BOB JONES MARTIAL ARTS
Westmeadows, Joe Sutera
WESTMEADOWS (PRIVATE LESSONS)
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1975 - I remember at the age of 8 my father teaching me how to box as he was a southport from Sicily in 1955. The era of Rocky Maciono my father had the same boxing technique 2 fights , 2 wins. Starting my journey in 1975 were my older brother was training at Reservoir Zen Do Kai, I met the Chief Bob Jones for the first time at the age of 8. My father asking the chief Bob Jones,” if his younger son could train”? Being first generation I was too young. 18th of March 1981, had my first Zen Dio Kai Lesson at Lalor Tech Gym with instructors Gordon I believe he as a dentist, hard hitting Sabastian and talented Billy Sutton and Terry Crapper and Mick. 1984 - I became a black belt this was the advance training of the first generation. Later that same year I was chosen to fight in the Italian Stallion Team, I was only 16 and half and fort infront of 1000 people at the San Remo Ball Room Reception Centre. Up against the Lebanese team I lost my first fight, but beating him on my second fight he was 25 years old I guess this makes it a draw. 1984 - 1989 - I drifted through various clubs hungry to learn Zen Do Kai at its best. Training with Vince Formica at Keon Park Tech, taught my various ways of carta forms in conjunction with Billy Sutton, Billy always left the doors open for me. 1989 - I was chosen for exhibition fights for Christopher Cronis and Con Valsalis 10 fights , 10 wins this was my best year. Meeting Graham Wedell at my Fawkner Dojo , Graham was a young black belt from Enzo Pizza , Graham hungry for training we went on a journey in the kick boxing arena where Graham had 2 fights, 2 wins then moved on to bigger and better things as he was a talented fighter. 1990 - Crossing paths with Kyoshi Steven Nedelkos he introduced and trained me in Muay Tay this I enjoyed as it gave me confidence, self esteem, and liked the aggression drive in this art, this seemed to suite me. 1991 - When I became a Nidan 2nd degree fighting years. This was done in Fawkner were I received a honorary grading for my control and techniques this was presented to me by Bill Sutton. 1993 - Went looking for additional training meeting up with “nicknamed” Pecko he was Kevin Hawthorn’s right hand man. Pecko was a 2nd generation Zen Do Kai student with excellent martial arts ability, I trained with him for 12 months he showed me how dangerous elbows and spinning and sidekicks could be. 2000 - This is when I crossed paths with Steven Nedelkos again he was preparing me for my full Sandan grading this is where Zen Do Kai was at its best progression in my training were I was feeling more then confident enough to cleanup more than one opponent. 2003 - Meeting Dave Hedgcock I trained as a south paw boxer for almost 12 months this allowed me to understand the difference between orthodox and south paw and most important foot work. Meeting Kyoshi Richard Norton at the underworld gym in 2003 was a real experience and his professionalism in the art and displaying his speed with his hands and a spinning back kick this I will remember forever. 2004 - Finally meeting Kyoshi Billy Manne, Billy’s training seemed to suit me as it was from first generation. Studying Zen Do Kai with Kyoshi Billy Mannne showed me inner strength and to be able to take your physical body to its limits. Billy Manne was one of Zen Do Kai’s best body guards and very understanding when teaching the art of Zen Do Kai. 2011 - Now it’s been 30 years, Richard Norton said to me its not what is at the end of your journey but what you learn in between this is true Bushido. Being on my Nidan gradings for 20 years with work and family commitments it’s time to progress and go full circle and achieve 5th Degree. Being involved in security for almost 23 years and involved in various situations my training paid off many times and now run a security business called Australian Safeguard Security Pty Ltd. Men , Women and kids - Friday West Meadows Hall |
