Zen Do Kai – Martial Arts Freestyle is a phenomenon created by Bob Jones on 1st June 1970 when he opened his first martial arts club in Elizabeth St., Melbourne. Originally intended to cater for those who worked in the security industry, the demand and popularity grew beyond expectation.
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Zen is the Japanese name for a Buddhist tradition practiced by millions of people across the world. Historically, Zen practice originated in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and later came to in the West. Zen takes many forms, as each culture that embraced it did so with their own emphases and tastes.
Traditionally speaking, “Zen” is not an adjective (as in, They were totally zen). Zen is a Japanese transliteration of the Chinese word Chan, which is itself a transliteration of dhyana, the word for concentration or meditation in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit. (Zen is Seon or Son in Korean and Thien in Vietnamese.) When Buddhism came to China from India some 2,000 years ago, it encountered Daoism and Confucianism, absorbing some elements of both while rejecting others. Chan is the tradition that emerged. In this context, Chan refers to the quality of mind cultivated through sitting meditation, known as zazen in Japanese, which many Zen Buddhists consider to be the tradition’s most important practice.
Zen is as diverse as its practitioners, but common features include an emphasis on simplicity and the teachings of nonduality and nonconceptual understanding. Nonduality is sometimes described as “not one not two,” meaning that things are neither entirely unified nor are they entirely distinct from one another. Zen recognizes, for example, that the body and mind are interconnected: they are neither the same nor completely separate. Nonconceptual understanding refers to insight into “things as they are” that cannot be expressed in words.
To help students discover nonduality without relying on thought, Zen teachers use koans—stories that appear nonsensical at first but as objects of contemplation in zazen lead to a shift of perspective from separation to interconnectedness. Because teachers play such an important role in Zen, the tradition emphasizes reverence for its “dharma ancestors,” or lineage, influenced by Confucianism’s teaching of filial piety. At the same time, throughout Chinese history, Zen challenged other Confucian ideas by stressing the absolute equality of all beings and women’s capacity for enlightenment.
Ultimately, Zen Buddhism offers practitioners ways to heal their hearts and minds and connect with the world. These ways have differed over time and from culture to culture. In medieval Japan, for example, Zen monks served as doctors to the poor, doling out medicine and magic talismans, and as ministers, offering funerals and memorial services. Today in the West, many practitioners come to Zen looking to gain peace of mind and mental clarity through meditation. Like all schools of Buddhism, Zen begins with an understanding that human beings suffer, and it offers a solution to this suffering through recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and learning to live in a way that aligns with this truth.
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History of Zen Do Kai Martial Arts
Zen Do Kai – Martial Arts Freestyle is a phenomenon created by Bob Jones on 1st June 1970 when he opened his first martial arts club in Elizabeth St., Melbourne.
Originally intended to cater for those who worked in the security industry, the demand and popularity grew beyond expectation.
With the famous Bruce Lee movies flooding the cinemas more and more, people sought to participate in the martial arts phenomena…providing specialist security services and personal body guarding to all almost every major international Rock & Roll artists who toured Australia, tempered this popularity.
Zen Do Kai has never had a closed attitude, nor is it a closed system, we are an open system, and as such we have to be open to influences and ideas from all around the world. We must always be guided by a thirst for knowledge, understanding and meaning to the things we do and those things that have been handed down to us from previous generations.
Using modern self defence principles with traditional values, we seek to improve the system, improve ourselves and to be aware of creating the opportunities for the individuals within our organisation to achieve their personal best. We are proud, not only of our system, but of the many thousands of students that have developed from it. Train in Zen Do Kai and we are sure you will find the experience fulfilling, exciting and most of all …. enjoyable.
It has evolved from adding the principles and techniques of many martial arts disciplines together with the strong Bob Jones fighting tradition to form a modern, effective and comprehensive self defence system.
For over 45 Years, Zen Do Kai has been taught to thousands of people from all walks of life with Bob Jones Clubs (BJC) represented worldwide.
Zen Do Kai – “The Best of Everything in Progression”
Article by the Founder, Bob Jones
Since its very conception, Zen Do Kai has meant ‘the best of everything in progression’. It has always had the one overriding concept, does the technique really work? With that in mind Zen Do Kai has gone through constant evaluation and change, endeavouring to search for just that, truth in practicality.
“In the teachings of my discipline as a fighting system, I endeavour to be a total purist. As a purist I translate Zen Do Kai to be adaptable to its current environment, which happens to be right now in that, to be a constant winner you have to be able to adapt to change.”
