Zen Do Kai - Instructor Profiles

Instructor Profiles

Instructors

Profiles

Name: Martin Brady
Rank: Shichidan, 7th Dan
Title: Kyoshi
Dojo: Wolves
Town: Palmerston North
When did you start Martial Arts: I took my first Karate lesson with the Masterton Kyokushinkai Dojo when I was 15 years old. At that time they were part of the Rembuden under Sensei John Jarvis, the first westerner to complete the 100 man kumite in their system. Until the age of about 22 years, I grazed through several Karate systems as I moved about New Zealand and achieved rankings in Sounji Ryu (Sensei Rob Downing) and Shotokan Karate (Sensei’s Bill Hall and Brett Carr).
When did you start Zen Do Kai: In the early ‘80’s I was attracted to Kickboxing and the local promoters of this new sport were Zen Do Kai. For a period of time I trained in 2 separate systems until I got my brown belt in Zen Do Kai, whereby I made the call and committed to achieving my Zen Do Kai Black Belt.
When did you receive your Black Belt: 5th May 1985
Your instructor: I started under Shihan Marty Takarangi, and moved under the direct guidance of the founder Soke Bob Jones several years later.
Martial Arts experience: In the late eighties we launched BJC Muay Thai with a promotional tour by the founder. Most of my higher ranks hopped onboard at that stage and most are still active & successful in that field to this day. With the heavy influence on promoting, I was tasked to develop the sport as the New Zealand Director of Operations, World Kickboxing Association. Into the nineties and my interest in grappling/groundfighting saw me promoting seminars with John Will, aswel as the likes of George Dillman, Rick Moneymaker, Larry Hartsell ( a personal student of Bruce Lee)plus several others. Our system has always been one that encourages diversity and each of these great men has influenced me in one way or another. If you ever have the opportunity to train with someone of standing in the Martial Arts, take it, as they all have something to teach us.
The past decade have been fairly chaotic for me but the last couple of years I have recovered from a knee operation to get back into my training. Also because of my new rank of 7th degree Black Belt, Soke Bob Jones made me NZ State Head with the tasking to get our new committee up and viable. This process is happening and am sure all our students here in NZ will be seeing the positive outcomes of this in the near future.
Martial Arts highlights: Being awarded my Black Belt, then being fast-tracked through to full 5th Degree in the next six years. Only through the support of those around me was I able to commit to the intensity of this process. Then in 2009, I was inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame, following in the footsteps of my good friend Shihan Charles Chadwick. Recognition by your peers outside of the system you train in is a humbling experience.
Any regrets: Only one, not starting sooner in my life.
Fav weapon: Katana, closely followed by the Desert Eagle
Fav book: Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Fav movie: Ran (Akira Kurosawa)
Fav food: Hhhmmmmm too hard, eat nearly everything so all foods.
Fav quotes: If I agreed with you, then we would both be wrong.
UUuuummm at the end of a war . . . . . it's a good idea . . . . to have some soldiers left . . . . . . otherwise it looks like you lost !!
Other interests: I like to shoot, both rifles and handguns, so time tramping in the hills is mandatory.

Kyoshi Shane Longstaff Name: Shane Longstaff
Rank: Rokudan, 6th Dan
Title: Kyoshi
Dojo: Kobun
Town: Tawa, Wellington
When did you start Martial Arts: 1984
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1987
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1989
Your instructor: Kyoshi Steve Nedelkos
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Alpha, Dau Draig, Sonkei, Blue Dragons, 4 Dragons, Energy, Mountain Climbers
Martial Arts experience: Tae Kwon Do, ZDK, Arnis/Escrima/Kali, Thai kickboxing
Martial Arts highlights: BJC 25th Anniversary Ball, BJC 40th Anniversary Ball, 20th Kobun Anniversary
Any regrets: Met so many assholes that never got told
How did you get involved: My brother trained in ZDK while I was in TKD. I then worked for a security firm and I thought I should learn how to fight better. I never intended on grading, the rest is history
Fav weapon: Most bladed weapons, especially knives and Katana
Fav movie: Three-way tie between… Top Gun, Taken, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Fav book: Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab
Fav food: Spaghetti Bolognese
Fav quotes: Although we're not at war, we must always act as though we are. The tip of the spear may best be sharp.
Other interests: Race Karts, Race Quads, Hot Rods, Anything that’s fast and uses Avgas

