Zen Do Kai
Encyclopedia
Zen Do Kai is a freestyle martial art
system which originated in Australia
by Bob Jones and Richard Norton when they left the Japanese Gōjū Kai karate
dojo
of Tino Ceberano
in 1970.
Bob Jones describes Zen Do Kai as an "open system
", and as such is "open to influences and ideas from all around the world", embracing elements from Boxing
, grappling
, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
, Eskrima
, Judo
, Karate
and Muay Thai
. Zen Do Kai means, according to Jones, "the best of everything in progression", and its elements include self-defence moves, kata
, and strike work
. It is set apart from many forms of traditional karate because it allows many techniques and practices used by Thai kickboxing. The Zen Do Kai philosophy encompasses the principle of "if it works, use it" and as such contains elements of a variety of other martial arts.
Zen Do Kai uses kata as a form of discipline
during training
and these kata have been selected for the aid in rudimentary development of stances and techniques. Most of the katas derive from traditional Okinawan styles of karate, reflecting Jones' background in the 1960s.
Zen Do Kai also places a large emphasis on grabs and holds
and other general close combat
and ground fighting
techniques, having adapted itself after the emergence in particular of Gracie Jujitsu and other forms of groundfighting largely unknown to the West until the late 1980s.
The first Zen Do Kai dojo
was opened at Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
. Jones states that it was originally intended to cater for those who worked in the security industry. Zen Do Kai follows the classical martial arts model with a distinct hierarchy, a philosophy and the promotion of the ethical code of Bushido
. Zen Do Kai schools place an emphasis on self defence but do not promote fighting or violence.
The web site of Bob Jones Corporation Pty Ltd claims that Zen Do Kai has clubs located in Australia, New Zealand
and Israel.
Born of Welsh
ancestry and in the Chinese
year of the dragon
, Bob Jones incorporates this personal iconography intimately into the style of Zen Do Kai, with the use of the dragon in the emblematic black karate gi (see picture right).
The Cross is an important symbol of acceptance into the more senior levels of the Zen Do Kai family and exemplifies commitment to the protection and instruction of the brothers and sisters in the ranks of Zen Do Kai. The Cross itself bears its origins in the country of Finland and it has been embellished with geometric shapes symbolic of Senjo battlefield strategy and the words Bushido, Ishoa, and Kyunnin. These terms and the Crosses are explained here, the original Zen Do Kai cross was the square cross. It was modeled on the Finnish cross of bravery. Dave Milne and Bill Sabotka. During the sixties, as his security firm grew, Jones awarded more of the crosses to his personnel. The early seventies saw Jones engrave the word 'Bushido' onto the cross. This translates literally as 'the way of the warrior'and the cross took on a slightly new meaning. The Bushido Cross (as it is still known) was presented by Jones to his higher grade Zen Do Kai students as a symbol of protection of the junior Zen Do Kai brothers (students in the ranks). This aimed to instill an incentive for every new student to maximise his efforts to gain acceptance in "the new family of security". Today, Zen Do Kai practitioners train fiercely to earn the honour and privilege of being awarded the Bushido Cross. Which ever cross is awarded, the most important thing is the relationship between the instructor and the students. It is the meaning and intention of the awarding of the cross.
The round cross was introduced initially to acknowledge the understanding and commitment of the wives and partners of the security personnel in Jones's protection interest, most of Jones's security staff worked long hours, often six nights a week. The women folk received the small circular cross which identified them as 'those who understood'. This cross was developed further during the seventies in Zen Do Kai and the word 'Ishoa' was engraved onto it. This means, literally, 'enlightenment', the perfect blending of mind and body. The Ishoa Cross was awarded to the "Karate wives" or to exemplify their understanding of the men folk training with Jones up to six nights a week. Soon the first wave of female Zen Do Kai students were also afforded acknowledgement as dedicated martial artists with the presentation of the Ishoa Cross and this cross took on a new meaning, its new reverence mirrored that of the Bushido Cross. It too, became a symbol of protection of the junior brothers and, now also, sisters, in the Zen Do Kai ranks. Today, female Zen Do Kai practitioners are awarded this cross for their fierce determination in training, dedication and commitment to Zen Do Kai. Just as the awarding of the Bushido Cross is a privilege and honour to Zen Do Kai's male students, so too is the awarding of the Ishoa Cross to Zen Do Kai's female students. Both Crosses are held in identical regard and esteem and are often awarded together in official ZDK family functions.
and other successful bands such as The Rolling Stones
and Stevie Nicks
from Fleetwood Mac
. He wrote of his experiences in a book titled 'Let the Good Times Roll'.
