Dennis May Hanshi
Mr. May, began his study of Kyokushinkai karate in 1969. In 1977, he switched over to Okinawan Gojuryu and trained at the Yoyogi Dojo with Morio Higaonna Shihan.
Mr. May opened his first dojo upon his return from Japan. He served as Chief Instructor of the IOGKF New Zealand for 8 years. Later, Mr. May was a direct student of the Late Eiichi Miyazato Hanshi. Mr. May was appointed New Zealand Shibu-cho and was graded by Miyazato to Kyoshi 8th Dan.
Mr. May is the president of the New Zealand Okinawa Gojuryu Karate-do Kyokai, International Gojuryu Karate Association and Ociana Gojuryu Karate Federation. He is also the Vice President of the World Gojuryu Karate Federation.
As a competitor, Mr. May has been ranked as the New Zealand Champion and won the Silver Medal at the All Style Tokyo Championships in 1978. As a coach, Mr. May has trained several New Zealand champions and was the captian of the New Zealand National Team that won the Bronze Medal at the Okinawan World Championships in 1981.
Mr. May continues to visit Okinawa every year and trains with Koshin Iha Hanshi, Yoshio Hichiya Hanshi and other OGKK seniors. He was awarded his Hanshi menjo by the OGKK.