​Maitland Martial Arts Academy is owned and operated by Sensei Samantha Morante. Sensei Sam is a 1st Dan in Ken Sei Kan Karate, a 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate and a 2nd Dan in Traditional Japanese Karate and has been involved in martial arts for over 20 years. She completed her 1st Dan Black Belt with Ken Sei Kan Karate at just 16 years of age and since then has trained and taught in numerous styles including Goshin Ryu, Go Kan Ryu, Freestyle Karate, Shotokan karate and Traditional Japanese Karate.

​Sam has also been competing for many years in Traditional Kata, Kumite and Traditional Weapons. She enjoys the extra challenge weapons training provides and her weapons of choice are the Sai and also the Fighting Fan.

Sensei Sam's passion for traditional karate is the driving force behind Maitland Martial Arts Academy. She believes that martial arts can help strengthen your mind, body and spirit as well as improve your self confidence, balance and coordination. Sam has created a training space where students can thrive and learn.

​Achievements & qualifications:

​- Member of International Sports Karate Association 
- Level 1 Referee with ISKA
​- Certificate IV Workplace Trainer & Assessor
​- Current Provide First Aid Certificate
​- Current Provide CPR Certificate
​- Certificate III & Certificate IV Fitness Instructor
​- Working with Children Check
​- Police Check
​- Workplace Trainer & Assessor

Originally starting her training at a very young age Sam was the student of Shihan Michael Fardell at Ken Sei Kan Port Macquarie. His traditional methods of instructing meant that Sam learnt discipline and focus and became a strong, dedicated student who gave everything she had to her art and constantly performed above the expectation of others, both in her martial arts and in life.

​These attributes are something that Sam still carries with her today and she still teaches using the same methods that were once taught to her all those years ago.​