BJMA/ZEN DO KAI STUDENTS & INSTRUCTORS COME TOGETHER

Black Belt exponents of Bob Jones Martial Arts – Zen Do Kai from all over Australia and the World gathered at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre on Saturday 21st August 2010.

Kyl Reber (QLD) with Mat Ball (VIC)

Soke Bob Jones – we must all rise to the occasion!

For many it was to stand and be tested for elevation from Brown to Black Belt or their next degree (1st thru to 5th).

For others it was a chance to reunite with life long friends (or more appropriately family – brothers & sisters by choice rather than by chance).

The common bond that brought together so many people worldwide was to recognise of our founder, Soke Bob Jones whose martial arts journey began in 1965 and then gave rise to ‘Zen Do Kai’ on the 1st June 1970.

To set the stage, Soke Bob Jones filled the room with those who held grades over 4th degree black belt to perform ‘Lull Before The Storm’ as a group. Over one hunded of the highest ranked senior instructors exploded at the focus points of the form with a united ‘kiai’!!!

(Video footage courtesy of Joanne Bell)

Next was to get ‘everyone’ in attendance to perform the same form…

Brown Belts (who were awaiting their Black Belt grading) and Black Belts of all degrees packed out the stadium – Soke Bob Jones commanded unity and was pleased as everyone competed an outstanding group rendition of the form.

(Video footage courtesy of Joanne Bell)

This was celebrated by an electrifying moment as Soke Bob then introduced the ‘Celtic Warrior’ cry…with everyone facing into the centre court at ‘The Chief’ (not unlike the SENJO ceremony),

He bellowed, “Chi ri bi Tata”

Everyone replied, “HURRA HURRA HURRA!”

A second time, “Chi ri bi Tata”

Everyone replied, “HURRA HURRA HURRA!”

A third time, “Chi ri bi Tata”

Everyone replied, “HURRA HURRA HURRA!”

Matt Ball (Shihan, 5th Degree) then proceeded to move the occassion forward coordinating the whole event starting with the 5th Degree test to the grading of new Black Belts.

On behalf of Soke Bob Jones, the Bob Jones Martial Arts administration would like to congratulate all particpants of 2010 – Zen Do Kai 40 Years Strong International Grading Day.

We would like to thank all interstate and international instructors and students for their attendance; it was outstanditng to see such unity and commitment to the organisation; and showcased the depth of knowledge that the Bob Jones Martial Arts has to offer.

Thank you to the Zen Do Kai Victoria Steering Commitee and Grading Coordinators who did an outstanding job of organising a fantastic and seemless day. The day ran like clockwork and finished before the scheduled deadline providing people with that little bit extra deadline.

Special thanks must go to:

Joe Conte and the Thomastown ZDK crew for suppplying jigsaw mats
Shane Byrne, Steve Richardson, Phil Williams, Mike Marino, Jacob Monk and Craig Davis for helping with our Clubshop Stall
Melissa Cassar for the outstanding role of treasurer and
Matt Ball as the days Master of Ceremonies