Zen Do Kai is a traditional Japanese karate system founded by Bob Jones in Australia. The system is based on the Bushido code of honour, which emphasises loyalty, courage, and honour. Zen Do Kai teaches self-defence, self-confidence, and self-discipline through its karate forms. The system also trains students in traditional weapons forms for higher ranks.
Founder Bob Jones
Bob Jones is a well-known martial arts instructor who has been teaching and practising for over 50 years. He was born in Australia and began his training in Judo, later receiving his black belt in Karate from the Japan Karate Association. In 1971, he founded Zen Do Kai, a system that quickly gained popularity, with over 200 clubs established within a few years.
Today, Bob continues to teach and practice martial arts and is highly respected in the community. He remains an active promoter of self-defence and physical fitness and is an inspiring example to students and instructors.
Karate Forms
Zen Do Kai practitioners strongly emphasise traditional kata forms, which are pre-arranged sequences of movements that simulate self-defence situations. These forms help students to develop focus, discipline, and power. In addition, Zen Do Kai also teaches practical self-defence techniques that can be used in real-world situations.
Hand techniques include punches, palm strikes, and elbow strikes. Throws involve taking an opponent to the ground. Kicking techniques include kicks, knee strikes, and stomping. Joint locks are used to incapacitate an opponent by applying pressure to joints. The goal of zen do kai is to incapacitate an opponent as quickly as possible. This style of karate is often used in self-defence situations.
As a result, Zen Do Kai provides its students with a well-rounded education in martial arts. Zen Do Kai is an excellent choice if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding martial arts experience.
Weapons Forms
One of the unique aspects of this style is its use of weapons forms. Unlike many other martial arts, which often teach empty-hand techniques only, Zen Do Kai weapon forms provide students with an opportunity to learn how to use everyday objects as weapons. This can be extremely helpful in real-world self-defence situations.
In addition, weapon forms can help to improve coordination and increase strength and stamina. Zen Do Kai offers a variety of different weapon forms, including forms for knives, sticks and swords. As a result, students of all levels can find forms that suit their abilities and interests.
Whether you’re looking to learn self-defence or just want to get in better shape, Zen Do Kai’s weapons forms are definitely worth checking out.
Bushido Code of Honor
The Bushido code of honour is a principle that emphasises loyalty, courage, and honour. These principles are the foundation of the Zen Do Kai system.
The word “Bushido” is made up of two Japanese words “bu” and “shi”. “Bu” can be translated to “warrior” and “shi” can be translated to “way or path”. Therefore, Bushido can be translated to “the way of the warrior”. Bushido teaches that a samurai should live by the seven virtues in order to be a true warrior.
A bushido warrior should act with honour and respect for others. He should also be loyal to his lord and country. In addition, he should be Rectitude is doing what is right. Courage is not being afraid to die for what you believe in. Benevolence is being kind to others. Respect has maturity and politeness. Honesty means having integrity and being truthful at all times, even if it may not benefit you. Finally, compassion is feeling sympathy towards others’ ills, pains, or sorrows
Grading system
Zen Do Kai is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses a unique grading system. There are ten kyu (rank) levels before the black belt and ten dan (black belt) levels. Each level has its own requirements that must be met before progressing to the next level. For example, students must achieve a certain level of proficiency in techniques and kata (forms) before they can be promoted to the next level.
In addition, students must demonstrate good character qualities such as discipline and respect. The grading system of Zen Do Kai is designed to challenge students and help them to reach their full potential as martial artists.
The first step in training is to earn your 9th kyu white belt. Once you have mastered the basics, you can begin working your way up the ranks. Kyu rank testing occurs every 3-6 months, and each test is progressive, building on the skills learned in the previous test. After reaching 1st kyu, you are eligible to take the black belt examination.
The Black Belt grades are separate from the Kyu ranks, and progress is based on criteria such asko (id 九段), dojo performance, leadership, and tournament results. Each Black Belt level has specific requirements that must be met before moving on to the next level. Zen Do Kai is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses a unique grading system to allow students to progress at their own pace and measure their own progress.
Dojo etiquette
When training at a Zen Do Kai dojo, a few etiquette rules should be followed to promote respect and discipline.
First, always bow when entering or leaving the dojo. This shows respect for the space and the people who are training. Second, always arrive on time for class and be ready to train when class begins. This shows respect for your instructors and fellow students. Third, always train with focus and intensity. This shows respect for yourself and the art you are learning. Fourth, always clean up after yourself and leave the dojo clean.
This shows respect for the space and for those who will be using it after you. Following these simple etiquette rules will help create a respectful and disciplined training environment for everyone.
Bowing
Zen do Kai practitioners traditionally bow in a kneeling position, with their fists closed and resting on their thighs. The highest rank in class acknowledges the style and the founder. The next highest rank acknowledges the instructor, with their name, rank, and title. The next highest rank acknowledges the dojo, the students, instructors, and all that is encompassed as ‘Zen.’Students below brown belt bow with their fists on their thighs so that the chest touches the top of their fists.
In Zen do Kai, we believe that everyone is equal, regardless of rank or position. We treat each other with respect and courtesy and work together to create a positive environment in which to learn and grow.
Conclusion
ZEN Do Kai karate is a great way to get fit, learn self-defence, and make new friends. The form of martial arts emphasises the importance of using techniques that are based on balance and leverage rather than simply brute force. This makes it an ideal choice for people of all ages and sizes. In addition, ZEN Do Kai karate also teaches discipline and respect, two essential qualities for success in any area of life.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting form of martial arts, be sure to contact Oceanic Martial Arts Academy in Townsville. Our team of experienced instructors would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Author: Craig Cruickshank – Craig is the Head BJJ instructor at Oceanic Martial Arts Academy in Townsville