johnny rickard - training for life at the refinery nz dojo
What happens when life's most challenging moments become your greatest catalysts for change? Johnny Ricard's journey from dedicated school teacher to martial arts dojo owner wasn't one he planned, but it's become his greatest calling.
After a cancer diagnosis in 2019 forced Johnny to confront his mortality, he made the bold decision to leave his 15-year teaching career and pursue his lifelong passion for martial arts. Today, he runs The Refinery—a thriving martial arts dojo built on his family's ancestral Māori land in Raglan, New Zealand.
The Refinery isn't just about physical training. Named with intention, Johnny explains that people enter his dojo and, like materials in a refinery, have things added or removed before departing as something different. "If you as a person can keep that awareness alive in yourself as to what you need in your life at that given point in time to be the best version of yourself, then that is a huge positive," he shares.
What makes Johnny's approach unique is his emphasis on connection over combat. Despite his background as a champion in karate and kickboxing, he firmly believes "it's not really about the punches and kicks, it's about bringing people together." This philosophy stands in contrast to mainstream martial arts culture that often glorifies fighting and competition.
The dojo's location carries deep significance. Built on land that Johnny's grandmother fought to reclaim from the New Zealand government in the 1970s and 80s, The Refinery serves as both a training ground and a bridge between cultures. Johnny has made it his mission to create a welcoming space for everyone while honoring his heritage and responsibility as a kaitiaki (guardian) of the land.
Whether you're considering a career change, facing health challenges, or simply feeling disconnected in our increasingly digital world, Johnny's wisdom offers powerful guidance: believe in yourself, embrace community, and remember that it's never too late to begin again—he learned to surf at 45!
Ready to refine your own approach to life's challenges? Listen now and discover how martial arts principles can transform far more than just your physical strength.