Name: Lloyd Sushames
Rank: Rokudan Ho, prob 6th Dan
Title: Kyoshi
Dojo: Dau Draig
Town: Wellington
When did you start Martial Arts: 1990
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1990
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1993
Your instructor: Shane Longstaff
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Ignite Martial Arts/Mountain Climbers, 4Dragons, Evolution, Duir Draig
Martial Arts highlights: All Dan gradings, 25th and 40th ZDK Anniversary, Training with Soke Bob Jones at his compound, NZ 1996 Senjo
How did you get involved: Dave Hitchens introduced me to ZDK
Fav weapon: Katana and Axe
Fav book: Martial Arts – Craft of the Japanese Sword, Non MA – 21 Lessons of Merlin
Fav movie: Ninja Assassin, Lord of the Rings trilogy
Fav food: Thai
Fav quotes: The twin of power is responsibility
Other interests: Motorcycles and fishing

Name: Nigel Stupples
Rank: Godan, 5th Dan
Title: Shihan
Dojo: Proactive
Town: Christchurch
When did you start Martial Arts: 1986
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1989
Your instructor: Shihan Sean Purcell
Do you have any other ZDK families under you:
Martial Arts experience: Many styles over the years from ju jitsu to Shinkendo. Have tried most BJC styles but love ZDK
How did you get involved: Friends at school were training and talked me into coming to have a look and I got hooked!
Fav weapon: My hands (Seem to damage most things I touch)
Fav book: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey
Fav food: Seafood
Fav quotes: Never give up & don’t take life to seriously
Other interests: Fishing – Shooting – diving just hard to find time to fit everything in. I also teach in over 30 schools in the south Island of which I love the challenge

Name: Dan Smart
Rank: Godan Ho, Prob 5th Dan
Title: Renshi
Dojo: Seiha
Town: Lower Hutt
When did you start Martial Arts: 1983
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1983
Your instructor: Bill Ollington
Martial Arts highlights: My Fourth Dan grading
Any regrets: No
How did you get involved: My dad saw an ad in the paper and I thought breaking boards would be fun – it wasn’t quite like that but it was fun
Fav weapon: Bo
Fav book: Shogun - James Clavell
Fav movie: Too many to pick from
Other interests: Music

Name: David Hitchens
Rank: Godan Ho, prob 5th Dan
Title: Renshi
Dojo: Alpha
Town: Wellington
When did you start Martial Arts: 1969
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1991
When did you receive your Black Belt: November 1993
Your instructor: Kyoshi Shane Longstaff
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Not any more had 4 x Muay Thai and 4 x ZDK Clubs
Martial Arts experience: Judo, Muay Thai and ZDK trained with numerous Instructors from a wide variety of systems
Martial Arts highlights: Being awarded probationary 4th dan by the Chief after he witnessed a very strong grading by a number of my 2nd Dans
Any regrets: Letting the immaturity and silly politics of others curb my enthusiasm
How did you get involved: Was ZDK club at the gym i trained at and I needed anger management
Fav weapon: Anything requiring Gunpowder or other explosive force
Fav book: The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent
Fav movie: Blazing Saddles
Fav food: Most things that contain Meat as long as prepared and cooked properly
Fav quotes: "Gods are for those who don't believe in Themselves"
Other interests: Fishing, Hunting , family and most sports that entail Couches and Television

