Poon Dojo
Established In 1994
Our Story
Ko Poon and John Poon
Having practiced martial arts from a young age, we noticed a gap in how traditional martial arts were taught—often emphasizing sport and competition over practical techniques that benefit people of all ages and abilities. Driven by a shared passion for making martial arts accessible and impactful, we co-founded Poon Dojo in 1994 to bridge this gap.
With a foundation in Shotokan, Goju Ryu Karate and Tai Chi, we’ve drawn on decades of training under globally recognised masters. Together, we’ve created a system that combines discipline and tradition with modern approaches, focusing on personal growth, health, and real-world application.
About Nei Chuan
The Nei Chuan System uniquely combines Karate, Tai Chi and internal Kung Fu which equips our students with the ability to defend themselves. The Nei Chuan System empowers our students to develop effective self-defense skills which impacts positively on their self-confidence and self-esteem to lead to continuous self-development.
What should I expect to learn
The Nei Chuan System teaches a wide range of techniques against real life scenarios of physical attacks. Using the attacker’s force and strength against themselves. The Nei Chuan System also guides students to develop self-awareness in order to prevent situations which could lead to a physical altercation.
A typical lesson will incorporate traditional practices of fundamental basic practice of techniques, two person drill, applications, martial fitness, circuit training, bag and pad work. This allows students to develop their physical fitness, a growth mindset, body co-ordination, muscle memory & strength conditioning.
At Poon Dojo they will be taught the values of our Dojo which includes: Self respect and respect for others, honesty, resilience and care for others. At Poon Dojo we believe in teaching realistic self-defense instead for sport competitions. We also place a key emphasis on the development of character of our students and the learning approach is student focused.
How it started
Both Sifu Ko and Sensei John started their journey in Shotokan Karate and progressed in other Martial Art styles. We wanted to create a system that combined their many years of experience (collectively 60 years of training) in various Martial Arts systems to equip children irrespective of size, gender etc. with a programme that would help them to develop the necessary skills to defend themselves in the real world and not in the competition arena. The fruition of their years of experience led to the creation of the Nei Chuan System. Nei Chuan refers to a branch of traditional Martial Arts that relies not on physical strength to overcome an attacker but on principles & concepts that aid the person to redirect an attack through sensitivity of an incoming force.
Anshuman Nangia
Poon Dojo is simply a great place for your child to learn martial arts. Sensei John has been working with my son for 8 years and my son won't miss a lesson. I would very highly recommend Poon Dojo for your child.
Stew Mott
Poon Dojo achieves a great balance between emphasising and philosophy, the health benefits and the spirituality of Shotokan Karate. I studied there for four years and look back on it with enormous fondness.
Jasmine
This is a very special Dojo, led by experienced, skilled, wise, and compassionate founders, Ko and John Poon. My daughter is fortunate to be learning martial arts here using a holistic approach, that positivily impacts her well-being, encourages resilience and connection with herself and others. Would highly recommend.