Steven Heke

Steven Heke is a New Zealand born native. His parents met in the Armed Forces during the early 70's. Steven was trained in Taekwon-Do from the age of 6 by his father, Hone Heke (1st Dan). Stevens family relocated several times during his childhood, between military bases around the country. At high school Steven began studying Mau Raakau (Native weaponry) under the tuition of Irirangi Tiakiawa, Master of Maori weaponry. A keen sculptor, Steven won awards in his local district of Manukau for his "outspoken" works. A talented drummer and music arranger, Steve recorded a handful of songs under the name "Tuaki" with his schoolmates, and was subsequently suspended from James Cook High School for a "vulgar" performance at the Talent Show. Steven visited Japan at the age of 15 where he trained Kendo from Umeo Kurogo (8th dan). Steves fascination with Ninjitsu and Samurai bushi was nourished here and he went on to visit Edo-Mura. At 16 Steven left his home and hitch hiked across the country taking nothing with him but a backpack and his drumsticks. Stopping in Palmerston North he lived with his Uncle and two cousins. Steve enrolled himself at Awatapu High School because they had "the cute girls". At this stage Steve left Taekwon-Do, as he was no longer under the control of his father. This independence gave rise to a lifestyle of partying and self discovery. However, finding himself with much unspent physical energy and getting into trouble because of it... Steven joined his Local Ninjitsu club. Steven graduated High School the next year, and went on to live with his teacher and spiritual guide Papa Sean. Steve spent a year in an immersion of Maori language. It was here that the world would be seen from different eyes and an understanding of universal connection was awakened. Steven got word that his grandfather had cancer, packed up and moved to Waikato to look after his grandfather until he died almost two years later. After this he moved back to Palmerston North and resumed Ninjitsu training with Mr G Crosland (5th Dan) Unemployed, Steven was given an opportunity to use his martial skills to help others, and became part of a team pioneering community patrols for NZ. Steve then went on to work in child protection and tracking for a governmental department, though this taxed him emotionally as high levels of abuse were encountered on a daily basis which he left after three years. Steven became a parent in June 2002 and he has since raised Jade as a solo parent. Steven continued to study Taekwon-Do and started teaching Mau Raakau in Blenhiem. Steven resumed his work with at-risk-youth and relocated to Auckland. In an attempt at reconciliation, Steve and Jade moved to Melbourne where he worked as a hammer-hand. After earning enough to pay for a security license, Steven worked as a Concierge and Personal Protection staff. 3 years later, Steven received word that his father was seriously ill and was living alone. A month later Steve and Jade returned to NZ to care for his dad. Upon return Steven began working for Disney as an extra, and started getting industry work as background. He completed several student films and short films without pay, hoping that one day he would be well known enough to offer his martial skill to the stunt department. Two lead roles in low budget feature length films allowed Steven to grow himself as an actor. Steven started turning down roles that did not offer him action scenes, and eventually met Matt Kinsman. Matt and Steven have completed 7 or so short films to showcase their action acting skills. Typically shot in 4 hours to allow for dropping off and picking up Jade from school, with fight sequences made up on the spot, the pair bring new meaning to the phrase "on the fly" when they at work. Steven is founder and President of Oka Rino Combat School, and teaches full contact medieval armoured fighting. He makes his own armour and also for fellow members. Steven is currently (2015) filming a web-series that will be released in July 2015 in a bid for funding types to consider. Steven still works with children teaching Taekwon-Do and Maori Weaponry, European Martial arts in schools around South Auckland.