Although similarities between Maori and Korean cultures made the process easier than translating to English, he said it was still challenging.
“A lot of the principles are the same, for instance, Asian and Maori take their shoes off at the door.”
The language also had similarities, he said, with both having words that can describe complex meanings, like “mana”.
“A big thing is respect — the concepts of respect and knowing yourself.
“You improve the individual and you improve the family. That improves that hapu, which improves the iwi.”
Karauria, who holds black belts in five different martial arts including Taekwondo, kickboxing and karate, said he incorporated over 20 years of learning, development and research to create Tōpana Taurite.
The primary focus of the gym is learning self-defence principles, but the gym had recently got certification from the national body for their grading to be recognised at competitions.
With approximately 80 students, the club is still looking to expand and was in the process of its spring intake before the Covid-19 lockdown, said Karauria.
With a goal of having one instructor for every four students, he said he gets a lot of support from his instructors and family.
His wife Louise Burns is the secretary and treasurer of the club and three of his five children hold their own black belts in Taekwondo.
“Without my family, I couldn't do what we do.”
