BOB JONES MARTIAL ARTS

The Gathering 2010

THE GATHERING...A RAVING SUCCESS!

Black Belt off - Black Ties on for the men...while the ladies blossomed in stunning gowns.

The 2010 Gathering to celebrate Zen Do Kai 40 Years Strong was nothing short of a success!

The venue was perfect - The Peninsula at Melbourne's newly developed Docklands opposite Ethihad Stadium welcomed 1000 guests which included the most senior grades within the Bob Jones Martial Arts, sporting celebrities and various media/public figures and their partners, wives/husbands, relatives and/or friends.

The opening ceremony had direct symbolism to the heart of the BJC (Bob Jones Corporation) demonstrating a 'Gathering of Cultures'. Beginning our show were Japanese Drummers followed by an Aboriginal Didgeridoo player, a Scotish Bag pipe player and then a powerful Maori Haka. This led to the BJC band, Baxta thrashing out their rendition of "Most People I Know" in honor of 'The Chief's' good mate, Billy Thorpe.

Justin Boylan with Dean Woodhams, Justin Langer and Sean Allen

Mr Justin Boylan (BJC WA State Coordinator) was our Master of Ceremonies for the night and proceeded to introduce the first guest speaker for the night, Mr Dave Hedgcock one of Bob Jones' closest friends. Dave told colourful stories of old about his association with Bob Jones and the beginning of our combat sports - Kickboxing and Muay Thai.

The next speaker, Mr Richard Norton a martial arts megastar of the silverscreen who was the co-creator of Zen Do Kai reminised about touring the US as a bodyguard to the rich and famous alongside The Chief, who introduced him to people such as Chuck Norris giving him the unique opportunity within the martial arts action industry.

Billy Manne

Up next was Mr Billy Manne, the highest ranking Zen Do Kai instructor under The Chief. Billy spoke from the heart about his beginning within the style and his close relationship with The Chief - undoubtably one the highlights of the night.

Mr Steve Nedelkos our next speaker who spoke of his time as Victorian State Head Instructor of Zen Do Kai followed by Mr Bryson Keenan who told stories of old, training with The Chief's daughter, Tracey-Lee and how he helped establish our international affiliate in Israel.

The final speaker of the night was The Chief - Bob Jones - who was elated by his group of speakers and the reception from all his students, instructors and associates.

This celebration truly displayed the strength, loyalty and belief of all those involved within our organisation and what he has established after 40 Years. The enthusiatic audience called for a BJC Celtic War which was obliged by The Chief as a final celebration of the night's proceeding!

Soke Bob Jones