and I haven’t looked back.

Any advice for new students or anyone interested in joining?

Turn up! Do the first class. With each class as your skill and fitness grows, your confidence develops.
Egos are left at the door.

Teaching Philosophy:

If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit. BANKSY

Kru Claire McKevitt

Introduction:

Claire’s Martial Arts journey began in 2011 at J’s Gym in Palmerston North, where she first discovered her passion for Martial Arts. Since then, she has trained in Zen Do Kai and Muay Thai, becoming one of the senior Muay Thai instructors at Four Dragons Martial Art in Upper Hutt.

In addition to her expertise in Muay Thai & Karate, Claire has also delved into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). During her time at “The Dojo” in Perth, Australia, she had the privilege of training under the guidance of Kyoshi Dean Woodhams, further expanding her martial arts repertoire.

Claire’s diverse background in multiple martial arts disciplines allows her to offer a comprehensive and well-rounded training experience to members of all ages and skill levels. Her teaching approach emphasizes not only the physical aspects of Martial Arts but also the mental focus, discipline, and personal growth that accompany the practice.

Other Interests:

Gardening, trail running and short trips around the country to explore new places.

Training Strengths:

Claire’s current training regimen is centered around staying active and having fun. While she values the physical and mental benefits that martial arts provide, she sees training as an enjoyable and fulfilling activity.

Claire holds the distinction of being Four Dragons Martial Art’s highest-ranked female Thai instructor. Her dedication and hard work have earned her the prestigious rank of 1st Degree Black Singlet, a testament to her skill and commitment within the dojo.

How did you get into Martial Arts training?

I joined a friend at a new Muay Thai class being run by a mutual university friend Jake Farmer. Up until that point I had been a dancer and was surprised at how similar it was in terms of balance, coordination, and patterns of movement. 

Any advice for new students or anyone interested in joining?

Expect to suck at first, so find a way to enjoy the progression, rather than getting hung up on perfection. 

Teaching Philosophy:

Time is precious, so make every training session count. 

Kru Josh Davies  

Introduction:

Josh Davies is one of 4Dragons junior instructors, with 10 years’ training in Muay Thai. Josh’s passion for health and fitness drives him to help others excel in their training journey and find their true potential.

Other Interests

Spending time with family, working out at the gym, running. fishing, anything physical or outdoors.

Training Strengths

Firm believer in doing the basics right and the results with follow, focusing on pushing people to their limit, and then pushing a little further.

How did you get into Martial Arts training?

After doing a little bit of Taekwondo as a child, I always had an interest in martial arts but was unsure where to start. After a few friends started training at 4Dragons I thought I’d give it a go and then went to a fight night to watch some of the local guys fight and was hooked.

Any advice for new students or anyone interested in joining?

Give it a go, I never thought I was the ‘type’ for martial arts being a bit of an introvert, but quickly realized anybody can do it all you have to do to step out of your comfort zone and come in with a positive attitude.

Teaching Philosophy:

‘The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle’ By embracing rigorous practice and physical exertion, individuals can develop resilience, adaptability, and composure to thrive under pressure.