SOTAI KEMPO
Martial Arts Academy
Meet Sensei
(Stewart) Ogg Hachi Dan (8th degree black belt)
Sotai Kempo Founder and Chief instructor.
Chief Instructor
(Stewart) OGG Sensei
Sensei began his martial arts journey in 1981 as a motivated 21-year-old.
After exploring many styles in Auckland, he found his home at the city’s sole Shorinji Kempo dojo,
a decision he has never regretted.
Three years later, having rarely missed a lesson, he achieved
Sho Dan Black Belt,
becoming the first New Zealander to do so in the minimum time of 3 years.
Sensei's Lovely Wife
Yoko
In 1986, Sensei moved to Osaka, Japan, where he was lucky enough to be accepted as a student by the legendary Tai Sensei,
a Senior 7th Dan instructor,
forming a lifelong friendship.
During this time, he earned Ni Dan before returning to New Zealand with his new wife and a baby daughter.
Resident Dojo Cat
Buddy the cat
Over the following years, Tai Sensei personally guided Sensei through all techniques and theory up to
Roku Dan (6th Dan), completing all physical techniques in the syllabus.
Sensei continues to honor Japanese martial traditions while blending them with a Kiwi lifestyle, living in Torbay with his wife and three children.
His daughter is now married, with four children, all of whom know Tai Sensei.
a Passion for teaching
Ogg Sensei’s love for teaching Sotai Kempo is dedicated to building a strong foundation of committed Kenshi who are serious about learning, personal growth, and
real self-defense.
He welcomes every Kenshi warmly, sharing his passion with energy and enthusiasm.
Through his guidance, care, and experience, Kenshi achieve meaningful results quickly and confidently.
Sensei’s passion for teaching began early in his training.
Even as a white belt, he was leading two-hour classes, sparking a lifelong interest in how people learn.
Since then, he has focused on teaching methods and is known for his ability to communicate complex skills clearly, simply, and effectively.
A native English speaker with enough Japanese to
“get into trouble but not enough to get out of it,”
he is particularly skilled at teaching Western Kenshi while maintaining deep respect for the art’s Japanese roots.
He established the highly successful Takapuna branch of Shorinji Kempo, growing it to 185 students and running the dojo full-time from 1992 to 2003 while continuing his own Dan progression.
After 23 years of studying and teaching Shorinji Kempo,
Ogg Sensei founded Sotai Kempo in February 2003.
