Head Instructor : Mr Mark Cleland

​Mr Mark Cleland
Instructor 2021
Certification of Completion - Instructors Certification 2022
​1st Dan, 2021​

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Founder & guest Instructors

Founder - Mr Whiro Ratahi, 3rd Dan, ICHF

ounder of Self Defence Lower Hutt, Mr. Whiro Ratahi is a former Police Officer who has had several years in Training and Close Protection roles. Mr Ratahi has also been involved in the customer service industry, teaches in local high schools, facilitates training sessions and personal development plans for large groups and individuals seeking employment and promotional opportunities within the security industry and a Government Agency. He is a Practicing Reiki Mater Teacher and often conducts the three different levels of training. Mr Ratahi visits Lower Hutt from time to time, provides guidance to Instructors at the various schools as well as being the backbone for guidance and advice to the organisation on a national and international level.

Profile in brief:
Events Coordinator, International Combat Hapkido Federation of New Zealand 2020
Refresher - Certification of Completion - Instructors Certification 2016
3rd Dan (Black Belt)
Affiliated member of the International Combat Hapkido Federation
Certified to Instruct Combat Hapkido
Certificate in Adult Teaching (Whitireia)
National Certificate in Adult Education (NZQA)
First Aid Certificate (NZQA)
Security Consultant (NZQA)
Certificate of Approval.
Close Protection Trained
Trained a number of Security guards for Lord of the Rings – training and assessment (NZQA)
Trained Security guards for The Last Summarai – training and assessment (Workshops)
Trained in Literacy and Numeracy (Workshops)
Toastmaster International (CTM)
Qualified and Practicing Reiki Master Teacher (Usui System)
Former Police Officer/Instructor
Netball Coach and Umpire

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​Mr Hono Rountree

​​Mr Rountree was introduced to Combat Hapkido at a BBQ fundraiser which Mr Ratahi was holding and is a Foundation Member of Self Defence Lower Hutt. Who would have thought 5+ years later, he'd be standing next to Mr Ratahi as an Instructor. Mr Rountree was selected as an Instructor for his dedication to the art, his willingness to learn and share those learnings and is much respected by adult and youth members and their parents/guardians etc.

Instructor 2016
Certification of Completion - Instructors Certification 2016
​1st Dan, 2015
​First Aid Certificated (NQA)

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