John Leondaris

BJMA Affiliated Club: Duelmaster Dojo, Brompton S.A.

Hanshi John Leondaris began his official Martial Art journey at the age of 11 (1974), learning the fundamentals of Chinese Boxing. 3 years later John was introduced to Karate under the guidance of William (Bill) Vaughn. John’s best friend at that time, George Pokkias was always available for transport and mentorship (John’s forever grateful). John progressed to western boxing training under Colin Betty and later Dunlop’s Gym in Angle Park receiving tutorship from Bert Dunlop and Liam Hendricks. John went on to have 5 boxing fights and was a South Australian silver medallist.

At the beginning of 1981 at the age of 17, John started training in Zen Do Kai under Ed Skipter with his best friends Charlie Kambouris and George Pokkias. John was surrounded by a hard crew, often referred to as the “Adelaide Contingent”, travelling the state and across the country to broaden their knowledge and leave their mark. John was influenced and mentored by many local instructors including Garry Power, Gary MacRae, Damian Aidon and Bob White.

In 1982 John was a guest at Shogun (Bob Jones’ house and training compound in Heidelberg, Melbourne). Bob Jones always welcomed John to stay at his house when in Melbourne providing inspirational mentorship that guided John’s Zen Do Kai journey.

Kickboxing in the early 1980’s was in its infancy in South Australia becoming John’s passion with the ability to unite freestyle martial arts with boxing. He had 6 fights and went onto become a fight promoter. Between 1984 and 2011 John promoted 61 WKA events in South Australia.

John’s training became a family affair influencing his brothers (Paul & George) to get on board with Zen Do Kai in the early days. John’s children and grandchildren have also maintained a connection to martial arts. The Duelmaster family looks towards the 3^rd generation of fighters to make their mark in the 2019 fight scene.

John was acknowledged for his martial journey and commitment to BJMA by being awarded the title of Hanshi and 9^th Degree at the Victorian Senjo in 2018 by Soke Billy Manne. John is focussed on working with the National and State Leadership groups to ensure high standards are maintained and we live the motto “Training for Strength Together”.

John’s training ethos is to “train hard and fight harder” with a willingness to be open to learning and have an understanding that persistence beats resistance. John’s advice to upcoming martial artists is to develop good routines and habits, surround yourself with good people, have a positive growth mindset, be respectful and enjoy your training.

Hanshi John Leondaris

Born 1963

BJMA South Australia State Representative

Duelmaster Dojo, Head Instructor

John Leondaris is ranked

• BJMA Tara Miliata, 10th Degree
• Zen Do Kai, 10th Degree
• BJMA Kickboxing (Muay Thai) 10th Degree
• BJMA Krav Maga, 5th Degree