“There have been many turning points in the organisation, but one that stands out in my mind was probably in 1980. By 1980 we had 300 clubs and around 5,000 students, but I felt I hadn’t done enough, we weren’t growing fast enough. We had the desire to expose the benefits of martial arts training to everyone in the community and to make it something achievable for all”.
So in 1980 the Jet Black system was introduced and in 1983 we developed the ‘FAST’ (Freefighting-forms And Self-defence Tournaments) system. A lot of emphasis was put on heavy competition. We made it the most competitive style in the country, in order to lift and improve the standard through regular competition.
In 1984 we modified our training practices, with the aim of again training people to fight from more practical postures, and applying techniques that work straight away.
At the beginning of 1990 we introduced Muay Thai Boxing principles and techniques within our Zen Do Kai classes which again added to the effectiveness of what we were already doing. Further to all this, Bob Jones is recognised as the father of Australian Kickboxing.
“On September 9, in 1976 I promoted Australia’s inaugural kickboxing event. Kickboxing is painfully ‘true’. If it doesn’t work you find out about it in the square ring.”
It was during a world tour with Rod Stroud (WA), to set up three World Kickboxing Titles and an International Teams Event for the America’s Cup ‘Festival of Sport’ in 1986, that we both met Thai Boxing in the flesh. We trained with Tom Harinck in Amsterdam with some of his world champions and in Thailand regularly in the past ten years and both of us have included Muay Thai into our Zen Do Kai regime almost daily ever since.
Bob Jones’ time is also carefully allotted to advise and guide his martial arts organisation of 1,000 schools of self defence throughout Australasia currently developing 20,000 students towards Black Belt.
Bob has made numerous television appearances providing self defence tips for women and he writes regular magazine columns and provides expert commentary for kickboxing bouts.
Bob holds the rank of Ninth Degree, and is one of the highest ranked martial artists in Australia. In 1997 he was awarded the prestigious Blitz Martial Arts Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bob has a number of highly successful business interests as well as being a grand father and family man.
Bob Jones continues to take an active interest in the ongoing development of Zen Do Kai, with many highly qualified instructors to assist him, conducting training sessions and seminars throughout the country.
RESPECT AND TRADITIONS
“This is the Way for men who want to learn my strategy:
- Do not think dishonestly
- The Way is in training
- Become acquainted with every art
- Know the Ways of professions
- Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters
- Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything
- Perceive those things which cannot be seen
- Pay attention even to trifles
- Do nothing which is of no use.”
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Basic Rules
- Everyone works
- Nothing is for free
- All start at the bottom
Dojo Etiquette
- Dojo means “A Sacred Place” – treat it as such
- Do not wear shoes on the dojo training area
- No Drugs, cigarettes or alcohol in the dojo
- Do not enter a class late or leave early without acknowledgment of the highest rank instructor in the class
- No swearing or actions or disrespect or breaching of rules
- Always train with “true” attitude of Bushido
- Never abuse fighting skills, always fight defensively and use these skills always to help lower ranks
- Dojo etiquette is to be always clean in body and appearance
- Bow upon entering or leaving the training area of the dojo
- Never walk in front of your seniors
- Always address you seniors by their proper titles
- When placing or removing your belt, students should kneel on their right knee when doing so
- Students are to line up in order of rank from left(highest rank) to right (lowest rank), standing opposite the instructor (rank is indicated by belt colour and seniority of training time).
- Black belts are to line up in order of rank with the highest ranked instructor in the centre, then alternating order of rank with the second highest rank to the right, the third highest rank to the left and so on.
- Within the black belt hierarchy, grade (Dan) ranking primarily designates seniority. However, where two black belts are of the same rank, the one with the higher teaching title is considered the higher rank
- Higher rank coloured belts should endeavour to set good a example for lower ranked students and be responsible for the behaviour and conduct of lower ranked students
- If a student must adjust their Gi (uniform) during training, they must wait until the end of the activity in progress then turn to the back of the class prior to adjusting their Gi or belt.
