Introduction

Zen Do Kai was founded in Australia by Bob Jones and Richard Norton in the 70’s when they left the Japanese Goju Kai karate dojo of Tino Ceberano.

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 (meaning “the best of everything in progression”) and its elements include, self defence moves, katas, and strike work. Although Zen Do Kai is considered a form of karate, it also contains elements of Thai kickboxing where the student is taught to fight in a Thai kickboxing stance and to use all of its techniques.

Zen Do Kai uses katas as a form of discipline during training and these katas have been selected for the aid in rudimentary development of stances and techniques.

Zen Do Kai also places a large emphasis on grabs and holds and other general close combat techniques which make Zen Do Kai suited to practical defence situations.

Zen Do Kai follows a distinct hierarchy, a philosophy and also the promotion of the ethical code of Bushido. Zen Do Kai schools place emphasis on self defence but do not promote fighting or violence.

The belts in order from lowest to highest are: