Growing up in a low decile suburb of New Plymouth in Taranaki, where gang presence was common and with a father working as a prison guard, self-defence was never optional for Wakefield resident Ryan Johnstone. It was essential.
“I had an uncle who got into martial arts, which is how I got into it as a child,” Ryan says. “I was a chubby kid with weak ankles. Martial arts changed my life – it gave me strength, confidence and self-defence skills.”
From those early days, Ryan spent years practising Zen-Do-Kai, a practical freestyle discipline that blends techniques from multiple martial arts for real-world self defence. Unlike single traditional arts such as karate or judo, Zen-Do-Kai focuses on effectiveness, personal growth and adaptable training.
As his skills grew, so did his life experience. Drawing on both martial arts techniques and the street smarts from his upbringing, Ryan worked for nearly a decade in security across New Zealand and Australia. He also lived in Japan, learning what he describes as the ‘art of martial arts’, including extensive experience in Sakura Kan Jiu Jitsu, a traditional Japanese school centred on grappling, throws, joint locks and discipline.
Over eight years he earned a Sakura Kan Jiu Jitsu green belt and learned how to teach self-defence, fitness and confidence to students of all ages.
Back home, his passion for empowering others led him to assist in running Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) classes in Taranaki. His contribution earned him a top volunteer award, including lunch with King Charles and Camilla, but he says the real reward was seeing the transformation in young people.
“What mattered was the difference MMA made in the community. Martial arts changes lives – kids who were once wreaking the place started to look after their neighbourhood.”
Ryan’s commitment to helping others comes from his own tough experiences. Growing up with a father who was a prison guard officer was challenging, and Ryan was often targeted by peers from gang-involved families who were on the wrong side of the law. Those experiences built both his resilience and empathy.
Now settled in Wakefield, and currently training as a volunteer firefighter with the Wakefield brigade alongside his wife PJ and their children, Ryan is focused on giving back to the next generation. He has launched RCA – Ryū Combat Academy - for eight to sixteen-year-olds.
“Ryū is Japanese for dragon,” he says. “Our self-defence classes are based on real-life scenarios, not just sport. They’re family-friendly, with parents welcome to join in.”
For Ryan, it all comes down to strengthening his community by sharing the skills that shaped him. Anyone wanting to connect, learn more or support the programme, including local businesses keen to sponsor it, is welcome to get in touch. Ryan can be contacted on 022 589 3328.
