Frequently Asked Questions

We teach BJMA Zen Do Kai Freestyle. Zen Do Kai is an Australian-founded system that combines striking, grappling, weapons, and self-defence into a single cohesive curriculum. The freestyle approach means students train across multiple disciplines rather than specialising in just one.

We train at Te Hapua: Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025. The centre has ample parking and is accessible by public transport.

We have three class groups: Juniors (ages 4 to 7), Intermediates (ages 8 to 12), and Seniors (ages 13 and above, including adults). Every age group follows the same Zen Do Kai curriculum at an appropriate level.

The club head is Dai Sempai Dr. Matt Walley, who holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology and applies evidence-based principles to the club's values and development framework. Dr. Walley is a direct student of the chief instructor, Shihan Nick Putt, 5th Dan, who trained under Soke Bob Jones, the founder of Zen Do Kai. Between them, the academic and technical foundations of the club are solid.

Yes. We are affiliated with BJMA (Black Belt Martial Arts), the governing body for Zen Do Kai in New Zealand. Grading certificates are issued through BJMA, which means your rank is recognised nationally.

Classes run on Monday and Thursday. Specific session times for each class group are listed on the Classes page. If you need a precise timetable before committing, contact us and we will send it through.

For the first few sessions, comfortable sports clothing is fine. Once you decide to join, students train in a gi (martial arts uniform). We can advise on where to source one after your trial.

Yes. Parents are welcome to observe from the designated viewing area. We find children often perform better when they know a parent is watching, and it helps parents understand what their child is working on each week.

We keep class sizes intentional. Smaller groups mean instructors can give real attention to each student rather than managing a crowd. Exact numbers vary by session; contact us if this is important for your decision.

Children typically move from Juniors to Intermediates around age 8, but we assess readiness individually. Some children transition immediately on their birthday, others train in Juniors for an extra few months until they're ready for the higher-contact Intermediates curriculum. We'll talk to you about your child's transition when the time comes, so families never have to guess. The Juniors programme is designed for ages 4 to 7, with the Intermediates programme covering ages 8 to 12.

Zen Do Kai is a freestyle martial arts system founded in Australia by Soke Bob Jones. It draws from karate, kickboxing, judo, jiu-jitsu, Krav Maga, and other disciplines to create a broad, practical curriculum. The name means roughly 'the best of everything in progression' and the training reflects that: students develop striking, grappling, weapons awareness, and self-defence as they advance. At IAMA, Shihan Nick Putt trained directly under Soke Bob Jones, and Dai Sempai Dr. Matt Walley trained directly under Shihan Nick.

We have identified 12 psychological attributes that underpin excellence in martial arts and in life: Calmness, Discipline, Respect, Persistence, Courage, Focus, Integrity, Resilience, Confidence, Empathy, Self-Regulation, and Altruism. Each attribute is mapped to a stage of belt progression, so students are not just learning techniques; they are consciously developing character. The framework is grounded in cognitive psychology and is integrated into how we teach and how we talk about progress.

Grading follows the BJMA Zen Do Kai progression from white belt through to black belt and beyond. Students are assessed on technical skill, knowledge, and demonstration of the values relevant to their current belt. Instructors recommend students for grading when they are ready; there is no fixed time minimum. Certificates are issued through BJMA.

Weapons form part of the Zen Do Kai curriculum and are introduced at appropriate stages of progression. Juniors focus on foundational movement and values before weapons training is introduced. Safety and control are prioritised throughout.

Monthly fees are: Juniors $85, Intermediates $95, Seniors $109 per month. Each tier covers two classes per week. There are no hidden costs on top of the monthly fee for regular training. Family discounts apply for two or more children, contact us for the current family rate.

The monthly fee covers two classes per week, full access to the BJMA Zen Do Kai curriculum, values-based coaching, and grading eligibility. Beginners can use club equipment for their first sessions while they source their own gi.

Yes. Families with two or more children training at IAMA receive a discount on monthly fees. Contact us for the current family rate.

Book a free trial class through the website or by contacting us directly. Your child attends a regular class session with no obligation to join. At the end, you can ask questions and decide whether IAMA is the right fit.

Just yourselves. Wear comfortable sports clothing and bring a water bottle. We provide everything else needed for the session.

Trial classes run for the full duration of the regular session, the same as a standard class. This gives your child a genuine experience rather than a shortened introduction.