BJMA Zen Do Kai, Christchurch New Zealand
Zen Do Kai Freestyle
A complete freestyle martial arts system combining striking, grappling, and real-world self-defence. Led by Shihan Nick Putt, 5th Dan, with 35 years of Zen Do Kai experience.
What is Zen Do Kai?
The best of everything, in progression
Zen Do Kai was founded in Australia by Soke Bob Jones with a clear philosophy: take the best techniques from every martial art and build them into a single, cohesive system. The name reflects the approach. Zen means "the best of," Do means "the way," and Kai means "in progression." The best of everything, taught in a structured developmental sequence.
Unlike styles that restrict students to a single tradition, Zen Do Kai draws from karate, boxing, Muay Thai, judo, jiu-jitsu, and Krav Maga. Each contributes something the others lack. Together, they form a complete and practical system for real-world self-defence.
IAMA teaches the BJMA Zen Do Kai Freestyle system: the lineage developed and codified by Soke Bob Jones and Bob Jones Martial Arts. Shihan Nick Putt trained under Soke Bob Jones; Dai Sempai Dr. Matt Walley trained under Shihan Nick. It is tested, structured, and built for long-term progression from white belt to black belt and beyond.
Why Freestyle?
Real self-defence requires the full spectrum
A student trained only in striking is vulnerable the moment a confrontation goes to the ground. A student trained only in grappling is at a disadvantage before the clinch. Real self-defence situations do not stay in one range or one position.
Zen Do Kai addresses this directly. Students learn to strike and to grapple. They learn to defend against weapons and against multiple attackers. They learn to read situations, create distance, and de-escalate. Physical technique is part of the system, not the whole of it.
This breadth is also what makes Zen Do Kai engaging long-term. There is always a new skill area to develop, a new challenge to work through, and a clear pathway from the current grade to the next.
What Your Child Learns
Five core skill areas developed through belt progression
Striking Fundamentals
Punches, kicks, elbows, and blocks drawn from karate, boxing, and Muay Thai. Technique is taught progressively, with power and control developed together.
Grappling and Takedowns
Ground work, throws, and control positions from judo and jiu-jitsu. Students learn to defend themselves in every position, not just standing.
Self-Defence Scenarios
Practical responses to real-world situations. Wrist grabs, bear hugs, chokes, and multi-step escapes are drilled systematically through the belt levels.
Contact Sparring
Safe, controlled sparring appropriate to age and grade. Students learn to apply technique under realistic pressure, with full instructor supervision.
Kata and Traditional Forms
Classical forms preserved from the martial arts traditions that underpin Zen Do Kai. Kata develop focus, precision, and physical memory.
The BJMA Lineage
Where Zen Do Kai comes from
Soke Bob Jones founded Zen Do Kai in Australia and developed the BJMA system over decades of teaching and refinement. His approach attracted serious practitioners across Australasia who wanted a martial art grounded in practical effectiveness rather than ceremonial tradition alone.
Shihan Nick Putt trained directly under Soke Bob Jones within the BJMA system and holds a 5th Dan black belt with 35 years of Zen Do Kai experience. He is the former owner of Viking Dojos, which grew to become the largest martial arts club in Australasia. His depth of knowledge within the BJMA system is exceptional and rare.
Dai Sempai Dr. Matt Walley is a direct student of Shihan Nick Putt. Together they founded Inception Academy in Halswell, Christchurch, with Shihan Nick providing the technical lineage and Dr. Walley providing the cognitive psychology framework. Every technique, every grading standard, and every curriculum decision at IAMA sits within the authentic BJMA Zen Do Kai Freestyle lineage.
Soke Bob Jones
Founder, Zen Do Kai · BJMA
Shihan Nick Putt
5th Dan, 35 years · Trained directly under Soke Bob Jones
Dai Sempai Dr. Matt Walley
2nd Dan · Direct student of Shihan Nick Putt
Inception Academy of Martial Arts
Halswell, Christchurch
IAMA Instructors
100+ combined years of Zen Do Kai experience
IAMA's instructor team brings over 100 combined years of Zen Do Kai experience to every class. Led by Shihan Nick Putt and Dr. Matt Walley, the team includes eight black belt instructors who train together, plan together, and hold a shared commitment to the BJMA system and the IAMA values framework.
Meet the InstructorsFree Trial · No Obligation
Train Zen Do Kai in Christchurch
One trial session is not enough to commit to a programme. Your first month at IAMA is free, no obligation, no pressure. By the end of your month trial, you'll know whether this is the right fit for your child.
Start Your Free Trial