- During training, there should be no idle talking between students
- Students and black belts are not permitted to use training equipment without first obtaining permission from the instructor
- All students are to participate in any competition in strict accordance with the competition rules and in the spirit of good sportsmanship
- During training all students should be aware that the level of intensity of their training is at an appropriate level when partnered up with another student, taking into consideration the other students age, weight & sex
- Zen Do Kai tradition encourages that new black belts wear their belts continuously for at least 24 hours after successfully attaining their Sho Dan Ho (probationary 1st Degree) grading
- When it comes to dojo financial problems, Samurai would have discussions but would never develop into arguing on such matters
Zen Do Kai Motto
“Training for strength together”
Characters on embroidered Black Belts
Six Characters are embroidered on the right hand side of the Black Belt after 2nd Degree.
The top three characters are Japanese for :
KARA | EMPTY |
TE | HAND |
DO | WAY |
The bottom three characters are Chinese for :
CHE | RED |
AHLOON | DRAGON |
PEI | SYSTEM |
Code of Conduct
Zen Do Kai Black Belts are required to conduct themselves accordingly:
- Carry out the responsibilities of Zen Do Kai Black Belts to the fullest extent of one’s abilities, observing higher standards whilst progressing through the teaching levels.
- Present Zen Do Kai in a realistic and truthful manner, not misleading people by making exaggerated claims.
- Conduct oneself in such a manner as to reflect only the highest standards of Zen Do Kai philosophies, always attempting to teach others, as you would have them teach you.
- Discard one’s ego and devote oneself to the cultivation and development of Zen Do Kai with firm determination. Be critical of oneself and strive for continuous improvement in one’s character and ability, seeking the meaning of Zen Do Kai and exploring it with a constructive mind.
Social Rules and Self Defence
As a martial artist you are bound to ensure that you employ appropriate degree of self control and discipline. The higher rank you become, the greater the likelihood of inflicting damage on another person. You should consider the implications therein.
Respect
All members of Zen Do Kai must pay respect to higher ranks. It must also be remembered that respect starts at the top and works down, so higher ranks remember that if they lose respect for each other, or even worse, not give respect to your students, it will cause a collapse.
Bowing
Traditionally this is done in ‘seiza’ (kneeling position), with the fists closed and resting on top of the thighs.The highest rank in class acknowledges the style and the founder. The next highest rank acknowledges the teacher/instructor, with their name, rank and teaching title. The next highest rank acknowledges the dojo, the students, instructors and all that is encompassed as ‘Zen.’ Students below Brown Belt Bow till the chest touches the top of the fists that are resting on the thighs.
Brown Belt students have their hands open on the thighs and Bow till the chest touches the back of their hands.Black Belts also have their hands open at the commencement of the Bow, but put place their hands in front of them on the floor, thumbs outstretched and each touching the other. This forms a diamond shape between the thumbs and the outstretched fingers. The Bow is conducted till the forehead touches the back of the hands.
Throughout this, the more senior the student….from white Belt to Black Belt. The lower the Bow for us, signifies a sense of increased humility as we become more senior and advanced.
Zen Do Kai – Instructors
As well as these qualifications, Zen Do Kai instructors also have many additional resources available to them. One of the real benefits of Zen Do Kai, due to the style being established so long, is that a network of highly qualified people with expertise in many areas has developed.
All club instructors have the chance to take advantage of this through regular black belt classes, training days, seminars, camps and various other opportunities to share skills. In addition to this, Zen Do Kai has a philosophy of openness, often supporting internationally recognised martial arts instructors, training with them and learning from them at seminars and other events.
The end results being that this knowledge is passed on to students resulting in them learning the most efficient and effective techniques available and enhancing the depth of our system.
Zen Do Kai – Gradings
In class, students are divided into groups according to their experience, each group identified by the wearing of different coloured belts.
Brand new students wear a white belt before progressing to yellow, orange, blue, then green, brown and finally black.
Gradings are held to give students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned at class and to progress to the next level. It is important for students to experience a feeling of “elevation” and a sense of achievement. These are held at regular intervals throughout the year, students attempt a grading when they and their instructor believe they are ready to progress to the next level, working their way through the levels at their own pace.
After successfully completing a grading students receive the next level belt and a certificate of achievement.
Usually, students attempting coloured gradings, do so locally at the club.
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More senior gradings, such as Black Belt and above are held at special grading days, where students and instructors all come together from a variety of areas. This is done so to promote on going standards and ensuring that there is more formality in this important achievements.
When grading, the essence is in competing against yourself…that is, to better your last performance, to over come fear, apprehension and indecision and to display commitment and effort. It is because of these elements that ultimately see the students reach their goals.
