In their words.

“I didn’t realize how much of an importance later on was breath, breath training, breathwork, even sitting on my knees for long periods of time and meditation. Those things I really didn’t understand how much of an effect that would have on my life. … the training that Harrison gave me in particular, when it came to breathwork, really made these sorts of scenarios a lot more approachable and I could push through a lot easier. It was hard, but it was doable. … It has genuinely changed my life, and for the positive. It has had a hugely constructive impact on my life. It has helped me in a lot of hard times in my life too. … his teachings also come out of experience. They come out of a sincereness that I think is really unique to Harrison. I cannot think of anyone else that has any similar level of influence or meaning or power in their words. … I was a lot more secure in myself after starting the dojo. … Warm, very warm. Understanding, patient. … Strong body, sharp mind, soft heart.”

Alex WeiNavy officer · karate, four years · on camera

“He’s helped me understand how important balance is and more importantly he’s helped me understand and realize that it can be achieved. He’s also helped me realize that, how he always says this, how you do anything is how you do everything, and over time that sentence has had new meanings for me, which has helped me navigate through difficult times and gave me clarity in times of uncertainty. … He’s such a genuine human being and he’s a really, really good teacher. He is very considerate of others and the most important thing I think that resonates with me for why I like his teaching is that he speaks from experience. He has a deep yearning to help people and that is reflected very much through the way he speaks to you, the way he guides you and the sessions you have with him.”

Harshil DaveMartial arts student · on camera

“The first thing that comes into my mind when I think about what Harrison taught me, it was probably the day he told me surrender to the pain. It’s something he used to tell me a lot. At first I thought it was only about martial arts, staying calm, controlling my breathing and pushing through discomfort, but I realized it was about life too. Facing the pain, accepting it, breathing through it and finding the peace on the other side. And this lesson will stay with me far beyond the gym.”

Nico RoudierMartial arts student · on camera

“Harrison has been coaching me martial arts for quite a few years now. He’s taught me to handle stressful situations much better such as during sparring. I’m more calm, I’m more focused on my breathing and I’m more intentional.”

Jeremy YapKarate student · on camera

“Within my time in Shinbukan, I learned that you can’t master something in a day. You can’t master something in a week. You might not even be able to master something in a year. It’s all about discipline, and it’s all about trusting yourself. Three words I would use to describe Harrison would be grounded, patient, and encouraging.”

Aiden JacobsMartial arts student, Shinbukan · on camera

“The most important lesson Harrison taught me was to confront my delusions and face reality. And if I was to describe Harrison in three words, I would use a loving soul.”

Shehab KhanMartial arts student · on camera

“One thing Harrison has taught me is that real strength comes from calm, not from tension”

Lorenzo AmbroseMartial arts student · on camera

“Harrison told me how to be calm when it matters most.”

Maksim BelchenkoMartial arts student · on camera

“It’s improved my ability to not only perform during karate but even people outside of my karate environment have noticed that difference of me being a lot more calmer as a person. The ability to hone in and be present, so maybe in the past I’ll be listening but I’m thinking of other things … the ability now to basically stay present and even be probably more than present, it’s be more deliberate and choose how I want to interact, and that’s something that I’ve really been able to fine tune that skill working with Harrison … I’ve lost 21 kilos, I move a lot better, I don’t wake up in the morning with aches and pains … He’s 29, I’m 55, and I find that we vibe very well”

JohnCoaching · consultant, 55 · on camera

“Just taking my time, being more aware, being more self-aware, I guess. Not being so reactive and I guess not focusing or worrying too much about the outcome … how I use that in my day to day, makes me happier, makes me calmer, I think it makes me a better person”

AndrewCoaching · drummer · on camera

“Emotions rise, just being aware that that’s happening and kind of being not removed from it but just not letting it affect you, in the same way that a fist coming towards your head — you know you can pause, kind of take action and just not let it disrupt you or upset you”

JamesCoaching · construction · on camera

“Sometimes I can feel that and then I can just do a soft exhale and heaps of that’s gone, doesn’t have to be a big popping of a balloon”

JakeCoaching · musician · on camera

“Harrison Saito is a man who doesn't stop at anything to find truth within himself. His relentless pursuit for understanding the life we live in is one that I've never seen before and has inspired me to look deeper within myself. He instilled within me the importance of English as a subject, not just in my schooling experience but in being able to expand on my ability to understand the complexity within situations. On a more personal level, Harrison has been one of my greatest mentors.”

Kai BennettsHSC Student — Cammeraygal 2023

“He was a positive influence in helping me realise the reality of the HSC — that it is only 'a test' and a 'pathway to university' which did not define myself as a human being. He raised an emphasis on focusing on the progression of my abilities and skills rather than results. Overall, it has really made a productive impact on managing my expectations and relieving myself from the burden to attain high marks. As a result, I actually experienced more academic success which has persisted into my tertiary studies.”

Lance PerezHSC Student

“Tutoring being something I always dreaded, I quickly found myself looking forward to these lessons as it was like no ordinary tutoring I have had before. Through his views and advice, not only did it allow me to produce meaningful compositions but also truly inspired me to strive to become like Harrison who showed genuine sense of empathy for people around him. From someone who I expected to be just an English tutor, became such a prominent figure in my life and ultimately becoming someone I can confidently say a mentor has sincerely changed me positively as a person.”

Kei YomodaHSC Student — Chatswood High

“I cannot express how grateful I am for the invaluable life lessons and experiences that you have shared with me over the years. Your guidance and support has helped me through my teenage years and schooling, and I have grown because of your influence. Through your example, I have learned the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. More than anything, you have taught me to experience life fully and to appreciate all of its ups and downs. Your mentorship and brotherhood has made a profound difference on life.”

Shoaland GriffithsHSC Student — St Pius X

“Before being taught by Harrison, I struggled with the subject and was getting Cs and Bs average but since our regular lessons by year 12, I became rank 1 in my grade and I felt more confident when it came to tests and assignments. While Harrison's teachings and guidance helped me when it came to improving my grades, more importantly he made sure our lessons were always enjoyable as well as productive. Thanks to Harrison's continual guidance, support and encouragement, I was able to achieve the ATAR I was aiming for, but also gained a better understanding of myself.”

Marissa WongHSC Student — Chatswood High

“Harrison was my English tutor during year 12 and is one of few people who has made a profound impact on my life. Tutoring with Harrison was way more than just doing what needed to be done to get good marks but were also lessons on life. When I first met Harrison, I was a shy girl unsure of herself, however, by the end of year 12 I had developed a confidence within myself and my abilities. I truly believe had I not met Harrison, I would not be the person I am today.”

Meg RolfeHSC Student — Brigidine College St Ives

“Harrison is a deep thinker, an excellent teacher and a caring and humble soul. Harrison's lessons are a safe place for the children to connect, learn about themselves, their lives and the world around them. He is patient and takes the time necessary to develop basic skills, while still motivating and encouraging the children to develop their confidence and humility. Harrison's teaching style and individual personality are also influencing our parenting in positive ways.”

Scott & Lisa BignoldParents — Covey & Lochie (Youth Martial Arts)