Aikido Instructors

Craig Paterson – Instructor North Shore Dojo “Tenshin Aikido new zealand”

As a youngster Craig started training in Karate and Taekwondo then moved on beginning Aikido at the age of 14 studying NZ Ki Society style Aikido under the late Mike Stanford at the Northcote YMCA . Craig left aikido reluctantly to follow his other passion to play national league basketball for North Habour.

Craig then trained in Muay Thai kick boxing for several years where he gained a new perspective from full contact martial arts. Craig then spent a number of years travelling and living overseas before settling back in New Zealand.

In 2012 Craig returned to Aikido again training under the late Mike Stanford and Craig Andrew and received the rank of 2nd Dan in Aikido Yuishinkai. In 2016 getting the chance to train in Steven Segal’s Tenshin Style Aikido, was a turning point where Craig decided to follow Craig Andrew and train under Sensei Jaime Calderon, a direct student of Steven Segal Sensei.

Craig has studied various other martial arts including Kali, Wing Chun which all help fuel his passion for training and teaching martial arts.

Craig Andrew – Instructor West Auckland Dojo

Craig began training in martial arts as a 17 year old, studying in the International Jonghap Musul Federation, receiving the rank of 2nd dan. Craig also studied Nam Wah Pai International Kung Fu.

Later, Craig moved to Western Australia for several months and studied Hapkido under an 8th dan Korean master. When Craig returned to Auckland, looking for a Hapkido dojo, he was unable to find a club. Craig first learned about Aikido when he first saw a Steven Seagal movie. By chance, a short time later, he was passing the Northcote YMCA and saw an Aikido class by Mike Stanford Sensei. He was so impressed he joined immediately and studied with the New Zealand Ki Society, receiving the rank of 3rd dan. Craig followed Mike Stanford Sensei to Aikido Yuishinkai.

While studying Aikido, Craig also received gradings in Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Willow school of Jujitsu, Arnis-de-Mano Philipino Stick Fighting and also trained for several years in Muso Jikiden Eishen Ryu Iaido.

In October 2016 I resigned as chief instructor Yuishinkai New Zealand to become the New Zealand Chief Instructor of “Tenshin Aikido Global New Zealand”

“Having studied and observed many martial systems, for me, Aikido is a study of solid mind and body, it is a practical means of handling aggression and is a way of life that enhances fearlessness, wisdom, tolerance and friendship.“