Lance Lissette, Chief instructor – Founder

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Lance started Wellington Karate Academy in 2005 after completing 25 years traditional training. The club was set up initially to coach New Zealand team members and quickly evolved into teaching traditional karate. Lance is well known for motivating members and teaching karate technique in a way that is easily understood. He has an ability to fuse traditional Japanese values with the kiwi spirit, making karate enjoyable as well as beneficial for members. Lance has inspired many members to achieve their ambitions both on and off the dojo.

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Andy Anderson, Senior Instructor

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Andy started karate training in 1979, and gained Shodan in 1985 from Sensei Takasaka, Senior Instructor of Kei Shin Kan Karate Do. Andy trained under renowned Grand Master Masanao Takazawa (1930 – 2010) in Nagano, Japan and at Takashimadaira dojo, Tokyo during the 1980’s. This included massed training in the famous Budokan, a career highlight for all karateka’s. Andy is also a shodan in the art of kobudo (weapons) Ryukyu Dento Kobu-jutsu Kyokai. Andy’s interest in karate is teaching formal techniques, as shown by the masters who he has been fortunate to know. Andy is a bridge to a bygone traditional karate era and he much enjoys teaching these values in a modern day environment.

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Krissie Taylor, Children and Intermediate Instructor

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Krissie started training in 1993 and was quickly recognised as a talented karate-ka. Her formative karate years were embedded in a traditional Shotokan based style. Krissie’s competitive career was solidified early on when she was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Karate Federation (WKF) Oceania Games at just 14 years of age where she gained her first international bronze medal. Krissie is a well known kumite fighter and has obtained high level accolades in the sport with multiple National and International top rankings. Her highest achievement, a WKF silver medal at the 2nd Cadet World Championships, one of the highest obtained from a New Zealand female karate athlete to date. Krissie has a passion for traditional karate and young people who want to involve themselves in a rewarding, challenging and character building art and sport.