He ran a regular self defence segment called 'Fighting Fit' on Bert Newton
's Good Morning Australia
program (Channel 10) in 1992-1993. In 1997 he was awarded the Blitz Martial Arts Magazine Lifetime Tribute Award.
Ironically several of Jones' students have attempted to emulate his success in developing and teaching his own martial art, including Malcolm Anderson in Queensland (formerly the third ranked in the style) and Lance Strong and Geoff Aiken in New Zealand (both formerly amongst the top ten ranks in the country), though none have yet come anywhere near matching the numbers involved in ZDK, which at one point was the second most popular art in Australasia.
Bob Jones appointed Billy Manne (Melbourne) to oversee the management of the Australasian branches of Zen Do Kai. Bob Jones now lives in Spain and travels extensively overseas for teaching and training.
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
system which originated in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
by Bob Jones and Richard Norton when they left the Japanese Gōjū Kai karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
dojo
Dojo
A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dōjōs were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to...
of Tino Ceberano
Tino Ceberano
Constantino 'Tino' Ceberano is a karate master who is a key figure in Australian martial arts history. He is a direct student of Gōju Kai karate founder Gōgen Yamaguchi...
in 1970.
Bob Jones describes Zen Do Kai as an "open system
Open system
Open system may refer to:*Open system , one of a class of computers and associated software that provides some combination of interoperability, portability and open software standards, particularly Unix and Unix-like systems...
", and as such is "open to influences and ideas from all around the world", embracing elements from Boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
, grappling
Grappling
Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, submitting, or injury to the opponent. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial...
, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
, Eskrima
Eskrima
Eskrima is the umbrella term for the traditional martial arts of the Philippines, which emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives and other bladed weapons, and various improvised weapons...
, Judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
and Muay Thai
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. It is similar to other Indochinese kickboxing systems, namely pradal serey from Cambodia, tomoi from Malaysia, lethwei from Myanmar and muay Lao from Laos...
. Zen Do Kai means, according to Jones, "the best of everything in progression", and its elements include self-defence moves, kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
, and strike work
Punch (strike)
A punch is a striking blow with the fist. It is the most commonly used attack in hand to hand combat. It is used in some martial arts and combat sports, most notably boxing where it is the only type of technique allowed...
. It is set apart from many forms of traditional karate because it allows many techniques and practices used by Thai kickboxing. The Zen Do Kai philosophy encompasses the principle of "if it works, use it" and as such contains elements of a variety of other martial arts.
Zen Do Kai uses kata as a form of discipline
Discipline
In its original sense, discipline is referred to systematic instruction given to disciples to train them as students in a craft or trade, or to follow a particular code of conduct or "order". Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order –...
during training
Training
The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of...
and these kata have been selected for the aid in rudimentary development of stances and techniques. Most of the katas derive from traditional Okinawan styles of karate, reflecting Jones' background in the 1960s.
Zen Do Kai also places a large emphasis on grabs and holds
Grappling hold
A grappling hold is a grappling, wrestling, judo or other martial arts term for a specific grip that is applied to an opponent. Holds are principally used to control the opponent, and to advance in points or positioning...
and other general close combat
Hand to hand combat
Hand-to-hand combat is a lethal or nonlethal physical confrontation between two or more persons at very short range that does not involve the use of firearms or other distance weapons...
and ground fighting
Ground fighting
Ground fighting is hand-to-hand combat which takes place while the combatants are on the ground, generally involving grappling...
techniques, having adapted itself after the emergence in particular of Gracie Jujitsu and other forms of groundfighting largely unknown to the West until the late 1980s.
The first Zen Do Kai dojo
Dojo
A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dōjōs were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to...
was opened at Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
. Jones states that it was originally intended to cater for those who worked in the security industry. Zen Do Kai follows the classical martial arts model with a distinct hierarchy, a philosophy and the promotion of the ethical code of Bushido
Bushido
, meaning "Way of the Warrior-Knight", is a Japanese word which is used to describe a uniquely Japanese code of conduct and a way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry. It originates from the samurai moral code and stresses frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and...
. Zen Do Kai schools place an emphasis on self defence but do not promote fighting or violence.
The web site of Bob Jones Corporation Pty Ltd claims that Zen Do Kai has clubs located in Australia, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
and Israel.
Born of Welsh
Welsh people
The Welsh people are an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales and the Welsh language.John Davies argues that the origin of the "Welsh nation" can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain, although Brythonic Celtic languages seem to have...
ancestry and in the Chinese
Chinese calendar
The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. It is not exclusive to China, but followed by many other Asian cultures as well...
year of the dragon
Year of the Dragon
Year of the Dragon can refer to:* Dragon , Chinese Year of the Dragon zodiac sign* Year of the Dragon, 2000 album by Modern Talking* Year of the Dragon , 1981 novel written by Robert Daley...