Name: Donnamarie Sushames
Rank: Yondan, 4th Dan
Title: Renshi
Dojo: Duir Draig
Town: Wellington
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1991
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1994
Your instructor: Lloyd Sushames / Dave Hitchens
Martial Arts experience: Muay Thai Kickboxing
Martial Arts highlights: 25th and 40th Anniversary Ball, being squashed in the back of the Chief’s Porsche on the way to dinner with the Chief driving
How did you get involved: Dave Hitchens was training, then Lloyd Sushames, then the kids so I joined in but was told I was too old for Jrs so I joined up with the Srs. It was majority Black Belts and only one other woman!
Fav weapon: Whatever is in my hands at the time!
Fav movie: Merlin, Enter the Dragon (the first Martial Arts movie I ever watched)
Fav food: Sunday Roast, I will try almost anything once
Fav quotes: If it aint broke don’t fix it
The mind is like an umbrella, it works best when open
Other interests: Family, photography, computers, socialising, music, playing bass guitar

Name: Jeremy Leathem
Rank: Yondan, 4th Dan
Title: Renshi
Dojo: Warriors
Town: Wanganui
When did you start Martial Arts: 1991
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1991
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1994
Your instructor: Charles Chadwick
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Patea
Martial Arts experience: Fighting in the ring for Martial Arts Tournaments
Martial Arts highlights: Training with Soke Bob Jones the day after I received my Black Belt
Any regrets: Not starting when I was younger
How did you get involved: Went along to a class with a friend, liked it. I joined, he didn't.
Fav weapon: Tonfa
Fav movie: Platoon
Fav food: Steak and mushroom
Fav quotes: Am I running my life or is it running me?
Other interests: V8 Supercars, spending time with family and friends

Name: Stewart Allen
Rank: 4th Dan
Title: Renshi
Dojo: Sagasu
Town: Rotorua
When did you start Martial Arts: 1984
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1984
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1985
Your instructor: Robert Tier
Martial Arts highlights: Balck Belt grading and 4th Dan grading
How did you get involved: Joined with a friend
Fav weapon: Bo

Name: Chris Samuel
Rank: 4th Degree
Title: Renshi
Dojo: Ignite Martial Arts
Town: Porirua - Plimmerton
When did you start Martial Arts: 1996
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1996
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2000
Your instructor: Kyoshi Lloyd Sushames
Martial Arts experience: Watching Kung Fu and Bruce Lee movies as a youngster. 16 years training ZDK 15 years Muay Thai
Martial Arts highlights: There have been a lot, but I think seeing the positive impact and the changes it has created in peoples personalities and lives, that’s what gives me the greatest pleasure. We of the Dau Draig and Ignite clubs have seen some true success stories in our students.
Any regrets: Not keeping my hands up in sparring. (Its like putting diesel into a petrol car, it doesn't work)
How did you get involved: At the time my eldest daughter was training in Zen Do Kai, while watching her grade I decided to give Zen Do Kai a go and have never looked back
Fav weapon: If need be: anything I can get my hands on
Fav book: NZ Fishing
Fav movie: Bruce Lee: Enter the Dragon and 7 Pounds
Fav food: Anything seafood, Taro and chop suey.
Fav quotes: "Live by the sword, die by the sword".
My grandmother once said "there is nothing more rewarding than growing and picking your own vegetables" rewarding it is.
Other interests: I have lots of interests, different sports, different types of art but what I do outside of training is fish, relax in my garden and I enjoy lazy days, smooth jazz and a glass of good wine (beers) with friends and family

Name: Carly Robinson
Rank: Yondan Ho, prob 4th Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Sonkei
Town: Tawa
When did you start Martial Arts: 1995, age 7
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1995, age 7
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1998
Your instructor: Kyoshi Shane Longstaff
Martial Arts experience: Started ZDK age 7, kickboxing at 14 and BJJ at 22
Martial Arts highlights: Watching my students succeed, being awarded my Ishoa, 40th anniversary gradings in Melbourne, discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Any regrets: My younger self was less than enthusiastic about putting in effort, I’m a bit regretful about that
How did you get involved: My brothers did ZDK after trying a style that wasn’t to their liking. I had to wait until I turned 7 and spent the next 3 years chasing them around. They quit after Black Belt, I didn’t
Fav weapon: Nunchaku
Fav book: Harry Potter Series
Fav movie: Kill Bill 1 +2
Fav food: Burgers
Fav quotes: Train hard, Fight easy
Other interests: People have other interests?