Zen Do Kai Belt Ranking System Coloured Belts
YELLOW BELT
“the first step on the journey of a thousand miles seemingly the hardest step”
ORANGE BELT
“the first sign of strength, it is considered a great loss of face to lag behind the pace”
BLUE BELT
“set yourself apart, you are now at the intermediate stage”
GREEN BELT
“Conceive, Believe and Achieve”
BROWN BELT
“when you see a worthy person endeavour to emulate him…when you see and unworthy person then examine your inner self”
BLACK BELT
“A true Black Belt following the path of the Warrior unwittingly changes their way of life, for they can never be the same person again”
RANK | BELT CHANGE | DESCRIPTION |
Sho Dan Ho (Probationary 1st Degree) | Black | |
Sho Dan (Full 1st Degree) | No change | |
Ni Dan Ho (Probationary 2nd Degree) | No change | |
Ni Dan (Full 2nd Degree) | Red embroidered writing on Belt. | Reading in Japanese & Chinese on one end “Empty Hand Way”- “Red Dragon System” the other end reading in Japanese students name |
San Dan Ho (Prob. 3rd Degree) | No change | |
San Dan (Full 3rd Degree) | No change | |
Yon Dan Ho (Prob. 4th Degree) | No change | |
Yon Dan (Full 4th Degree) | 20mm white stripe above a 20mm red stripe | Worn with the white upper most. Embroidered writing stays. |
Go Dan Ho (Prob. 5th Degree) | No change | |
Go Dan (Full 5th Degree) | 20mm red stripe above a 20mm white stripe | Worn with the red uppermost (belt turned around from 4th Dan). Embroidered writing stays |
Roku Dan Ho (Prob. 6th Degree) | 8mm Red stripe centred around outside of Belt. | Embroidered writing stays |
Roku Dan (Full 6th Degree) | No change | |
Sichi Dan Ho (Prob. 7th Degree) | No change | |
Sichi Dan (Full 7th Degree) | 16mm Red stripe centred around outside of Belt. | Embroidered writing stays |
Hachi Dan Ho (Prob. 8th Degree) | No change | |
Hachi Dan (Full 8th Degree) | 24mm Red stripe centred around outside of Belt. | Embroidered writing stays |
Ku Dan Ho (Prob. 9th Degree) | No change | |
Ku Dan Ho (Full 9th Degree) | Red Belt with 16mm Black stripe centred around outside of Belt | |
Ju Dan Ho (Prob.10th Degree) | No change | |
Ju Dan (Full 10th Degree) | Solid Red Belt |
Zen Do Kai – Classes
Zen Do Kai classes follow the guidelines of a well structured syllabus and provide a great deal of variety and an excellent physical work out.
Students are able to work and advance at their own pace and are always encouraged to strive to achieve their personal best.
- Classes can typically include
- Stretching and warm up
- Technique and skills development
- Partner and pad training
- Self defence applications
- Group theory (forms and drills)
- Touch contact sparring
- Stretching and cool down
For Women
For women in todays society, it is becoming more and more important for them to learn the basics of self defence and to be able to protect themselves.
At a Zen Do Kai class, women can train comfortably in a non-threatening environment and learn techniques specific to their needs, building self esteem and confidence.
They can also share experiences in a supportive and gender specific training environment.
For Children
Zen Do Kai Instructors, in conjunction with qualified school teachers, have developed a special training syllabus designed especially for young children.
They gain the same benefits and more from martial arts training as adults but it is presented in a way to specifically meet their needs.
Zen Do Kai – “Kidz Kickstart Karate” clubs are springing up everywhere and are proving to be extremely popular with primary school age children.
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Partner and Pad Training
Students can practice their techniques and skills in perfect safety on the latest training equipment to further develop
- Skill development
- Fitness
- Safety
- Grappling and Self Defence
Students learn a complete range of effective self defence techniques from how to kick and punch, to use their knees and elbows and to throw, grapple and/or control an attacker.
Zen Do Kai students are taught awareness and how to defend themselves in a wide variety of potentially dangerous situations.
Group Theory
Through practicing forms and drills we improve our self discipline, timing and co-ordination and develop technique and focus.
Touch Contact Sparring
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- Sparring is the ideal way to put all of the theory into practice.
- We always refer to the people we spar as “training partners” rather than “opponents”.
- The aim is for sparring to be a mutually beneficial learning experience for both partners.
- The emphasis is always on safety, having fun and learning together.
- Sparring is a great way to improve your technique, reflexes and fitness as well as develop self-confidence and discipline.