Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions

Information about Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions

73 Lancewood Dr
8025, Christchurch
+64211513273

Opening hours

  • Monday: 09:00–19:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00–19:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00–19:00
  • Thursday: 09:00–19:00
  • Friday: 09:00–19:00
  • Saturday: 11:00–17:00
  • Sunday: Closed

Dharma Way Dojo and Self Defence Solutions offers a unique blend of traditional Okinawan and Chinese martial arts alongside practical self-defense training in Christchurch. Led by Kyoshi Steven Allen, a former police and corrections officer with over 40 years of experience, the dojo provides private and small-group classes designed to fit your schedule. Whether your goal is health, self-defense, or spiritual growth, Steve tailors programs to help you integrate mind, body, and spirit.

Our core curriculum includes Shorin Ryu Matsumura Karate, the oldest known lineage of Okinawan karate, focusing on practical applications (bunkai) and traditional forms. We also teach the three major internal Chinese martial arts: Tai Chi Chuan (Yang style), Bagua Zhang (for flexibility and spinal health), and Hsing I Chuan (powerful, linear striking). Additionally, we offer Qi Gong practice to enhance energy and overall well-being, instructed by a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What sets us apart is our approach to real-world self-defense. Unlike sports-based martial arts, our training is grounded in the realities of violent encounters, drawing on Steve’s extensive background in law enforcement and physical confrontation. We teach principles of force dissipation and automatic, subconscious responses to ensure safety in unpredictable situations. Our self-defense program offers an approved five-level certification, from beginner to Master Instructor, recognized by the All Okinawan Ozark Mountain Karate Association.

We believe in quality over quantity, with highly personalized instruction that allows you to progress at your own pace. No prior experience is needed—just a desire to learn the 'true way' of martial arts. Contact us today to schedule your two free trial lessons and discover how we can help you achieve your personal goals.

Services, Machines and Guided Classes

Tea
Martial Arts
Dharma
Tai Chi

Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions: Reviews

5/5 (4 Reviews)

Reviews are the opinions of their authors. We do not verify that the author was a customer.

cecilia widjaja Published on Google

Fantastic experience: I have been attending Steve's classes for about 7 months now and I have seen my body has improved a lot. My neck that has been sore for 4 years is gone now. My shoulders and back also feel less tight thanks to all the exercises that Steve shown me. He is also a very good teacher that will push his students so that they can do the best they can and improve. I didn't know how my body was so disconnected until I met Steve. He is very experienced in martial arts and with very small classes, he could really pay attention to each student. He is teaching me not only martial arts but also to have discipline and to keep challenging myself and keep improving. Thank you Steve, you are the best teacher that I have ever seen. Thank you for being so patient teaching me.

Christine Eathorne Published on Google

Fantastic experience: This is an excellent place to learn martial arts . You are not just one in a big class. Classes are flexible in timing and suited to you as an individual. The teacher has depth of insight into the martial arts that few others can claim. I am a long time student of Kyoshi Allen and can say my life has been enriched by his teachings.Come join our dojo.

Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions

Thank you Chrissy. We love having you here. Congratulations on your recent promotion to Shodan.

Lauren Eathorne Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Steve is the most knowledgeable man of martial arts that you would find here in NZ he has helped me so much to gain confidence and body awareness. I highly recommend him if you are looking for useable self defence.

Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions

Thank you Lauren. You're a great student, am very proud of you.

Les Mitchell Published on Google

Fantastic experience: Steve Allen is great to train with. He has tailored a program where I can attend classes during the week days or weekend. He is totally dedicated to his students. I have been a student for 2 years, during which time I have learned different techniques to defend myself and build confidence in other aspects of my life. As a business owner I find the practice of Chinese Martial arts is an experience that helps reduce stress and helps rejuvenate your health and joint mobility as you get older. I would highly recommend Steve Allen's Martial Arts program and Chinese healing therapy, to anyone wanting to improve there life in general.

Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions

Thank you Les, we are one big family here, and teaching you is a pure joy and my honor.

Leave your review about Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions:

1 = Poor
5 = Excellent

Reviews are checked before they are published. We do not publish reviews containing insults, accusations of criminal conduct or references to specific individuals. We also do not verify that the author was a customer.

Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions appears in the following listings:

Dharma Way Dojo / Self Defence Solutions appears in the following listings:

More Gyms you might be interested in

4.9 (14)
Inception Academy of Martial Arts
Inception Academy of Martial Arts

Inception Academy of Martial Arts

View address and contact details
Halswell Domain Halswell Rugby League Clubrooms - 8025, Christchurch
4.5 (13)
Culture Fitness Halswell

Culture Fitness Halswell

View address and contact details
Hamill Rd 1 - 8025, Christchurch
+64 3-365 3235
5 (24)
Blitz Fitness
Blitz Fitness

Blitz Fitness

View address and contact details
345 Halswell Rd - 8025, Christchurch
+64275475339
4.9 (38)
Altitude Pole & Fitness Wigram, Christchurch
Altitude Pole & Fitness Wigram, Christchurch

Altitude Pole & Fitness Wigram, Christchurch

View address and contact details
10 Musgrove Cl - 8025, Christchurch
+64223263033
4.5 (132)
Flips & Tumbles NZ (Christchurch)
Flips & Tumbles NZ (Christchurch)

Flips & Tumbles NZ (Christchurch)

View address and contact details
12 Musgrove Cl - 8025, Christchurch
+6439259338
5 (31)
Wigram Culture Fitness

Wigram Culture Fitness

View address and contact details
Unit 2/187 Wigram Rd - 8025, Christchurch
+6433667338
5 (17)
Knockout Fitness South

Knockout Fitness South

View address and contact details
Halswell Rd 381 - 8025, Christchurch
+64 27 241 0426
5 (1)
Sitnarong Muay Thai South
Sitnarong Muay Thai South

Sitnarong Muay Thai South

View address and contact details
Halswell Community Hub 381 Halswell Rd - 8025, Christchurch
+64272410426
4.3 (23)
Fit24

Fit24

View address and contact details
Springs Rd 272 - 8042, Christchurch
+64 3-344 3377
Abundance Yoga at CityFitness

Abundance Yoga at CityFitness

View address and contact details
1 Treffers Rd - 8042, Christchurch
+6439281933
3.2 (20)
Olympia Gymnastic Sports
Olympia Gymnastic Sports

Olympia Gymnastic Sports

View address and contact details
29 Springs Road (Entrance, on Corsair Dr - 8042, Christchurch
+6433446060
4.1 (199)
CityFitness Wigram

CityFitness Wigram

View address and contact details
Treffers Rd 1 - 8042, Christchurch
+64 3-928 1933

List your gym in our free directory

If you manage a gym and want to appear on our website, send us your location information so we can include you in our directory. Listing in our guide is free!

Request free registration

Find the perfect gym near you

Find a gym to get in shape and improve your health.