Name: Daniel Savage
Rank: Yondan Ho, prob 4th Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Sasori
Town: Mairangi Bay, North Shore
When did you start Martial Arts: 1981 (Seido Karate, Barbadoes St, ChCh)
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1993
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1995
Your instructor: Shihan Eddie Woodford
Martial Arts experience: Started aged 5 in Seido, trained in boxing for 4 years, Muay Thai 18 years, Bujinkan Ninjitsu, Tae kwon Do, Kali Arnis, and tried any cool move I have ever seen in flicks
Martial Arts highlights: Every day training with Shihan Eddie Woodford, extensive training with Renshi Brad Crampton, kickboxing fights and cornering many students. Training my brother to Shodan Ho and my sister to Shodan, my wife to Nidan Ho and seeing my son start and continue in ZDK
Any regrets: Not a chance
How did you get involved: My brother started training under Shihan Nick Randle (Black Horseman), but I couldn’t make the time slot from work, then he heard of Lightning Dojo (Shihan Eddie Woodford) and I trained every day for the next few years
Fav weapon: Kama (twin sickles)
Fav book: Kama by Toshishiro Obata
Fav movie: Wrong Bet
Fav food: Steak
Fav quotes: “How do you make God laugh…..tell him your plan” -John Cleese
Other interests: I do, but after work, training, family and socialising there is no time to pursue and I cannot see myself sacrificing any of the above in order to do so

Name: Rob Swain
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Trinity
Town: Waiuku
When did you start Martial Arts: 1996
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1997
Your instructor: Dai Sempai Darren Horten
Martial Arts experience: Kempo / Thai Boxing
Martial Arts highlights: Nidan Grading
Any regrets: No
How did you get involved: Through a friend
Fav weapon: Sai
Fav quotes: What goes around comes around
Other interests: Snow Boarding, Fishing

Name: Jeff Swain
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Energy
Town: Waiuku
When did you start Martial Arts: 1987
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1996
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2000
Your instructor: Darren Horten
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Gisborne
Martial Arts experience: 20+ years
Martial Arts highlights: Opening of ZDK Waiuku, ZDK 40th anniversary in Melbourne
Any regrets: Not starting Martial Arts earlier
How did you get involved: Friends with common interests
Fav weapon: Katana
Fav book: Five Rings - Taiko
Fav movie: District 9
Fav food: Seafood and eat it
Fav quotes: What goes around comes around
Other interests: Family, surfing, fishing, gardening

Name: Kane Freemantle
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Four Dragons
Town: Upper Hutt, Wellington, NZ
When did you start Martial Arts: 1997
When did you start Zen Do Kai: March 1999
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2002
Your instructor: Kyoshi Lloyd Sushames
Martial Arts experience: Over the years I’ve trained with many very accomplished Martial Artists from all around the world & plan on training with many more in the years to come…
Martial Arts highlights: There’s too many to mention …Every time one of our students reach their full potential it’s a highlight for me… but being a part of the 40 year Anniversary grading in Melbourne 2010 was a sight to been seen !!!
Any regrets: NO REGRETS... Live life each day as it was your last !!!
How did you get involved: I’d always been interested in Martial Arts as a young boy, but I never had the opportunity to train until I was in my early twenties. I first started Go-Kan-Ryu in 1997 but ended up converting over to Zen Do Kai in 1999 after Sensei Andrew Gibson an old employer of mine suggested that I check out the local Upper Hutt club … well almost 13 years later & I’m still there … One of the founding member of Four Dragon Dojo’s & over 100 students.
Fav weapon: My RED Katana…
Fav book: Anything with lots of pictures … not a big reader ( Youtube’s the way to go !!!)
Fav movie: Gladiator & Kung Fu Panda …
Fav food: Anything healthy… Specially fish “Even better if I’ve caught it that day myself“
Fav quotes: "When you see a worthy person endeavor to emulate him...when you see and unworthy person then examine your inner self"
Other interests: Spending time with my family of six … also art, golf, surfing, watching rugby “well actually most sports”, socializing with family & friends, Gym & anything that involves physical fitness in general…

