INSTRUCTORS
Azeem Mustaq (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)
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.
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.