, Bob Jones incorporates this personal iconography intimately into the style of Zen Do Kai, with the use of the dragon in the emblematic black karate gi (see picture right).
Zen do kai Crosses
The Zen Do Kai Crosses are part the history of Zen Do Kai tradition, they are awarded to Black Belt students, whose teachers feel have earned them, through demonstration of loyalty, strength and dedication, whilst following the path of the warrior.The Cross is an important symbol of acceptance into the more senior levels of the Zen Do Kai family and exemplifies commitment to the protection and instruction of the brothers and sisters in the ranks of Zen Do Kai. The Cross itself bears its origins in the country of Finland and it has been embellished with geometric shapes symbolic of Senjo battlefield strategy and the words Bushido, Ishoa, and Kyunnin. These terms and the Crosses are explained here, the original Zen Do Kai cross was the square cross. It was modeled on the Finnish cross of bravery. Dave Milne and Bill Sabotka. During the sixties, as his security firm grew, Jones awarded more of the crosses to his personnel. The early seventies saw Jones engrave the word 'Bushido' onto the cross. This translates literally as 'the way of the warrior'and the cross took on a slightly new meaning. The Bushido Cross (as it is still known) was presented by Jones to his higher grade Zen Do Kai students as a symbol of protection of the junior Zen Do Kai brothers (students in the ranks). This aimed to instill an incentive for every new student to maximise his efforts to gain acceptance in "the new family of security". Today, Zen Do Kai practitioners train fiercely to earn the honour and privilege of being awarded the Bushido Cross. Which ever cross is awarded, the most important thing is the relationship between the instructor and the students. It is the meaning and intention of the awarding of the cross.
The round cross was introduced initially to acknowledge the understanding and commitment of the wives and partners of the security personnel in Jones's protection interest, most of Jones's security staff worked long hours, often six nights a week. The women folk received the small circular cross which identified them as 'those who understood'. This cross was developed further during the seventies in Zen Do Kai and the word 'Ishoa' was engraved onto it. This means, literally, 'enlightenment', the perfect blending of mind and body. The Ishoa Cross was awarded to the "Karate wives" or to exemplify their understanding of the men folk training with Jones up to six nights a week. Soon the first wave of female Zen Do Kai students were also afforded acknowledgement as dedicated martial artists with the presentation of the Ishoa Cross and this cross took on a new meaning, its new reverence mirrored that of the Bushido Cross. It too, became a symbol of protection of the junior brothers and, now also, sisters, in the Zen Do Kai ranks. Today, female Zen Do Kai practitioners are awarded this cross for their fierce determination in training, dedication and commitment to Zen Do Kai. Just as the awarding of the Bushido Cross is a privilege and honour to Zen Do Kai's male students, so too is the awarding of the Ishoa Cross to Zen Do Kai's female students. Both Crosses are held in identical regard and esteem and are often awarded together in official ZDK family functions.
Bob Jones
Bob Jones has been training and teaching martial arts since the 1960s, with the initial goal to prepare employees for the security industry. He was involved in support security to The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
and other successful bands such as The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
and Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks
Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums...
from Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
. He wrote of his experiences in a book titled 'Let the Good Times Roll'.
He ran a regular self defence segment called 'Fighting Fit' on Bert Newton
Bert Newton
Albert Watson "Bert" Newton, AM, MBE is an Australian television personality, known for hosting television series such as In Melbourne Tonight, Good Morning Australia and 20 to 1. Newton has also hosted the Logie Awards on numerous occasions through his career.-Early life:Newton was born in...
's Good Morning Australia
Good Morning Australia
Good Morning Australia from Network Ten was the name of two different programs. This article is for Bert Newton's morning program, not to be confused with the breakfast news program of the same name....
program (Channel 10) in 1992-1993. In 1997 he was awarded the Blitz Martial Arts Magazine Lifetime Tribute Award.
Ironically several of Jones' students have attempted to emulate his success in developing and teaching his own martial art, including Malcolm Anderson in Queensland (formerly the third ranked in the style) and Lance Strong and Geoff Aiken in New Zealand (both formerly amongst the top ten ranks in the country), though none have yet come anywhere near matching the numbers involved in ZDK, which at one point was the second most popular art in Australasia.
Bob Jones appointed Billy Manne (Melbourne) to oversee the management of the Australasian branches of Zen Do Kai. Bob Jones now lives in Spain and travels extensively overseas for teaching and training.