100+ combined years of BJMA Zen Do Kai experience
Our Instructors
Eight black belt instructors teaching every class at Te Hapua: Halswell Centre. Led by Dr. Matt Walley, PhD in Cognitive Psychology, and Shihan Nick Putt, 5th Dan with 35 years on the floor and former owner of Viking Dojos, the largest martial arts club in Australasia. The deepest faculty bench of any dojo in Christchurch.
Dai Sempai Dr. Matt Walley
Dai Sempai · Club Head, Owner
2nd Dan (preparing for 3rd Dan)
Direct student of Shihan Nick Putt
PhD in Cognitive Psychology. Father of three (ages 3-15). Direct student of Shihan Nick Putt. Founded Inception Academy to combine evidence-based psychological development with traditional Zen Do Kai training under Shihan Nick's technical guidance. Matt's academic background informs every aspect of the IAMA curriculum, from the structured values framework to the neurodivergent-inclusive teaching approach.
PhD Cognitive Psychology · Student of Shihan Nick Putt · Father of three (ages 3-15)
Shihan Nick Putt
Chief Instructor
5th Dan
35 years · Trained under Soke Bob Jones
Trained directly under Soke Bob Jones, founder of Zen Do Kai, within the BJMA system. Former owner of Viking Dojos, the largest martial arts club in Australasia. 35 years of Zen Do Kai experience. Shihan Nick brings unparalleled depth to IAMA's instructor team, with decades developing martial artists from white belt to black belt and beyond.
Trained under Soke Bob Jones (founder, Zen Do Kai) · Former owner Viking Dojos
Additional Instructors
Sensei Mark Toplis
Sensei
3rd Dan
25 years Zen Do Kai
25 years of dedicated Zen Do Kai training. Sensei Mark is a cornerstone of the IAMA instructor team, bringing consistency, technical precision, and deep knowledge of the freestyle system to every class.
Sempai Nick Hay
Sempai
1st Dan
13 years Zen Do Kai
13 years training in Zen Do Kai. Sempai Nick combines over a decade of martial arts experience with a genuine passion for helping students develop their skills and confidence.
Sempai Kobie Ashby
Sempai
1st Dan
7 years Zen Do Kai
7 years training in Zen Do Kai, achieving 1st Dan Black Belt. Sempai Kobie brings energy and enthusiasm to every class, with a particular ability to connect with younger students.
Sempai Rebecca Green
Sempai
1st Dan
25 years Zen Do Kai
25 years of Zen Do Kai experience. Sempai Rebecca is one of IAMA's most experienced instructors, bringing a quarter century of martial arts knowledge and a calm, methodical teaching style.
Sempai Aurelius Walley
Sempai
1st Dan
7 years Zen Do Kai
7 years training in Zen Do Kai, achieving 1st Dan Black Belt. Aurelius demonstrates the long-term developmental pathway that IAMA offers young martial artists, having trained since childhood.
Sempai Leonidas Walley
Sempai
1st Dan
7 years Zen Do Kai
7 years training in Zen Do Kai, achieving 1st Dan Black Belt. Leonidas brings consistency, focus, and a calm presence to junior classes, with a particular ability to support students working through challenging drills.
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