Who We Are

The Refinery is a martial arts dojo offering meaningful development opportunities for everyone to connect and engage with their hauora (well-being).

As a branch of the Whāingaroa Kyokushin Karate Club, established in Raglan by Pablo Rickard in 1994, The Refinery welcomes all.

Located at the entrance to the Raglan Harbour, it provides a supportive space for individuals to grow and thrive through martial arts.

The Untold Story About the Refinery Whaingaroa

Meet The Coach

Johnny, Head Coach and Founder of The Refinery Whaingaroa, brings over 30 years of experience in Martial Arts and Personal Training. He has trained and competed in Full Contact Karate, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai, earning multiple National titles across three weight classes.

Additionally, Johnny dedicated 15 years to teaching in the education sector. His genuine passion lies in helping individuals achieve their goals, fostering their best selves, and building bridges through martial arts to maintain balance in all aspects of life.

Johnny Rickard

Our Values | Whare Tapa Wha

Building Bridges Through Martial Arts

  • PHYSICAL

    TAHA TINANA - Challenge the Body, Heal The Mind

  • SOCIAL

    TAHA WHANAU - Building Bridges

  • MENTAL

    TAHA HINENGARO - The Inner Self

  • SPIRITUAL

    TAHA WAIRUA - Life In Every Breath

We Are Whānau.

  • “The Refinery means family to me or, whakawhanaungatanga. My family are here all the time training swimming and using this place. Johnny has become my family.”

    Bugsy

  • “What the Refinery means to me is home.”

    Lily

  • “The Dojo gives me purpose and direction, everything from there has fallen into place throughout my whole life really. I'll never stop coming to the Refinery. It's been an honour and a privilege.”

    Raph

  • “The Refinery to me means a community and environment where you can build and grow together.”

    Summer

  • "Eva had dreams of how this land was to be used, for the whanau whanui, for her family, and the wider families of this community."

    Glen

  • "All the whanau down here all the crew are gonna lift you up, make your mauri strong."

    Tama