Help us kickstart our Dream Dojo

Aem Hai Martial Arts: Building a New Legacy

In the heart of Norwich, a city steeped in history and culture, lies a hidden gem: Aem Hai Martial Arts. For over two decades, this small, family-run dojo has been more than just a place to learn self-defense. It has been a sanctuary of discipline, respect, and camaraderie—a place where individuals of all ages and backgrounds come together to find strength within themselves and build bonds that last a lifetime.

Aem Hai' founder, (ME) - Sensei Dan, born in Norwich, grew up with a dream. After years of rigorous training and mastering various martial arts forms, I wished to share my knowledge and passion with a community that knew little of the traditions I held dear. With a modest space in a local school and church hall and a handful of students, I began teaching the ancient art of Shotokan Karate under the name - Aem Hai—a unique blend of techniques and philosophies from Japan, China, and Korea.

As word spread about Aem Hai' welcoming atmosphere and my teaching, more people joined the ranks. From shy children finding confidence to adults seeking stress relief and fitness, Aem Hai became a cornerstone of the community. I have organized annual charity events, demonstrations, and self-defense workshops, active Norfolk classes for free, a free refugee project class, and large scale international tournaments, further embedding Aem Hai martial arts in the hearts of the locals.

But as the number of students grew, so did the need for a larger, more versatile training space. I had to use more venues around Norwich, hiring more spaces to create new classes for the growing numbers of students. I still have classes in six different venues around Norfolk today. The current main training space at Wensum sports centre, though filled with memories and accomplishments, has started to show its limitations. The mat area is cramped for the number of students, making it difficult for all students to practice safely and effectively. During harsh weather it is hard to find balance, the aging building struggles to provide adequate heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. We also have a lack of storage for our growing equipment and uniform.

Recognising Aem Hai' potential to impact even more lives, myself, my PA and the senior students decided it was time to dream bigger. We envision a new, state-of-the-art training facility—a place where we could continue to teach and inspire while offering the community a safe, welcoming space for martial arts practice. A new dojo would mean more room for classes, improved facilities for all-season training, and the opportunity to host tournaments and workshops, bringing people from all over to Norwich.

However, purchasing such a space requires significant resources. That’s where the community comes in. Aem Hai is launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the new training facility which we hope to purchase in the next four years. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to creating a new home for Aem Hai—a place where traditions can thrive, new friendships can blossom, and personal growth can flourish.

Join us in building this new legacy for Aem Hai Martial Arts. Together, we can ensure that the values of discipline, respect, and unity continue to enrich our community for generations to come.

Thank you for your support.

Sensei Dan - Aem Hai Martial Arts