INSTRUCTORS
Azeem Mushtaq (Sensei)
Azeem Mustaq (Sensei)
Rank: Sensei – GoDan
Qualifications: GoDan, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Shiatsu-Do (FWSS)
About: Azeem founded and established EmptyHand Karate School in March 2006. As the Head Teacher (Sensei) at EmptyHands, he is responsible for the teaching structure, syllabus, karate coaching, and mentoring of students and Assistant Instructors.
Background:
Azeem developed a keen interest in the fighting arts as a child, coming from a family with a background in wrestling. He discovered martial arts in his teens, particularly developing a strong interest in kickboxing. In 1994, he began his karate journey with the Poon Dojo, where he became a senior teacher after years of dedication. Over the years, he also followed and studied the work of various karate masters, including; Hirokazu Kanazawa Sōke, Chris Rowen Shihan, Yoshinobu Ohta Sensei and Nobuaki Kanazawa Kanchō.
Internal Martial Arts:
In 1999, Azeem began studying the internal arts with Master John Ding at the International Academy of Tai Chi Chuan. He trained under Sifu’s guidance until 2005 and returned to the academy in 2014 to resume his training.
Shiatsu-Do:
Recognizing the impact of internal martial arts, Azeem joined the British School of Shiatsu-Do in London in September 2000 and graduated with a Practitioner’s Diploma in 2003. Today, he continues his research at his private clinic in Epping (Essex) as a fellowship member of the Shiatsu Society, under the guidance and support of Rex Lassale (Shiatsu Master). Azeem is also a board member of the Shiatsu Society.
Karate Coaching Model:
In 2013, Azeem completed an M.A. in Coaching at Oxford Brookes University, where he pioneered the first-ever Karate Coaching Model through a research study. He is currently working to raise awareness of coaching in karate through lectures, articles, and publications.
Other Profession
Azeem has an extensive academic background in Business Architecture and IT Transformation. He is a freelance Senior Business Consultant with Bespoke Vista Ltd and has worked for various large organizations for the past 25 years. In his professional roles with the MoD and MET Police, he has held security clearances and is currently eCRB checked.
Irm Mushtaq (Sensei)
Rank: Sensei – SanDan
Qualifications: SanDan, MA, BA (Hons), Yoga Teacher
About: Irm began her training in 2006 when EmptyHands first opened its doors. She has worked diligently as an ambassador of karate, promoting the philosophy and aims of our dojo. Irm has been actively involved in the management of EmptyHands, as well as coaching and mentoring beginner students. She is one of our Senior Instructors and the founder/teacher of our EmptyHands Yoga classes.
Irm has a background in investment banking, aviation and has recently been working for a performance coaching company, providing consultancy on end-user journeys for well-being.
Leila Mushtaq (Senpai)
Rank: Senpai – ShoDan
About: Leila started her journey in Karate-Do when she was 3 years old. Karate has been an integral part of her life and has greatly influenced her passion for performing arts. Leila studies at Sylvia Young Theatre School where she has found her love for Drama and Dance. She often discovers many parallels between her practice in the Dojo and school.
Leila’s journey has gone from a weekly fun class to leading sessions online and in class. She has really found herself as an individual through her training in the Dojo. She is an asset to the Dojo and her lineage and will make a fine instructor one day.
Reet Chadda (Senpai)
Rank: Senpai – ShoDan
About: Reet started her journey in Karate-Do in 2016 and has been actively involved with the Dojo for several years. Reet is currently one of our most senior students. She has established her place in Karate and knows what she wants in terms of application and development. Karate has enabled her to test the limits of her comfort zones mentally and physically, thereby, increasing confidence levels. Karate has allowed Reet to become more aware of her abilities; it has taught her many great lessons including to never think like a defeatist regardless of the situation. This mindset has helper achieve great accolades in the Dojo and in her academic life. Reet is currently studying for her A-levels and looking go to University soon.
Adwaitha Vinayan (Senpai)
Rank: Senpai – ShoDan
About: Adwaitha has been training in Karate-Do since the age of 7. The teaching of Karate and Dojo Kun has allowed her to grow as an individual and become more confident within her self. She has been particularly drawn to Karate for its many parallels with home school life in terms of traditions and values. Karate has helped Adwaitha become a strong and grounded individual; she has discovered that vulnerabilities need not be a weakness but an emotion that needs to take its course. Learning to find personal balance and overcome anxiety has been of great importance to her as this alone has been her greatest achievement. Adwaitha is an outstanding Karateka with all round abilities.
Dhillon Baines (Senpai)
Rank: Senpai – ShoDan
About: Dhillon has been practicing Karate-Do since the age of 4 and has been very dedicated to the EmptyHands Dojo. He trains every week without fail and is always accompanied by his Dad (Bobby) who takes a keen interest in his Karate journey. Karate has enabled Dhillon to develop his interpersonal skills through interacting with other students via our online platform, in the dojo and with the special emphasis on the Dojo Kun learning. Dhillon is an outstanding Karateka with great technical abilities.
