Rotorua martial arts clubs pull together to offer quality facility

SHARED VENUE: Pacific Judo instructor, and the driving force behind Budokan Rotorua, Paul Kirk is pleased with the new facility. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Build it and they will come.

That's the theory behind a group of martial arts clubs coming together under one roof at Budokan Rotorua.

The Japanese word Budokan translates to 'martial arts hall' and the new facility on Lake Rd, which officially opened on Friday, is now home to the Pacific Judo, Family Martial Arts Karate, Sykes Boxing and Tu Kaha Jiu Jitsu clubs.

Pacific Judo instructor, and the driving force behind the project, Paul Kirk said by working together the four clubs were able to provide a facility which none would be able to on their own.

"It's been about 12 months in the planning and making. There're lots of clubs out there doing different types of martial arts but a lot of them are training in pretty squalid sort of environments.

"The purpose is to actually make a decent facility that clubs can come into, run their clubs, run their classes in a safe, sanitary environment," Kirk said.

After approaching the other clubs and finding they supported the idea, Kirk went to Rotorua Lakes Council, which owns the building.

"Council owns it and it sat derelict for about four years after they took ownership of it. I put the idea to them, I didn't know this building was available, but it transpired that it was here and being something that would benefit the community they were keen.

"Council is really positive about creating more, especially for youth, and it sees huge benefits here. There's a big community payback.

"There's a charitable trust set up which leases the building. They on-lease it to a management company which has the arrangements with the individual clubs."

The centre was officially opened by Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell and Rotorua Lakes councillor Charles Sturt on Friday.

Flavell even got into the brand new boxing ring for a sparring session with Mike Sykes, of Sykes Boxing.

"[The opening] was great, it was hugely positive. There would've been 60-70 people. Everyone sees the potential for the payback to the community," Kirk said.

Despite having a small official opening last week, he said "a proper opening weekend" will be held within the next two months, during which members of the public can have a look around the building and try out the different martial arts.

He said learning and participating in martial arts had benefits for all ages.

"Any form of martial art - the main characteristics are discipline, health and wellbeing and setting goals. Most have belt or ranking systems and the more committed you are the higher you can achieve.

"Even though there is striking in some martial arts, like boxing and karate, it's in a controlled manner. It's not about violence or beating people up and really there is no age limit.

"Up until now we've just had the judo and karate operating - we've just finished the side for the boxing and jiu jitsu.

"We have a pretty good idea that when you've got the four different clubs all operating, and that's only the four clubs now, we're open to talking to other clubs as well, we easily see this place having over 500 members in a short space of time."

The centre is open from 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday and anyone interested in participating in any of the four martial arts is welcome to drop in and inquire.