Hundreds of martial artists embarked on the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre this weekend to train in Zen Do Kai Karate, Muay Thai and World Kickboxing Association.
The training day of the BJMA-WKA saw fighters across the state train, grade and collaborate in a mighty show of athleticism and self defence.
BJMA disciplines are taught all over the world and Bendigo as hosts on this occasion has four training groups, incorporating kids and adult classes, under the BJMA (Bob Jones Martial Arts) leadership.
Soke Bob Jones, also known as “The Chief” is the founder of the organisation which began in the 1960’s in Australia which now has over 1,000 schools teaching martial arts. In the 70’s he and his elite black belts were employed as crowd security and wellbeing at the country’s biggest rock concerts as well as touring as a personal bodyguard to the Rolling Stones and David Bowie to name just a couple. In 1997 he was awarded the prestigious Blitz Martial arts Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award and is one of the highest ranking martial artists in Australia holding the rank of ninth Dan and title of Kyoshi.
Classes are held for kids and adults in Bendigo each week in the city, Eaglehawk and Huntly.