At the heart of MKM Martial arts & Recovery are husband and wife team, Whakamoe and Jamie Soutar. Together, they have built a space that blends martial arts, wellness, and community connection Through whanau values, tikanga maori and the love of BJJ.
Whakamoe Soutar: A dedicated martial artist and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Whakamoe brings years of experience on the mats and a deep commitment to teaching with patience, discipline, and respect. His journey in BJJ is not just about technique, but about creating pathways for confidence, resilience, and growth in every student.
Jamie Soutar: A visionary leader with a passion for community wellbeing, Jamie combines her background in operations, cultural leadership, and trauma‑informed program design to ensure MKM is more than a gym it’s a hub for healing, empowerment, and belonging. With her Moko Kauae marking her identity and leadership, Jamie champions inclusivity, cultural pride, and the voices of wāhine and whānau.
Together, Whakamoe and Jamie have created MKM as a family‑owned, community driven space where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive. From kids’ classes to women’s self‑defence, from recovery therapies to mental health initiatives, their vision is clear: to empower individuals, strengthen whānau, and celebrate culture through movement and connection.