As the host of The Mind Sensei Podcast, I get to meet warriors from every walk of life—but few embody the indomitable spirit of martial arts, resilience, and true inclusion like my guest this week: Sensei John Marrable.
John’s journey started in Romford, England, where a childhood accident at age ten left him a paraplegic. Rather than allowing this moment to limit him, it set him on a path of transformation and empowerment. When his family moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, John discovered Okinawan Goju Ryu karate. What began as a search for fitness and self-confidence became the foundation of a lifetime legacy.
Today, John is a 7th dan black belt and the founder of the Dunedin Institute of Traditional Karate—a dojo renowned not only for technical excellence but for its fiercely inclusive atmosphere. Here, John teaches able-bodied and disabled students side by side, proving every class that martial arts is for everyone. His innovation and compassion extend beyond the dojo mats, with John leading by example as an international Para athlete, marathon finisher, and passionate self-defense advocate.
But it’s not just medals and accolades that define him. John’s philosophy—“The fitter you are, the healthier you’ll be, which leads to a better quality of life”—is something he puts into practice daily, both in his competitive achievements and his tireless mentorship. His story is packed with lessons about perseverance, the power of mindset, and the importance of accessible coaching in sports and life.
In this episode, we talk about:
The origins and evolution of John’s martial arts journey
Building a truly inclusive dojo and the impact of adaptive karate
The mental and physical strategies that have fueled decades of athletic success
Stories from marathons and Para sport competitions representing New Zealand
Why advocacy, mentorship, and giving back matter so much to John
Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted. Whether you’re a martial artist, athlete, coach, or just seeking motivation to overcome your own obstacles, John Marrable’s perspective is one you won’t want to miss.
Listen now on Spotify, and let The Mind Sensei Podcast help you find your fighting spirit.
Contact Sensei John Marrable
website: https://dunedinkarate.co.nz/
Senior Instructor:
John Marrable
Phone: 456 1021 / 021 231 3887
Email: johnmarrable@gmail.com
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