Name: Billy Ellery
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Four Dragons
Town: Upper Hutt
When did you start Martial Arts: 1999
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1999
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2002
Your instructor: Lloyd Sushames
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: No
Martial Arts experience: 13 yrs+/- ZDK, 10 yrs +/- Muay Thai, 1 yr Judo (Jr)
Martial Arts highlights: 3rd Dan – Awesome hard and rewarding
Any regrets: Not getting into Martial arts younger in life
How did you get involved: Kyoshi Shane lay down the ‘give it a go’ challenge.
Fav weapon: Katana/War Hammer
Fav book: Art of War - Sun Tzu, Art of Fighting, (Author to advise)
Fav movie: IP Man (cause I wish I could punch that quick)
Fav food: Lamb Rogan Josh, Indian hot and a good Naan to back it up.
Fav quotes: Know this; if you fall today you may never rise again.
Other interests: Keeping fit, DYI, Rugby and swimming

Name: Greg Nesbitt
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Four Dragons
Town: Upper Hutt
When did you start Martial Arts: 1997
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1997
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1999
Your instructor: Kyoshi Lloyd Sushames
Martial Arts experience: 14years ZDK, Black singlet BJC Muay Thai, heaps of camps and guest instructors
Martial Arts highlights: Getting together with sensei’s Kane and Billy to help sensei Reg with his san dan grading at the Melbourne Anniversary 2010 --- 4 dragons on tour! Watching our students give it all at Senjo. Classes with my instructors instructors: the Chief, Kyoshis’ Steve Nedelkos, Richard Norton, Michael Kenna, Shane Longstaff and many others
Any regrets: Yes, waiting 40 years before starting
How did you get involved: after nearly 20 years doing concert security with my brothers, had a look in at the local ZDK dojo where some of our workers trained and got hooked!
Fav weapon: Katana
Fav movie: Something Wild
Fav food: hot sour sweet and salty – Thai!
Fav quotes: Problems are for people who allow themselves to have problems
Other interests: Motorcycles, most music, cooking and eating, cycling, travelling, holidays with family

Name: Riki Robinson
Rank: Sandan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Tukaitaua
Town: New Plymouth
When did you start Martial Arts: 2001
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 2001
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2004
Your instructor: Shihan Bill Ollington.
Martial Arts experience: Tai Chi, Zen Do Kai.
Martial Arts highlights: Sandan grading at the ZDK 40th Anniversary, 2011 ninja camp, 2011 Taira Sensei seminar Dunedin.
How did you get involved: Had a reputation as a fighter in certain circles, thought I should get some skills to back that up.
Fav weapon: Katana.
Fav movie: Fight club.
Fav book: Book of five rings.
Other interests: Cars, Motorbikes, firearms

Name: Carol Kohl
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Blue Dragon
Town: Khandallah, Wellington
When did you start Martial Arts: 2000
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 2000
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2003
Your instructor: Kyoshi Shane Longstaff
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Blue Dragon Masterton
Martial Arts experience: Only ZDK really, trained a little with a friend who is into Kung Fu
Martial Arts highlights: Passing my Third Dan at the second attempt, our fisrt students passing Black Belt
Any regrets: None come to mind, I’ve always done my best and had fun
How did you get involved: My soon Zak joined and got me along to the kids class
Fav weapon: Kali sticks
Fav book: The Bible
Fav movie: The Princess Bride
Fav food: Chocolate
Fav quotes: Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right – Henry Ford
Other interests: Walking in bush, sewing, knitting, gardening, Church

