2nd Degree Black Belt (IKO)

Assistant Te Awamutu Instructor

Maurice O'connor started out his martial arts career training in the japanese karate association gaining the high rank of Brown belt but due to work commitments had ended training. A chance meeting with Rick Dobson in 2002 at their workplace at Waikeria Prison set Maurice back on the path and he has never looked back. Maurice learned of Ricks prior competition success and his teachings back in England and told Rick if he set up in NZ, he would attend. Maurice was one of the 100 people who walked through the door at the first night of Te Awamutu Phantom kickboxing opening. Maurice is now second in command at Te Awamutu running his own branch of beginners and also a ladies only class and is an International referee, travelling to Serbia to referee. Maurice gained his 1st dan under Ricks direction and followed this with his 2nd dan in 2009.