"A life of purpose and meaning" - Carl van Roon '97
Thursday, 16 December 2021
In 2021, the University of Auckland published their annual '40 Under 40' list, 40 of their most inspiring young alumni. Auckland Grammar School was proud to have six Old Boys mentioned on that list in the fields of business, medicine, and sport.

What these 40 alumni have in common is the ability to pursue their dreams and their passions, to push themselves beyond their limits, which is something Carl van Roon '97 continues to strive for every day. Carl is an 11-times world champion in Karate and Taekwondo which he began learning from the age of 10. He knew then it would be a lifelong association with the sport, as a way of life.

"Watching Martial Arts heroes on screen inspired me to pursue martial arts! The spectacular nature of the martial arts initially attracted me, but what kept me training was the values-based journey of self-improvement and character building."

Carl continued his martial arts training throughout his time at Auckland Grammar. "When I was in Form 6, I had just graded to my blackbelt in Karate and had decided to also begin training in Taekwondo at the new Auckland Grammar School club which met after school twice per week in what is now the Old Gym."

Carl credits the School with giving him the foundation for academic success to pursue his Masters in Sports Science from the University of Auckland, specialising in mindset/mental skills. It was while he was completing his studies that he met a group of martial artists working as stunt doubles in the film and television industry.

"I have gone full circle from the inspiration I took from the movies as a child and now I’m helping make them! I have been a stunt double for The Hobbit, Power Rangers and Shortland Street to name a few. My real passion lies in showcasing the craft of martial arts not just as a sport but also as a performance art."

With blackbelts in Karate, Taekwondo and WAKO Kickboxing, Carl’s training, combined with his Masters degree, proved to be the turning point in 2015 when he founded Van Roon Martial Arts. In his own words, he describes the centre as a unique blend of tradition meeting innovation. "We teach a combination of martial arts from the traditional through to Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing."

The centre continues to go from strength to strength with 300 students attending over 20 classes a week for all age groups and fitness levels. "We have grown to produce a new generation of world beating martial artists as well as a recreational program that gives the everyday person access to all that the martial arts has to offer for their own personal development."

Carl loves being able to interact with the students in his classes. "The best part about running this centre is empowering each and every person who walks through our doors, much like the role that a school like Auckland Grammar plays in the lives of its pupils. Martial Arts is about education and personal improvement."

The past two years have been incredibly challenging with the country going through multiple extended periods of lockdown, but Carl persevered and the Alert Level 3 and 4 restrictions couldn’t shake his optimism. As he puts it, there is an opportunity in every crisis.

"Throughout lockdown over the past two years, I am proud to say that we haven’t missed a single session. We have always either offered an option to train online, outdoor or in person depending on the alert level restrictions. The feedback and appreciation we have received has been very rewarding!"

The values of both Auckland Grammar School and Van Roon Martial Arts - striving for excellence and high standards - are very much aligned, and Carl is proud to not only be an Auckland Grammar Old Boy but to have built a centre that helps young people pursue their passions and investing in their personal growth.

"Empowering the next generation to extend themselves beyond their limits and compete against the world's best is what really gets me out of bed in the morning. If you carve out your own path based on your own success and use what you have learn to contribute to the greater good of your family, friends and community as a whole, the rewards for you and those you care about will make for a life of purpose and meaning."