Name: Darren Ngarewa
Rank: Sandan, 3rd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: South Taranaki
Town: Patea
When did you start Martial Arts: 1985
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1985
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1988 and again 2005
Your instructor: Shihan Takarangi, Sensei Tracey Wilson, Dai Shihan Charlie Chadwick, Renshi Jeremy Leathem
Martial Arts experience: 3rd degree in Zen Do Kai, 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, blue belt in Kyokushin kai.
Martial Arts highlights: Opening of Patea dojo in 2004
Any regrets: Could have done more training
How did you get involved: Started when ZDK came to Hato Paora College in 1985
Fav weapon: My mind
Fav book: The training and fighting techniques of Benny the jet Urquidez.
Fav food: Seafood
Fav quotes: "Hard work beats talent, when talent refuses to work hard" - Joe Rogan, UFC
Other interests: Big fan of MMA pay per views

Sensei Emma Crookes Name: Emma Crookes
Rank: Nidan, 2nd Dan
Title: Sensei
Dojo: Sonkei
Town: Wellington
When did you start Martial Arts: 2004
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 2004, age 9
When did you receive your Black Belt: August 2006
Your instructor: Carly Robinson
Martial Arts experience: Zen Do Kai and Muay Thai Kickboxing
Martial Arts highlights: Receiving my black belt, receiving my Ishoa, Melbourne gradings in 2010, being awarded Kobun Black Belt of the year in 2011.
Any regrets: none
How did you get involved: My Year 5 teacher (Sensei Elizabeth Wells) opened a juniors class after school. I hated my after school care program so decided to go there instead.
Fav weapon: Nunchaku
Fav book: The Tomorrow Series by John Marsden
Fav movie: Taken
Fav food: Anything Mexican especially Nachos
Fav quotes: “failure is success if we learn from it”
Other interests: Spending time with my family and friends, Dragon-boating, Netball, Basketball, and Cricket. Going to the beach.

Name: Chris Denne
Rank: San Dan Ho
Title: Dai Sempai
Dojo: Yoban
Town: Auckland
When did you start Martial Arts: 1987
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1987
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1992
Your instructor: Paul Keating, Dave Scobi
Martial Arts experience: Five years ZDK as a child/intermediate, 14 years as an adult. Some Wing Chun, Taejutsu and Kickboxing
Martial Arts highlights: Meeting Ray porter and training with his style. The 2011 Ninja Camp
Any regrets: Stopping training in between teen and adult years, being a bit up myself in younger years
How did you get involved: my brother was training and I went along and got hooked. Came back as an adult to smash out some issues on the pads
Fav weapon: Bo Staff
Fav book: Trainspotting - Irvine Welsh
Fav movie: Enter the Dragon
Fav food: Steak
Fav quotes: “On my command, unleash hell” – Russell Crowe, Gladiator
“Don’t think, feeel” – Bruce Lee
Other interests: Gym, wine, film, reading

Name: Zak Kohl
Rank: Nidan, 2nd Dan
Title: Dai Sempai
Dojo: Blue Dragon
Town: Khandallah, Wellington
When did you start Martial Arts: 2000
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 2000
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2003
Your instructor: Kyoshi Shane Longstaff
Do you have any other ZDK families under you: Blue Dragon Masterton
Martial Arts experience: 1st Dan BJC Muay Thai, Wing Chun and Aikido on and off for the last couple of years
Martial Arts highlights: Trainging for my Second Dan grading. First time teaching at a club stated by one of our students
Any regrets: Not starting earlier
How did you get involved: I wanted to start a Martial Art and ZDK was recommended by my uncle
Fav weapon: Butterfly knives
Fav book: The Bible
Fav movie: Hot Fuzz…yeah boy!
Fav food: Sausage rolls and dried apricots
Fav quotes: A wise man learns from his own mistakes but a wiser man learns from other people’s mistakes – Zachary Kohl
Other interests: Drag racing, tattooing, custom cars (not Jap!), Jesus and doing crazy stuff

