My name is Kyoshi Marc Toussaint and I have been training in BJMA Zen Do Kai since 1982. I currently hold a 7th Degree Black Belt rank in Zen Do Kai.
For close to the last 40 years, I have continued training across a number of systems within the BJMA Family, as well as exploring martial arts training outside of BJMA.
My ranks and training experience in addition to BJMA Zen Do Kai include Filipino Martial Arts – Doce Pares Multi-Styles System of Eskrima-Kali-Arnis, where I earned the rank of 6th Grade Black Belt under SGM Diony Canete in Cebu City, Philippines. I also hold a 5th Degree Black Belt in both BJMA Krav Maga and BJMA Kickboxing (Muay Thai). I hold a 4th Degree in BJMA Fighting Fit as well as a Level one Mass Attack in Systema.
Over the years I have run classes in every system I have trained in. Starting in 1992, I began with running clubs part time, out of school halls and other venues. In 2012, I made the move to running a full-time martial arts training centre – where I am fulfilling my dream job of training, teaching and passing on the knowledge of all the systems I have trained in myself.
My goals and passions are to keep learning and training, so as to be able to pass on the knowledge of what I have learned over the years. I believe that teaching others and sharing our knowledge and skill, only make our own training and experience better.
I believe that training in Martial Arts leads to respect for self and others, while building self-confidence; it promotes discipline by teaching how to apply the appropriate degree of self-control at all times and encourages co-operation and the building of social skills – all valuable attributes that positively impact on all aspects of one’s life.
The advice I would give to someone who is starting out in BJMA or in any martial arts style would be to find the right Instructor for them – someone who is themselves still training and learning, and who is passionate about sharing their skills and knowledge.
Kyoshi Marc Toussaint
