Instructors

The Head Instructors are:

• Nevan Stevenson
• Susan Stevenson

Nevan and Susan started studying Combat Hapkido in 1999 after attending a seminar held by Grandmaster Pellegrini and Master Rodriguez during a New Zealand tour. They have been instructing in Combat Hapkido since 2001.

Assistant Instructors

• Whiro Ratahi (Head Instructor Self Defence Lower Hutt)
• Luke Smith

Nevan Stevenson, 3rd Dan, ICHF

After spending 15 years in the Security industry as a Security Officer, Consultant, Security Trainer and Close Protection Officer, Nevan now works for the New Zealand Police.

• 3rd Dan, 2007
• Holds current Certificate of Approval (Security)
• ICHFNZ Regional Director 2005
• Executive Board member ICHFNZ 2005
• Self defence seminar - Girls Brigade 2005
• Self defence seminar - Upper Hutt Women’s Centre 2004/2005
• NZQA National Certificate in Adult Teaching 2004
• 2nd Dan, 2002
• Self defence seminar - National Girl Guides Camp 2002
• Defensive Tactics and Security instructor - Asia Pacific Training, 2001/2002
• 1st Dan, 2001
• Advanced Certificate in Tertiary Teaching 2000

Although Susan's main occupation is in risk management she jointly owns two companies with her father and is also a Close Protection Officer. Achievements:

• Reiki Level 2, 2008
• Holds current Certificate of Approval (Security)
• 3rd Dan, 2007
• Reiki Level 1, 2007
• Coaching New Zealand (CNZ) 2007
• ICHFNZ Regional Director 2005
• Executive Board member ICHFNZ 2005
• Self defence seminar - Girls Brigade 2005
• Self defence seminar - Upper Hutt Women’s Centre 2004/2005
• Self defence seminar – Camp Brave Hearts 2004
• Self defence seminar - Camp Brave Hearts 2003
• Defensive tactics consultancy, training and assessments - ’The Last Samurai’, various 2002
• Defensive tactics training and assessment for security personnel on ‘Lord of the Rings’ 2002
• 2nd Dan, 2002
• Self defence seminar - National Girl Guides Camp June 2002
• Defensive tactics consultancy - Asia Pacific Training, various 2001/2002
• 1st Dan, 2001

Whiro Ratahi, 1st Dan, ICHF 

• Certificate of Completion - Instructors Certification 2008
• Holds current Certificate of Approval (Security)
• Qualified and Practicing Reiki Master Teacher (Usui System)
• Certificate in Adult Teaching (Whitireia) 2007
• Co-ordinator for ICHFNZ at Upper Hutt Sports Expo 2007
• National Certificate in Adult Education (NZQA) 2006
• 1st Dan (Black Belt) 2005
• Trained a number of Security guards for Lord of the Rings – training and assessment (NZQA) 2002
• Trained Security guards for The Last Summarai – training and assessment (Workshops) 2002
• First Aid Certificate (NZQA)
• Security Consultant (NZQA)
• Close Protection trained
• Trained in Literacy and Numeracy (Workshops)
• Toastmaster International (CTM)
• Former Police Instructor
• Director three Companies
• Netball Coach and Umpire.

Luke Smith, 1st Dan, ICHF

Luke took and interest in Combat Hapkido in 2004 joining shortly after. His interest in growing the system in New Zealand, dedication to the art, analytical mind and communication skills made him a 'stand out' in regards to Instructor selection.

Luke has been instructing since late 2007.

• 1st Dan, 2008
• 2008 Certificate of Completion - Instructors Certification.