Dai Sempai Wayne Robinson Name: Wayne Robinson
Rank: Nidan, 2nd Dan
Title: Dai Sempai
Dojo: Energy
Town: Gisborne
When did you start Martial Arts: 2002
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 2002
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2005
Your instructor: Robert and Jeff Swain
Martial Arts highlights: All Gradings
Any regrets: Not starting at a younger age
How did you get involved: A smoko time conversation
Fav weapon: Katana
Fav book: It’s not about the bike by Lance Armstrong
Fav movie: Kiss of the Dragon
Fav food: Fish and Chips
Fav quotes: It’s not a democracy in here
Other interests: Sport, Muscle Cars, Life

Name: Shane .C. Reid
Rank: Nidan Ho
Title: Dai Sempai
Dojo: Taua
Town: New Plymouth
When did you start Martial Arts: 1982
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1984
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2008
Your instructor: Sensei – Craig – Cambell - Smart
Martial Arts experience: 29 years in various styles and systems within Taranaki
Martial Arts highlights: Being Hatamoto to Kyoshi Craig .J.R. Edwards - MMN
Any regrets: Yes
How did you get involved: Avert in the paper
Fav weapon: Sai
Fav movie: Equilibrium
Fav food: Cheesecake
Fav quotes: “better to be the predator than the prey”
Other interests: The All Blacks, History, Beach Buggies

Name: Douglas Tassell
Rank: Nidan Ho
Title: Dai Sempai
Dojo: Evolution Dojo
Town: Levin
When did you start Martial Arts: 1989
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1989
When did you receive your Black Belt: 1993
Your instructor: Kyoshi Lloyd Sushames
Martial Arts experience: ZDK and Rapid Arnis
Martial Arts highlights: Earning my 2nd Dan at the age of 53
Any regrets: Not stating Martial Arts at an early age
How did you get involved: I had injured two discs in my neck and two discs in my lower back so I decided to work through the pain and get myself well. ZDK was the avenue I choose to attempt this
Fav weapon: Kali sticks
Fav book: A Treatise on White Magic - Alice Bailey
Fav food: Thai
Fav quotes: It is not what a person says, it is their action that tells you what they truly think/feel
Other interests: Riding my Harley, gardening, mediating and last but not least my children and grandchildren

Name: Katrina Savage
Rank: Nidan Ho
Title: Sempai
Dojo: Sasori
Town: Auckland
When did you start Martial Arts: 1998
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 1998
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2000
Your instructor: Shihan Eddie Woodford
Martial Arts experience: 14 years Zen Do Kai
Martial Arts highlights: Kaikoura Camp 1998 (a great weekend & learned a huge amount right at the start of my training); achieving Black Belt; watching husband Sensei Daniel Savage achieve 3rd Dan (the only grading of his I have seen whilst he has seen all of mine!!); watching students of all ages & backgrounds progress & gain strength (especially the girls, love seeing them realise how strong they can be)
Any regrets: Not really, what’s the point?
How did you get involved: A friend suggested I come along with her and try it, I didn’t actually think it would be for me & was surprised how much I enjoyed it
Fav weapon: Kali Arnis sticks
Fav book: Pride & Prejudice; Trainspotting; Cross Stitch
Fav movie: Titanic; Forest Gump
Fav food: Nothing in particular I like most things
Fav quotes: "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" – John Lennon
Other interests: Photography; Geneology

Name: Brendan Morgan
Rank: Shodan Ho
Title: Sempai
Dojo: Blue Dragons
Town: Masteron
When did you start Martial Arts: 1986
When did you start Zen Do Kai: 2007
When did you receive your Black Belt: 2010
Your instructor: Carol and Zak Kohl
Martial Arts experience: Hapkido but only did one belt (yellow), Boxing
Martial Arts highlights: Earning my Black Belt after flaking out as a Martial Artist earlier in life
Any regrets: Not taking Martial Arts seriously when I was young
How did you get involved: I started ZDK to pick up my cardio (5 years earlier I had survived a brain tumor & was doing weights) & to get my girls ready for life
Fav weapon: Pump action shot gun
Fav book: The Bible
Fav movie: Ip Man
Fav food: Dark choc
Fav quotes: Walk with the wise and become wise
Other interests: Motorbikes, Cars