Sensei Jairzinho Zammit started training at the age of 14 under the late Sifu Noel Vella. He practiced Kung Fu for about 2 years at Tigne Sports Association Sliema. When the school closed down due to building projects, Sensei Jair joined Sensei Marco’s Ninjitsu Ryu, and studying under such a true martial artist, he developed a respectful attitude towards martial arts. The Ninjitsu training helped him to also develop physical strength, improve fighting techniques and learn weaponry. Sensei Jair traslocated to another town, and it was then that he started Karate at the Malta Shotokan Karate Association (at that time affiliated to the Japan Karate Association) which taught the style of Shotokan. He practiced the art with this association for over 13 years until he got the Nidan Black Belt. His first degree Black Belt was presented to him from the world famous Sensei Shiro Asano 8th Dan Degree Black Belt, Chief Instructor of the Shotokan Karate International European Federation, also approved from the Shotokan International Federation of Sensei Kanazawa 8th Dan Degree Black Belt. His Nidan Black Belt was awarded to him after passing the grading with Kyoshi Sensei Charles Gidley 7th Dan Degree Black Belt, Chief Instructor of the British Shotokan Kyogi International and now also representative of the Japan Shotokan Association of Great Britain. Sensei Jairzinho this year passed his Sandan Black Belt under Master Richard Hopkins Founder of the World Union of Martial Arts Federation. (W.U.M.A).

Sensei Jairzinho Sandan Black belt

Sensei Jairzinho met several foreign instructors like Sensei Shiro Asano 8th Dan Degree Black Belt, Sensei Charles Gidley 7th Dan Degree Black Belt, Sensei Petrelli and Sensei Santo Torre. He also took part in several seminars, and judged international competitions in kata and kumite organized by other karate federations including W.U.M.A. He also met the world wide famous trainer of Thai Boxing Andre Zeitoun. They are very close friends, and through this friendship, Sensei Jairzinho had the privilege to train with several European Champions in this art and eventually also meeting the world known K1 heavy weight International Champion Jerome Lebanner. Sensei Jairzinho developed an open mind and trained under qualified instructors of different martial arts such as kickboxing and jujitsu. He also believes in true respect and is always willing to learn from other instructors, infact in the Shiroi Tora Shotokan Karate Dojo, he will strictly emphasize on the principals of Karate, which lead to the main aim of perfecting the character. Sensei Jairzinho always says and emphasizes, “Don’t look at Karate as a vicious fighting art, but think of it as a new experience which helps you discover yourself and others, eventually it becomes a way of life. Oss Press Back arrow for previous page